HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Croatia

2026-09-26T11:18:52Z

Creating Draft:Croatia

New page

{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Croatia
| native_name = Republika Hrvatska
| common_name = Croatia
| image_flag = Flag of Croatia.svg
| image_coat = Coat of arms of Croatia.svg
| symbol_type = Coat of arms
| national_anthem = ''Lijepa naša domovino'' ("Our Beautiful Homeland")
| image_map = Croatia Location map UN.svg
| map_caption = Location of Croatia in Europe
| capital = [[Zagreb]]
| largest_city = [[Zagreb]]
| official_languages = [[Croatian language|Croatian]]
| demonym = Croatian
| government_type = Unitary parliamentary republic
| leader_title1 = [[President of Croatia|President]]
| leader_name1 = [[Zoran Milanović]]
| leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Croatia|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Andrej Plenković]]
| legislature = [[Croatian Parliament|Sabor]]
| sovereignty_type = Independence
| sovereignty_note = from [[Yugoslavia]]
| established_event1 = Independence declared
| established_date1 = 25 June 1991
| established_event2 = Decision on independence took effect
| established_date2 = 8 October 1991
| established_event3 = Admitted to the [[United Nations]]
| established_date3 = 22 May 1992
| area_km2 = 56,594
| population_estimate = 3,874,993
| population_estimate_year = 2025
| currency = [[Euro]]
| currency_code = EUR
| time_zone = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset = +1
| time_zone_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset_DST = +2
| drives_on = right
| calling_code = +385
| cctld = .hr
| official_website = https://gov.hr/
}}

'''Croatia''', officially the '''Republic of Croatia''' (Croatian: ''Republika Hrvatska''), is a country in [[Europe]] situated at the meeting point of Central Europe, Southeast Europe and the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. It has a long coastline on the [[Adriatic Sea]] and shares land borders with [[Slovenia]], [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], and [[Montenegro]]. Its capital and largest city is [[Zagreb]]. Croatia covers 56,594 square kilometres and had an estimated population of 3,874,993 in mid-2025.<ref>[https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/croatia_en Croatia – EU country]. European Union. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref><ref>[https://podaci.dzs.hr/2026/en/121478 Population Estimate of the Republic of Croatia, 2025]. Croatian Bureau of Statistics. 4 September 2026. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Croatia is a [[parliamentary republic]]. The president serves as head of state, while the prime minister heads the government. Legislative authority is exercised by the unicameral [[Croatian Parliament]], traditionally known as the ''Sabor''.<ref>[https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/croatia_en Croatia – EU country]. European Union. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> As of 2026, [[Zoran Milanović]] is president and [[Andrej Plenković]] is prime minister.<ref>[https://www.predsjednik.hr/en/news/president-milanovic-takes-oath-of-office-for-his-second-five-year-term-as-president-of-the-republic-of-croatia/ President Milanović Takes Oath of Office for his Second Five-Year Term]. Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia. 18 February 2025. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref><ref>[https://vlada.gov.hr/en Government of the Republic of Croatia]. Government of Croatia. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Modern Croatia became independent during the breakup of [[Yugoslavia]] in 1991. Its independence was followed by the Croatian War of Independence, which lasted through much of the first half of the 1990s. Croatia was admitted to the [[United Nations]] on 22 May 1992.<ref>[https://www.un.org/en/node/123222 Yugoslavia and Successor States]. United Nations. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> It later joined [[NATO]] in 2009 and the [[European Union]] on 1 July 2013.<ref>[https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-member-countries NATO member countries]. NATO. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref><ref>[https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/croatia_en Croatia – EU country]. European Union. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> On 1 January 2023, Croatia joined both the [[eurozone]] and the [[Schengen Area]], replacing the Croatian kuna with the [[euro]].<ref>[https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/euro/eu-countries-and-euro/croatia-and-euro_en Croatia and the euro]. European Commission. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== Name ==

The country's name in Croatian is ''Hrvatska'', while its official form is ''Republika Hrvatska''. The English name "Croatia" developed from historical Latin and other European forms of the Croatian name.

Croatian is the official language of the republic and the Latin alphabet is its official script. Croatia's constitution also allows other languages and scripts to receive official use in individual local administrative units under conditions established by law.<ref>[https://www.sabor.hr/en/information-access/important-legislation/constitution-republic-croatia-consolidated-text The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, consolidated text]. Croatian Parliament. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== Geography ==

Croatia has a distinctive crescent-like shape extending from the Pannonian plains in the northeast to the mountainous interior and the Adriatic coast in the west and south. Its total land area is 56,594 square kilometres.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/geography-and-population Geography and population]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Three broad physical regions are usually distinguished: the lowland Pannonian region, the mountainous Dinaric region, and the coastal Adriatic region. Plains dominate much of eastern Croatia, particularly [[Slavonia]], where the [[Danube]], [[Drava]] and [[Sava]] river systems are important geographical features. Central Croatia includes mountainous areas such as Lika and Gorski Kotar, while the Adriatic region contains an extensive and deeply indented coastline.<ref>[https://croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/geography-and-population/relief Relief]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The [[Dinaric Alps]] influence much of the country's central and southern terrain. Croatia's highest mountain is [[Dinara]], whose highest Croatian summit reaches 1,831 metres above sea level.<ref>[https://croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/geography-and-population/relief Relief]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Coast and islands ===

Croatia's Adriatic coast is one of the country's defining geographical features. It contains more than a thousand islands, islets and reefs, although only a relatively small proportion are permanently inhabited.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/geography-and-population Geography and population]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> Major islands include [[Krk]], [[Cres]], [[Brač]], [[Hvar]], [[Pag]], [[Korčula]] and [[Mljet]].

Important coastal cities include [[Split]], [[Rijeka]], [[Zadar]], [[Pula]], [[Šibenik]] and [[Dubrovnik]]. The coastal regions of [[Istria]] and [[Dalmatia]] are especially important for tourism, shipping, fishing and Mediterranean cultural traditions.

=== Climate ===

Croatia experiences several climatic zones because of its varied terrain. The Adriatic coast generally has a Mediterranean climate, with warm or hot summers and comparatively mild winters. Much of the continental interior has a more continental climate, with colder winters and greater seasonal temperature differences. Mountainous areas are cooler and receive substantial precipitation.<ref>[https://investcroatia.gov.hr/en/about-croatia/ About Croatia]. Invest Croatia, Government of the Republic of Croatia. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Environment and protected areas ===

Croatia contains extensive forests, wetlands, karst landscapes, mountain ecosystems and coastal habitats. [[Plitvice Lakes National Park]] is internationally known for its connected lakes, waterfalls and forested karst landscape. It was inscribed on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] in 1979.<ref>[https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/hr Croatia – World Heritage Convention]. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Other national parks include [[Krka National Park]], [[Paklenica National Park]], [[Kornati National Park]], [[Mljet National Park]], [[Brijuni National Park]], [[Risnjak National Park]] and [[Northern Velebit National Park]].

== History ==

=== Early history ===

The territory of present-day Croatia has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological sites document numerous prehistoric cultures and later Greek and Roman settlement. During the period of the [[Roman Empire]], much of the modern country was divided principally between the Roman provinces of [[Dalmatia]] and [[Pannonia]]. Roman remains survive in several Croatian cities, including the extensive palace complex built for Emperor [[Diocletian]] at modern [[Split]].<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/culture Culture]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Following the decline of Roman authority, the region experienced political and demographic change during the early medieval period.

=== Medieval Croatia ===

Croatian principalities emerged during the early Middle Ages. A medieval Croatian kingdom developed in the 10th century, with [[Tomislav of Croatia|Tomislav]] traditionally recognized as its first king in 925.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/history History]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

After a succession crisis around the end of the 11th century, Croatia entered a political union with the Kingdom of Hungary. Croatian institutions, including the office of the ''ban'' and the [[Sabor]], continued to play roles in the governance of Croatian lands.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/history History]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The Adriatic coast was influenced at different times by Venice, Hungary and local political centres. The [[Republic of Ragusa]], centred on Dubrovnik, developed into an important maritime and commercial republic and remained independent for centuries before its abolition during the Napoleonic era.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/history History]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Habsburg period ===

Ottoman expansion placed Croatian territories under increasing military pressure during the late medieval and early modern periods. In 1527, Croatian nobles chose Ferdinand of Habsburg as their ruler, linking much of Croatia with the [[Habsburg monarchy]].<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/history History]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

For centuries, different Croatian regions were governed under varying Habsburg, Hungarian, Venetian and military administrative systems. The long frontier with the [[Ottoman Empire]] shaped settlement, warfare and political life. In the 19th century, the Croatian national revival promoted the Croatian language and stronger cultural and political identity.

Following the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 and the Croatian-Hungarian Settlement of 1868, Croatia-Slavonia had a degree of autonomy within the Hungarian half of [[Austria-Hungary]], while Dalmatia was administered in the Austrian half of the monarchy.

=== Yugoslav period ===

Austria-Hungary collapsed at the end of [[World War I]]. In 1918, Croatian lands became part of the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which was renamed the [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]] in 1929.<ref>[https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005456 Yugoslavia]. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Holocaust Encyclopedia. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

During [[World War II]], Axis forces invaded Yugoslavia in 1941. The fascist and Axis-aligned [[Independent State of Croatia]] was established over much of present-day Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its Ustaša regime carried out mass persecution and killings of Serbs, Jews, Roma and political opponents. At the same time, the communist-led Yugoslav Partisans conducted armed resistance against Axis occupation and allied forces.

After the war, Croatia became one of the constituent republics of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The socialist Yugoslav state was led for much of the post-war period by [[Josip Broz Tito]]. Political and economic tensions intensified after Tito's death in 1980 and during the broader collapse of communist systems in Europe.

=== Independence and war ===

Multiparty elections were held in Croatia in 1990. As the Yugoslav federation entered a deep political crisis, the Croatian Parliament adopted a decision on sovereignty and independence on 25 June 1991. Following a temporary suspension associated with the Brioni process, Croatia's decision to sever its remaining state and legal ties with Yugoslavia took effect on 8 October 1991.<ref>[https://treaties.un.org/pages/HistoricalInfo.aspx Historical information – Croatia]. United Nations Treaty Collection. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The process was accompanied by armed conflict between Croatian forces, local Serb forces and the Yugoslav People's Army. The Croatian War of Independence continued until 1995, although the peaceful reintegration of the eastern Danube region was completed later under a United Nations transitional administration. The war caused extensive casualties, population displacement and destruction, particularly in areas including [[Vukovar]] and [[Dubrovnik]].

Croatia was admitted to the United Nations on 22 May 1992.<ref>[https://www.un.org/about-us/member-states Member States]. United Nations. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== European integration ===

After the war, Croatia increasingly pursued membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions. It became a full member of NATO on 1 April 2009.<ref>[https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/nato_countries.htm NATO member countries]. NATO. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013 following an extended accession process.<ref>[https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/croatia_en Croatia – EU country]. European Union. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> On 1 January 2023, it simultaneously entered the Schengen Area and adopted the euro as its currency. The permanent conversion rate was set at 7.53450 Croatian kuna for one euro.<ref>[https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/euro/eu-countries-and-euro/croatia-and-euro_en Croatia and the euro]. European Commission. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== Government and politics ==

Croatia is a parliamentary republic operating under the [[Constitution of Croatia]]. The constitutional system is based on the separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers.<ref>[https://www.sabor.hr/en/information-access/important-legislation/constitution-republic-croatia-consolidated-text The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia]. Croatian Parliament. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The [[President of Croatia|president]] is the head of state and is directly elected. The president has constitutional responsibilities in areas including state representation, defence and foreign affairs. Zoran Milanović began his second five-year presidential term in February 2025.<ref>[https://www.predsjednik.hr/en/news/president-milanovic-takes-oath-of-office-for-his-second-five-year-term-as-president-of-the-republic-of-croatia/ President Milanović Takes Oath of Office for his Second Five-Year Term]. Office of the President. 18 February 2025. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The [[Prime Minister of Croatia|prime minister]] heads the government and exercises executive authority together with the cabinet. As of September 2026, the prime minister is Andrej Plenković.<ref>[https://vlada.gov.hr/en Government of the Republic of Croatia]. Government of Croatia. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The Croatian Parliament, or ''Sabor'', is the country's unicameral legislature. Members are elected for four-year terms.<ref>[https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/croatia_en Croatia – EU country]. European Union. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Administrative divisions ===

Croatia is divided into 20 counties, while the City of Zagreb has a special status with county-level powers.<ref>[https://investcroatia.gov.hr/en/about-croatia/ About Croatia]. Invest Croatia, Government of the Republic of Croatia. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> Counties are further divided into cities and municipalities.

== Foreign relations and defence ==

Croatia is a member of the [[United Nations]], [[European Union]], [[NATO]], [[Council of Europe]], [[World Trade Organization]] and numerous other international organizations.

It became a NATO member in 2009 and an EU member in 2013.<ref>[https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-member-countries NATO member countries]. NATO. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref><ref>[https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/croatia_en Croatia – EU country]. European Union. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> Croatia's armed forces consist of land, naval and air components, and the president serves as commander-in-chief under the constitution.

== Economy ==

Croatia has a developed market economy integrated into the European Union's single market. Major areas of economic activity include services, manufacturing, construction, trade, transport, energy, agriculture and tourism.

According to the [[World Bank]], Croatia's gross domestic product at current prices was about US$105.06 billion in 2025, with GDP per capita of about US$27,104. Real GDP grew by approximately 3.4% that year.<ref>[https://data.worldbank.org/country/croatia Croatia – Data]. World Bank. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The euro became Croatia's official currency on 1 January 2023, replacing the kuna.<ref>[https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/changeover/croatia/html/index.en.html Croatia and the euro]. European Central Bank. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Tourism ===

Tourism is particularly important in coastal Croatia and on the Adriatic islands. Dubrovnik, Split, Rovinj, Poreč, Zadar, Hvar and the Plitvice Lakes are among internationally recognized destinations.

Croatian tourism has a strong seasonal pattern. Eurostat reported that 54.5% of all tourist-accommodation overnight stays in Croatia during 2025 occurred in July and August, the highest seasonal concentration among European Union members that year.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260707-1 Summer peak: 31% of tourism nights in August and July]. Eurostat. 7 July 2026. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> Foreign visitors also account for a large majority of tourist nights in the country.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20250925-1 EU tourism nights up by 2.3% in first half of 2025]. Eurostat. 25 September 2025. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== Transport ==

Croatia has a developed motorway network connecting Zagreb with other major cities and the Adriatic coast. Important road routes connect the country with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

The principal commercial seaports include [[Port of Rijeka|Rijeka]], Split and Ploče. Major international airports serve Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Pula, Rijeka and Osijek.

The country's position between Central Europe and the Adriatic gives its roads, railways and ports regional importance for passenger and freight transport.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/geography-and-population Geography and population]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== Demographics ==

The Croatian Bureau of Statistics estimated Croatia's population at 3,874,993 in mid-2025, an increase of 8,760 people, or 0.2%, compared with the previous year's estimate.<ref>[https://podaci.dzs.hr/2026/en/121478 Population Estimate of the Republic of Croatia, 2025]. Croatian Bureau of Statistics. 4 September 2026. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The population is concentrated in Zagreb and other urban areas, including Split, Rijeka and Osijek, as well as along parts of the Adriatic coast. Like many European countries, Croatia has experienced demographic ageing, low natural population growth and substantial migration over recent decades.

Croats form the large majority of the population, while constitutionally recognized national minorities include Serbs and a number of other communities. Detailed information on ethnicity, mother tongue and religion is collected by the Croatian census.<ref>[https://podaci.dzs.hr/en/statistics/population/census/ Census]. Croatian Bureau of Statistics. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Language ===

[[Croatian language|Croatian]] is a South Slavic language and the official language of Croatia. Standard Croatian is written in the Latin alphabet. Three major historical dialect groups are known as Štokavian, Kajkavian and Čakavian.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/culture/language Language]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

The Constitution specifies Croatian and the Latin script for official use nationally while permitting additional languages and scripts to be used officially in particular local units under conditions defined by law.<ref>[https://www.sabor.hr/en/information-access/important-legislation/constitution-republic-croatia-consolidated-text The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia]. Croatian Parliament. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Religion ===

Christianity, especially [[Roman Catholicism]], has historically played an important role in Croatian society and cultural history. The country also includes Orthodox Christian, Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, non-religious and other communities. The Croatian Bureau of Statistics records religious affiliation through the national census.<ref>[https://podaci.dzs.hr/en/statistics/population/census/ Census]. Croatian Bureau of Statistics. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== Culture ==

Croatian culture reflects Central European, Mediterranean, Adriatic and Southeast European influences. Regional traditions differ substantially between the Pannonian north and east, the mountainous interior, Istria and the Dalmatian coast.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/society-and-way-of-life/traditional-culture Traditional culture]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Croatian cultural history includes Roman architecture, medieval religious art, Renaissance and Baroque traditions, the Glagolitic writing tradition, modern literature, classical music, folk music and contemporary visual arts.

Notable figures in Croatian cultural history include Renaissance writer [[Marko Marulić]], writer [[Ivan Gundulić]], sculptor [[Ivan Meštrović]], novelist and playwright [[Miroslav Krleža]], and children's author [[Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić]].<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/culture Culture]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== World Heritage ===

As of 2026, Croatia has ten properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Eight are classified as cultural sites and two as natural sites.<ref>[https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/hr Croatia]. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

They include:
* [[Old City of Dubrovnik]]
* Historical Complex of [[Split]] with the Palace of Diocletian
* [[Plitvice Lakes National Park]]
* Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of [[Poreč]]
* Historic City of [[Trogir]]
* Cathedral of St James in [[Šibenik]]
* Stari Grad Plain
* Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
* Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries
* Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

Several of these are multinational World Heritage properties shared with other countries.<ref>[https://www.unesco.org/en/world-heritage/list?fq%5Bsm_unsc_field_ref_countries_label%5D%5B0%5D=Croatia&sort=sort_date_asc World Heritage List – Croatia]. UNESCO. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Literature ===

Croatian literary traditions developed in Latin, Old Church Slavonic and vernacular Croatian and historically used Latin, Glagolitic and Cyrillic scripts. The first printed Croatian book, the ''Missale Romanum Glagolitice'', appeared in 1483.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/culture/language Language]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

Marko Marulić is commonly regarded as a foundational figure of Croatian literature. Later major literary figures included Ivan Gundulić, August Šenoa, Antun Gustav Matoš, Tin Ujević and Miroslav Krleža.<ref>[https://croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/culture/literature Literature]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Cuisine ===

Croatian cuisine varies greatly by region. Coastal cooking is strongly Mediterranean and uses fish, shellfish, olive oil, vegetables and herbs. Istria is known for truffles, olive oil and wine, while Dalmatian cuisine includes grilled seafood, stews and cured meats.

Continental and eastern cuisine reflects Central European and Pannonian traditions. Slavonian food often features pork, paprika, sausages and dishes such as ''kulen'' and ''čobanac''. Northern Croatian specialties include ''štrukli'', while regional cakes, breads and pastries are widespread.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/society-and-way-of-life/gastronomy Gastronomy]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

=== Sport ===

Football is among the country's most popular sports. Croatia's national football team has achieved significant results in major international competitions, including reaching the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Other popular sports include handball, basketball, water polo, tennis, skiing, rowing and athletics. Internationally recognized Croatian athletes have included footballer [[Luka Modrić]], basketball player [[Dražen Petrović]], tennis player [[Goran Ivanišević]], and skiers [[Janica Kostelić]] and [[Ivica Kostelić]].<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/society-and-way-of-life Society and way of life]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== Education and science ==

Croatia's education system includes primary, secondary and higher education institutions. The [[University of Zagreb]], founded in the 17th century, is the country's largest university and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in Southeast and Central Europe.

Croatian scientists and inventors associated with the country's intellectual history include physicist and polymath [[Ruđer Bošković]]. [[Nikola Tesla]], born in Smiljan in present-day Croatia in 1856, became internationally known for his work in electrical engineering and alternating-current power systems.

== Media ==

Croatia has public and commercial television and radio services, newspapers, online publications and regional media outlets. Croatian Radiotelevision, commonly known as HRT, operates national television and radio services.

Freedom of expression and freedom of the press are constitutionally protected, subject to laws governing matters such as privacy, defamation and national security.

== International heritage and identity ==

Croatia combines a Central European continental identity with a strong Mediterranean and Adriatic tradition. Its historic cities, islands, national parks and architectural monuments form an important part of its international image.

UNESCO records ten World Heritage properties in Croatia and numerous forms of Croatian living heritage within its cultural heritage programmes.<ref>[https://www.unesco.org/en/countries/hr Croatia]. UNESCO. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref> Recognized traditions include klapa multipart singing, lacemaking, the Sinjska Alka tournament, Mediterranean dietary traditions, dry-stone wall construction and various regional processions and musical practices.<ref>[https://www.croatia.eu/index.php/en/home-en/society-and-way-of-life/traditional-culture Traditional culture]. Croatia.eu. Accessed 26 September 2026.</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Zagreb]]
* [[Adriatic Sea]]
* [[Balkans]]
* [[European Union]]
* [[Yugoslavia]]
* [[Dalmatia]]
* [[Dubrovnik]]
* [[Plitvice Lakes National Park]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://gov.hr/ Government of the Republic of Croatia]
* [https://www.predsjednik.hr/en/ Office of the President of Croatia]
* [https://www.sabor.hr/en Croatian Parliament]
* [https://podaci.dzs.hr/en/ Croatian Bureau of Statistics]
* [https://croatia.eu/ Croatia.eu – Land and People]
* [https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/croatia_en Croatia at the European Union]
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/hr Croatia at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre]

[[Category:Croatia]]
[[Category:Countries in Europe]]
[[Category:Countries of Southeast Europe]]
[[Category:Countries of Central Europe]]
[[Category:Member states of the European Union]]
[[Category:Member states of NATO]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Republics]]
[[Category:Adriatic countries]]

Draft:Croatia - Revision history

HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Croatia