Everything you need to know about Croatia: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Croatia: Adriatic Country and Former Yugoslav Territory

Croatia, the beautiful Adriatic Sea country along the Mediterranean Sea become part of Yugoslavia Kingdom in 1918 and proclaimed independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 after a long and bloody feud between the pro-independence Croatians and the Serbs who were supported by Yugoslav forces. The war only ended with Dayton Agreement of 1995. Croatia or Hrvatska features number of prominent beaches along its 1185 islands. Dubrovnik in Croatia is a well-known stopover for any Mediterranean cruise during which the tourists can catch Croatia in its full glory.

Croatia Quick Facts:

· National Name: Republic of Croatia (Republika Hrvatska)
· Capital: Zagreb
· Total area: 56,594 sq km
· Population: 4.4 million
· Currency: Kuna
· Languages: Croatian
· Ethnicity/ Races: Croats (Majority). Other ethnic communities include Serbs, Muslims, Slovenes, Italians, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks and others.
· Religion: Catholic Christian (Major)
· GDP (Per Capita): $ 14,414 (2008 est.)
· Life Expectancy: Male: 71.5 Yrs, Female: 79 Yrs
· Literacy: 98.1 %

Croatia Weather and Geoghraphy:
Croatians enjoy great climatic diversity, which is attested from the fact that there is continental climate in the north, highland climate in central Croatia and Mediterranean climate along the Croatian coasts. The maximum temperature does not exceed 30°C during the summers.

Croatia is a European country situated between Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and borders the Adriatic Sea along its considerable coastline. Croatia features all types of landscapes from flat plains, low mountains, highlands and more than 11,00 islands. Croatia has bountiful natural reserves of Petroleum, Bauxite, Iron, Coal and natural Asphalt.

Economy of Croatia:
Croatians as part of Yugoslavia enjoyed relatively higher prosperity than the rest of their countrymen, however post independence the Croatian economy fell into a recession from which it emerged only in 2000. However its residual effects can be seen even today with unemployment hovering at a high mark of 18%. The country is awaiting accession to the EU in 2010 that is supposed to provide Croatia with a economic springboard to prosperity. Agriculture is widely practised in Croatia and its major agricultural products include wheat, corn, sugar beet, barley, sunflower, alfalfa, citrus, grapes, potatoes and soybean.

Croatia Culture and Tradition:
Croatian culture is truly rich and steeped in history with 14 world heritage sites in Croatia. The country features an interesting cultural amalgamation of ethnic Croats, Slavs, Avars and Muslims. Croatia also has its distinct musical tradition with three trademark Croatian music styles- Ganga, Klapa and Tamburica. Croatian cuisine is heterogeneous mix of many regions and Pork and Potato Stew is the staple food at every festivity and holiday. Croatia also has a proud wine lineage featuring more than 700 exotic flavours to revel in.

All Croatians enjoy sport and Croatian Football team has no mean exploits in the field. Croatians have also earned considerable laurels in the literature and arts fields with three proud Croatian Nobel laureates.

Croatia Tourist Attractions:
Croatia is a thriving architectural splendour with six world heritage sites to its credit. Visitors travelling to Croatia delight themselves in the Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica at Porec. Other historical cities include Trogir and Sibenik, the latter has the inspiring cathedral of St. Jacob that is also a world heritage structure. The Dubrovnik city is a must stopover for any Mediterranean cruise and no Croatian vacation can be complete without a visit to this marvellous port city.

Other Croatian Places to Visit include:

· Central Croatia
· Dalmatia
· Istria
· Kvarner
· Slavonia