As of 2024, the top 1% in Bosnia and Herzegovina earned 9.93% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 18.27%. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 6.91%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024
In 2024, income in Bosnia and Herzegovina was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 9.93% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 18.27% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 9.93% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 34.60% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 18.27% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 6.91% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 3.02 percentage points to 9.93%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Bosnia and Herzegovina has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 27.93% while the bottom 50% received 23.22%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 34.60% and 18.27% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 6.91% | 27.93% | 23.22% | 4.71 pp |
| 1986 | 6.52% | 27.94% | 22.12% | 5.82 pp |
| 1992 | 7.18% | 28.78% | 22.09% | 6.69 pp |
| 1998 | 9.15% | 32.25% | 19.65% | 12.60 pp |
| 2004 | 8.88% | 34.31% | 17.83% | 16.48 pp |
| 2010 | 9.36% | 34.49% | 17.83% | 16.66 pp |
| 2016 | 9.83% | 34.65% | 18.26% | 16.39 pp |
| 2022 | 10.12% | 34.79% | 18.22% | 16.57 pp |
How Bosnia and Herzegovina Compares Globally
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Europe Average
Compared to other countries in Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s top 1% income share of 9.93% is slightly lower than the regional average of 10.86%. The bottom 50% in Bosnia and Herzegovina receives 18.27% of income, compared to the Europe average of 20.10%.
Where Bosnia and Herzegovina Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 162nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 37th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Bosnia and Herzegovina include Mauritania, Kosovo's income inequality, Croatia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Bosnia and Herzegovina earned 9.93% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered relatively low by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Income inequality in Bosnia and Herzegovina has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 6.91% in 1980 to 9.93% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Bosnia and Herzegovina received 18.27% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 34.60%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.