Croatia is a country located in Southeast Europe, bordered by Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, and Montenegro to the south. Its western coast is on the Adriatic Sea.
Key things you should know about Croatia
History and culture
Croatia has a rich history and culture, with many historic sites, museums, and art galleries to explore. The country has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, including Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian.
Language
The official language of Croatia is Croatian, which is similar to Serbian and Bosnian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and many people also speak German and Italian.
Currency
The official currency of Croatia is Euro. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
Cuisine
Croatian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from Mediterranean, Italian, and Balkan cooking. Seafood is a particular specialty along the coast, while inland regions are known for dishes like roast meats and stews.
Climate
Croatia’s climate is Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast, characterized by warm and dry summers, and mild winters. The region receives an average of 2,600 hours of sunlight per year, making it one of the sunniest coastlines in Europe. Inland has a continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters.
Transportation
Croatia has a well-developed transportation system, including airports, highways, trains, buses, and ferries. Many people choose to explore the country by car, while ferries are a popular way to travel between the many islands along the coast.
Croatia has several international airports, including Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, and Pula. These airports are served by major airlines, as well as low-cost carriers. There are direct flights to Croatia from many European cities, as well as several destinations in the Middle East and North America.
Tourist attractions
Croatia boasts a breathtaking 5,835km coastline, out of which 4,057km is comprised of islands, cliffs, and reefs. The Adriatic Sea is home to 1,244 islands and islets, although only around 50 are inhabited. Krk, located near Rijeka, is the largest island with a land area of 462 square kilometers, while other renowned islands include Hvar, Brac, Korcula, and Pag. Some of the most popular destinations in Croatia include the walled city of Dubrovnik, the historic city of Split, the Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the capital city of Zagreb.
Population
As of 2021, Croatia’s population is estimated to be around 4 million people. Croatia’s capital and largest city is Zagreb, located in the northern part of the country. The majority of Croatians (about 90%) are ethnic Croats, with Serbs being the largest minority group at around 4% of the population.