Croatia

7th Century – Arrival of Croats: Slavic Croats settle in the region

925 – Formation of the Kingdom of Croatia: Tomislav becomes the first King of Croatia

1102 – Personal Union with Hungary: Croatia enters into a personal union with the Kingdom of Hungary

1527 – Ottoman Empire expands: The southern part of Croatia is taken over by the Ottoman Empire

1918 – Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes: Croatia becomes part of the new Kingdom of Yugoslavia

1991 – Independence from Yugoslavia (Thursday, June 25, 1991): Croatia declares independence, leading to the Croatian War of Independence

1995 – Dayton Agreement: End of the Croatian War of Independence

2003 – European Union negotiations: Croatia begins negotiations for EU membership

2013 – EU Membership: Croatia officially becomes a member of the European Union (Wednesday, July 1, 2013)

Continent: Europe (Southeastern Europe)
Location: Bordered by Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, Montenegro to the southeast, and the Adriatic Sea to the west
Capital: Zagreb
Language: Croatian (official)
Currency: Croatian kuna (HRK)
Population: ~4 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) / Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2)

Borders: Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
Landscape: Coastal plains, fertile valleys, mountain ranges, and islands
Major Rivers: Sava River, Drava River, Mura River, Neretva River
Major Mountains: Velebit Mountain, Dinara Mountain, Biokovo Mountain
Deserts: None
Lakes: Lake Vrana, Plitvice Lakes
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Dinara Mountain (1,831 m / 6,014 ft)
Lowest Point: Adriatic Sea (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Mediterranean climate along the coast with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; continental climate in the inland region
Geological Features: The country is part of the Dinaric Alps, with numerous karst formations, caves, and waterfalls, particularly in the Plitvice Lakes area.

Ethnic Groups: Croats (majority), Serbs, Bosniaks, Italians, and other ethnic minorities
Religion: Roman Catholic (approximately 86%), Serbian Orthodox (about 4%), Protestant (about 1%), other (about 9%)
Urban Population: ~56% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Croatia has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Latin, Slavic, and Ottoman traditions.

Famous For: Architecture, historical sites, classical music, and Mediterranean cuisine
Cuisine: Peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables), Sarma (stuffed cabbage), seafood dishes, olive oil
Arts: Renowned for its medieval and Renaissance architecture, contemporary art, and classical music
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, handball, water polo, and tennis

Economy Type: Advanced, mixed economy, with a strong emphasis on tourism
GDP: Approx. $75.8 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture (olives, grapes, cereals), shipbuilding, and manufacturing
Key Exports: Machinery, electrical equipment, textiles, chemicals, food and beverages, wine
Unemployment Rate: ~6.3% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Coastal tourism drives much of the economy, while agriculture and manufacturing are key in the inland and northern regions.

Government Type: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Zoran Milanović (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament (Sabor)
Constitution: In effect since 1990

Dubrovnik: UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and city walls
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Known for its stunning waterfalls and lakes
Split: Home to the ancient Diocletian’s Palace
Hvar: A popular island known for its beaches, nightlife, and lavender fields
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 10 (including Dubrovnik Old Town, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Diocletian’s Palace)