Croatia

File:Lijepa nasa domovino instrumental.ogg

EU-Croatia (orthographic projection)

EU-Croatia

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Oton Ivekovic, Krunidba kralja Tomislava

Croatia (Croatian: Hrvatska), officially the Republic of Croatia (Republika Hrvatska), is a country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic Sea. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. Croatia borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, and Montenegro to the southeast. The country has a diverse climate, ranging from continental to Mediterranean and to sub-Mediterranean along its coast and islands.

Croatia has an area of 56,594 square kilometers and a population of approximately 4.07 million people (2021). The Croats arrived in the area in the 6th century and organized the territory into two dukedoms by the 9th century. Croatia was first internationally recognized as an independent state on 7 June 879 during the reign of Duke Branimir. The Kingdom of Croatia was established in 925 and maintained its sovereignty for nearly two centuries, until it entered into a personal union with the Kingdom of Hungary in 1102. In the 16th century, Croatia was confronted with the Ottoman advance, with parts of its territory being annexed by the Ottoman Empire. After the Ottoman defeat, Croatia was governed under the Habsburg Monarchy until the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in World War I.

Following World War I, Croatia was included in the unrecognized State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs which seceded from Austria-Hungary and merged into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. A fascist Croatian puppet state existed during World War II, after which Croatia became a founding member of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. On 25 June 1991, Croatia declared independence, which came into effect on 8 October 1991, after the end of the Croatian War of Independence.

Today, Croatia is a republic governed under a parliamentary system. It is a member of the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), the Council of Europe, NATO, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and a part of the Schengen Area. The Croatian economy is classified as an emerging and developing economy by the International Monetary Fund and high-income by the World Bank. Croatia is ranked as the 46th most popular tourist destination in the world. Tourism is a significant source of revenue during the summer, with Croatia ranked among the top 20 most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The country is known for its rich cultural legacy, diverse ecosystems, and historic architecture, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Diocletian's Palace in Split, the historic city of Dubrovnik, and the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Croatian cuisine and wines are highly regarded globally, contributing to its growing reputation as a top tourist destination.

History

The history of Croatia is characterized by its geographic position at the crossroads of Europe. The early settlement by Croats in the 6th century laid the foundations for the Croatian state. Over the centuries, Croatia navigated its autonomy within the Kingdom of Hungary, battled against Ottoman expansion, and sought its identity within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Yugoslavia, and finally, as an independent nation in 1991.

Geography

Croatia is known for its diverse geography, encompassing plains, lakes, rolling hills, dense forests, and a long Adriatic coastline dotted with islands. The country's natural beauty is one of its most significant assets, attracting millions of tourists annually.

Economy

The Croatian economy is diverse, with tourism, manufacturing, and services constituting the largest sectors. Croatia's accession to the EU has facilitated economic growth and development, although the country still faces challenges such as unemployment and administrative inefficiencies.

Culture

Croatian culture is a blend of four cultural spheres – Western, Eastern, Central European, and Mediterranean. It boasts a long tradition of arts, literature, music, and cuisine. The country celebrates its cultural heritage through numerous festivals and events, showcasing its history and traditions to the world.

See also

• List of cities in Croatia
• Croatia national football team
• Economy of Croatia
• Geography of Croatia