As with many of the former Yugoslav republics, Croatia is deeply scarred by the recent Balkan wars. Economically, the country is just beginning to recover from the four year war and tourists are continuing to return to its very popular and prosperous coast, but in significant areas of the country the scars of war still remain.

Croatia has approximately 4 million inhabitants living in three distinct zones: to the north the capital city of Zagreb with its one million inhabitants. The city sprawls almost 35 kilometres across, boasting huge megastores and much technology as well as many apartment buildings with more often than not crammed housing. Zagreb is characterised by the fast speed of life and busyness.

To the south and west the whole Croatian coastline is famous for its tourist industry and breathtaking beauty. The beauty is eternal, whilst the tourists come and go. The third area is inland, which is characterised by being rural and sometimes less developed.

Quick Info:

• Area: 56,438 sq.km.
• Population: 4.4 million
• Capital: Zagreb 1.06 million     
• Language: Croatian

Source: Operation World 2001