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Croatia is a beautiful country (country of thousand islands), situated in the south-eastern
part of Europe. It has a beautiful scenery, rich culture and tradition. Every nation
loves its country considering it the most beautiful one. Croats call their country
“Our beautiful" which is also the title of the national anthem. Croatia has created
its own spirit and participates in the European science and culture at full strength.
The hospitality, reasonable prices, warm, clean and clear blue sea, lovely towns
and idyllic villages are pleasure for everyone. The beautiful and unforgettable
national parks, sun, fun, delicious food and drink are the things that make Croatia
a country worth visiting.
Geographic position
Croatia stretches from the foot of the Julian Alps in the north-west and the Pannonian
lowland in the east over the Dinara mountain at the central part all the way to
the Adriatic coast in the south.
Area
Mainland 56,542 km2, territorial waters 31,067 km2
Population
4.437.460
Capital
Zagreb (population of 779.145 - administrative, cultural, academic and communication
center of the country)
Length of coastline
5,835km - together with islands, small islands and reefs.
Number of islands, small islands and reefs is 1.185 of which 67 inhabited The biggest
islands are Krk and Cres.
Climate
The north of Croatia has a continental climate; central Croatia has half-mountain
and mountain climate.
Winter temperatures vary from -1°C to 30°C in continental area, 5°C to 0°C in mountain
area and 5°C to 10°C in coastal area.
Summer temperatures vary from 22°C to 26°C in continental part of the country, 15°C
to 20°C in mountain region and 26°C to 30°C in coastal region.
Population
The majority are Croats. The ethnic minorities are Serbs, Bosnians, Italians, Hungarians,
Albanians, Slovenes, Czechs, Slovaks, and others (according to the State Bureau
for Statistics for the year 2001).
Official language and script: Croatian language and Latin script
Religions
Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Moslems, Jews, Protestants and others.
Foreign languages
German, Italian and English are the most common foreign languages spoken by tourist
workers and local people on the coast.
Time zone
Croatia is located in the zone GMT+1. The zone changes to GMT +2 from the last Saturday
in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October.
Social customs
It is common to shake hands while introducing and saying goodbye. Smoking is mostly
allowed except in public transport and public institutions. There are non-smoking
areas in restaurants, with visible signs. Topless sunbathing is acceptable on most
beaches but nudism is allowed only in strictly designated areas. Of course, wild
and isolated beaches are always possible to find on the Croatian coast.
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