Pag (island)

Pag is a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea. It is the fifth-largest island of the Croatian coast, and the one with the longest coastline.

Geography

The island of Pag is located in the northern Adriatic Sea, part of the Kvarner Gulf. It is separated from the mainland by the Pag Strait, which is only 2 km wide at its narrowest point. The island's surface is often compared to the Moon due to its rocky and barren appearance.

History

The island has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age. The first known inhabitants were the Illyrians, followed by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Pag achieved its independence and became a part of the Kingdom of Croatia.

Economy

The economy of Pag is largely based on salt production, sheep farming, cheese production, and tourism. The island is particularly famous for its Pag cheese, a type of hard, sheep's milk cheese that is recognized as a geographical indication by the European Union.

Culture

Pag is known for its unique lace-making tradition, which dates back to the Renaissance. The Pag lace is a type of needle-point lace, and it is listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Flora and Fauna

Despite its barren appearance, Pag is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The island's vegetation is mainly composed of sage, immortelle, and various types of grass. The most common animal species are sheep, which are crucial for the production of the famous Pag cheese.

See Also

• List of islands of Croatia
• Adriatic Sea
• Croatian cuisine