Historically, part of the Turkish Empire from the 15th century, the provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina passed into the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1878. Following World War II, they were incorporated into the Yugoslavian federation.
Although situated close to the Mediterranean Sea, Bosnia and Herzegovina is largely cut off from its climatic influence by the Dinaric Alps.
The weather in the Bosnia region resembles that of the southern Austrian highlands—generally mild, though apt to be bitterly cold in winter.
Most visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina are trouble-free but visitors should be aware that there is a threat from terrorism. There is also a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.