# Cres

> island of Croatia

**Wikidata**: [Q13280](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13280)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cres)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cres

## Summary
Cres is an island located in Croatia, a sovereign state in Central Europe. It has a population of 3,079 and is also known by the aliases Cherso and Kersch. Situated in the Adriatic Sea, the island is part of a country recognized for its strategic position bridging Central Europe and the Balkans, as well as its membership in the European Union and NATO.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Island (a piece of sub-continental land completely surrounded by water).
- **Location**: Croatia (country in Central Europe).
- **Aliases**: Cherso, Kersch.
- **Population**: 3,079.
- **Coordinates**: 44.960277777778 latitude, 14.408055555556 longitude.
- **Country of Origin**: Croatia (inception: June 25, 1991).
- **National Capital**: Zagreb.
- **National Area**: 56,594 square kilometers.
- **National Currency**: Euro (adopted January 1, 2023).
- **Official Language**: Croatian.
- **International Memberships**: European Union (since July 1, 2013), United Nations (since May 22, 1992), NATO (since April 1, 2009), Schengen Area (since January 1, 2023).
- **Time Zone**: Central European Time (UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).
- **National Borders**: Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
- **Highest Point (National)**: Dinara, 1,831 meters above sea level.
- **Lowest Point (National)**: Adriatic Sea, at sea level.
- **Government Type**: Republic with a unitary system.
- **Current Leaders**: President Zoran Milanović (since February 19, 2020), Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (since October 19, 2016).

## FAQs
- **Where is the island of Cres located?**
  Cres is an island situated in Croatia, a Central European country that borders the Adriatic Sea.
- **What are the alternative names for Cres?**
  The island is historically referred to by the aliases Cherso and Kersch.
- **What is the population of Cres?**
  The island has a population of 3,079.
- **What country does Cres belong to and what is its political status?**
  Cres belongs to Croatia, a republic that declared independence on June 25, 1991, and is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.
- **What is the geographical definition of Cres?**
  Cres is classified as an island, defined as a piece of sub-continental land completely surrounded by water.

## Why It Matters
Cres serves as a geographical component of Croatia's extensive archipelago, contributing to the nation's status as a major tourist destination with over 1,000 islands. As part of Croatia, the island falls within a sovereign state that plays a strategic role in Southeastern Europe, acting as a bridge between Central Europe and the Balkans. Croatia's integration into Western institutions, such as the EU and NATO, enhances the stability and economic significance of the region, making locations like Cres part of a politically and economically vital area.

## Notable For
- **Geographical Designation**: Defined specifically as an island, a landmass completely surrounded by water.
- **Nomenclature**: Retains historical aliases Cherso and Kersch.
- **National Context**: Located in Croatia, a country that successfully transitioned to the euro currency in 2023.
- **Strategic Region**: Part of a nation that serves as a bridge between Central Europe and the Balkans.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Situated in a country home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Cres is defined as an island, a geographical formation characterized as a piece of sub-continental land completely surrounded by water. It is located at coordinates 44.960277777778 latitude and 14.408055555556 longitude. The island is part of Croatia, a country situated in Central Europe. Croatia's terrain is marked by the Dinaric Alps running along the coast and plains in the north. The Adriatic Sea forms the country's western boundary, where Cres is located, while the Danube River defines part of the eastern border. The nation's highest point is Dinara at 1,831 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is the Adriatic Sea at sea level. Croatia shares borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

### Demographics and Population
The specific population of Cres is recorded as 3,079. This figure contributes to the broader demographic landscape of Croatia, which has a total population of 3,871,833 according to the 2021 census, a decrease from 4,784,265 in 1991. The country experiences a birth rate of 8.8 (2022) and a death rate of 14.8 (2022). The population of Croatia has been declining since the 1990s, with a notable divide between urban and rural areas. Education is compulsory for 12 years, and the country boasts a high literacy rate, supported by institutions like the University of Zagreb, founded in 1669.

### Political and National Context
Cres is part of the Republic of Croatia, a sovereign state with a unitary government system that declared independence on June 25, 1991, following the breakup of Yugoslavia. The country operates as a parliamentary republic where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister leads the government. Current leadership includes President Zoran Milanović (since February 19, 2020) and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković (since October 19, 2016). The country is divided into 20 counties and the capital city of Zagreb. Notable historical leaders include Franjo Tuđman, the first president post-independence.

### International Relations
As part of Croatia, Cres falls under the jurisdiction of a state that maintains diplomatic relations with over 180 countries. Croatia is a member of key international organizations, including the European Union (since July 1, 2013), the United Nations (since May 22, 1992), and NATO (since April 1, 2009). The country also joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. Croatia participates in UN peacekeeping missions and maintains diplomatic missions in over 50 countries. It engages in regional cooperation through initiatives like the Central European Initiative and maintains ties with countries such as Italy, Germany, and the Holy See.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Croatia, which encompasses the island of Cres, has transitioned from socialism to a market-based system. Key economic sectors include tourism, shipbuilding, and agriculture. The country adopted the euro on January 1, 2023, replacing the Croatian kuna and aligning its monetary policy with the EU. In 2022, the nominal GDP was $70,964,606,465, with a Gini coefficient of 28.9 (2019) indicating low income inequality. Infrastructure includes an extensive railway network, major airports such as Zagreb International Airport, and the critical maritime hub of the Port of Rijeka.

### Culture and Society
The cultural context of Cres is defined by its location in Croatia, where the official language is Croatian, a standardized register of the Serbo-Croatian language. The nation's culture blends influences from Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. Notable cultural figures include writer Ivan Mažuranić and composer Ivan Zajc. The country celebrates its heritage through festivals like the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and traditional folk events. Recognized languages in certain regions include Serbian and Italian. The nation also possesses a rich scientific history, counting Nikola Tesla, who was born in the region, among its notable contributors.

### Environment and Nature
Cres is situated within the Adriatic Sea, a body of water that faces environmental challenges such as coastal pollution. Croatia is home to protected natural areas including Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park. The country is a party to international environmental agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord, and aims to increase renewable energy usage. The climate varies from continental to Mediterranean, supporting diverse ecosystems.

### Historical Context
The history of Cres is tied to the broader history of Croatia, which includes periods of Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian rule. In the 20th century, the area was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995) led to the sovereignty of the country, with significant territorial disputes resolved in the 1990s. This historical trajectory established the modern political boundaries in which Cres is located.

### Military and Defense
Cres is part of a country that maintains the Croatian Armed Forces, consisting of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Croatia meets NATO's defense spending targets and participates in international security operations. Military service is voluntary, as conscription was abolished in 2008. The country's defense strategy is integrated into Western alliances through its NATO membership.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. GeoNames