Belgrade (Serbia)

Belgrade is the capital and biggest city of Serbia. It is situated at the confluence of Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. The name "Belgrade" translates to "White city". The city proper features a population of 1.23 million, while more than 1.65 million people live within administrative limits.

One of the most important prehistoric European cultures, Vinča culture, evolved within the Belgrade area in the 6th millennium BC. Thraco-Dacians inhabited the region in antiquity, and after 279 BC Celts conquered the town, naming it SingidÅ«n. During the reign of Augustus, Belgrade was conquered by the Romans, and awarded city rights in the mid-2nd century. In the 520s, it was settled by the Slavs and changed hands several times between the Kingdom of Hungary, Byzantine Empire, Frankish Empire, and Bulgarian Empire, before it became capital of Serbian king Stephen Dragutin (1282–1316). In 1521, the city was conquered by Ottoman Empire and became the seat of Sanjak of Smederevo. It passed frequently from Ottoman to Habsburg rule, which saw the destruction of most of Belgrade during the Austro-Ottoman wars. In 1841, the city was again named the capital of Serbia. Until 1918, Northern Belgrade remained southernmost Habsburg post, when the city was reunited. Belgrade was battled over in 115 wars as a strategic location, and 44 times razed to the ground. It was the capital of Yugoslavia from its creation in 1918 to final dissolution in 2006.

Within Serbia, Belgrade has a special administrative status and it is one of 5 statistical regions of Serbia. Its metropolitan territory is separated into 17 municipalities, each with its own local council, and covers 3.6% of Serbia's territory. 22.5% of the country's population lives in the city.

Belgrade is classified as a Beta- global city and has been awarded many titles. It hosts many annual international cultural events, including the Theatre Festival, Film Festival, Summer Festival, Music Festival, Eurovision Song Contest 2008, Book Fair, and the Beer Fest.

Belgrade cruise terminal