Croatia

Capital of Croatia: Zagreb
Population of Croatia: 4,483,804
Total area of Croatia: 56,594 km2

Croatia is also called the Republic of Croatia and is located in Southeastern Europe. Its flag has three horizontal stripes of red, white and blue. The white stripe contains a red and white checked chevron topped with several coats of arms. With the addition of the chevron, the flag is considered multicolored and includes yellow and black.

Croatia population

The population of Croatia is increasing and is about 4.3 million people. Most (89 percent) of the population is Croatian with minority groups including the Serbians, Hungarians, Germans, Czechs and others. The population has a life expectancy of about 75 years. Education is important in Croatia and about 98 percent of the population is literate. People are emigrating too fast from Croatia and the government is trying to entice them to come back. Most of the Croatians are Roman Catholic, while a few are Orthodox Christians, Muslims and other religions. There has been a lot of violence in Croatia in the last twenty years and this has affected the population and its make-up.  

History of Croatia

Croatia has been occupied since prehistory. It became inhabited by the Croats in the 600s. There were two dukedoms created after that time that broke up Croatia. The two dukedoms were united in 925 by the Duke of Croats, also called Branimir. It became a strong kingdom and existed until WWI ended, when it became part of the High Kingdom of Hungary and Austria-Hungary. The Croatian-Ottoman wars took place in the 1500s, which put turmoil into the Kingdom of Croatia. At one point, there was a triune kingdom consisting of the Kingdom of Dalmatia, the Kingdom of Slavonia and the Kingdom of Croatia. The kingdoms of Croatia and Slavonia united to become the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia. In 1918, Croatia declared its independence. It combined with other countries to form the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The Germans and the Italians invaded the country in WWII and the country surrendered. It became part of the USSR after WWII. Violence broke out in the 1980s and Croatia declared its independence in 1991 from Yugoslavia.

Croatia Tourism

Croatia’s gorgeous coastline and over a thousand islands make it one of the top seaside destinations in Europe. But it has more to offer than just great beaches and tanning sessions under the sun. Croatia gives you a glimpse of the past through its spectacular Roman ruins and imposing castles. Visit the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments and see examples of early Croatian religious art. If nature is more your style, you can go bird-watching Slavonia's Kopački Rit Nature Park or walk through pristine forests. Experience the thrill of diving into ethereal Blue Grotto and exploring the shipwrecks sunk off Croatia’s most remote inhabited island, Vis. Featuring 13th-century city walls, Dubrovnik is one of Mediterranean’s best-preserved medieval walled cities. Here you can find the Franciscan Monastery—where Europe’s oldest pharmacy can be found—and other wonderful baroque churches. Near Dubrovnik are the islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan, where you can enjoy secluded beaches and good restaurants.

The people of Croatia have a strong attachment to their land and tradition. Their daily life is depicted through folklore and during holidays or festivals, vibrantly costumed dancers would dance to traditional folk songs. Roman Catholic Croats dominate the population with a small percentage of Eastern Orthodox Serbs and some Protestants, Jews, and Muslims in small communities. It is customary to shake hands when meeting and leaving. Unlike other countries where smoking is banned, smoking is generally acceptable in Croatia; however, public buildings and public transports have restrictions. What makes Croatia a wonderful place is its extraordinary beauty and the way its people have preserved its authenticity.