With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Despite the tragedy of war, its charms remain largely intact; most of the tourist areas have been lovingly recreated. However, reminders of the country's painful history abound.

The aura of medieval Croatia endures in the cobbled streets of Rovinj and the recently restored other-worldliness of Dubrovnik's Stari Grad. The country is also home to some of Europe's finest Roman ruins, including the immense palace of Diocletian in Split.

Pre-1991 Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia) was shaping up as the new Costa del Sol. Planeloads of tourists - 10 million a year - were hitting the Adriatic shores in search of sun, cheap living, medieval quaintness and perhaps a spot of naturism. But with Croatia's push for independence during the violent break-up of Yugoslavia, war inevitably soured the tourism boom. However, European holidayers are being lured back by its irresistible coastline and cruisy Croatian charm.

Warning

Some remote areas of Croatia, even though safe and welcoming, remain uncleared of landmines. These include the Danube region in eastern Slavonia and Krajina. It is unwise to stray into fields or abandoned villages.

 

Full country name: Republic of Croatia
Area: 56,538 sq km (22,049 sq mi)
Population: 4.437 million
Capital city: Zagreb (pop: 777,000)
People: Croats (78%), Serbs (12%), Slavic Muslims, Hungarians, Slovenes
Languages: Croatian, Serbian, Italian, Slovene
Religion: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox
Government: Parliamentary democracy
President: Stipe Mesic

GDP: US$22.44 billion
GDP per head: US$4.566
Annual growth: 3.7%
Inflation: 6.2%
Major industries: Steel, cement, chemicals, fertilisers, textiles
Major trading partners: EU( esp. Germany, Italy), Slovenia
Member of EU: No

 

source: picture and content by lonelyplanet

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