Divorce is not an easy decision, and experts consider it one of the most significant psychological traumas for the entire family. Nevertheless, statistics show a worrying trend – the number of divorces in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been increasing year by year, especially over the past three years. At the Same Time, the Number of Marriages Is Decreasing, Indicating Serious Challenges for the Institution of the Family

Divorce is not an easy decision, and experts consider it one of the most significant psychological traumas for the entire family. Nevertheless, statistics show a worrying trend – the number of divorces in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been increasing year by year, especially over the past three years.

At the same time, the number of marriages is declining, indicating that the institution of the family is facing serious challenges. In the following analysis, we explore how frequent divorces have become, examine the situation in the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, look into the causes behind the increase in divorces, and offer suggestions on how the state can help with prevention and provide support to families.

Statistics: A Rising Number of Divorces

According to data from the Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country has seen a continuous increase in the number of divorces in recent years. For example, in 2019, there were 2,790 divorces, while in 2023 that number rose to 3,048. After a slight slowdown during the pandemic year of 2020, the divorce trend accelerated. In 2021, there were 2,871 divorces recorded, and in 2022 there were 2,865 – nearly identical to the previous year. Then came a new spike: in 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded 3,048 divorces, the highest annual number in the past decade. For comparison, 25 years ago, there were over a thousand fewer divorces than today, illustrating the long-term increase.

At the same time, the number of marriages has been decreasing. In 2022, there were 17,427 marriages, whereas in 2017 that number was significantly higher. This parallel trend – fewer weddings and more divorces – confirms that marital unions are being formed less often and broken more frequently than in the past.

Statistics also reveal some interesting patterns: the decision to divorce is most often made by couples in their forties. In the 20–28 age group, one in every three marriages ends in divorce, meaning younger marriages are also relatively risky. Still, the highest number of divorces overall occurs among middle-aged couples – for both men and women, most divorces happen between the ages of 40 and 49. The average duration of a marriage before divorce in Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated at around 11 to 12 years, suggesting that many couples decide to separate after a decade of shared life.

Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH: Where Are Divorces More Common?

When examining the data by entity, it’s clear that the upward trend in divorces affects both Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH. However, due to population differences, the absolute numbers are higher in the Federation. In 2023, there were 1,858 divorces recorded in the Federation of BiH, compared to 974 divorces in Republika Srpska. Combined, this amounts to roughly 3,000 divorces annually at the national level. Compared to previous years, both entities have seen increases: for instance, just a few years ago, the number of divorces in Republika Srpska was under 900 per year, and now it has nearly reached one thousand.

Interestingly, the highest number of divorces in Republika Srpska was recorded in Banja Luka, with 206 divorces in 2023 alone. According to the Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics, for every 1,000 marriages, 178 end in divorce (about 18% of married couples). The average duration of a marriage before divorce in Republika Srpska is slightly longer than in the Federation, at approximately 13 years. The average age of spouses at the time of divorce is around 43 years for men and 39 years for women.

In the Federation, the average duration of marriage before divorce is around 11.6 years. According to federal statistics, more than two-thirds of marriages that ended in divorce had lasted five or more years. These figures indicate that marital crises do not occur only in the early years of marriage, but also after longer periods of shared life.

Why Do Marriages Fall Apart? (Causes of the Rise in Divorces)

Sociologists and psychologists cite a wide range of reasons contributing to the rising number of divorces in society. The COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable impact—not only did it delay many weddings in 2020, but it also intensified financial strain within households, placing additional pressure on many marriages. Sociologist Vedran Francuz emphasizes that the pandemic certainly influenced the increase in divorces, as many couples faced economic difficulties and crises due to lockdowns and uncertainty. Once restrictions eased, some marriages that had already been unstable may have reached a breaking point.

In addition to economic stress, social media and modern modes of communication have emerged as unexpected factors. Francuz notes that the expansion of social media use has affected certain marriages—especially those that were neglected or emotionally distant—by enabling a kind of “awakening” through new connections and realizations, which likely contributed to the rise in divorces. Simply put, people today can more easily interact with others online, which can lead to dissatisfaction with their current relationship or even infidelity.

Overall, experts stress that modern lifestyles reduce tolerance for marital problems. Today’s fast-paced world and the emphasis on individual freedom mean that people are increasingly unwilling to compromise. “Nowadays, people value their freedom more, and as soon as they feel it's threatened within a marriage, they quickly decide to end it,” says Francuz, adding that couples are more prone to separation as soon as serious misunderstandings arise.

Of course, traditional reasons for divorce still exist, but modern circumstances may amplify them. Psychologist Aleksandar Milić states that couples most often cite irreconcilable differences in views on marriage and life roles, lack or loss of love and emotional closeness, infidelity, and financial problems as the main causes of divorce. In other words, value-based disagreements, emotional distancing, and material stress can all contribute to the breakdown of a marriage. Many couples only come to recognize their differences and incompatibilities after some time, and when they are unable to resolve these issues, dissatisfaction and alienation grow, ultimately leading to divorce.

It’s also important to note that the social stigma around divorce has decreased. Today, divorce is more socially accepted as a way out of an unhappy or unhealthy marriage, especially in cases of serious conflict or abuse. Women are more empowered and economically independent than they were decades ago, making it easier for them to leave a marriage in which they are unhappy or unsafe. Some studies show that in Western countries, the majority of divorce filings are initiated by women—for example, in the U.S., around 69% of divorce petitions are filed by women—which suggests that female empowerment influences the willingness to leave unhealthy relationships. These changes are also being reflected in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where traditional family models are gradually giving way to more modern views of marriage, along with greater expectations from married life.

A Legal Perspective: Rising Number of Divorce Cases

The increase in divorces is not only visible in statistical reports but also in the daily practice of professionals working in family law. Božana Cvijić, director of the Stevanović Law Office and head of the litigation department, confirms that their firm has seen a growing number of clients seeking divorce in recent years. “We’ve observed an increase in divorce cases and maintain internal statistics—year after year, more couples are coming to us for legal assistance in divorces,” says Cvijić. She adds that the Stevanović Law Office has formed a special team of experts—lawyers and psychiatrists—who work together with clients. “Wherever possible, we try to help spouses through reconciliation processes. Our goal is not just to end the divorce proceedings, but to support the couple in attempting to overcome the crisis with professional help,” Cvijić explains. According to her, this interdisciplinary approach can help save some marriages, or at least allow the divorce to be handled in a civilized manner, minimizing emotional harm to both the children and the spouses. The experience of this legal team underscores that behind the growing divorce statistics are real people and families, and that each case carries its own weight and challenges.

What Can Society and the State Do to Support Families?

The rise in divorces as a social phenomenon should not be viewed passively—there are several steps that the state and society can take to slow down the trend and provide support to couples in crisis. Below are some suggestions and measures that could help strengthen families and prevent unnecessary divorces:

Education and Counseling Before and During Marriage
One preventive measure is the introduction or strengthening of marital counseling. The example of Sarajevo Canton shows a positive approach—due to the rise in divorces, a “Premarital Counseling” program was launched there in 2023 for engaged couples. As part of the program, future spouses attend workshops on communication, conflict resolution, and expectations in marriage. Similar programs should be expanded to other regions as well. In addition, available family counseling centers should be accessible to married couples experiencing crises, so they can try to resolve their issues through therapy or mediation before opting for divorce.

Economic Support for Young Families
Economic insecurity often burdens married life. The state can help through economic support measures—housing assistance for young couples, favorable loan conditions, incentives for employment, and measures to reconcile work and parenthood. Reducing financial pressure would also reduce arguments about money, which are a common trigger for conflict.

Flexible Working Hours for Parents
Employers, with state support, could offer more flexible working conditions for parents of young children (such as reduced working hours or work-from-home options when feasible). This would help parents balance family responsibilities and careers, reduce marital stress, and allow more time for quality family life.

Legal Measures and Mediation in Divorce
Although each spouse has the right to divorce, it is useful to legally require an attempt at reconciliation before finalizing the divorce, especially when minor children are involved. Family laws already foresee mandatory mediation in such cases, but it is important to ensure these processes are carried out properly—with the help of professional mediators, psychologists, and legal experts. In some countries, there are also mandatory marital seminars for couples filing for divorce, to raise awareness of the consequences and potentially offer one last chance for reconciliation. Such ideas are worth considering in our region as well.

Strengthening Post-Divorce Responsibilities
The state should ensure mechanisms are in place to strictly enforce obligations toward children after divorce. A common issue is that one parent (most often the father) does not regularly pay child support, which adds extra burden to the children and the single parent. More effective enforcement of child support payments, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and support for single parents through social funds would help reduce the economic trauma of divorce on families. Additionally, it is necessary to work on destigmatizing single parents and provide them with community support.

Promotion of Family Values
On a broader scale, society can promote healthy family values through media, education systems, religious communities, and NGOs. This does not mean reverting to outdated patriarchal norms, but rather emphasizing the importance of communication, tolerance, respect, and responsibility in marriage. Educating young people about the challenges of shared life—already in school, through health or civic education—could better prepare them for marital roles in the future. Positive examples of long-lasting, happy marriages should be given more visibility in public discourse, in contrast to the frequent focus on celebrity scandals and divorces.

Conclusion
Although current statistics do not favor the stability of marriage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is room for action. Through a combination of socio-economic measures, education, counseling, and broader community engagement, it is possible to strengthen the institution of family and support couples in overcoming crises. Divorce will always exist as an exit from dysfunctional and unhealthy relationships, but the goal should be to give every potentially salvageable marriage a chance through support and understanding. In this way, we can soften the consequences of the current upward trend in divorces and preserve the foundations of family for future generations.

Sources: The data in this text are based on official statistics from the Agency for Statistics of BiH and entity statistical offices, as well as expert statements published in the media (N1, Nezavisne novine, Radiosarajevo, Hercegovina.info, and others).

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