In recent years, West Herzegovina Canton has become an increasingly desirable place to live. Economic growth and a series of demographic measures have not only encouraged young people to stay but have also led a growing number of individuals and families to return to—or relocate to—Western Herzegovina from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Široki Brijeg is at the forefront of this trend, having recorded a positive natural population growth rate for four consecutive years.
Široki Brijeg records the highest number of returnees and new residents in West Herzegovina Canton. Over the past year and the current one, a total of 91 people have moved to the city.
Both individuals and entire families are moving to Široki Brijeg. Mario Šušak is not a returnee, but a new arrival. He was born and raised in Germany—as were his wife and three children—but two months ago, they found a new home in Široki Brijeg, where Mario has family roots. He says his entire family has settled in wonderfully, and the business he runs—connecting companies from Germany with those in Bosnia and Herzegovina—is gradually getting up and running here as well.
MARIO ŠUŠAK, new resident of Široki Brijeg (from Germany)
“I would recommend that everyone broaden their horizons and consider the opportunities and prospects being created here—especially in this canton and this city, where there is a labor shortage across all sectors. The old idea that one must go abroad to find work is no longer necessary; anyone who wants to work can do so just as well right here, and return to a life that is, in every respect, calmer, more pleasant, and more secure.” However, what really draws people to Široki Brijeg is a series of demographic measures implemented in recent years.
MARIO ŠUŠAK, who moved to Široki Brijeg from Germany
“In Germany, for instance, you don’t have a system where you receive 500 marks for every child starting from the third one. In Germany, you get a child allowance and that’s it—while it is higher than in Bosnia and Herzegovina, here you can see—wherever you go—the town is full of pregnant women, full of children, and full of amenities for kids. That really impressed us; you can see that things are being done, that people are thinking about children, about their future and about families—and that’s what won us over.”
For the fourth consecutive year, Široki Brijeg has recorded around 400 births annually. Due to this positive natural population growth, new schools and kindergartens are being built. One kindergarten opened in early September, and another, accommodating 60 new children, is set to open soon.
ZDENKA ZOVKO, Director of the “Trnoružica” Kindergarten in Široki Brijeg
“We have a total of three hundred children—the highest number since kindergartens were established here. There are returnees; we’ve received a few emails inquiring about enrollment from people planning to return in about six months… so yes, that increase is palpable.”
To reduce costs for parents, the city subsidizes kindergartens and offers a range of other benefits for children and students of all ages. It is precisely these robust demographic measures that are attracting people to the area. IVO PAVKOVIĆ, Mayor of Široki Brijeg
“The reason for this return is undoubtedly the strong economic growth of Široki Brijeg, which has become a place where anyone can find a job today. Alongside this economic growth, there are robust measures implemented by the city and the county for all age groups: assistance for every newborn child, free textbooks for primary and secondary schools, subsidies for public and private kindergarten fees, scholarships for university students, free transportation for primary and secondary school pupils, and county-level financial aid for the third child and every subsequent child.”
Široki Brijeg—like the entire West Herzegovina County, which has focused on demographic policy in recent years—is becoming an increasingly desirable place to live. It is an example that other communities should follow.
