# Croatia

> country in Central Europe

**Wikidata**: [Q224](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q224)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/croatia

## Summary
Croatia is a sovereign state and country located in Central Europe, recognized as a republic with a unitary government system. Officially known as the Republic of Croatia, it declared independence on June 25, 1991, and has since become a member of key international organizations such as the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 56,594 square kilometers.
- **Capital**: Zagreb.
- **Population**: 3,871,833 (2021 census), down from 4,784,265 in 1991.
- **Currency**: Euro (adopted January 1, 2023), replacing the Croatian kuna.
- **Official Language**: Croatian.
- **Member Of**: European Union (since July 1, 2013), United Nations (since May 22, 1992), NATO (since April 1, 2009), and the Schengen Area (since January 1, 2023).
- **Borders**: Shares borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
- **Time Zone**: Central European Time (UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (UTC+2).
- **Government**: Republic with a president (Zoran Milanović, since February 19, 2020) and prime minister (Andrej Plenković, since October 19, 2016).
- **Highest Point**: Dinara, 1,831 meters above sea level.
- **Lowest Point**: Adriatic Sea, at sea level.
- **Demographics**: Birth rate of 8.8 (2022), death rate of 14.8 (2022), and a suicide rate of 11.0 (2019).
- **Economy**: Nominal GDP of $70,964,606,465 (2022), with a Gini coefficient of 28.9 (2019), indicating low income inequality.

## FAQs
- **What is Croatia's historical background?** Croatia emerged from the breakup of Yugoslavia, declaring independence in 1991 after a period of political transition and conflict.
- **What are Croatia's key geographical features?** It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea and notable for its diverse landscape, including the Dinaric Alps and extensive coastline.
- **What are Croatia's main political relationships?** It maintains diplomatic relations with countries like Italy, Germany, and the Holy See, and participates in international agreements such as the Treaty on Open Skies.
- **What is Croatia's cultural identity?** The culture of Croatia is influenced by its history, with significant contributions to literature, art, and music, and recognized languages including Croatian, Serbian, and Italian in certain regions.
- **What is Croatia's economic status?** It transitioned to the euro in 2023, with a high human development index (0.858 in 2021) and a focus on tourism and manufacturing.

## Why It Matters
Croatia holds strategic importance in Southeastern Europe, serving as a bridge between Central Europe and the Balkans. Its accession to the EU and adoption of the euro reflect its integration into Western institutions, enhancing regional stability and economic cooperation. Rich in cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Dubrovnik, Croatia contributes to global tourism and historical preservation efforts.

## Notable For
- **Unique Geography**: Over 1,000 islands along the Adriatic coast.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Home to the ancient city of Split and the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- **Political Milestones**: One of the youngest EU member states, joining in 2013.
- **Economic Transition**: Successful adoption of the euro, marking a significant step in economic alignment with EU standards.
- **Diplomatic Relations**: Maintains ties with over 180 countries, emphasizing its role in international diplomacy.

## Body

### Governance and Politics
Croatia operates as a republic with a parliamentary system. The President serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. Notable leaders include Franjo Tuđman, the first president post-independence, and current President Zoran Milanović. The country is divided into 20 counties and the capital city of Zagreb, each with its administrative structure.

### Geography and Environment
Croatia's terrain is characterized by the Dinaric Alps running along the coast and plains in the north. The Adriatic Sea forms its western boundary, with the Danube River defining part of its eastern border. Key natural features include the Plitvice Lakes and the Krka National Park, both protected areas. The country experiences a mix of continental and Mediterranean climates.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy has transitioned from socialism to a market-based system, with key sectors including tourism, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Croatia adopted the euro in 2023, aligning its monetary policy with the EU. The country has an extensive railway network and several major airports, including Zagreb International Airport. The port of Rijeka is a critical maritime hub.

### Culture and Society
Croatian culture blends influences from Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. The official language, Croatian, is a standardized register of the Serbo-Croatian language. 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.

### International Relations
Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the EU in 2013, solidifying its position in Western alliances. It participates in UN peacekeeping missions and maintains diplomatic missions in over 50 countries. Key alliances include cooperation with neighboring countries through the Central European Initiative.

### Demographics and Education
The population has been declining since the 1990s, with a notable urban-rural divide. The literacy rate is high, and education is compulsory for 12 years. The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest and largest institution of higher education.

### Historical Context
Croatia's history includes periods under Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian rule. The 20th century saw the formation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995) led to its sovereignty, with significant territorial disputes resolved in the 1990s.

### Environmental Challenges
Croatia faces issues such as coastal pollution and the preservation of its natural parks. It is a party to international environmental agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord, and aims to increase renewable energy usage.

### Technological and Scientific Contributions
Croatia has a growing IT sector, with companies like Infobip achieving global recognition. The country invests in research and development, particularly in the fields of medicine and engineering. Notable scientists include Nikola Tesla, born in the region that is now Croatia.

### Military and Defense
The Croatian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The country meets NATO's defense spending targets and participates in international security operations. Military service is voluntary, with conscription abolished in 2008.

### Tourism and Heritage
Tourism is a major economic driver, with attractions like the historic city of Dubrovnik and the natural beauty of Hvar Island. Croatia has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its rich cultural and natural heritage. The country hosts several international events, including the INmusic Festival in Zagreb.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/croatia)
2. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Croatia)
3. Constitution of Croatia
4. BnF authorities
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Lingua Libre
8. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
9. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Europe/CROATIA)
10. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
11. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
12. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/croatia)
13. [Movement Coordination Centre Europe](http://mcce-mil.com/wp-content/uploads/glance/MCCE-AT-A-Glance-September-2017.pdf)
14. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
15. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
16. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
17. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=83)
18. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
19. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/croatia)
20. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
21. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
22. [Source](https://holocaustremembrance.com/countries/croatia)
23. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
26. FIPS 10-4
27. MusicBrainz
28. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
29. [Croatian Bureau of Statistics](http://www.dzs.hr/Eng/censuses/census2011/results/htm/E01_01_01/e01_01_01.html)
30. [Source](https://dzs.gov.hr/vijesti/objavljeni-konacni-rezultati-popisa-2021/1270)
31. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
32. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
33. [CVCE.eu](https://www.cvce.eu/en/obj/changes_in_the_distribution_of_seats_in_the_european_parliament-en-e6d28948-3fa8-4fe7-a552-1b062bc6fb47.html)
34. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
35. Official Names of the United Nations Membership
36. [Source](https://www.ui.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/europa/kroatien/)
37. World Bank Open Data
38. The National Terminology Database for Irish
39. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
40. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
41. [Source](http://www.dzs.hr/Hrv_Eng/ljetopis/2011/SLJH2011.pdf)
42. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
43. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
44. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
45. BabelNet
46. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
47. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
48. [Source](http://otif.org/fileadmin/user_upload/otif_verlinkte_files/06_tech_zulass/05_Reglementation_en_vigueur/Neu_ab_01_01_2015/UTP_MARKING_2015_e_in_force.pdf)
49. [Source](http://uic.org/country-codes)
50. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)