The Economy of South Serbia
A snapshot of South Serbia's business and industry
Serbia’s south is among the least developed regions in the country. It faces a tough social and economic situation and the population struggle with high unemployment and low incomes.
Most of the businesses considered 'industrial giants' in the former Yugoslavia and which employed thousands of workers, have gone and the small and medium business sector is still underdeveloped.
Based on 2010 official data, some 40,000 employed people in Pcinja district, which includes Presevo and Bujanovac, received salaries averaging €250 per month. Incomes for the 33,500 people employed in Medvedja and the wider Jablanica district, were roughly similar.
The official unemployment rate is estimated to be well above 20 per cent, but unofficially some ethnic Albanian political leaders claim the rate is closer to 70 per cent.
Key companies
Bujanovac:
- Heba - mineral water and juice company. Since 2009 it has been owned by the Nectar company from Backa Palanka. Heba is among the five largest producers of mineral water in Serbia.
- Bi-voda – mineral water and juice company. Owned by the Jumko textile company from Vranje.
- DIB, Duvanska industrija Bujanovac - Tobacco factory in Bujanovac, owned by the state. The only factory in the Balkans, which produces tobacco foil a product incorporating cellulose often used in locally manufactured cigarettes.
Heba, Bi-voda and the Tobacco industry employe a total of around 600 people.
- Bujanovacka banja - Spring water from Bujanovacka banja is used in the treatment of rheumatic and gynecological illnesses
Presevo
-Simpo – a Vranje based furniture factory.
-Fluidi - privately owned factory that produces soft drinks.
Medvedja
-Lece mine – gold mine, reopened in 2010. now owned by Farmakom from Sabac.
Natural Resources:
- Mineral water sources in Bujanovac and Presevo
- Gold mine in Medvedja.
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Views and Analysis
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Background
History and Politics of South Serbia
The South Serbia region, predominantly populated by ethnic Albanians, lies some 350 kilometres south of Serbia`s capital, Belgrade. In contemporary political language, the term “South Serbia” is understood to refer to the territory of three municipalities - Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja.
The Economy of South Serbia
A snapshot of South Serbia's business and industry
Education and Culture in South Serbia
Resources and institutions of South Serbia
South Serbia Demographics
Facts and figures on the population, ethnic composition and geography of South Serbia
Key Figures in South Serbia
Profiles of main political leaders in South Serbia
Key Political Parties in South Serbia
Profiles of main political parties in South Serbia
In Pictures
In Pictures: The People of South Serbia
Snapshots of ordinary life in South Serbia show the people of Bujanovac and Presevo, and give a brief look at the symbols of the region.
Documentaries
Presevo, the Internet Town on the Serbian Margins
If you meet someone who has a computer, a good car, a new house but no job, he just might be living in Presevo.
Novi Pazar Teetering on Brink of Economic Abyss
From economic miracle to economic disaster
This is a story about Novi Pazar, a town which in the last two decades has gone from booming regional centre to the edge of poverty.
