Croatia Information
History
Croatia is certainly unique not only because of its translucent oceans and medieval architecture but also for its thousand years of different cultures that have replaced and absorbed each other.
The origins of the Croatian name are Iranian. The Croatian name can be traced to different sites in Ukraine, also around Krakow in Poland, in Bohemia, and Austria, thus showing migrations of the Croatian tribes to their future homeland.
Thanks to its favourable geographical characteristics, with its numerous bays, inlets and coves, the coastal belt has ever been a significant mercantile and nautical route.
There are archaeological findings that point to the existence of trade and settlements carried out by ancient Greeks as early as the 6th Century BC. Later on, the Romans arrived, and they not only built palaces and summer residences but they also spent a considerable amount of time on the sea, and there are many underwater findings that are testimony of it.
A new era dawned with the arrival of the Slavs, a period characterized by constant struggle for supremacy and by defence against diverse enemies. Dubrovnik, eminent in its position as a republic, played a leading role in culture and trade.
In the 18th century, Napoleon ruled for a short period of time, after which he was replaced by the Austrian monarchy.
Language
The Croatian language is a South Slavic language which is used primarily by the inhabitants of Croatia as well as Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatian is based on the Ijekavian pronunciation of the Stokavian dialect (with some influence from Cakavian and Kajkavian) and written with the Croatian alphabet.
German and English are the most common second languages. French, Italian, Czech and Hungarian are also spoken.
Currency
The currency of Croatia is the Kuna (HRK).
Religion
Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none 5.2% (2001 census)
Weather
The weather across Croatia doesn’t vary dramatically from north to south though it is generally warmer towards the south. The climate does change from continental to Mediterranean as you move toward the Adriatic Sea and the equator. The sea has a moderating influence that keeps winters warmer and summers cooler than might be expected.
The Dalmatian Coast is home to a Mediterranean climate that boasts long hot summers and mild winters.
The most popular time to visit the region, and when the most suitable weather occurs, is during the summer months from June to September. Summers along the coast and in the islands see about 10 to 12 hours of sunshine per day and temperatures in the mid to high 20’s, occasionally reaching into the 30’s in the very height of summer.