[292][295], Croatian music varies from classical operas to modern day rock. It was the first European country to develop commercial naturist resorts. [236][237], According to the 2013 United Nations report, 17.6% of Croatia's population were immigrants. Indigenous breeds include nine that are endangered or critically endangered. [222] The natural gas transportation system comprises 2,113 kilometres (1,313 miles) of trunk and regional pipelines, and more than 300 associated structures, connecting production rigs, the Okoli natural gas storage facility, 27 end-users and 37 distribution systems. [40] The medieval Croatian kingdom reached its peak in the 11th century during the reigns of Petar Kreimir IV (10581074) and Dmitar Zvonimir (10751089). [283][284], In 2019, Croatia had 95 professional theatres, 30 professional children's theatres, and 51 amateur theatres visited by more than 2.27million viewers per year. [287], Architecture in Croatia reflects influences of bordering nations. It borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast, and shares a maritime border with Italy to the west and southwest. [315][316] Croatian cinema produces between five and ten feature films per year. The territory covers 56,594 square kilometres (21,851 square miles), consisting of 56,414 square kilometres (21,782 square miles) of land and 128 square kilometres (49 square miles) of water. [216][bettersourceneeded] As of January2011[update], Croatia complies with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards and the Federal Aviation Administration upgraded it to Category 1 rating. The unemployment rate between 1996 and 2018 averaged 17.38%, reaching an all-time high of 23.60% in January 2002 and a record low of 8.40% in September 2018. [192], The total fertility rate of 1.41 children per mother, is one of the lowest in the world, far below the replacement rate of 2.1, it remains considerably below the high of 6.18 children rate in 1885. [265] There are also 15 polytechnics, of which two are private, and 30 higher education institutions, of which 27 are private. [44] An increasing threat of Ottoman conquest and a struggle against the Republic of Venice for control of coastal areas ensued. [116][117][118], After the end of the war, Croatia faced the challenges of post-war reconstruction, the return of refugees, establishing democracy, protecting human rights, and general social and economic development. The Danube, Europe's second longest river, runs through the city of Vukovar in the extreme east and forms part of the border with Vojvodina. [45] The present-day border between the two countries is a remnant of this outcome. [322] The annual consumption of beer in 2020 was 78.7 litres per capita which placed Croatia in 15th place among the world's countries. The military territories became known as the Croatian Military Frontier and were under direct Habsburg control. Further activities supporting the development of culture are undertaken at the local government level. [301] The state-owned news agency HINA runs a wire service in Croatian and English on politics, economics, society, and culture. As of 2021, Croatia had unsolved border issues with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia. [217], The busiest cargo seaport is the Port of Rijeka. There are international airports in Dubrovnik, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Split, Zadar, and Zagreb. [192] Shipbuilding, food processing, pharmaceuticals, information technology, biochemical, and timber industry dominate the industrial sector. [153], A unicameral parliament (Sabor) holds legislative power. It shares a coastline along the Adriatic Sea. Literacy in Croatia stands at 99.2 per cent. The continental in the northeast of the country, especially Slavonia, produces premium wines, particularly whites. [150] More than a thousand species are endemic, especially in Velebit and Biokovo mountains, Adriatic islands and karst rivers. [197] Its positive effects are felt throughout the economy, increasing retail business, and increasing seasonal employment. [62], In April 1941, Yugoslavia was occupied by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The sunniest parts are the outer islands, Hvar and Korula, where more than 2700 hours of sunshine are recorded per year, followed by the middle and southern Adriatic Sea area in general, and northern Adriatic coast, all with more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year. Croatia's largest trading partner was the rest of the European Union, led by Germany, Italy, and Slovenia. Austrian and Hungarian influence is visible in public spaces and buildings in the north and the central regions, architecture found along coasts of Dalmatia and Istria exhibits Venetian influence. [233] During the war's final days, about 150200,000 Serbs fled before the arrival of Croatian forces during Operation Storm. [43][45], Following the decisive Ottoman victories, Croatia was split into civilian and military territories in 1538. Ban Josip Jelai helped defeat the Hungarians in 1849 and ushered in a Germanisation policy. The construction of 2.4-kilometre-long Peljeac Bridge, the biggest infrastructure project in Croatia connects the two halves of Dubrovnik-Neretva County and shortens the route from the West to the Peljeac peninsula and the islands of Korula and Lastovo by more than 32km.

[175] As of 2019[update], 323 troops served the NATO-led ISAF force in Afghanistan. [165] Stated aims of Croatian foreign policy include enhancing relations with neighbouring countries, developing international co-operation and promotion of the Croatian economy and Croatia itself.[166]. [224], With an estimated population of 4.13million in 2019, Croatia ranks 127th by population in the world. [292][293], Besides the architecture encompassing the oldest artworks, there is a history of artists in Croatia reaching the Middle Ages. [137], In 19 October 2016, Andrej Plenkovi began serving as Croatian Prime Minister. It comprises three compulsory subjects (Croatian language, mathematics, and a foreign language) and optional subjects and is a prerequisite for university education. [clarification needed], The post-2000 period is characterised by democratisation, economic growth, structural and social reforms, as well as problems such as unemployment, corruption, and the inefficiency of the public administration. In 1527, faced with Ottoman conquest, the Croatian Parliament elected Ferdinand I of Austria to the Croatian throne. The least precipitation is recorded in the outer islands (Bievo, Lastovo, Svetac, Vis) and the eastern parts of Slavonia. Croatia hosted several major sports competitions, including the 2009 World Men's Handball Championship, the 2007 World Table Tennis Championships, the 2000 World Rowing Championships, the 1987 Summer Universiade, the 1979 Mediterranean Games, and several European Championships. Ottoman conquests led to the 1493 Battle of Krbava field and the 1526 Battle of Mohcs, both ending in decisive Ottoman victories. The busiest passenger ports are Split and Zadar. Legislation protects 1,131 species. [105] Croatian Serbs in Eastern and Western Slavonia and parts of the Krajina, were forced to flee or were expelled by Croatian forces, though on a restricted scale and in lesser numbers. [196], Tourism dominates the Croatian service sector and accounts for up to 20% of GDP. [143], Most of Croatia has a moderately warm and rainy continental climate as defined by the Kppen climate classification. [95] Some of the Serbs in Croatia left Sabor and declared the autonomy of the unrecognised Republic of Serbian Krajina, intent on achieving independence from Croatia. [29][30][31] However, that claim is disputed, and competing hypotheses date the event between the late 6th-early 7th (mainstream) or the late 8th-early 9th (fringe) centuries,[32][33] but recent archaeological data established that the migration and settlement of the Slavs/Croats have been in late 6th and early 7th century. [115] Most sources number the war deaths at around 20,000. [150], The Republic of Croatia is a unitary, constitutional state using a parliamentary system. Administrative, Commercial, County, Misdemeanor, and Municipal courts handle cases in their respective domains. [188] Real GDP growth in 2018 was 2,6 per cent. Austrian, Hungarian, and Turkish culinary styles influenced continental cuisine. [328], Republics and autonomous provinces of the, Personal union with Hungary (1102) and Habsburg Monarchy (1527). The 19th and the 20th centuries brought about affirmation of numerous Croatian artisans, helped by several patrons of the arts such as bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer. [76] The movement grew fast, and at the Tehran Conference in December 1943, the Partisans gained recognition from the Allies. [304] The HRT is also broadcasting a satellite TV channel. [176][177], Croatia has a military-industrial sector that exported around 493million kunas (65,176million) worth of military equipment in 2020. By the 9th century, they had organized the territory into two duchies. [274] Dalmatia, the southern part of the border, was similarly defined by the Fifth and the Seventh OttomanVenetian Wars.[46]. Croatia is a member of the European Union. Besides Maruli, Renaissance playwright Marin Dri, Baroque poet Ivan Gunduli, Croatian national revival poet Ivan Maurani, novelist, playwright, and poet August enoa, children's writer Ivana Brli-Maurani, writer and journalist Marija Juri Zagorka, poet and writer Antun Gustav Mato, poet Antun Branko imi, expressionist and realist writer Miroslav Krlea, poet Tin Ujevi and novelist, and short story writer Ivo Andri are often cited as the greatest figures in Croatian literature. [220] The largest river port is Vukovar, located on the Danube, representing the nation's outlet to the Pan-European transport corridor VII. The Croatian Armed Forces (CAF) consist of the Air Force, Army, and Navy branches in addition to the Education and Training Command and Support Command. [147][148] Croatia has four types of biogeographical regionsthe Mediterranean along the coast and in its immediate hinterland, Alpine in most of Lika and Gorski Kotar, Pannonian along Drava and Danube, and Continental in the remaining areas. The CAF is headed by the General Staff, which reports to the Defence Minister, who in turn reports to the President. [22], Much later, the region was settled by Illyrians and Liburnians, while the first Greek colonies were established on the islands of Hvar,[23] Korula, and Vis. [11] The origin is uncertain, but most probably is from Proto-Ossetian / Alanian *xurvt- or *xurvt-, in the meaning of "one who guards" ("guardian, protector"). [327] Also, Croatian athletes won 16 gold medals at world championships, including four in athletics at the World Championships in Athletics. Following the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in April 1941, most of Croatia was incorporated into a Nazi-installed puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia. 50% is owned by Hrvatska elektroprivreda, providing 15% of Croatia's electricity. [186] International Monetary Fund data projected that Croatian nominal GDP reached $60,688billion, or $14,816 per capita for 2018 while purchasing power parity GDP was $107.406billion, or $26,221 per capita. The maximum precipitation levels are observed on the Dinara mountain range and in Gorski Kotar. [141] Elevation ranges from the mountains of the Dinaric Alps with the highest point of the Dinara peak at 1,831 metres (6,007 feet) near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the south[141] to the shore of the Adriatic Sea which makes up its entire southwest border. The hospitals and clinics care for more than 700thousand patients per year and employ 6,642 medical doctors, including 4,773 specialists. The country is also rich with intangible culture and holds 15 of UNESCO's World's intangible culture masterpieces, ranking fourth in the world. [144], Prevailing winds in the interior are light to moderate northeast or southwest, and in the coastal area, prevailing winds are determined by local features. According to the constitution, the President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. [50] The Illyrian provinces were captured by the Austrians in 1813 and absorbed by the Austrian Empire following the Congress of Vienna in 1815. [318] Animafest Zagreb, founded in 1972, is the prestigious annual film festival dedicated to the animated film. [15], Tomislav was the first king of Croatia, noted as such in a letter of Pope John X in 925. Croatia was first internationally recognized as independent on 7 June 879 during the reign of Duke Branimir. [230] In accordance with its immigration policy, Croatia is trying to entice emigrants to return. Croatian athletes competing at international events since Croatian independence in 1991 won 44 Olympic medals, including 15 gold medals. [108][109] The war effectively ended in August 1995 with a decisive victory by Croatia;[110] the event is commemorated each year on 5 August as Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders. [190] As of July2019[update], the unemployment rate dropped to 7.2% from 9.6% in December 2018. podnositeljica: Vlada Republike Hrvatske", "Izvjee obavijeno tajnom: Prola je godina za hrvatsku vojnu industriju bila najloija u proteklih pet, pa i vie", "Hrvatski izvoz oruja i opreme lani narastao na 650 milijuna kuna", "O nekim pitanjima drutvenog ureenja Hrvatske u srednjem vijeku", "Zakon o podrujima upanija, gradova i opina u Republici Hrvatskoj", "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2018", "Republic of Croatia Croatian Bureau of Statistics", "Europe:: Croatia The World Factbook Central Intelligence Agency", "ROBNA RAZMJENA REPUBLIKE HRVATSKE S INOZEMSTVOM U 2018.KONANI PODACI/FOREIGN TRADE IN GOODS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA, 2018 FINAL DATA", "Corruption Perceptions Index 2018 Executive Summary p. 12", "Novac Javni dug dosegnuo rekord: njegov udjel u BDP-u narastao na 85,3 posto", "Hrvatsku posjetilo 6,8 milijuna gostiju, otkrivamo kolika e biti zarada od turizma", "Iako ini gotovo petinu BDP-a, i dalje niskoprofitabilna grana domae privrede", 2013 Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Croatia, "The integration of the Republic of Croatia into the Pan-European transport corridor network", "Odluka o izmjenama i dopunama odluke o razvrstavanju javnih cesta u autoceste", "Traffic counting on the roadways of Croatia in 2009 digest", Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (Croatia), "Rijeka luka jadranski "prolaz" prema Europi", "Croatia, Slovenia's nuclear plant safe: Croatian president", United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, "Total Fertility Rate around the world over the last two centuries", "Vlada usliila molbe: Poveane kvote dozvola za strane radnike", "Croatia's population has dropped 10% in a decade, reveals census", "Report of the Secretary-General Submitted Pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1009 (1995)", "Domovinski rat Hrvatska enciklopedija", "Savez udruga Hrvata iz BiH izabrao novo elnitvo", "International Migration and Development", "U Hrvatskoj je loe i preporuam svakom mladom ovjeku da ode u Njemaku", "Population in major towns and municipalities, 2018 census", "Population by Religion, by Towns/Municipalities, 2011 Census", "Special Eurobarometer 341, "Biotechnology", "Hrvatski postaje 24. slubeni jezik Europske unije", "Izvijee o provoenju ustavnog zakona o pravima nacionalnih manjina i utroku sredstava osiguranih u dravnom proraunu Republike Hrvatske za 2007. godinu za potrebe nacionalnih manjina", Institute of Croatian Language and Linguistics, "Znaenje narodnoga preporoda za hrvatski jezik", "Poloaj hrvatskoga jezika u svijetu danas", "Istraivanje: Tri posto visokoobrazovanih ne zna niti jedan strani jezik, Hrvati uglavnom znaju engleski", "Europeans and their languages European commission special barometer FEB2006", "Population aged 10 and over by sex and illiterates by age, 2011 census", 2017 Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Croatia, "Statistiki ljetopis Republike Hrvatske 2016 Statistical Yearbook of the Republic of Croatia", Ministry of Science, Education and Sports (Croatia), "Institut za razvoj obrazovanja Pregled institucija", "60. roendan Instituta Ruer Bokovi: Svijetu je dao ciklotron, spojeve i novi katalizator", "Socijalna politika u kontekstu korjenite drutvene transformacije postkomunistikih zemalja", "Ulaskom u EU Hrvatska e imati najveu potronju za zdravstvo", "Puni depovi: europski smo rekorderi potronje, imamo najskuplju vlast u cijeloj Europskoj uniji! Following their surrender, many were killed in the Yugoslav death march of Nazi collaborators. [281] The UNESCO's World Heritage List includes ten sites in Croatia. The oldest preserved examples of Croatian architecture are the 9th-century churches, with the largest and the most representative among them being Church of St. Donatus in Zadar. In that area, meats, freshwater fish, and vegetable dishes are predominant. Iva Majoli became the first Croatian female player to win the French Open when she won it in 1997. During the succession crisis after the Trpimirovi dynasty ended, Croatia entered a personal union with Hungary in 1102. [213] The most significant railways in Croatia are within the Pan-European transport corridors Vb and X connecting Rijeka to Budapest and Ljubljana to Belgrade, both via Zagreb. [41] When Stjepan II died in 1091, ending the Trpimirovi dynasty, Dmitar Zvonimir's brother-in-law Ladislaus I of Hungary claimed the Croatian crown. The latter encompasses the counties along the Adriatic coast. [218][219] Many minor ports serve ferries connecting numerous islands and coastal cities with ferry lines to several cities in Italy. [51] The 1830s and 1840s featured romantic nationalism that inspired the Croatian National Revival, a political and cultural campaign advocating the unity of South Slavs within the empire. [157], The main national courts are the Constitutional Court, which oversees violations of the Constitution, and the Supreme Court, which is the highest court of appeal. In 2020, Croatia ranked 41st in the world in life expectancy with 76.0 years for men and 82.0 years for women, and it had a low infant mortality rate of 3.4 per 1,000 live births. [271] The population is covered by a basic health insurance plan provided by statute and optional insurance. [187] According to Eurostat, Croatian GDP per capita in PPS stood at 65% of the EU average in 2019. Those include eight national parks, two strict reserves, and ten nature parks. [81][82], Based on the studies on wartime and post-war casualties by demographer Vladimir erjavi and statistician Bogoljub Koovi, a total of 295,000 people from the territory (not including territories ceded from Italy after the war) lost their lives, which amounted to 7.3% of the population,[83] among whom were 125137,000 Serbs, 118124,000 Croats, 1617,000 Jews, and 15,000 Roma. In 1991, in predominantly occupied areas, more than 400,000 Croats were either removed from their homes by Serb forces or fled the violence. Croatia provides social security, universal health care, and tuition-free primary and secondary education while supporting culture through public institutions and corporate investments in media and publishing. [20][21] Iron Age hosted the early Illyrian Hallstatt culture and the Celtic La Tne culture. The largest religion after Christianity is Islam (1.47%). By the 1890s, it had become one of the largest European health resorts. In 2005, the National Ecological Network was set up, as the first step in the preparation of the EU accession and joining of the Natura 2000 network. [259] Primary and secondary education are also available in languages of recognised minorities in Croatia, where classes are held in Czech, German, Hungarian, Italian, and Serbian languages.

[215] The largest and busiest is Franjo Tuman Airport in Zagreb. [249], According to the 2011 Census, 95.6% of citizens declared Croatian as their native language, 1.2% declared Serbian as their native language, while no other language reaches more than 0.5%. In the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index, published by Transparency International, the country ranked 60th. [192], According to 2017 data, 1.9% of the workforce were employed in agriculture, 27.3% by industry and 70.8% in services. Between 1797 and 1809, the First French Empire increasingly occupied the eastern Adriatic coastline and its hinterland, ending the Venetian and the Ragusan republics, establishing the Illyrian Provinces. In 2018, Croatian exports were valued at 108billion kunas (14.61billion) with 176billion kunas (23.82billion) worth of imports. [299] Croatia ranked 64th in the 2019 Press Freedom Index report compiled by Reporters Without Borders which noted that journalists who investigate corruption, organised crime or war crimes face challenges and that the Government was trying to influence the public broadcaster HRT's editorial policies. [192][227] Croatia's death rate has continuously exceeded its birth rate since 1991.

[275], There are hundreds of healthcare institutions in Croatia, including 75 hospitals, and 13 clinics with 23,049 beds. [206], The motorway network was largely built in the late 1990s and the 2000s (decade). [184] Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) division is performed in several tiers.