Croatia — map and facts

Croatia is a crescent-shaped country on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in South-East Europe. Its capital is Zagreb, and the country covers about 56,600 square kilometres with a population of roughly 3.9 million. Croatia has used the euro as its currency since January 2023.

About Croatia

Croatia is a democratic republic and has been a member of the European Union since 2013 and of NATO since 2009. It joined the Schengen Area and the eurozone simultaneously at the start of 2023. The country is a popular tourist destination owing to its long Adriatic coastline, historic walled cities and Mediterranean climate.

Geography and landscape

Croatia borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the north-east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east and south-east, and Montenegro to the far south. Geographically it divides into three regions: the Pannonian lowlands in the east (Slavonia), the mountainous Dinaric hinterland, and the long Adriatic coastal strip comprising Dalmatia and Istria. The Dalmatian coast features limestone cliffs, peninsulas and over a thousand islands. The Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among the country's best-known natural features.

History

Croats settled the region in the seventh century and established a medieval kingdom that reached its height in the early eleventh century. Croatia entered a personal union with Hungary in 1102 and was later contested between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburgs. After the First World War it joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which became Yugoslavia. Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, leading to the Croatian War of Independence, which ended in 1995. The country then pursued EU and NATO integration before joining both organisations.

Economy and currency

Tourism is a major pillar of Croatia's economy, bringing in significant foreign currency earnings through the Adriatic coast. Other sectors include manufacturing, shipbuilding, chemicals and agriculture. Croatia replaced the Croatian kuna with the euro in January 2023 when it joined the eurozone.

Culture and language

The official language is Croatian, a South Slavic language. Croatia has a rich cultural heritage that spans Roman, Venetian, Habsburg and Yugoslav influences, visible particularly in coastal cities such as Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Traditional music, folk dance and a culinary culture centred on seafood and Mediterranean produce are important features of local life.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Croatia? The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, located in the north of the country. It is also Croatia's largest city and its political and cultural centre.

What currency is used in Croatia? Croatia has used the euro since January 2023, when it replaced the Croatian kuna upon joining the eurozone.

Is Croatia in the Schengen Area? Yes. Croatia joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023, the same date it adopted the euro.