Draft:Croatia

Croatia

Country

Native name

Republika Hrvatska

Capital

Zagreb

Largest city

Zagreb

Official languages

Croatian

Demonym

Croatian

Legislature

Sabor

Currency

Euro(EUR)

Calling code

+385

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.

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. As of 2026, Zoran Milanović is president and Andrej Plenković is prime minister.

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. It later joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union on 1 July 2013. On 1 January 2023, Croatia joined both the eurozone and the Schengen Area, replacing the Croatian kuna with the euro.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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 traditionally recognized as its first king in 925.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

European integration

After the war, Croatia increasingly pursued membership in Euro-Atlantic institutions. It became a full member of NATO on 1 April 2009.

Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013 following an extended accession process. 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.

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.

The 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.

The prime minister heads the government and exercises executive authority together with the cabinet. As of September 2026, the prime minister is Andrej Plenković.

The Croatian Parliament, or Sabor, is the country's unicameral legislature. Members are elected for four-year terms.

Administrative divisions

Croatia is divided into 20 counties, while the City of Zagreb has a special status with county-level powers. 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. 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.

The euro became Croatia's official currency on 1 January 2023, replacing the kuna.

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. Foreign visitors also account for a large majority of tourist nights in the country.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

See also

• Zagreb
• Adriatic Sea
• Balkans
• European Union
• Yugoslavia
• Dalmatia
• Dubrovnik
• Plitvice Lakes National Park

External links

• Government of the Republic of Croatia
• Office of the President of Croatia
• Croatian Parliament
• Croatian Bureau of Statistics
• Croatia.eu – Land and People
• Croatia at the European Union
• Croatia at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre