Geography
Croatia is located in Southeast Europe with a coast on the Adriatic Sea, bordering Hungary and Serbia in the east and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the south. Croatia is known for its stunning coastline and many islands. It is also home to some of the oldest cities in Europe, such as Zadar and Split. This section will explore some interesting facts about Croatia’s geography.
Location
Croatia is situated in the heart of Europe, bordered by Slovenia to the west, Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, and Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro to the south. It incorporates many islands of various sizes along its picturesque coastline, running along the clear blue Adriatic Sea. The total area of Croatia is 56,594 square kilometers (21,851 sq mi), making it slightly larger than West Virginia. Most of its terrain is flat, but up north in the Dinara mountains, you can find a wide range of vegetation with lakes, rivers, and waterfalls scattered throughout. It’s an ideal destination for hikers looking for beautiful landscapes and unspoiled nature. To put its size into perspective: if you took all E.U. countries (27 countries) and added them together, they would only be slightly larger than Croatia!
Climate
Croatia has a Mediterranean climate. This means it experiences hot and dry summers and colder, humid winters. As a result, the area along the Adriatic Coastline experiences milder temperatures than inland areas, where temperatures can drop into single digits during winter months.
The average temperature in Croatia is 13°C (55°F) during the year, making it a perfect choice for summer vacations. The hottest month of the year is July when temperatures can reach an average high of 28°C ( 82°F) across coastal regions. January is usually the coldest month and peaks at 5°C (41°F). In mountainous regions, such as Plitvice Lakes National Park, temperatures can be much cooler, with snowfall in winter months.
Precipitation varies across Croatia but averages around 800mm (31 inches). Along Croatia’s coastal region, there tends to be more rainfall between autumn and spring than in summer. Inland areas have more rain generally, with peak rainfall occurring in May and June and the lowest levels from December through February.
Landscape
Croatia is a picturesque country situated in southeastern Europe on the Adriatic Sea. Its unique geography stretches across 21,851 square miles and consists of peninsulas, islands, and mountain slopes. The landscape in Croatia is diverse and stunningly beautiful, with jagged coastlines tracing picturesque coves, sandy crescents of excellent beaches, dense green forests covering thickly ridged mountains to the north, and large tracts of low-lying flat areas for natural cultivation that give Croatia its great agricultural wealth.
Croatia’s mountainous region covers about one-third of its total territory, making it one of the most mountainous countries on the continent. The highest peak here rises to 8762 feet and is known as Dinara peak, which is capped in snow most of the year, even during peak summer. Forested hills cover a much larger part than mountains in Croatia, providing a surprisingly lush interior to what is largely considered a coastal nation.
The mainland’s longest river—the Sava—flows through the country cutting through two historic cities – Zagreb and Slavonski Brod – before finally draining into Northern Croatia’s neighbor Slovenia. Croatia also has several lakes throughout its landscape, including some located high in its mountains, such as Vrana lake at an altitude of 1616 meters, neither very large nor powerful but still delivering spectacular views and bringing life to local micro-ecosystems around them.
History
The history of Croatia dates back to the Stone Age. It was inhabited by various Illyrian tribes and eventually became part of the Roman Empire. Later it was incorporated into the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Kingdom of Croatia in the 9th century. Over the centuries, Croatia was partitioned and conquered by various countries but regained independence in 1991. Let’s look at some interesting facts about Croatia’s history.
Prehistoric inhabitants
Croatia has evidence of human settlement dating back to the Palaeolithic Age. The Neanderthals are believed to have inhabited parts of the region even earlier, but reliable evidence exists from a much more recent period in Croatian history.
Archaeological and fossil studies indicate that during the Bronze Age, the area was populated by various Illyrian tribes. These include the Iapodes, historical rivals or allies of Rome, and Celts who occupied the lands around what is now Zagreb before being assimilated by Illyrians who arrived later on. By 300 BC, several smaller kingdoms dotted around Croatia were already unified into a single entity known as Illyria by King Agron I. It remained an independent kingdom until it was brought under Roman control in 229 BC, with Queen Teuta becoming its last sovereign ruler until Rome conquered it in 167 BC.
During Roman rule, many communities flourished and flourished around what is now considered “Old cities,” such as Split and Dubrovnik – both founded at that time – while much investment in public infrastructure followed during subsequent centuries throughout Roman rule over Croatia. Christianity also spread amongst its people during this period, and there have been numerous references to it in texts from era-appropriate sources.
Roman and Byzantine period
The territories of modern Croatia and the accompanying culture largely date to the Roman and Byzantine period. The area that is now Croatia was ruled by a variety of different peoples throughout this period and was part of the Eastern Roman Empire from 395 AD until the late 7th century. This period saw substantial settlement from the continental region, including large numbers of Slavs, who are credited with forming the basis of what would become modern Croatia.
During this time, Roman Catholicism became administered throughout most of the country, leading to a shared identity among Roman Catholic Croats throughout Croatia. This marked an early stage in Croatian national identity and served as a unifying force among disparate populations in the region.
In 635, Byzantine forces lost control of their territories in Pannonia and Dalmatia — which would eventually become most of present-day Croatia — to which they had only established a loose hold by 611 AD. However, as Slavic populations increased throughout the 7th and 8th centuries, the Bulgarian rulers soon took over these provinces. The Bulgarians were eventually defeated by 926 AD when Croatian rule under Prince Tomislav I (credited with founding Croatia proper and its ancestor state) began.
Medieval period
The medieval period was a major turning point in the history of Croatia. Croatia expanded its territory and influence in Central and Eastern Europe during this period. The kingdom of Croatia was founded around 925 A.D. by Tomislav, the first Croatian King. By the mid-11th century, the kingdom had reached its largest extent, stretching from Slovakia in the north to Montenegro in the south and spanning parts of modern-day Hungary, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Moldova.
Croatia was also an important maritime power at this time, with a strong navy that controlled much of the Adriatic Sea. In 1102 A.D., Croatia’s first official document – The Pacta Conventa – was signed between King Koloman I (also known as Zvonimir) of Croatia and Pope Paschal II as a form of mutual agreement between them. This document granted certain privileges to Croatian citizens, such as freedom from royal taxes and spiritual guidance from Rome, among other things.
The Kingdom of Croatia reached its height during the 12th century under King Bela IV, who ushered in a golden age for the country with many advancements, including a network of wooden bridges connecting all settlements by roads along which merchants could trade unhindered throughout what would be known as Yugoslavia under Communism during World War II (WWII). By 1225 A.D., rivaling countries such as Venice had begun to take note of Croatia’s power by sending envoys looking for treaties or alliances. Despite this diplomatic groundwork being laid out during medieval times, WWII still brought significant changes to Croatian life because it was occupied by Axis Powers until 1945 when Marshal Josip Broz Tito formed The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Until its split into independent countries following its dissolution in 1991, Croatia regained its independence on October 8th,1991, with Franjo Tuđman becoming President soon afterward. Ushering in democracy was long desired after centuries spent swaying back and forth between various occupying forces vying for control over it and bringing an end to an immensely long medieval period that transformed an originally small nation into one that has today become regarded as a European Union (E.U.) powerhouse both economically & culturally!
Ottoman period
The Ottoman period in Croatia lasts until the late 17th century. During that period, the territory of Croatia was managed as an integral part of the Ottoman Empire, and its eastern border had been located along its western edge wherever it intersects with the current borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this period, many Croats were taken into Ottoman service, leaving their homeland to settle in other parts of the empire. However, some remained behind and were assimilated into local culture. In addition to military service under Ottoman rule in Croatia, many contributed to commercial and urban development as merchants or craftsmen.
In 1527–28 a large portion of present-day Croatia—most of Bosnia and Herzegovina—was incorporated into an autonomous Turkish enclave known as Sandžak Sanjak vizierate (Province). Its capital was Sarajevo, where an appointed Turkish governor ruled over mainly Muslim Bosnians but with a substantial Orthodox Christian Serb and Catholic Croat population. In parallel to this political development, there was a cultural Mixing that resulted in shared Islamic-Christian culture on both sides, with Slavic names for new converts being more common than Islamic ones among Bosnian Muslims from this time onwards. The expansionist policy of the Ottomans reached its peak under Suleiman I, known as ‘the law giver’ who conquered Belgrade in 1521 after two centuries of wars against Hungary-Croatia and Austria, which brought Serbia Venetian Dalmatia, both old Hungaro-Croatian lands under allegiance to Istanbul.
Modern period
Croatia emerged as a new nation-state in 1991 when it declared its independence from the newly dissolved state of Yugoslavia. Since then, it has been through several periods of economic and social transformation since then. In the early 1990s, the country experienced some instability and insecurity due to war and unrest in nearby Bosnia-Herzegovina. Croatia was part of Yugoslavia from 1918-1991 under the leadership of then-President Josip Broz Tito.
The 21st century has seen major developments in the country’s economy, including increased trade ties with the European Union, reductions in foreign debt, and infrastructure improvements. In addition, the tourism industry continues to benefit from Croatia’s spectacular coastline, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and other facilities that cater to visitors.
In 2009, Croatia was accepted as a member of NATO as part of its goal to eventually become a member of the European Union. This has brought additional political stability to the region and helped spur further growth in major industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing and tourism. In 2013 Croatia officially joined the European Union after five years of negotiations which included signing various agreements on security measures for both E.U. countries and Croatia itself.
People and Culture
Croatia is a country with a rich culture and a colorful history that is reflected in its people. Croatians are amongst the most welcoming people in the world, with an open mind and a positive attitude. Croatia is also known for its unique customs, diverse cuisine, and vibrant music. Let’s explore these aspects of Croatia and its people further.
Language
Though the official language of Croatia is Croatian, several other languages are spoken by smaller populations. Between national minorities, regional dialects, and everyday usage, Croatia has a rich diversity of spoken and written languages. This adds an exciting dimension to learning about the culture.
The Croatian language is closely related to Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, known as Serbo-Croatian. The written form of the Croatian language uses the Latin alphabet – used mainly for historical reasons – and Cyrillic, which is used mostly for religious purposes.
Other languages widely used in Croatia include Albanian, Czech, Hungarian, and Italian, which are spoken by certain communities in specific areas of the country; German & Austrian, mainly by descendants of Croatians living abroad who have since returned home; English which is widely spoken in tourist hubs; Russian and Yiddish which are spoken with small numbers of people coming from Eastern Europe; Latin & Greek due to a cultural heritage dating back centuries as well as many other minor languages and dialects throughout different regions.
Religion
Religion has played an important role in the history and culture of Croatia. Most Croatians identify as Roman Catholic, and roughly 86% of the population name Catholicism their religion. However, orthodoxy, Protestantism, Judaism, and other religious creeds are also present in Croatia.
The two main divisions within Croatian Catholicism are Latin and Greek Catholic rites. Discussing what type of Christianity a person follows is something done routinely. The Eastern Orthodox Church has a significant number of followers throughout the country. Still, it is most dominant in the continental part of Croatia, including the regions around Knin, Kostajnica, Petrinja, Davor, Ogulin, and Drniš. Protestants come from many backgrounds. Small numbers of followers of diverse Protestant denominations include Methodists, Reformed Lutherans, Baptists, and Presbyterians.
A small number (0.4%) identify with Islam, whereas 0.1% (about 6500 people) practice Judaism which doesn’t imply that there were no Jews in Croatia before WW2; it was estimated that pre-WW2 Croatian Jewry numbered no more than 20 000 people who lived across all parts of Yugoslavia until 1948 when they migrated to Israel due to social upheaval caused by political events at that time.
Agnostic/non-religious beliefs are accepted widely by Croatians, making agnosticism/atheism the third largest religious group in Croatia, according to 2011 data. However, many non-believers do not formally renounce faith or publicly state their views on religion due to social norms and the fact that many emphases on Catholic traditions are still present throughout Croatia’s socio-cultural life. Customs practiced by various missionary societies throughout different parts of the country for centuries now become what we know today as the ‘Croatian faith,’ with over 70% claiming a strong attachment to their local religious beliefs even though the traditional practice may look different from one region to another depending on specific influences within those areas such as Christian Orthodoxy or Protestantism, etc.
Cuisine
Croatian cuisine is a distinct blend of traditional Mediterranean recipes and flavors. Recipes often feature fresh seafood, olive oil, various grains, sourdough rye bread, and an array of regional cheeses.
The country is especially known for its locally-caught seafood dishes such as brodetto (fish stew), Bakalar (cod), srdela (mackerel), and crni rizot (black risotto). Croatia has many islands, so it’s not surprising that fish is eaten widely throughout the country. Common fish dishes include suhozito (grilled or fried freshwater fish) and roštilj (grilled fish).
Meat-based dishes often include goulash and punjena paprikaš (stuffed bell pepper soup). A common ingredient for soups includes potato or barley, with laurel leaves added for flavor. In addition, some traditional recipes can include duck or ham hock.
For special occasions and holidays, there are several special dishes such as sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls with minced meat and rice), strukli cheese pie, pulići dumplings with cottage cheese fillings, lepinja flatbread stuffed with meats and vegetables, and štrukli wraps that have ricotta cheese variations but could also have cabbage or spinach mixtures as a filling.
Other popular items on menus are ćevapi-style minced grilled meats in flatbreads served alongside creamy yogurt sauce called kajmak on the side; sauerkraut vegetable stew called kiseli kupus; kulen sausages; condiments like pinjur salad made from roasted peppers; fresh cheeses typical of the region like paški-type cheeses from Pag Island; truffles; baby octopus salad; špinatna salata spinach salad.
Music
Music is an integral part of the traditional culture of Croatia. For centuries, music has been an outlet for societal expression and local tradition and is a major part of Croatian festivities.
Classical music from the 18th and 19th centuries is still appreciated in Croatia among professionals and hobbyists. The country also boasts many modern styles of music, including folk, rock, punk, and pop. Traditional Croatian folk music usually involves tamburitza instruments like the tambura (an ancestor of the bouzouki); this style is generally divided into two main types – dance and spiritual song. Spiritual songs are most commonly sung in four-part harmony by male voices, whereas mixed choirs sing dance songs with solo lines sung by women or tenors, respectively.
Music plays a major role in Croatian public life; festivals are held throughout the summer to celebrate local folklore (Ljeto u Gorama), while national competitions exist too (HRT). The respective regions tend to have unique musical characteristics; urban cities like Zagreb play a mixture of more international styles defined by popular radio stations. On the other hand, small villages may produce specific sounds with heavy influences from other Eastern European countries. Furthermore, Croatia has had some international success, with popular musicians like Severina Vučković and Thompson gaining mainstream media attention.
Economy
Croatia’s economy is one of the most open and successful in Central Europe. In 2018, Croatia had a GDP of $73.9 billion and a GDP per capita of $14,095. Services, tourism, and agriculture mainly drive the Croatian economy. In 2019, Croatia’s tourism sector accounted for 19% of the nation’s GDP, making it one of the most important sectors of the economy. Let’s explore more about Croatia’s economy.
Primary industries
Croatia has a strong economy, with its gross domestic product (GDP) being more than USD 120 billion. Primary industries, which include tourism and agriculture, are the backbone of the country’s economy. As a result, Croatia has a high standard of living and a low unemployment rate. In addition, the country exports many products, including chemicals and fuel products, machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs.
The country’s main sources of income come from tourism-related activities such as accommodation services and transport operations. The service sector accounts for nearly 60% of the GDP, while manufacturing accounts for 17%, construction 7%, commerce 8%, science and technology 4%, and energy 6%. Agriculture consists mostly of small family-operated farms that produce wheat, rye, corn, sugar beets, and industrial crops like sunflower seed oil. Other agricultural products include fruits and vegetables like grapes, olives, and spices and sheep farming on grassy plains or in higher areas. Fishing is also an important source of revenue for the country, with notable fishing catch including Octopus Vulgaris (common octopus), Cuttlefish species (small squid), and shrimp.
The Croatian government encourages additional investment in emerging sectors such as biotechnology industries and high-tech companies so that the prosperity of its citizens continues to improve throughout the years ahead. In addition, Croatia is one of Europe’s most inviting destinations because it combines beautiful coasts with an affordable cost of living in a stable economic environment that foreign investors find attractive.
Tourism
Tourism is an important part of the Croatian economy, accounting for more than 15% of Croatia’s GDP in 2017. The country’s unique blend of culture, history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality has made it one of Europe’s top-growing destinations. Located along the Adriatic Sea and boasting over 1,000 islands, Croatia is known for its stunning ancient architecture, beautiful beaches, and diverse landscape.
The country has a booming hotel industry with a wide selection of accommodations to suit any budget, from luxurious resorts to budget guesthouses. There are also various activities, including sailing, cycling, kayaking, and other adventure sports. In addition, the vibrant capital city of Zagreb offers historical sites such as the 13th century St. Marcus Church and numerous attractions such as the Mirogoj Cemetery and the Croatian National Theatre.
There has been a significant boom in activity in recent years due to a focus on low-cost carriers connecting cities within Europe and other parts of the world, resulting in further growth in visitor numbers from outside Croatia’s borders. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and affordability making it highly desirable, experts anticipate that Croatia will remain one of Europe’s most sought-after tourist destinations for many years.
Trade
Trade has been an important pillar of Croatia’s economy since the country joined the European Union in 2013. However, the country’s economic growth has been mainly supported by increased domestic consumption and investments, with exports contributing less to overall growth.
Croatia mainly trades within Europe, where the E.U. accounted for roughly 80% of its total export value in 2018. While most of its trade is made inside contracted blocs (over 75%), Croatian imports and exports do not rely on any particular destination or origin due to Croatia’s diverse export portfolio.
The key trading partners are Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, collectively accounting for over 50% of Croatia’s total exports in 2018. However, exports outside the bloc are equally important; Russia is currently one of Croatia’s top suppliers, while other countries such as China, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have gradually increased trade with Croatia in recent years.
As part of its E.U. accession process, Croatia had to reduce tariffs assigned on imports significantly over the last few years. This makes it a competitive economy for companies based in other countries looking to bring their products into Croatia and increase their international visibility via exports from there.
Natural Resources
Croatia, a country in Southeastern Europe, is known for its great natural beauty and many natural resources. Croatia has various natural resources, such as forests, rivers, and lakes, along with minerals and energy sources. This section will explore the natural resources of Croatia, their importance for the country, and how they are used.
Mineral resources
Croatia is blessed with many mineral resources that humans have used since ancient times. These include coal, salt, iron ore, and bauxite. Copper and zinc are also found in deposits around Croatia.
Coal has been mined in Croatia for centuries and was used to power locomotives during the 19th century. Today, several large open-pit mines exist in Croatia, which is exploited for both energy purposes and industrial production. Due to the decrease in reserves, however, there is a tendency to focus on renewable resources rather than relying too heavily on coal.
The rich veins of sodium chloride or rock salt deposits have historically been exploited for their industrial use today and for medical purposes such as iodized salt production or bath salts. The main active sources are located near Vrbovsko and Pauselo Bocce on the Adriatic coast. In addition, iron ore can be found in various locations throughout Croatia. Still, due largely to its high carbon content, it is not usually considered viable for use in industry – with exceptions being certain rarer varieties such as magnetite.
Bauxite is one of the most important minerals mined in Croatia due to its use in aluminum production; it can be found near Imotski and Vrlika, amongst other places across the country’s territory. Copper and zinc are also present in numerous locations close to Beli Manastir at Podmilačje deposit (bordering Hungary).
Agricultural resources
Croatia produces agricultural goods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, forestry, and dairy products. The leading agricultural product within Croatia is wheat, accounting for around 11% of total crop production. Other important crops include maize (6%), rape seeds (5%), potatoes (5%), and barley (4%). Fruits make up 8% of the total crop production of the country, with apples as the main crop.
Croatia produces a greater variety of fruits than just apples, such as pomegranates, peaches, and plums. Forest lands cover approximately 35% of Croatia’s total land area and provide lumber and fuelwood to the country’s economy. Livestock farming is widespread in Croatia, with cattle being the most widely farmed animal species, followed by pigs and sheep. Dairy production is an important component of agriculture in Croatia, with various kinds of cheese being produced within the country, including feta cheese, soft cheese, and hard cheese, among others.
Fishing resources
Croatia is a small country bordered by the Adriatic Sea, with an abundant waterfront. It has long been known for its abundant fishing resources — anchovy and sardines are a traditional staple, as are tuna and mackerel. Fishing is an important economic activity in Croatia, employing thousands of fishermen and making up a sizable portion of the country’s exports.
Croatia’s fishing industry is centered around freshwater fisheries and its coastal waters. Over the years, these have yielded excellent catches of sea bass, cobia, barracuda, bream, and dolphinfish. Several commercial fish farming operations have also sprung up in recent years, nurtured under government investment programs that promote sustainable cultivation practices and protect local habitats.
The carp family of fish continues to be popular among Croatian sport anglers —in addition to capturing larger gar species such as Zander (Sander lucioperca) or European catfish(Silurus glanis). Fishing for freshwater trout is also a popular part-time profession throughout Croatia along rivers and lakes such as Plitvice Lakes National Park. In addition, fly-fishing enthusiasts visit from all corners of Europe in search of brown trout on the Ivanšćica River near Rijeka or mountainous terrain, including Biokovo Mountains near Makarska, where they can angle for brook trout in crystal clear streams cascading down nearby hillsides.