Ethnic homogenization of Serbia in the period 1991-2002

Abstract

The end of the twentieth century can be characterized as the "a time of nationalism" having in mind the awakening of ethnicity and “explosion” of national identity of many ethnic communities. During this period, which is characterized by radical political and socio-economic changes, as well as the strengthening of nationalism in many countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, in Serbia has been an "awakening" of the national consciousness of the majority nationalities, as well as many members of ethnic minorities. This had resulted in a change of national affiliation which is particularly reflected on ethnodemographic data, thus on population dynamics of many nationalities, as well as change of ethnic structure of population of Serbia. In this article ethnic picture of Serbia will be presented and ethnodemographic changes in the period 1991-2002, caused by migration, natural movement, changed declaration on national affiliation, as well as some political and socio-economic factors. Spatial distribution of population according to nationality is an important aspect of demographic development conditioned primarily by ethnically differentiated natural growth and migrations. In Serbia is present an exceptional concentration and ethnic homogenization of population of certain nationalities. Due to specific territorial distribution and ethnic domination of relevant national minorities in border parts of the country, the question of their status and territorial-political organization gives special severity and significance to the minority question in Serbia.