Serb refers to an individual who belongs to the Serb ethnic group, which is primarily associated with Serbia, the largest and most populous country of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. The Serbs are also found in other countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and North Macedonia. They are descendants of the South Slavic people who settled in the region during medieval times.
Historically, the Serbs played a significant role in the formation and development of the medieval Serbian state, which later evolved into modern Serbia. Serbia holds a special place in Serb identity as their homeland and cultural center. The language spoken by Serbs is Serbian, which is a standardized form of the Serbo-Croatian language.
Serb culture is rich and diverse, influenced by both Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the centuries-long coexistence and interactions with neighboring cultures. Traditionally, Serbs have preserved a strong sense of national and ethnic identity, expressed through customs, folklore, and religious practices. Elements of Serbian culture include traditional music, dance, cuisine, and distinct national costumes.
The term "Serb" can refer to an individual who is a native or citizen of Serbia, as well as anyone who self-identifies as a member of the Serbian ethnic group. It is important to note that Serb should not be confused with Serbo-Croatian, which refers to the common language historically spoken in the region, including by Serbs.
