Yugoslavs facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 400,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States |
291,045 (2013) (Yugoslav American) |
 Canada |
38,480 (2016) (Yugoslav Canadian) |
 Australia |
26,883 (2011) |
 Serbia |
23,303 (2011) (Yugoslavs in Serbia) |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina |
2,507 (2013) |
 Montenegro |
1,154 (2011) |
 Slovenia |
527 (2002) |
 Croatia |
331 (2011) |
| Languages | |
| Serbo-Croatian, Macedonian, Slovene | |
| Religion | |
| Primarily Christianity and Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Slavic peoples | |
Yugoslavs is a name used by a small group of people who live in the countries that used to be part of Yugoslavia. These people see themselves as belonging to a shared identity, rather than to a specific country like Serbia or Croatia.
Some people believe the term "Yugoslav" can describe all South Slavs. This includes people from countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. It also includes the region of Kosovo.
Contents
What Does "Yugoslav" Mean?
The word "Yugoslav" literally means "South Slav." It comes from the Slavic words "jug" (south) and "Slaveni" (Slavs). For many years, it was a way to describe people from different South Slavic groups who lived together in one country.
Being a Yugoslav meant having a common identity. This identity was based on shared history and culture. It was meant to unite different groups like Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, and others. They all lived in the country called Yugoslavia.
Why Did People Identify as Yugoslavs?
Many people identified as Yugoslavs to show unity. They wanted to build a common future together. This identity was especially strong during the time of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It was a way to feel connected beyond their specific ethnic group.
Where Do Yugoslavs Live Today?
Today, the number of people who identify as Yugoslavs is much smaller. The country of Yugoslavia no longer exists. However, some people still choose this identity.
Yugoslavs Around the World
Most people who identify as Yugoslavs now live outside the former Yugoslavia. Large communities can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. These are often people who moved there when Yugoslavia was still a country.
Yugoslavs in Former Yugoslavia
Within the countries that were once Yugoslavia, fewer people identify this way. For example, in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, there are still some. But their numbers are much smaller than before.
A Look Back at Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia was a country in Southeast Europe. It existed for most of the 20th century. It was formed after World War I. It brought together many South Slavic peoples.
The Rise and Fall of Yugoslavia
The country went through different phases. It was first a kingdom, then a socialist republic. For many decades, it was a strong and united nation. However, in the 1990s, it broke apart. This led to the creation of several new independent countries.
Languages and Religions
People in Yugoslavia spoke several languages. The main ones were Serbo-Croatian, Macedonian, and Slovene. They also practiced different religions. The main ones were Christianity (Orthodox and Catholic) and Islam. Despite these differences, the idea of a Yugoslav identity tried to bring them together.
Images for kids
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A robot representing a child's perspective.
