General info

Area
56,542 km2, with an additional 31,067 km2 of territorial waters.

Population (4.400.000)
The majority of the population are Croats. National minorities include Serbs, Moslems, Slovenes, Italians, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and others.

Capital
Zagreb (770.058 inhabitants - the administrative, cultural, academic and communication centre of the country).

Length of coast:
5,835 km - including 4,058 km of island, islet and reef coastline.

Number of islands, islets and reefs
1,185. The largest islands are those of Krk and Cres. There are 67 inhabited islands.

Climate
Northern Croatia has a continental climate; Central Croatia has a semi-highland and highland climate, while the Croatian coast has a Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures range from -1 to 30°C in the continental region, -5 to 0°C in the mountain region and 5 to 10°C in the coastal region. Summer temperatures range from 22 to 26°C in the continental region, 15 to 20°C in the mountain region and 26 to 30°C in the coastal region.

Official language and alphabet
Croatian language and Latin alphabet.

Foregin Languages
German, Italian and English are the most common foreign languages spoken in the tourist resorts.

Time Zone
An hour ahead of Irish time.

Politics
· Croatia has democratic political system with multiple political parties.
· Bicameral parliament, the Sabor, is composed of a lower House of Representatives (Zastupnicki dom).
· President: Stipe Mesic, from February 2000, elected on a 5-years term
Prime Minister: Ivica Racan

Religions
The majority of the population are Roman Catholics, and in addition there are a number of those of Orthodox faith, as well as Muslims, and Christians of other denominations.

Working hours
Shops and department stores are open between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., or to 3 p.m. A smaller number of stores close between noon and 4 p.m. Many stores are also open on Sundays, especially in the summer, and a smaller number in the larger cities are open 24 hours a day. Public services and companies usually work from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

When to visit Croatia coast
The best period to visit the Dalmatian coast is from April to October. Peak temperatures in high season summer months (July, August) can reach 38°C (100°F), and the water surface at that point reaches a comfortable 26°C (79°F). High season has its obvious advantages for people looking for fun and excitement and disadvantages for others, but in Croatia you can always find some nice hidden place if you want to sleep far from loud music. Spring starting in March can bring some rain showers, but the autumn months, September and October, are ideal for travel if you want to relax. The beaches are a little less crowded, the weather remains stable and the water is still agreeably warm. Generally, you can travel along the Croatian coast at any time of the year.

Social Conventions
Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport.
Topless sunbathing is generally accepted, but nude bathing is restricted to few designated beaches or any of numerous wild beaches along the coast.

National Holidays throughout the season
· Easter Monday
· May 1st - May Day
· Corpus Christi - movable observance
· June 22nd - Day of the Anti-Fascist Struggle
· June 25th - Statehood Day z
· August 5th - Homeland Gratitude Day
· August 15th - Assumption
· October 8th - Independence Day