Country guide - Croatia  

 
 

Introduction: Before 1991 Croatia was part of Yugoslavia. There were then approx. 4 years of fighting with Serb armys until the remaining land was returned to Croatia. It is bound by Slovenia to the north west, Hungary to the north east, Serbia to the east, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro to the south east and the Adriatic Sea to the west and south west.

Official Name: Republic of Croatia
Area: 56,542 sq km (21,831 sq miles)
Population: 4,422,000
Continent: Europe
Density per square mile: 203
Capital City: Zagreb
Religions: 77% Roman Catholic, 11% Orthodox Christians,1% Muslims. Other religious minorities include Protestants, Greek or Uniate Catholics and a small number of Jews.

Language: Croatian is the official language. Serbo-Croatian is basically the same language with some minor differences reflecting religious and cultural characteristics between the Croats and Serbs.
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Member of EU: No

Currency: Kuna
GDP: $38.9 billion
GDP Per Head: $8,800

Natural Resources: Small deposits of coal & low grade iron ore, oil, bauxite, calcium, natural asphalt, silica, clays & salt.
Land Use: Arable Land 24%
Agriculture: Grains including barley, wheat & corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, olives, citrus fruits, grapes, soybeans, potatoes, livestock & dairy products.
Industry: Steel, cement, chemicals, fertilisers, textiles, paper & wood products.

Tourism: Before their troubles Croatia was attracting 10 million+ tourists a year to primarily the Adriatic Coastline. It has glorious beaches, lots of medieval charm and many Roman ruins. It is quickly becoming the tourist attraction it once was. Croatia still celebrates many festivals throughout the year mainly in the summer though. Some more remote areas must be visited with caution.

Natural Hazards: Occasional earthquakes
Health Risks: Tick-borne encephalitis.

Climate: Croatia has two distinct climatic regions with a Mediterranean climate along the Adriatic coast which is characterised by short mild winters and long warm summers while there is a continental climate on the Pannonian Plain which is characterised by extreme heat in summer and subzero temperatures in winter. Average annual rainfall is 34 inches while average temperature ranges in Split are from 8.5 degrees Celsius in January to 26 degrees Celsius in July.

Time: GMT/UTC +1 hour
National Days: June 25

Visas: British citizens visiting Croatia for periods of less than three months do not require a visa for tourist or business trips. However, a visa may be required for other types of visit or stay. Unless you are staying at a hotel or official tourist accommodation, all foreign citizens are required to register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival (in Zagreb you should register at the Police Station at Petrinjska 30. If outside Zagreb, you should register at the nearest main Police Station). Failure to do so may result in a fine or possible removal from Croatia.

British Embassy Details

 

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