NEWS
Expo 2027 in Facts and Figures: The Biggest International Event in Serbia’s History
20.07.2025
From time to time, inaccurate, incomplete, or misinterpreted information about Expo 2027 Belgrade appears in public discourse. These claims often disregard basic facts, whether due to a lack of understanding of the format, history, and significance of International Exhibitions, or due to political or ideological bias.
That is why every citizen of Serbia needs to have access to accurate information, enabling them to form an informed opinion.
Below are 10 key facts that highlight the scale, importance, and long-term significance of Expo 2027 Belgrade, a global event unlike anything ever hosted in the Western Balkans.
1. Expo 2027 Belgrade will be the biggest international event ever held in Serbia.
Organized under the supervision of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), a global intergovernmental organization headquartered in Paris and composed of 184 member states, Expo 2027 is subject to the highest international standards. The BIE has overseen International Exhibitions since 1928. Belgrade is the first city in this part of Europe to be awarded the hosting of a Specialised Expo, having triumphed over strong bids from Spain, the United States, Thailand, and Argentina.
2. Expo 2027 Belgrade will last 93 days.
Unlike major global sports or music events, which typically last a few days or weeks, Expo 2027 will run for three full months – from May 15 to August 15, 2027. That is six times longer than the Olympic Games and three times longer than the FIFA World Cup. During this time, Belgrade will welcome delegations, tourists, businesspeople, artists, and scientists from across the globe.
3. More than four million visitors are expected.
Estimates indicate that Expo 2027 will attract at least four million visitors, with a significant share coming from abroad. This will provide a massive boost to tourism, hospitality, trade, and the cultural and creative industries, benefiting the entire national economy.
4. Over 120 countries and international organizations will participate.
The initial plan envisioned participation from more than 120 countries in 2027, and the number of confirmed participants has already reached 118. Each country will have its national day and the opportunity to present itself to the world – through pavilions, exhibitions, events, innovations, culture, and cuisine.
5. The theme of the Expo connects people through play, sport, and music.
Under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”, the Expo 2027 will explore how these universal activities contribute to global connection, mental and physical well-being, and social development. It is a theme that resonates with every individual, regardless of age, background, or profession, and Serbia is well known for its sporting excellence, musical heritage, and intellectual talent.
6. Expo 2027 Belgrade will take place across 25 hectares in a brand-new urban zone.
A completely new Expo district is being developed between New Belgrade and the Sava River. It will consist of three key zones: the Thematic Area, the International Participant Area, and the Best Practice and Corporate Area. The exhibition space will not disappear after the event – it will be fully repurposed and continue to serve the city.
7. The legacy of Expo 2027 will be passed on to future generations.
After the Expo, Belgrade will gain a new fairground, a museum district, an Auditorium, an innovation center, new schools and kindergartens, sports halls, and 1,500 housing units. Modular pavilions will be dismantled and used to construct schools and sports facilities across Serbia. There is also intangible legacy – knowledge, international cooperation, and new opportunities. Expo will not end on August 15, 2027 – it will, in many ways, begin its full impact then.
8. The total estimated value of the project is €1.29 billion, including supporting infrastructure, not €17, €18, or more billion.
This figure encompasses not only the exhibition space but also an Aquatic center, the new Zemun-Airport-Expo railway, a river dock on the Sava, roadways, utilities, and public infrastructure. Expo 2027 is not a cost incurred for a temporary event – it is an investment in the urban development of Belgrade and Serbia.
9. Serbia has been part of the Expo movement for over 140 years.
As the Kingdom of Serbia, our country first participated in an Antwerp International Exposition (1885). Throughout the 20th century, Yugoslavia was a regular and notable participant in numerous International Exhibitions, leaving a lasting impression with its pavilions and concepts. Since 2006, Serbia has independently taken part in all World and Specialised Expos, including Shanghai 2010, Milan 2015, Astana 2017, Dubai 2020, and currently Osaka 2025. Expo 2027 Belgrade is both symbolically and substantially the culmination of that long-standing international tradition, this time, as the host.
10. Expo 2027 Belgrade is an opportunity Serbia must not miss.
This is a chance to position ourselves as a reliable, modern, and open host. To attract investors, tourists, researchers, artists, and companies. To strengthen volunteerism, education, and international cooperation. And to showcase the best of Serbia, to ourselves and the world.
If we are to discuss Expo 2027, let’s do so based on facts. Because when we look at the facts, it becomes clear that this is more than just a major event. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Serbia, one not easily earned and not easily repeated.
That is why every citizen of Serbia needs to have access to accurate information, enabling them to form an informed opinion.
Below are 10 key facts that highlight the scale, importance, and long-term significance of Expo 2027 Belgrade, a global event unlike anything ever hosted in the Western Balkans.
1. Expo 2027 Belgrade will be the biggest international event ever held in Serbia.
Organized under the supervision of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), a global intergovernmental organization headquartered in Paris and composed of 184 member states, Expo 2027 is subject to the highest international standards. The BIE has overseen International Exhibitions since 1928. Belgrade is the first city in this part of Europe to be awarded the hosting of a Specialised Expo, having triumphed over strong bids from Spain, the United States, Thailand, and Argentina.
2. Expo 2027 Belgrade will last 93 days.
Unlike major global sports or music events, which typically last a few days or weeks, Expo 2027 will run for three full months – from May 15 to August 15, 2027. That is six times longer than the Olympic Games and three times longer than the FIFA World Cup. During this time, Belgrade will welcome delegations, tourists, businesspeople, artists, and scientists from across the globe.
3. More than four million visitors are expected.
Estimates indicate that Expo 2027 will attract at least four million visitors, with a significant share coming from abroad. This will provide a massive boost to tourism, hospitality, trade, and the cultural and creative industries, benefiting the entire national economy.
4. Over 120 countries and international organizations will participate.
The initial plan envisioned participation from more than 120 countries in 2027, and the number of confirmed participants has already reached 118. Each country will have its national day and the opportunity to present itself to the world – through pavilions, exhibitions, events, innovations, culture, and cuisine.
5. The theme of the Expo connects people through play, sport, and music.
Under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”, the Expo 2027 will explore how these universal activities contribute to global connection, mental and physical well-being, and social development. It is a theme that resonates with every individual, regardless of age, background, or profession, and Serbia is well known for its sporting excellence, musical heritage, and intellectual talent.
6. Expo 2027 Belgrade will take place across 25 hectares in a brand-new urban zone.
A completely new Expo district is being developed between New Belgrade and the Sava River. It will consist of three key zones: the Thematic Area, the International Participant Area, and the Best Practice and Corporate Area. The exhibition space will not disappear after the event – it will be fully repurposed and continue to serve the city.
7. The legacy of Expo 2027 will be passed on to future generations.
After the Expo, Belgrade will gain a new fairground, a museum district, an Auditorium, an innovation center, new schools and kindergartens, sports halls, and 1,500 housing units. Modular pavilions will be dismantled and used to construct schools and sports facilities across Serbia. There is also intangible legacy – knowledge, international cooperation, and new opportunities. Expo will not end on August 15, 2027 – it will, in many ways, begin its full impact then.
8. The total estimated value of the project is €1.29 billion, including supporting infrastructure, not €17, €18, or more billion.
This figure encompasses not only the exhibition space but also an Aquatic center, the new Zemun-Airport-Expo railway, a river dock on the Sava, roadways, utilities, and public infrastructure. Expo 2027 is not a cost incurred for a temporary event – it is an investment in the urban development of Belgrade and Serbia.
9. Serbia has been part of the Expo movement for over 140 years.
As the Kingdom of Serbia, our country first participated in an Antwerp International Exposition (1885). Throughout the 20th century, Yugoslavia was a regular and notable participant in numerous International Exhibitions, leaving a lasting impression with its pavilions and concepts. Since 2006, Serbia has independently taken part in all World and Specialised Expos, including Shanghai 2010, Milan 2015, Astana 2017, Dubai 2020, and currently Osaka 2025. Expo 2027 Belgrade is both symbolically and substantially the culmination of that long-standing international tradition, this time, as the host.
10. Expo 2027 Belgrade is an opportunity Serbia must not miss.
This is a chance to position ourselves as a reliable, modern, and open host. To attract investors, tourists, researchers, artists, and companies. To strengthen volunteerism, education, and international cooperation. And to showcase the best of Serbia, to ourselves and the world.
If we are to discuss Expo 2027, let’s do so based on facts. Because when we look at the facts, it becomes clear that this is more than just a major event. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Serbia, one not easily earned and not easily repeated.