Republic of Croatia

city-of-croatia-dubrovnik-panoramic -view

The Republic of Croatia is a jewel of the Adriatic Sea and an indispensable part of the Balkans – the crossroads of civilizations. With its remarkable coastline stretching over 1,000 miles, pristine lakes, mountain ranges, and charming historic towns, Croatia is a paradise for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure tourists alike. From multiethnic regions and cultural richness to eco-tourism and adventure tourism, Croatia is where every mile gives you a smile.

Surrounded by mountains such as the Dinarica range and featuring the magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia presents an intriguing mix of landscapes that make it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Europe.

  • Capital: Zagreb
  • Largest City: Zagreb
  • Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK)
  • Population: ~4 million (2025 est.)
  • Official Language: Croatian
  • Time Zone: GMT+1 (GMT+2 DST)
  • International Dialing Code: +385
  • Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
  • Major Religions: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Islam
  • Heritage: Slavic, Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences
  • Festivals: Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Split Summer Festival, Rijeka Carnival
  • Cuisine: Pasticada, crni rižot (black risotto), ćevapi, strukli, local wines

Croatian culture thrives on centuries of tradition, a love for arts and music, and a deep connection with the sea. From medieval towns along the coast to vibrant festivals, Croatia offers visitors the opportunity to experience its multiethnic diversity and cultural richness.

  • Ethnic Groups: Croats (~90%), Serbs, Bosniaks, Italians, Hungarians, Albanians, Roma
  • Languages Spoken: Croatian (official), Serbian, Italian, Hungarian, Bosnian, English (widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Croatia’s geography is as diverse as its culture, with stunning coastal vistas, rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges, including the Dinarica mountain range, making it a hotspot for outdoor adventures:
    • Mountains: Dinarica range, Velebit, Biokovo, Učka
    • Rivers: Sava, Drava, Neretva, Mura
    • Lakes: Plitvice Lakes, Lake Vrana, Lake Bled (near the border)
    • Coastline: 1,046 miles along the Adriatic Sea, dotted with over 1,000 islands
  • Ancient Period: Roman influence in towns like Pula and Split
  • Medieval Kingdom: Kingdom of Croatia in the Middle Ages
  • Austro-Hungarian Period: Part of the empire until 1918
  • Yugoslavia Era: Socialist Republic of Croatia
  • Independence: Declared in 1991; officially recognized in 1992
  • Official Language: Croatian
  • Minority Languages: Serbian, Italian, Hungarian, Bosnian, and Albanian
  • Foreign Languages: English widely spoken in tourist destinations, German, Italian
  • System: Preschool to university education, part of the Bologna Process
  • Major Institutions: University of Zagreb, University of Split, University of Rijeka
  • Focus: STEM, humanities, marine sciences, international relations
  • Internet Penetration: ~80%
  • Mobile & Telecom: Hrvatski Telekom, A1, Tele2
  • Media: Active press, TV, and online news sources; Croatian Radio and Television (HRT)
  • Airports: Franjo Tuđman Airport (Zagreb), Split Airport, Dubrovnik Airport
  • Roads: Extensive highway system, scenic routes such as the Adriatic Highway
  • Rail: Extensive rail links, with scenic routes along the coast
  • Seaports: Split, Rijeka, Zadar, Dubrovnik – key ports for tourism and transport
  • Emergency Numbers: 112 (General), 192 (Police), 193 (Fire)
  • Tourist Areas: Safe, but take normal precautions
  • Military: Modern and professional; participates in NATO and peacekeeping missions
  • Type: Parliamentary Republic
  • President: Head of State
  • Prime Minister: Head of Government
  • Parliament: Croatian Parliament (Sabor)
  • GDP (2025 est.): ~$70 billion
  • Key Sectors: Tourism, agriculture, shipbuilding, manufacturing
  • Exports: Ships, pharmaceuticals, food products, electrical machinery
  • EU Membership: Since 2013
  • United States – Zagreb
  • Germany – Zagreb
  • France – Zagreb
  • Turkey – Zagreb
  • Japan – Zagreb
  • Italy – Zagreb
  • China – Zagreb
  • United Kingdom – Zagreb
  • Russia – Zagreb
  • Austria – Zagreb
  1. Zagreb – Capital city with a vibrant art scene and historic architecture
  2. Dubrovnik – UNESCO-listed Old Town and stunning sea views
  3. Split – Ancient Roman ruins and lively Dalmatian culture
  4. Rijeka – Port city with a cosmopolitan feel and cultural richness
  5. Zadar – Roman and Venetian architecture with the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation

Croatia’s flag consists of red, white, and blue stripes with a central coat of arms featuring a checkered pattern.

  • National Day: June 25, marking the Declaration of Independence

Flag of Croatia-Republic of Croatia

Be in Croatia. Be in the Balkans – where every mile gives you a smile.