Banja Luka, city, northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, capital of Banja Luka District, on the Vrbas River. The city is a rail terminus and road center where textiles, tobacco, beer, and dairy items are produced. A hydroelectric plant and a coal mine are nearby. A Roman fort and ruins of Roman baths are nearby. Banja Luka became important after the 15th century; it was the temporary capital of Bosnia from 1588 to 1638 and the scene of many Austro-Turkish battles. The name is sometimes spelled Banya Luka or Banialuka. Population (1991) 142,644.
