Croats

Croats are a South Slavic ethnic group native to Croatia, where they are the majority population, as well as in some parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they are one of the constitutive nations. They are also a recognized minority in a number of neighboring countries, including Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, and Montenegro. The Croats share a common culture and language, which is Croatian, and are predominantly Roman Catholic.

History

The origins of the Croats are the subject of scholarly debate, but they are believed to have settled in the area of present-day Croatia during the early 7th century as part of the migration period. The early Croatian state was established in the 9th century and became a kingdom under King Tomislav in the 10th century. Throughout the Middle Ages, Croatia entered a personal union with Hungary and later came under the influence of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire.

Following the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, Croats were pivotal in the formation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which was renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Croatia became a federal unit of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Croatia declared independence, which was followed by the Croatian War of Independence.

Culture

Croatian culture is a blend of four different cultural spheres: Western, Eastern, Central European, and Mediterranean. It has developed over centuries and is characterized by its unique music, dance, literature, art, and cuisine. Traditional Croatian music and dance, such as the Klapa and Tamburitza, are still very popular, alongside modern music.

Croatian literature has a rich history, with medieval texts and poems such as the 10th-century "Baška Tablet," one of the earliest documents of Croatian language. The Renaissance period saw the flourishing of Croatian literature and art, with notable figures like Marko Marulić and Ivan Gundulić.

The country's cuisine is diverse, reflecting its geographic and cultural diversity, with dishes such as ćevapi, peka, and Dalmatian wine being internationally recognized.

Language

The Croatian language is part of the South Slavic group of languages and uses the Latin alphabet. It has three major dialects: Shtokavian, Chakavian, and Kajkavian, with Shtokavian being the basis for the standard language. Croatian is mutually intelligible with Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, though it has its own standard and orthography.

Religion

The majority of Croats are Roman Catholic, and the Catholic Church plays a significant role in Croatian society and culture. There are also small communities of Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Protestants.

Demographics

The majority of Croats live in Croatia, with significant populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Croatian diaspora in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. The total number of Croats is estimated to be around 4 to 4.5 million in Croatia and 1 to 1.5 million in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the global Croatian diaspora adding several million more.

Conclusion

Croats have a rich cultural and historical identity that has been shaped by their experiences over centuries. From their early beginnings to their role in the modern world, Croats continue to contribute to the global community through their culture, language, and heritage. Template:Slavic-stub