English
Español
中文
हिन्दी
Français
Croatia
Hrvatska
Declare Your Relationship to Croatia
CountryReports Community
- Studying2
- From Croatia1
- Croatia heritage1
- Visited4
- Want to visit2
Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
Croatia's culture reflects a rich blend of Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan influences, shaped by centuries of contact with Venetian, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic traditions. This layered history is visible in everything from architecture and cuisine to music and social customs. Family remains central to Croatian society, with multi-generational ties playing an important role in daily life. Extended family gatherings, especially around religious holidays and celebrations, are common and deeply valued. Catholicism is the dominant religion, practiced by roughly 86 percent of the population, and it shapes the cultural calendar significantly. Feast days such as Christmas, Easter, and the feast of a patron saint (known as krsno ime in some regions) are observed with communal meals, church attendance, and local festivities. Croatia has a strong tradition of folk culture, with regional variations in music, dance, and dress. The Dalmatian klapa, a form of unaccompanied choral singing rooted in the coastal region, has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Similarly, the lace-making traditions of Lepoglava and Hvar are UNESCO-listed crafts still practiced by local artisans. The tamburica, a stringed folk instrument, is especially popular in the Slavonia region of eastern Croatia. Croatian cuisine varies by region. Along the Adriatic coast, seafood, olive oil, and grilled meats reflect Mediterranean influences, while inland areas favor hearty stews, roasted pork, and freshwater fish dishes. The truffle harvest in Istria has gained international attention, and local wines from Dalmatia and the Pelješac Peninsula enjoy a growing global reputation. Croatians tend to be proud of their national identity, particularly given the country's relatively recent independence in 1991 following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Sports — especially football and handball — serve as powerful expressions of national unity and cultural pride. The national football team's runner-up finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup generated enormous collective celebration and reinforced a strong sense of national identity both at home and among the Croatian diaspora worldwide.
Land of Adriatic Stone and Habsburg Grace
Get More Customs and Culture
5 more cultural topics for members
Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation
Holidays
Statehood Day
7/25Independence
Christmas
12/25Christmas
The Christmas season begins with the Advent and ends with Epiphany. Wheat seeds are traditionally sown in plates either on St. Barbara’s day (December 4th) or on St. Lucia’s Day (December 13th) and should germinate by Christmas eve when the green wheat becomes a centerpiece for the Christmas eve table symbolizing "renewal of life".
A Nativity scene known as Betlehem or Jeruzalem often resides beneath the Christmas tree.
Badnje jelo (Christmas eve meal) consists of hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, honey, poppy seeds corn, pasta, cured cod or other fish, potatoes and pumpkins. For those family members that are absent, a vacant place is set and a candle or other light is kept burning all Christmas eve night. Christmas day meal consists of roasted goose or turkey, and cakes in the north and pork or lamb and cakes in the south.
At midnight men shoot firearms to dispel evil spirits. After Midnight Mass, red apples exchanged beforehand between friends or sweethearts are thrown into wells as gifts to the water. Christmas day is spent with immediate family at home.
Dates of Interest
- December 25th
The Christmas season begins with the Advent and ends with Epiphany. Wheat seeds are traditionally sown in plates either on St. Barbara’s day (December 4th) or on St. Lucia’s Day (December 13th) and should germinate by Christmas eve when the green wheat becomes a centerpiece for the Christmas eve table symbolizing "renewal of life". A Nativity scene known as Betlehem or Jeruzalem often resides beneath the Christmas tree. Badnje jelo (Christmas eve meal) consists of hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, honey, poppy seeds corn, pasta, cured cod or other fish, potatoes and pumpkins. For those family members that are absent, a vacant place is set and a candle or other light is kept burning all Christmas eve night. Christmas day meal consists of roasted goose or turkey, and cakes in the north and pork or lamb and cakes in the south. At midnight men shoot firearms to dispel evil spirits.
How do people greet each other in Croatia?
A handshake with a phrase such as Dobro jutro (good morning), Dobar dan (good day), or Dobra vecer (good evening) is the most common greeting. Close friends and relatives embrace and kiss on both cheeks.
Do
- Use the family name preceded by gospodine (Mr.), gospodjo (Mrs.), gospodjice (Miss), or a professional title in formal settings
- As a man, wait for a woman to extend her hand in formal situations
- If you're the younger person, greet first
What are Croatian dining and eating customs?
Lunch is the main meal, typically soup, meat or fish, salad, bread or potatoes, and dessert, while breakfast is light with black coffee. Wine is the most popular drink with meals.
Do
- Keep your hands above the table while eating
- Try seafood and vegetables in coastal towns
Good to know
- Dishes from chicken, beef, fish, pork, and lamb are common throughout the country
- Urban dinners are often cold cuts, bread, and eggs
- Beer, mineral water, and fruit drinks are also popular
What should I know about visiting a Croatian home?
Croatians enjoy socializing and welcome guests, though most visits are arranged in advance. When invited to a home, bring a gift for the hosts.
Do
- Bring a bottle of wine, sweets, or an odd number of flowers
- Accept refreshments when offered
Don’t
- Don't refuse refreshments, as it is impolite
Good to know
- Gifts are unwrapped in front of the giver, so expect to be thanked on the spot
- Unexpected guests are also welcomed
How should I dress in Croatia?
Clothing should be neat and clean. Adults generally avoid shorts in public except for recreation or on the coast.
Do
- Keep clothing neat and clean
- Wear suits and ties (men) for special occasions and professional settings
Don’t
- Don't wear shorts in public except for recreation or on the coast
Good to know
- Women typically wear skirts and dresses more often than pants, and dresses are customary in the workplace
What is family life like in Croatia?
Family is central, with strong multi-generational ties. Rural families traditionally include grandparents, parents, and two or more children, while urban families usually have two children.
Good to know
- Children are expected to care for their elderly parents
- Adult children often live with parents until they marry or can support themselves
- In urban families, both spouses work and share decision making
What do Croatians do for recreation?
Nogomet (soccer) is the most popular sport, alongside basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and hiking. Many young people socialize at cafes and nightclubs.
Good to know
- Cafes line the main streets of both cities and small towns and are popular gathering spots
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Croatia
Photos of Croatia
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
- Currency
- 6.971
- Time Difference
- UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- Climate
- Zagreb's climate is predominately continental, with hot and dry summers and cold winters. Rainy weather, with accompanying fog, is common in the fall from October through December. In winter, from December to March, snowfalls are common, occasionally heavy, and temperatures often dip below freezing. On the coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean with long, hot, dry summers and moderate but windy winters.
- Airports
- 68
- Recommended Vaccinations
- How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
History
History
Historical Eras
Early Slavic Settlement
600 – 925
Slavic tribes, believed to have migrated from present-day Ukraine, settled the Dalmatian coast and Pannonian plains during the 7th century. The region gradually coalesced into distinct Croatian principalities, navigating pressures from Byzantium, the Franks, and neighboring peoples. Duke Branimir achieved de facto international recognition from Pope John VIII in 879, marking a formative step toward Croatian statehood.
Medieval Croatian Kingdom
925 – 1102
Tomislav united Croatian lands and was recognized as the first king of Croatia around 925, establishing one of medieval Europe's notable early monarchies. The kingdom reached its territorial and cultural peak under kings such as Petar Krešimir IV in the 11th century. The Pacta Conventa of 1102 brought Croatia into a personal union with Hungary, ending fully independent Croatian rule while preserving certain noble privileges.
Habsburg & Ottoman Era
1102 – 1918
Following the Hungarian union, Croatia faced existential pressure from Ottoman expansion, prompting the Croatian Assembly to invite the Habsburgs under Archduke Ferdinand to assume sovereignty in 1527. For two centuries Croatia served as the Antemurale Christianitatis — the bulwark of Christendom — suffering devastating raids and territorial losses before the 1699 Treaty of Karlowitz largely freed the region from Ottoman control. The 1868 Croatian-Hungarian Settlement granted Croatia domestic autonomy, and a national revival movement fostered a distinct Croatian cultural and political identity within the empire.
Yugoslavia Period
1918 – 1991
After the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, Croatia joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. World War II brought a brutal Nazi-installed Ustasha puppet state and fierce partisan resistance led by Josip Broz Tito, who subsequently ruled a unified communist Federal Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia until his death in 1980. Economic stagnation and rising nationalism in the 1980s eroded the federation's cohesion, culminating in Croatia's first free multi-party elections in 1990.
Independence & Homeland War
1991 – 1998
Croatia declared independence in June 1991 under President Franjo Tuđman, triggering a brutal war as Yugoslav federal forces and Serb paramilitaries seized roughly one-third of Croatian territory, including the self-proclaimed Republic of Krajina. A series of UN-brokered ceasefires repeatedly broke down before Croatia's Operation Storm in August 1995 recaptured the Krajina and the Erdut Agreement provided for the peaceful reintegration of Eastern Slavonia. Full territorial integrity was restored in 1998 when the last UN-administered Serb-held enclave was returned.
Democratic & European Integration
1998 – present
Following Tuđman's death in 1999, a reformist coalition government under Prime Minister Ivica Račan accelerated democratization, refugee returns, and cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal. Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and became the 28th member state of the European Union on 1 July 2013, completing its post-war transformation into a consolidated democracy and market economy. The country adopted the euro and entered the Schengen Area in January 2023, cementing its full integration into the European mainstream.
Overview
The Croats are believed to be a purely Slavic people who migrated from Ukraine and settled in present-day Croatia during the 6th century. After a period of self-rule, Croatians agreed to the Pacta Conventa in 1091, submitting themselves to Hungarian authority. By the mid-1400s, concerns over Ottoman expansion led the Croatian Assembly to invite the Habsburgs, under Archduke Ferdinand, to assume control over Croatia.
Timeline of Key Events
601 – 700
Slavs settled the region.
Slavs settled the region.
1001 – 1200
The nation of Hungary controlled Croatia.
The nation of Hungary controlled Croatia.
1433
The beginning of defense against the Turks.
The beginning of defense against the Turks, who through time occupy the larger part of Croatian territory.
1463
The Ottoman Turks conquered the region.
The Ottoman Turks conquered the region.
1527
The dynasty of Habsburg comes to the Croatian throne.
By a decision of the Croatian Assembly, the dynasty of Habsburg comes to the Croatian throne.
1699
Croatia is largely liberated of Turkish rule.
Croatia is largely liberated of Turkish rule; continental Croatia remains under the rule of Habsburg, and the largest part of the Adriatic coast and islands are under Venice; only Dubrovnik Republic remains completely independent.
1815
Almost the whole of present-day Croatia enters into the Habsburg Monarch.
After the short-term rule of the French under Napoleon, who abolished Venice and Dubrovnik Republic, almost the whole of present-day Croatia enters into the Habsburg Monarch.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
Two Croatian sailors, Ivan Malogrudic from Senj and Marino Masalarda from Dubrovnik, came to Canada with the expedition of Jacques Cartier in 1534.
The bura is a cold, dry, northeast wind that blows across the central European plain into northwestern Croatia. The wind can be so strong as to overturn cars.
Croatia's white-headed griffon vulture has a wingspan of 2.5 metrersand can live up to 60 years. The vulture feeds on carrion and can spot a carcass from a distance of six kilometers.
Signed in 1214, the Statute of the Island of Korcula was the first such document in Europe to prohibit trading in slaves. Korcula is also the birthplace of Marco Polo, the renowned explorer.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands
- Climate
- Zagreb’s climate is predominately continental, with hot and dry summers and cold winters. Rainy weather, with accompanying fog, is common in the fall from October through December. In winter, from December to March, snowfalls are common, occasionally heavy, and temperatures often dip below freezing. On the coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean with long, hot, dry summers and moderate but windy winters.
- Natural Hazards
- destructive earthquakes
- Current Environmental Issues
- air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Croatian 96%, other 4% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German)
- Croatian
- German
- Hungarian
- Slovak
Population
- Population
- 3,862,305
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- ZAGREB (capital) 686,000
- Nationality Noun
- Croat(s), Croatian(s)
- Ethnic Groups
- Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, Bosniak 0.5%, Hungarian 0.4%, Slovene 0.3%, Czech 0.2%, Roma 0.2%, Albanian 0.1%, Montenegrin 0.1%, others 4.1%
- Language Note
- The Croatian language has thirty letters, each with a distinct sound.
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Health Information
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Croatia stands at approximately 78 years overall, with notable differences between sexes. Women in Croatia can expect to live to around 81 years, while men have a life expectancy of roughly 75 years — a gap of about six years that reflects broader biological and behavioral patterns seen across much of Europe. These figures place Croatia broadly in line with the European Union average, reflecting the country's developed healthcare infrastructure, universal health coverage system, and relatively high standard of living. Croatia's public health system provides citizens with access to general practitioners, specialist care, and hospital services, contributing to improved health outcomes over recent decades. Life expectancy in Croatia has risen steadily since the 1990s, recovering from a period of disruption associated with the Croatian War of Independence. In the years since, improvements in cardiovascular care, cancer screening programs, and preventive medicine have played a significant role in extending average lifespans. It is worth noting that, as with much of Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip in life expectancy figures in the early 2020s, though numbers have since begun to recover. Despite these gains, Croatia faces ongoing public health challenges that temper further improvements. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, accounting for a substantial share of mortality. Rates of smoking and alcohol consumption are above the EU average, and obesity is an increasing concern among both adults and younger populations. These lifestyle factors contribute to chronic disease burden and place pressure on the healthcare system. Regional disparities also exist within the country. Urban centers such as Zagreb tend to have better access to specialized medical facilities and services compared to more rural or inland areas, which can influence health outcomes at the local level. Croatia's aging population presents an additional long-term consideration. With a total fertility rate well below the replacement level and ongoing emigration of working-age adults to other EU countries following accession in 2013, the proportion of elderly citizens is growing. This demographic shift will shape healthcare demands and social services for decades to come, even as overall life expectancy continues to gradually improve.
- Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
- Intermediate
- Infant Mortality Rate
- Croatia maintains one of the lower infant mortality rates in the region, reflecting the country's well-developed public health infrastructure and accessible medical care system. As of the most recent available data, Croatia's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 5 to 6 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it favorably among European nations and well below the global average of roughly 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. This relatively low rate is the result of decades of investment in maternal and child healthcare services. Croatia operates a universal healthcare system that ensures expectant mothers have access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and postnatal support. The vast majority of births in Croatia take place in hospital settings under the supervision of trained medical professionals, which significantly reduces risks associated with complications during delivery. Over the past several decades, Croatia has made measurable progress in reducing infant mortality. In the early 1990s, the rate was considerably higher, hovering near 11 to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births. The steady decline since then reflects improvements in neonatal intensive care capabilities, vaccination programs, and public health education initiatives targeting new parents. Common causes of infant mortality in Croatia, as in other developed nations, include congenital anomalies, premature birth complications, and respiratory conditions. The country's national vaccination schedule is comprehensive and broadly adhered to, helping protect newborns and infants from preventable infectious diseases. Urban areas such as Zagreb benefit from highly specialized neonatal care units, while rural regions have seen improvements in access to regional medical centers. Croatia's membership in the European Union has also helped align its maternal and child health standards with broader European benchmarks and has facilitated access to EU health funding programs. Overall, Croatia's infant mortality statistics reflect a country that has successfully modernized its healthcare system and prioritized child health outcomes, making it a relatively safe environment for childbirth and early childhood by both regional and global standards.
Life Expectancy
- Life Expectancy at Birth
- Life expectancy at birth in Croatia stands at approximately 78 years overall, with notable differences between sexes. Women in Croatia can expect to live to around 81 years, while men have a life expectancy of roughly 75 years — a gap of about six years that reflects broader biological and behavioral patterns seen across much of Europe. These figures place Croatia broadly in line with the European Union average, reflecting the country's developed healthcare infrastructure, universal health coverage system, and relatively high standard of living. Croatia's public health system provides citizens with access to general practitioners, specialist care, and hospital services, contributing to improved health outcomes over recent decades. Life expectancy in Croatia has risen steadily since the 1990s, recovering from a period of disruption associated with the Croatian War of Independence. In the years since, improvements in cardiovascular care, cancer screening programs, and preventive medicine have played a significant role in extending average lifespans. It is worth noting that, as with much of Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip in life expectancy figures in the early 2020s, though numbers have since begun to recover. Despite these gains, Croatia faces ongoing public health challenges that temper further improvements. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, accounting for a substantial share of mortality. Rates of smoking and alcohol consumption are above the EU average, and obesity is an increasing concern among both adults and younger populations. These lifestyle factors contribute to chronic disease burden and place pressure on the healthcare system. Regional disparities also exist within the country. Urban centers such as Zagreb tend to have better access to specialized medical facilities and services compared to more rural or inland areas, which can influence health outcomes at the local level. Croatia's aging population presents an additional long-term consideration. With a total fertility rate well below the replacement level and ongoing emigration of working-age adults to other EU countries following accession in 2013, the proportion of elderly citizens is growing. This demographic shift will shape healthcare demands and social services for decades to come, even as overall life expectancy continues to gradually improve.
- Infant Mortality Rate
- Croatia maintains one of the lower infant mortality rates in the region, reflecting the country's well-developed public health infrastructure and accessible medical care system. As of the most recent available data, Croatia's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 5 to 6 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it favorably among European nations and well below the global average of roughly 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. This relatively low rate is the result of decades of investment in maternal and child healthcare services. Croatia operates a universal healthcare system that ensures expectant mothers have access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and postnatal support. The vast majority of births in Croatia take place in hospital settings under the supervision of trained medical professionals, which significantly reduces risks associated with complications during delivery. Over the past several decades, Croatia has made measurable progress in reducing infant mortality. In the early 1990s, the rate was considerably higher, hovering near 11 to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births. The steady decline since then reflects improvements in neonatal intensive care capabilities, vaccination programs, and public health education initiatives targeting new parents. Common causes of infant mortality in Croatia, as in other developed nations, include congenital anomalies, premature birth complications, and respiratory conditions. The country's national vaccination schedule is comprehensive and broadly adhered to, helping protect newborns and infants from preventable infectious diseases. Urban areas such as Zagreb benefit from highly specialized neonatal care units, while rural regions have seen improvements in access to regional medical centers. Croatia's membership in the European Union has also helped align its maternal and child health standards with broader European benchmarks and has facilitated access to EU health funding programs. Overall, Croatia's infant mortality statistics reflect a country that has successfully modernized its healthcare system and prioritized child health outcomes, making it a relatively safe environment for childbirth and early childhood by both regional and global standards.
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Croatia
- Full Country Name
- Republic of Croatia
- Local - Long
- Republika Hrvatska
- Local - Short
- Hrvatska
Government Structure
- Government Type
- presidential/parliamentary democracy
- Legal System
- based on civil law system
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President Zoran MILANOVIC (since 18 February 2020) head of government: Prime Minister Andrej PLENKOVIC (since 19 October 2016); Deputy Prime Ministers Ranko OSTOJIC, Davor BOZINOVIC, and others as appointed within the coalition cabinet cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and approved by the Croatian Parliament (Hrvatski Sabor) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held in January 2020 (next to be held in January 2025); the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president and then approved by the Assembly election results: Zoran MILANOVIC elected president in the second round; percent of vote - Zoran MILANOVIC (SDP) approximately 52.7%, Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC (HDZ) approximately 47.3%
- Legislative Branch
- unicameral Parliament or Sabor (151 seats; members elected by popular vote from party lists to serve four-year terms) elections: last held on 17 April 2024 (next to be held in 2028) election results: percent of vote by party - HDZ 34.6%, SDP-led coalition 18.6%, DP 9.0%, MOST 8.4%, DP (Domovinski pokret) 9.0%, We Can! coalition 7.2%, other 22.2%; number of seats by party - HDZ 61, SDP-led coalition 42, DP 14, MOST 11, We Can! coalition 10, other 13 note: following the April 2024 elections, HDZ formed a majority coalition government with several smaller parties; Croatia has reserved seats in the Sabor for national minorities, including Serb, Hungarian, Italian, and other recognized minority communities
- Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the Republic, which is elected by the Assembly
- Suffrage
- 18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)
- Constitution
- adopted on 22 December 1990
- Independence
- 25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
- National Holiday
- Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Zagreb
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 45 48 N, 16 00 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
The name seems to be related to "digging"; archeologists suggest that the original settlement was established beyond a water-filled hole or graba and that the name derives from this; za in Slavic means "beyond"; the overall meaning may be "beyond the trench (fault, channel, ditch)"
Military
Branches: Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (Oruzane Snage Republike Hrvatske, OSRH) consists of five major commands directly subordinate to a General Staff: Ground Forces (Hrvatska Kopnena Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM; includes coast guard), Air Force and Air Defense Command (Hrvatsko Ratno Zrakoplovstvo I Protuzracna Obrana), Joint Education and Training Command, Logistics Command; Military Police Force supports each of the three Croatian military forces
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy Zagreb
Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona br. 2
10010 Zagreb
Telephone: 385 (1) 661-2200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 385 (1) 661-2400
Facsimile: 385 (1) 665-8933
E-mail: ZagrebACS@state.gov
The U.S. Embassy Zagreb is located in the southern outskirts of Zagreb, near the airport.
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Croatia, once among the most prosperous and industrialized republics of the former Yugoslavia, has developed into a high-income, service-based economy and is now fully integrated into the European Union.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- kuna (HRK)
- GDP — official exchange rate
- $34,940,000,000 (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 3.1%
- Gini Index
- 29
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Hourslong waits at Croatia-Serbia border test travelers’ resolve in sweltering heat - AP News
AP News · 1d ago
Croatia vs Hungary - Class. Games 5-8 - FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026, Division B - FIBA
FIBA · 2d ago
Adidas Croatia 26-27 Home & Away Kits Spotted in Retail Stores - Footy Headlines
Footy Headlines · 14h ago
VIDEO: Luka Modrić arrives in Australia - Croatia Week
Croatia Week · 12h ago
Croatia Wins Global Vote of Confidence as Fitch Keeps 'A-' Rating – But Warns of One Major Weakness - The Dubrovnik Times
The Dubrovnik Times · 1d ago
Croatia Airlines posts biggest half-yearly loss on record - EX-YU Aviation News
EX-YU Aviation News · 1d ago
European vacation: Davis to join Ivisic twins in Croatia soon - The News-Gazette
The News-Gazette · 2d ago
Inside the Istrian wedding that brought California and Croatia together - Vogue Adria
Vogue Adria · 3d ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
Zagreb's climate is predominately continental, with hot and dry summers and cold winters. Rainy weather, with accompanying fog, is common in the fall from October through December. In winter, from December to March, snowfalls are common, occasionally heavy, and temperatures often dip below freezing. On the coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean with long, hot, dry summers and moderate but windy winters.
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Croatia?
How do people greet each other in Croatia?
What are Croatian dining and eating customs?
What should I know about visiting a Croatian home?
How should I dress in Croatia?
What is family life like in Croatia?
What do Croatians do for recreation?
What is the capital of Croatia?
Where is Croatia located?
What countries border Croatia?
What is the predominant religion in Croatia?
What currency is used in Croatia?
What language is spoken in Croatia?
What is Croatia's geography like?
What is Croatia known for?
Last reviewed 2026