Cultural and Historical Significance
Unique in so many ways, Croatia's roots stem from ancient times and its great cultural wealth tells of a turbulent history going back to the Roman era and continuing through the Renaissance, the baroque period and the Ottoman conquests right up to the present day, all of which is exceptionally appealing to all who visit the country. If we then add the rich cultural heritage, the amazing natural beauty which attracts visitors throughout the year, the 8 national parks, 12 nature reserves and the numerous UNESCO world heritage sites, Croatia truly becomes a country of incredible magnetic attraction.
Over 50 music and film festivals that inspire even the most hesitant, many of them at locations that date back to ancient times, when Roman soldiers and emperors were walking along these trails and routes and Ottoman pashas were conquering the territory, when the world's greatest writers were creating their masterpieces, and kings and dukes came to rest.
Croatia's attractions include beautiful beaches, one of the cleanest seas in the world, secluded bays, lakes and mystical mountain peaks, clean rivers and potable water, fantastic cuisine, prized wines and spirits, and a world-renowned cultural and natural heritage.
Croatia's fertile plains, where freshly picked fruits are grown which you can taste, the castles, museums and parks, river ports and family farms, wineries, freshly-baked bread whose aroma tempts one to try it over and over again, are all part of the unexplored hinterland of Croatia, a place of mystery and secrets, dream and reality, the Croatia of feelings and senses.
Yes, Croatia is all that and so much more. It is the home of the necktie, the parachute, the torpedo, the mechanical pencil, the filament light bulb, the world's fastest electric car and the second oldest film festival in the world, the Dalmatian dog, Marco Polo, one of the oldest cities and parliaments in Europe, the second longest stretch of defensive walls in Europe, the smallest cathedral, the oldest arboretum, and the birthplace of great athletes. It is a country of exceptional strategic significance, a criss-cross of roads that connect the East and West of Europe, a beating artery, a country with a beautiful sea, green mountains, beautiful plains, rich fields and oil deposits. And last but by no means least- the Croats themselves! The Croatian people and their kindness are a magnet that keeps drawing tourists back. Sometimes the hospitality of the locals will make you wonder whether you are in your own home or simply - on holiday in Croatia!
Geographic position Croatia occupies the largest part of the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, which is the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean, extending furthest into the European landmass. Croatia's shoreline and numerous islands make up the majority of the Adriatic coastline. The narrow Dinara Mountain Range separates the country's Mediterranean region from its Central European continental part, which stretches from the eastern foothills of the Alps in the north-west to the banks of the Danube in the east, encompassing the southern part of the fertile Pannonian lowlands.
Surface area Croatia's mainland covers an area of 56,594 km² and its coastal waters cover a surface area of 31,479 km².
Population Croatia has 3,871,833 inhabitants.
- Demographics
- The majority of the population are Croats, with the largest minorities being Serbs, Bosnians, Italians, Albanians, the Roma, Hungarians, Slovenes and Czechs.
System of government Croatia is a multi-party parliamentary republic.
Capital With 807,254 inhabitants, Zagreb is the economic, transport, cultural and academic center of the country.
- Coastline length
- The Croatian coastline extends 6,278 km, of which 1,880 km form up the mainland coastline, and 4,398 km the coastline of the islands, islets and rocks.
Number of islands, islets, rocks and reefs Croatia has a total of 1,244 islands, islets and rocks. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. There are 47 inhabited islands.
Highest peak Dinara 1,831 m above sea level.
Climate
There are three climate zones in Croatia: with temperate continental climate prevalent in the lowlands of the interior, alpine climate at altitudes above 1,200 m, colder and with more snow, and Mediterranean climate along the Adriatic coast, characterised by predominantly sunny days, dry and hot summers, and mild and humid winters. The average January air temperatures measured at meteorological stations in the plains of continental Croatia range between 0.0°C and 1.4°C, except for the center of the city of Zagreb, where the average air temperature 1991-2020 measured 2.5°C. The average January temperatures in Lika hover around 0.0°C. The average temperatures of the continental mountains and
General Information
mountainous areas of Croatia at altitudes exceeding 750 m above sea level range between -3.5°C and -0.4°C. In Istria, average temperatures in January can be as low as 3.2°C inland or as high as 6.2°C on the coast. January temperatures in the Dalmatian hinterland range from 3.7°C to 8.2°C. The temperatures measured along the coast and islands from Šibenik toward northwest are on a scale between 5.7°C and 9.1°C, and between 7.0°C and 9.8°C south of Šibenik.
In July, the average air temperatures in continental Croatia range between 20.8°C and 23.1°C. The average July temperature in Lika ranges from 19.6°C to 20.0°C. The continental mountains and mountainous areas of Croatia are pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 13.6°C to 17.8°C. In July, typical temperatures in Istria range from 21.8°C in the interior to 25.0°C on the shore, with temperatures between 23.4°C and 26.8°C in the Dalmatian hinterland. The average July temperatures measured along the coast and islands from Šibenik toward northwest oscillate between 24.5°C and 26.0°C, while the south of Šibenik temperatures are somewhat higher, between 25.2°C and 26.6°C. In January, average sea temperatures along the western coast of Istria and in the Kvarner region amounted to around 11 °C during the period from 1991 to 2020. In northern Dalmatia, the sea temperature averaged 13.5 °C in Šibenik. In central Dalmatia, temperatures ranged from 12.5 °C in Split to 14.0 °C in Hvar and 14.5 °C in Komiža. In July, sea temperatures are fairly consistent along the Adriatic coast, averaging around 24 °C, except in Senj, where the average amounts to 21.1 °C.
Currency
The official currency in Croatia is the euro (1 euro = 100 cents). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices and in the majority of tourist information offices, hotels and campsites. Credit cards (Eurocard / Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all hotels, marinas, restaurants, shops and cash machines.