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General information

Population : 4.15 milion people (129th in the World, 29th in Europe)
Total Area : 56,594 km^2 (124th in the World, 26th in Europe)
Official languages : Croatian
Official currency : Kuna(HRK)
Capital : Zagreb
Population density : 73 people/km^2 (126th in the World, 41st in Europe)
Top 5 biggest cities : Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Zadar


Croatia is a sovereign unitary state located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Adriatic Sea. It lies primarily on the Dinaric Alps and parts of the Pannonian Basin. Croatia also has control of about 1000 islands and islets, out of which 48 are permanently inhabited.

The lands of Croatia are not contiguous. The city of Dubrovnik along with nearby territory are practically an exclave, separated by the Bosnian seaside port of Neum. The connection to the rest of Croatia is done by territorial waters.

The country is organized into a parliamentary constitutional republic, with the Prime Minister as the head of the executive, and the President as the head of state. The Parliament has only one chamber : the Sabor (which can refer to both the institution of Parliament, and the body of legislation itself).

The territory of Croatia is divided into 20 counties and a special subdivision for the capital city, Zagreb.



National sport : Football

Handball



National animal : Marten (Kuna)(Martes)


National flower : Croatian iris (Iris croatica)


National instuments : Bisernica (also used in Slovenia)





The significance of the 25th of June

The 25th of June (Statehood Day) celebrates the declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. This is not to be confused with Croatia’s Independence Day, which celebrates the actual implementation of the declaration, on the 8th of October.

While Statehood Day used to be celebrated on the 30th of May (the day that the first multi-party Parliament was constituted), nowadays it is celebrated on the 25th of June as it is considered more suitable.

The 25th of June is also the Statehood Day of Slovenia.









The history of the necktie

The necktie...the symbol of professionalism to some, and of corporate oppression to others. Regardless of your personal opinion on this article of clothing, the story of how it came to be is quite interesting, spanning several centuries and many countries.

The start however, is in Croatia.



The origin of the necktie can be traced back to the first half of the 17th century.

During the reign of King Louis XIII of France, he and the Cardinal Richelieu are involved in a dispute against the Queen Mother, Marie de Medici and the Duke of Guise. At this time in history, employing mercenaries is quite common, and so, the King employs a regiment of Croatian mercenaries, to aid him in this domestic dispute.

The traditional military uniform of the Croats attracted much attention from the people of Paris. Their focus was primarily on the unusual, but picturesque scarves these mercenaries were wearing. The quality of the fabric was related to the rank of the soldier, ranging from coarse cloth to fine linen and even silk for the officers. The French even create a word for these scarves: cravate,derived from Croate



The deciding factor that lead to the adoption of this item across most of Europe was the interdependence of many European countries with the Republic of Venice, which at the time controlled most of modern day Croatia.

In fact, the oldest recorded painting of a cravat stems from 1622. The painting is of the Croatian baroque poet Ivan Gundulić, who lived in Dubrovnik, which at the time was part of the Republic of Ragusa, a former Venetian vassal :




This fashion craze could get so extreme, that even sculptors, like Grinling Gibbons, would carve a cravat from limewood :



The cravat’s popularity compared to its counterparts, like the steinkirk, was on and off for many years, until it was brought back by young excentric men. (macaronis in the UK, incroyables in France)

With this revival, a new focus was put on specific ways of tying the cravat. A complex style was a sign elegance and wealth. There were even publications on ways of tying a cravat, such as Neckclothitania.



What would change the history of the necktie forever was the Industrial Revolution. People during this time period wanted neckties that were easy to put on, comfortable, and would not come undone.

To this end, design diverged into two pieces of clothing: the necktie and the bowtie, which in actuality is just a streamlined version of the cravat.. Both of these are still worn by million to this very day.



Ultimately, we have to thank the Croats for the article of clothing that can make a whole suit come together nicely. Cravat Day is celebrated every year in Croatia on the 18th of October.








Top 5 places visited by tourists


Dubrovnik













Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the old city of Dubrovnik is one of the prominent places to visit in the Mediterranean. Located at the southern tip of Croatia off the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik was established in the 7th century on maritime trade. With orange rooftop houses sitting in contrast to the blue sky, Dubrovnik presents many sightseeing treasures. The historic district, the Old Town, is stuffed with many historic features such as the old, defensive walls, cobblestone streets, magnificent palaces and stunning churches. Just outside the Old Town are popular beaches like Banje and Lapad, while the nearby island of Lokrum offers even more beaches.



Hvar












One of the most popular places to visit in Croatia and in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a beautiful Croatian island off the Dalmatian Coast, favored for its landscapes of spectacular beaches, lavender fields and lush vineyards. Hvar’s main city, Hvar Town, is an attractive city, featuring 13th century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, stunning churches and an imposing old fortress. The town square is one of Croatia’s largest and most beautiful, surrounded by many historic building like the 17th century Arsenal and the Cathedral of St. Stephen. The natural beauty of Hvar offers plenty of outdoor recreation, from hiking in the cliffs to swimming in the secluded coves and beaches.


Plitvice National Park










One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Croatia and all of Europe, the Plitvice National Park consists of several breathtaking lakes, waterfalls and lush forest. The park’s most notable features are the 16 interconnecting lakes that are divided into upper and lower clusters. Formed by natural travertine dams, the lakes range in distinct colors from turquoise to blue, green and gray. Visitors can explore the lakes and surrounding area by walking along the assortment of wooden walkways as well as by boat.



Split











Nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower,” Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast. The city’s main attraction is its historic core of beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture of which the Diocletian’s Palace (2nd and 3rd image) is the crown jewel. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a small city itself with a maze of marble walkways and buildings containing shops, cafes and bars.



Rovinj











Located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is an archipelago of 20 islands with its Old Town set on a small peninsula. Narrow streets of cobblestone, stairways, arches and other interesting architecture make the Old Town a sightseeing adventure. Some of the Old Town’s historic gems include seven medieval city gates, the 12th century town clock (3rd image) and St. Euphemia’s Basilica (4th and 5th image), an imposing baroque church packed with many stunning art works.


Honourable mention:

Pula





Located at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Pula is a popular destination that has been attracting tourists as far back as ancient Roman times when fans flocked the city’s amphitheater to watch gladiator fights. Having been ruled by various government powers over the centuries, Pula today belongs to Croatia, and is best known for its wealth of Roman ruins and mix of cultures.

Pula is also known to Romanians for...other reasons.






Top 3 locations suggested by the locals

Cetina river





Papuk Nature Park





Slunj












Inventions Croatia gave to the world!

*Cravat - forerunner to the modern necktie!
*1630s


*Parachute!
*Fausto Veranzio/ Faust Vrančić , 1617


*Torpedo!
*Ivan Luppis, 1866


*Quarantine - first one in history -> Dubrovnik!
*14th century




*Fingerprinting!
*Ivan Vučetić , 1891










Famous people from Croatia


Tomislav - first King of Croatia. He became Duke of Croatia in c. 910, was elevated to kingship by 925 and reigned until 928. At the time of his rule, Croatia forged an alliance with the Byzantines during their struggle with the Bulgarian Empire, with whom Croatia eventually went to war that culminated in the decisive Battle of the Bosnian Highlands in 926. To the north there were often conflicts with the Principality of Hungary. Croatia kept its borders and to some extent expanded on the disintegrated Pannonian Duchy.

Tomislav attended the Church Council of Split in 925, convened by Pope John X to discuss the use of Slavic language in liturgy and the ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Croatia and the Byzantine Theme of Dalmatia. Although the Pope sought to prohibit Slavic liturgy, the Council did not agree, while jurisdiction was given to the Archbishop of Split instead of the Croatian Bishop Gregory of Nin. Since the historical sources about Tomislav are scarce, the exact year of his accession and his death are not known. The rule of his successors was marked by a series of civil wars in Croatia and gradual weakening of the country.




(? - 928)


Ruđer Josip Bošković - Ragusan physicist, astronomer, mathematician, philosopher, diplomat, poet, theologian, Jesuit priest, and a polymath from the city of Dubrovnik (modern-day Croatia), who studied and lived in Italy and France where he also published many of his works. He was nicknamed the Croatian Leibniz by Werner Heisenberg.

He produced a precursor of atomic theory and made many contributions to astronomy, including the first geometric procedure for determining the equator of a rotating planet from three observations of a surface feature and for computing the orbit of a planet from three observations of its position. In 1753 he also discovered the absence of atmosphere on the Moon.


(1711 - 1787)


Ivan Meštrović - Croatian sculptor, architect and writer of the 20th century.

He was the most prominent sculptor of Croatian modern sculpture and a leading personality of artistic life in Zagreb.He was the initiator of the national-romantic group Medulić (he advocated the creation of art of national features inspired by the heroic folk songs). During the First World War, he lived in emigration. After the war, he returned to Croatia and began a long and fruitful period of sculpture and pedagogical work. In 1942 he emigrated to Italy, in 1943 to Switzerland and in 1947 to the United States.

Most of his early works of symbolic themes were formed in the spirit of the Secession, some of which, like the Well of Life, show impressionist restless surfaces created under the influence of Rodin's naturalism, and the second, reviving national myth, become stylized monumental plastics (Kosovo cycle, 1908-1910).

Before the First World War, he left pathetic epic stylization, expressing increasingly emotional states, as evidenced by the wooden reliefs of biblical themes made in a combination of Archaic, Gothic, Secessionist and Expressionist styles. During the 1920s and 1930s, the classical component prevailed in his works. In this period, he created a number of public monuments of strong plastic expression, pronounced and legible shapes (Grgur Ninski and Marko Marulić in Split, Andrija Medulić, Andrija Kačić-Miošić and Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Zagreb, The Bowman and The Spearman in Chicago). Portraits take a special place in his opus.



(1883 - 1962)



Franjo Tuđman - Croatian politician and historian. Following the country's independence from Yugoslavia he became the first President of Croatia and served as president from 1990 until his death in 1999. He was the 9th and last President of the Presidency of SR Croatia from May to July 1990.

Tuđman participated in the Croatian Spring movement that called for reforms in the country and was imprisoned for his activities in 1972. He lived relatively anonymously in the following years until the end of communism, whereupon he began his political career by founding the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) in 1989.

HDZ won the first Croatian parliamentary elections in 1990 and Tuđman became the President of the Presidency of SR Croatia. As president, Tuđman introduced constitutional changes and pressed for the creation of an independent Croatia. On 19 May 1991, an independence referendum was held, which was approved by 93 percent of voters. Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia on 25 June 1991. Areas with a Serb majority revolted, backed by the Yugoslav army, and Tuđman led Croatia during its War of Independence.


(1922 - 1999)


Luka Modrić - Croatian professional footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid and captains the Croatia national team.Modrić plays mainly as a central midfielder but can also play as an attacking midfielder or as a defensive midfielder, usually deployed as a deep-lying playmaker. Modrić is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.


(1874 - 1965)







Traditional food


Pašticada - stewed beef dish from Dalmatia



Pečena janjetina - roasted lamb




Dalmatinski pršut i paški sir - smoked ham and sheep cheese from the island of Pag




Čobanac - shephard’s stew




Zagorski štrukli - dough rolls filled with cheese and sour cream




Slavonski kulen - Slavonian spicy pork sausage




Crni rižoto - cuttlefish risotto




Sarma - stuffed cabbage rolls common to the Balkans and beyond




Zagrebački odrezak - a type of cordon bleu




Purica s mlincima - stuffed turkey with mlinci, a type of roasted flatbread




Fuži s tartufima - pasta dish from Istria, made with truffles




Bakalar na bijelo - salted cod with olive oil and garlic




Traditional desserts

Rožata - Dalmatian flan




Orahnjača - walnut roll




Paški baškotin - aromatic zwieback rusk bread from the island of Pag




Samoborska kremšnita - a type of chantilly and custard cream cake (which is popular in much of Central Europe), from the town of Samobor




Fritule - small doughnuts, usually made for Christmas





Traditional drinks

Prošek - a sweet dessert wine from southern Dalmatia


Maraschino - liquor made from distilled Marasca cherries




Rakija Loza / Lozovača - a type of rakia (which is common to the Balkans), made from distilled grapes




Wine




Beer









Interesting facts about the Croatia


1.Because of a variety of dialects that are spoken in the country, it is common to find people having difficulty in understanding each others’ language and intention.
2.The Sea Organ is an architectural object located in Zadar, Croatia. It is an experimental musical instrument, which plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps.
3.Dalmatian dog is a well known breed from Dalmatia. However, this name was given in the 19th century in USA. Previously it was known as the “Dubrovnik hunter”.
4.Azithromycin: A world best-selling Antibiotic, was also invented in Croatia by Pliva, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Zagreb.
5.King’s Landing in the Game of Thrones TV series is actually Dubrovnik.
6.The Croatian currency, kuna, is named after a weasel, because its fur used to be widely traded.
7.Croatia has the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods in Europe.
8.Croatia has the richest collection of Neanderthal remains in the world.
9.The Glagolitic script, the first Slavic alphabet, was preserved for a long by the Croatian clergy, who used it until the early 19th century.
10.The Croats are believed to have arrived in what is today Croatia, from southern Poland, south of Kraków in the early 7th century. However, this claim is also disputed by many.






My 5 words when I hear about the Croatia:
#Dalmatia,#Modric,#Checkerboard,#Adriatic,#Istria

What are your 5?





Special thanks to Zdlemmy and giovanni1911 and a little message from them:















I leave you with some Croatian memes:














Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!




Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 56/74!









P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !