Croatia Overview Country Overview Croatia stretches along the Adriatic coast. The country borders Slovenia, Hungary, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country’s landscape ranges from small villages in the interior to the dramatic Dalmatian coastline. In the north, the Istria peninsula includes the major coastal resorts of Porec, Pula, Opatija and Rovinj; the Kvarner region has many islands and islets with good beaches. Further south, are the Split and Makarska regions. Zagreb, the economic, cultural and administrative heart of the region, sits prominently on the River Sava. Dubrovnik was once considered to be the most beautiful city in Croatia with its medieval walls and palaces. It is one of the oldest cities and one of the youngest European capitals. Split was founded in the fourth century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The enormous palace he built and the walled town now form part of the old quarter. Concerts, opera and dance all take place within the palace. Plitvice Lakes National Park consists of a string of 16 beautiful blue-green lakes in a valley between high forested mountains. Foodwise, visitors should sample manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup). General Information Area: 56,542 sq km (21,831 sq miles). Population: 4,554,000 (1999). Population Density: 80.5 per sq km. Capital: Zagreb. Population: 706,770 (1991). GEOGRAPHY: Croatia stretches along the Adriatic coast (narrowing north–south; the major ports being Rijeka, Pula, Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik) with a larger inland area (running west–east from Zagreb to the border with Serbia, Yugoslavia). The northern two-thirds of this border are formed by the River Danube. The country borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Yugoslavia to the east and Bosnia-Herzegovina (southeast from Zagreb; northeast from the Adriatic coastline). Government: Republic. Independence from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia proclaimed in 1991. Head of State: President Stjepan Mesic since 2000. Head of Government: Prime Minister Ivica Racan since 2000. Language: Croat, written in the Latin alphabet. Religion: Roman Catholic Croats (76.5 per cent of the total population) and Eastern Orthodox Serbs (11 per cent), as well as small communities of Protestants, Jews and Muslims. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Saturday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 385. Outgoing international code: 00. Telephone booths are operated by phonecards. Mobile telephone GSM 900 network covers the whole country. Network operators include CRONET (website: www.ht.hr/en/index). Fax Services are widely available. Internet The main ISP is Hrvatske Telekomunikacije (website: www.tel.hr). Internet cafes can be found in Zagreb and other main towns. Press There are no English-language newspapers at present. The main local newspapers are Vecernji List (Zagreb), Slobodna Dalmacija (Split) and Novi List (Rijeka). BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 17.64 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA Yes No Yes OtherEU No/1 No Yes Japanese Yes No Yes Restricted entry and transit: Croatia does not recognise passports issued by Palestine, Chinese Taipei and the Turkish Republic of Cyprus. PASSPORTS: 1. Passport valid for at least length of stay required by all, except: nationals of EU countries (except Ireland and UK), Hungary and Slovenia with valid national photo ID cards. VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days: (a) nationals listed in the chart above; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela; (c) nationals of Korea (Rep) for tourist/business stays of up to 30 days; (d) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 48 hours provided holding confirmed onward and return documentation and not leaving the airport. Note: Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia, provided they are a business visitor with a certified letter of invitation by business partners, a private visitor with a certified letter of guarantee by a sponsor or tourists on an organised package tour and holding hotel vouchers. Nationals of China may obtain visas on arrival, if only staying for 90 days for business or tourist reasons. Types of visa and cost: Single-entry: £19. Double-entry: £24. Multiple-entry: £38. Transit (single-, double- or multiple-entry): £19-£38. Business: £48. Validity: Up to three months. Business visas valid for one year can be issued to members of a foreign company provided it is registered in Croatia. For further information on company registration, contact the Croatian Chamber of Economy (see Business Profile section). Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) Two passport-sized photos. (d) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay (minimum of €102 per day). (e) Proof of accommodation within Croatia or documentation regarding the purpose of travel (such as business/invitation letter, return or onward ticket, holiday arrangements). Working days required: One day or four to six weeks, depending on nationality and type of visa required. Multiple-entry visas: four to six weeks. Money Currency: Kuna (K) = 100 Lipa. Notes are in denominations of K1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of K5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 4, 2 and 1 lipa. Currency exchange: Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, by authorised dealers and post offices. ATMs are common. Credit & debit cards: All major credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available. Travellers cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to K2000 (in banknotes up to K500). The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited. Exchange rate indicator The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Kuna against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 11.65 11.51 11.77 11.24 $1.00= 7.99 7.57 7.44 7.06 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1900, Sat 0800-1300. Duty Free The following goods may be taken into Croatia without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of wine and 1l of spirits; 250ml of eau de cologne and 1 bottle of perfume. Note: (a) Valuable professional and technical equipment must be declared on arrival. (b) Articles of archaeological, historical, ethnographic, artistic and other scientific or cultural value require an export licence issued by the Croatian authorities. (c) Passengers carrying firearms (for hunting and sporting purposes) or radios for communication (CB, walkie-talkie) must hold a valid passport. Public Holidays Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 19 Corpus Christi. Jun 22 Anti-Fascist Resistance Day. Aug 5 Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 8 Independence Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 10 Corpus Christi. Jun 22 Anti-Fascist Resistance Day. Aug 5 Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 8 Independence Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Note: The end of Ramadan, while not an official public holiday, is celebrated as such by the Muslim community, and some shops and businesses may be closed on this day. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio No N/A Malaria No N/A Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Hepatitis A occurs. Precautions should be taken against tick bites. Immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis is advised. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care: For UK nationals, hospital and other medical treatment as well as some dental treatment is normally free on presentation of a UK passport. UK residents who are not nationals, and are visiting the country for a short stay, should take an E111 form to cover any medical care. Prescribed medicines must be paid for. All other international travellers are advised to take out full medical insurance. Travel - International AIR: Croatia’s national airline is Croatian Airlines (OU) which flies directly from London Heathrow to Zagreb daily. British Airways also operates direct flights five times a week from London Heathrow (previously Gatwick) to Zagreb. Other airlines serving Croatia include Aeroflot, Air Bosna, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss and Malaysia Airways. Croatia Airlines operates direct flights from the UK (London and Manchester) to Dubrovnik, Pula and Split in the summer. Approximate flight times: From Zagreb to London is 2 hours 30 minutes, to New York is 10 hours 35 minutes. International airports: Zagreb (ZAG) (Pleso International) (website: www.tel.hr/zagreb-airport) is 17km (10 miles) southeast of the city. An airport bus runs 0700-1700 to the city centre (travel time – 25 minutes); taxis are also available (travel time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities include 24-hour left luggage, banks/bureaux de change, restaurants, snack bars, bars, business lounge, duty-free shops, post office (0700-1900), tourist information, 24-hour first aid and car hire (including Avis, Hertz and Europcar). Dubrovnik (DBV) is 18km (11 miles) southeast of the city. An airport bus runs to the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Airport facilities include banks/bureaux de change (0800-1900), a post office (0700-1300), bars (0700-1300), duty-free shop, shops and car hire. Split (SPU) is 25km (16 miles) northwest of the city. An airport bus runs to the city (travel time – 40 minutes). Airport facilities include banks/bureau de change, post office, car hire, duty-free shops and bar/restaurant (0700-1900). Pula (PUY) is 8km (5 miles) northwest of the city. An airport bus runs to the city (travel time – 15 minutes). Airport facilities include bureau de change, car hire, duty-free shop and snack bar/restaurant. Departure tax: None. SEA: Passenger and car ferry services run to Italy. The main routes are: Split–Ancona, Zadar–Ancona, Split–Pescara and Dubrovnik–Bari. Fast hydrofoil services operate on some routes. The main ferry lines are Jadrolinija (website: www.jadrolinija.hr), SEM Marina (website: www.sem.hr) and Adriatica (website: www.adriatica.it). RAIL: Direct trains run from Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Yugoslavia. Express services run from Zagreb to major cities including Munich, Vienna, Venice, Budapest and Berlin. ROAD: There are routes from all the neighbouring countries. Bus: There are regular international buses connecting Croatia with Austria, Italy, Hungary, France, Germany, the Slovak Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves destinations in Croatia. For further information, contact Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: www.eurolines.com or www.gobycoach.com). Travel - Internal AIR: The main domestic airports are located at Rijeka (RJK), 27km from the Island of Krk (travel time – 35 minutes by bus) and at Split (SPU), 25km from Split (travel time – 30 minutes by bus). Split also receives international flights. There are others at Pula (PUY), 10km from Pula (travel time – 15 minutes by bus) and Dubrovnik (DBV), 22km from Dubrovnik (travel time – 30 minutes by bus). SEA: There are regular connections between the main ports and the offshore islands. Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik are linked by passenger and car ferries. RAIL: The network connects all major cities except Dubrovnik. It is often quicker to travel by bus, however. ROAD: In 1996, there were 27,247km of roads in Croatia, including 318km of motorways. A ten-year road-building programme was announced in that year. Unexploded ordinance may remain in Eastern Slavonia and the former Krajina; motorists should avoid these areas. A toll is payable on motorways. Unleaded petrol is available. Regulations: Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on dual carriageways, 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside built-up areas. Heavy fines are imposed for speeding. Documentation: National or International Driving Permit. All motorists should also carry a valid passport as proof of identity at all times. A Green Card should be carried by visitors (except EU nationals) taking their own car into Croatia. Without it, insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover; the Green Card augments this to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. National registration in country of origin is required for all foreign vehicles. Bus: There are regular services to destinations all over Croatia. Timetable information is available from Zagreb Central Bus Station (see links from tourist board website: www.visit-croatia.co.uk). Accommodation HOTELS: Once again a major European tourism destination, Croatia has the best of its hotels on its Adriatic coast. Elsewhere, deluxe hotels are only to be found in Zagreb, plus the Plitvice Lakes tourist area on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina near Bihac. For further information, contact the Croatian Association of Hoteliers, Vladimira Nazora 3, Opatija (tel/fax: (51) 711 415 or 711 567; e-mail: huh@ti.tel.hr). Grading: Hotels in Croatia are now officially graded by the Ministry of Tourism into five categories according to the standard of accommodation: 5-star: Luxury. 4-star: Deluxe. 3-star: First class. 2-star: Moderate. 1-star: Basic and budget. Many hotels are still in the process of upgrading their facilities to match EU standards. For a list of classified hotels, contact the Croatian National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Introduction With 1778km (1111 miles) of mainland coast, emerald-blue waters, secluded pebble beaches and countless unspoilt islands, Croatia is an ideal destination for lovers of sea and sunshine who want to avoid the crowds. For ease of reference, the country has been divided into the following regions: Istria, Kvarner, Northern Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia, Southern Dalmatia and Inland Croatia. In addition, the cities of Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Split are each given a brief description. Main Cities ZAGREB: Croatia’s economic, cultural and administrative heart sits on the north bank of the river Sava. Its historic nuclei, Gradec and Kaptol, in Gornji Grad (Upper Town), were founded in the Middle Ages. Here, a labyrinth of peaceful cobbled streets links the city’s oldest and finest monuments: the Cathedral, St Mark’s Church (noted for its red, white and blue tiled roof) and the Sabor (seat of the Croatian Parliament). At the foot of the Upper Town lie Trg Bana Jelacic, the main square, and Dolac, the colourful open-air market. The main square links the Upper Town to Donji Grad (Lower Town), the commercial centre of modern-day Zagreb, with theatres, shops, cinemas, museums and cafes. A number of important 19th-century public buildings are located here, including Glavni Kolodvor (Main Train Station), the imposing neo-Baroque Croatian National Theatre and the Academy of Arts and Sciences. Regarding museums, the Museum of Arts and Crafts traces Croatian craftsmanship from the Renaissance up to the present day, while the Mimara Museum presents a rich collection of painting, sculpture and ceramics from abroad. Also worth visiting are the Museum of Zagreb, the Archaeological Museum and the Gallery of Naïve Art. The city boasts one of Europe’s very first planned parks: Maksimir, a magnificent feat of landscaping, with lakes, pavilions and sculptures, dating back to 1794. DUBROVNIK: Unanimously considered the jewel of Croatia, Dubrovnik is best known for its well-preserved historic centre contained within 13th-century city walls, its terracotta rooftops, and a stunning location overlooking the Adriatic. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, up until 1808 the city was a wealthy independent republic. The finest monuments date back to those golden years: the 16th-century Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery (home to Europe’s oldest pharmacy), and a number of delightful baroque churches, including the Cathedral, St Blaise’s Church and the Jesuit Church. Also worth visiting is the Maritime Museum, which highlights Dubrovnik’s former importance as a world naval power. Each summer, from mid-July to late-August, the city hosts the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, featuring various cultural events plus open-air evening performances of theatre, jazz and classical music. SPLIT: The city of Split was founded in the third century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, the traffic-free historic centre lies within the imposing walls of Diocletian’s Palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A vibrant cafe scene focuses on the Roman Peristil, presided over by the majestic Cathedral with its 13th-century Romanesque bell tower. The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments displays early Croatian religious art, while the Meštrovic Gallery celebrates the country’s best-known 20th-century sculptor. On the hill above town, Marjan, a extensive nature reserve planted with pine woods and fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, affords stunning views over the Adriatic. During the Split Summer Festival, held annually from mid-July to mid-August, the city becomes an open-air stage with night-time opera and concerts. The Coast ISTRIA: Istria is the largest peninsula on the Croatian coast and thanks to its easy transport links with nearby Italy and Austria, has also become the country’s major tourist destination. The region’s administrative centre and chief port, Pula, was founded by the Romans in the fifth century BC. Several interesting buildings remain from this period, notably the Arena, a well-preserved amphitheatre, which hosts summer concerts and the annual film festival. The city is a good starting point for excursions to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago of 14 unspoilt islands. It is possible to stay overnight on the largest island, Veli Brijun, where a range of tourist facilities are available. On the west coast of Istria lies Croatia’s most visited resort, Porec. Fortunately the large hotel complexes of Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna are situated out of town a little way along the coast, leaving the historic centre intact. Built on a small peninsular, Porec dates back to Roman times, and its star attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Euphrasius Basilica, decorated with stunning sixth-century Byzantine mosaics. Istria’s second most popular resort, Rovinj, was originally built on a small island, though the narrow strait that separated it from the mainland was filled in during the 18th century. Just out of town lies Zlatni Rt, a blissful park affording access to several secluded coves for bathing. Also by the sea, midway between Porec and Rovinj, lies Vrsar, home to Koversada, Europe’s largest nudist resort. Inland Istria, with romantic hill towns such as Motovun and Grožnjan, makes an ideal day trip from the coast. KVARNER: The economic and administrative centre of this popular and busy island region is Rijeka, Croatia’s largest port. Other than Trsat Castle, built on a hilltop commanding splendid views out to sea, Rijeka has little of architectural interest, its main claim to fame being the exuberant celebrations it puts on each year in February for Carnival. The main touristic centres of the Kvarner region are Opatija, Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski (sometimes referred to as the ‘three rivieras’), all of which have extensive pebble beaches complemented by good accommodation and recreational facilities. Opatija, Croatia’s oldest tourist resort, was popular with the Austro-Hungarian nobility and some of its former Fin-de-Siecle elegance remains. Of the many islands scattered throughout the Kvarner Bay, Krk, connected to the mainland by a road bridge, is the most developed as well as the largest, with clean beaches and extensive tourist facilities. Further out lie Rab, home to the delightful medieval Rab Town with a number of elegant Romanesque bell towers; Cres, which contains the Vransko Lake and is popular with nature lovers; and Lošinj, which has pine woods and numerous bays with beaches. Inland from Rijeka, the Risnjak National Park is located in the mountains of Gorski Kotar and rises to 1528m (510ft) above sea level, making it a popular destination for hiking and climbing. NORTHERN DALMATIA: The chief city and port in the region is Zadar, the historic centre of which is made up of narrow cobbled streets, some Roman remains and several interesting churches, notably the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral. However, the region’s main attraction is the Kornati National Park, an archipelago consisting of over 90 islands scattered over an area of 300 sq km. Virtually uninhabited, the islands display a harsh, rocky landscape practically devoid of vegetation. Most visitors arrive on organised day trips by boat, though several renovated stone cottages provide ‘Robinson Crusoe’ type holiday accommodation. Inland from Zadar, on the southern slopes of the Velebit Massif, lies Paklenica National Park, a popular destination for hiking and climbing. The region’s second city is Šibenik, worth seeing for its 15th-century UNESCO-listed Cathedral, and a good base for visiting Krka National Park. Here, the river Krka has sculpted a picturesque canyon, famed for its spectacular Skradinski buk (Skradin Waterfalls) and the islet of Visovac, home to a Franciscan Monastery, which can be visited by boat. CENTRAL DALMATIA: Croatia’s second largest city, Split (see Main Cities section) is also the economic and cultural capital of Central Dalmatia. Nearby, the tiny medieval city of Trogir, founded by the Greeks in the third century BC, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its beautiful Venetian Gothic stone buildings. Regarding sea and sunshine, the resorts of the Makarska Riviera, centred around the pretty town of Makarska, boast long stretches of pebble beaches and are able to accommodate large numbers of holidaymakers. However, the highlight of Central Dalmatia has to be its islands, which are less exploited than those in the north of the country. Taking Split as a base, the closest island, Brac, is best known for its magnificent beach, Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), close to the well-equipped but unspoilt resort of Bol. Hvar, possibly Dalmatia’s most beautiful island, is renowned for its rugged coastline, excellent wines and lavender fields. The largest settlement, Hvar Town, is built around a picturesque harbour presided over by a hilltop fortress. Chic cafes and restaurants focus on the main square, lined with elegant 15th-century ‘palaces’ and the much photographed Renaissance Cathedral. Hvar Town claims to have more hours of sunshine than any other resort on the Adriatic, and hotels offer free accommodation in the unlikely event of a snowfall. Slightly less sophisticated, but equally well equipped with hotels and bathing areas, is the friendly town of Jelsa. Vis, Croatia’s most remote inhabited island, is wild and unspoilt. Thanks to its former status as a Yugoslav military base it was closed to foreigners until 1989 and therefore has very limited tourist facilities. SOUTHERN DALMATIA: The chief centre of the southernmost region of Croatia is Dubrovnik (see Main Cities section). Nearby, a group of tiny traffic-free islands known as the Elaphites offer secluded beaches and basic tourist amenities. Further up the coast, the island of Korcula is reigned over by the beautifully preserved Korcula Town, a marvel of medieval urban planning which has charmed foreign visitors since the first tourists arrived in the 1920s. During summer, regular performances of the colourful Moreška sword dance are staged here. Nearby, the village of Lumbarda is home to one of Croatia’s few sand beaches. On the island of Mljet, the green and unspoilt Mljet National Park boasts dense indigenous forests and two interconnected saltwater lakes – Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero. In the centre of the larger lake sits the exquisite St Mary’s Island, crowned by a Benedictine Monastery. A series of paths, perfect for mountain biking or hiking, runs round the lakes and through the woods. Lastovo, like Vis (see Central Dalmatia section), is a remote island and former home to a Yugoslav military base, hence the lack of tourist facilities. Back on the mainland, south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a pretty holiday resort with numerous hotels and pebble beaches. South from here lies the border with Montenegro. Inland Croatia While the vast majority of tourists head straight for the coast, inland Croatia also holds several places of interest, notably the capital, Zagreb (see Main Cities section). North of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a rural area of undulating hills and vineyards with several castles open to the public, the most visited being Veliki Tabor and Trakocšan. East of Zagreb lies the flat fertile region of Slavonia, the major city of which, Osijek, makes an ideal base for visiting Kopacki Rit Nature Park, a vast expanse of wetland popular with birdwatchers. South of Zagreb, on the edge of the Dalmatian hinterland, lies one of Croatia’s biggest tourist attractions, the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. Situated in a densely forested valley, the park features 16 beautiful blue-green lakes joined together by a succession of spectacular waterfalls. There are numerous hotels, motels and campsites in the area, although tourism development has thankfully been combined with strict environmental preservation policies. Sport & Activities Watersports: Fishing permits are available from hotels or local authorities. Local information is necessary. Freshwater angling and fishing with equipment needs a permit. ‘Fish-linking’ with a local small-craft owner is popular. Sailing is possible along the coast. Berths and boats can be hired at all ports. Permits are needed for boats brought into the country. Sea Kayaking is also popular around the islands off the coast. The coast is also an increasingly popular diving destination , with ever more dive centres. Other: Skiing and spa resorts exist at Delnice and Platak. Football and basketball are two of the most popular spectator sports. Rock climbing is possible (the Paklencia National Park is particularly good for this), and there are good hiking areas. Social Profile Food & Drink: The Adriatic coast is renowned for the variety of seafood dishes, including scampi, prstaci (shellfish) and brodet (mixed fish stewed with rice) all cooked in olive oil and served with vegetables. In the interior visitors should sample manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup). The regional wines are good. Italian espresso is also popular and cheap. Shopping: Traditional handicrafts like embroidery, woodcarvings and ceramics make good souvenirs. Tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than K500. Visitors should ensure that all receipts are retained after any purchase is made, as financial police do have the power to fine visitors without relevant documents. This is to prevent VAT evasion by shopkeepers. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1900, Sat 0800-1400. Special Events: The following is a list of festivals and special events that take place in Croatia in 2003. For further details contact the Croatian National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section): Feb/Mar 2003 Kvarner Riviera Carnival. Jun 23-Jul 7 International Children's Festival, Sibnik. Jul 1-Aug 15 Zagreb Summer Festival. Jul 10-Aug 25 Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Jul 15-Aug 15 Split Summer Festival. Jul 15-Aug 25 Istrian Cultural Summer. Jul 19-22 Zagreb International Folk Festival. Sep 20-22 Vinkovci Autumn Festival. Sep 24-Oct 4 Varazdin Baroque Evenings. Social Conventions: People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport. Photography: Certain restrictions exist. Tipping: Ten per cent is expected in hotels, restaurants and taxis. Business Profile Economy: After Slovenia, Croatia was the most developed republic of the former Yugoslavia. With substantial support and investment from abroad, the Croatian economy recovered well after the break up of Yugoslavia and several years of civil war. Industry is the most important sector in the economy, producing textiles, chemicals, processed foods, finished metal goods and construction materials. Agriculture, which produces maize, wheat and sugar beet, is important for domestic purposes but has never contributed significantly to the export economy. Mineral deposits of exploitable size include oil, coal and natural gas. Croatia also has an important tourist industry, based on the Dalmatian coast, which has recovered after being all but wiped out by the civil war. Since seceding from Yugoslavia, the overall performance of the economy has been moderate. The government initially introduced a programme of privatisation and other market reforms. Croatia joined the IMF in January 1993, and then the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Trade Organisation. In May 1994, the Government introduced a new currency, the Kuna: low inflation has allowed the government to keep its value reasonably stable. The country’s most important trading partners are Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Business: In many ways one of the more conservative areas of the former Yugoslav Federation, Croatia tends towards formal business protocol, but this image of Western-style efficiency is often belied by the fact that things go very slowly on account of the cumbersome bureaucracy. Communication, however, is no problem, as English and German are widely used as second languages. Business cards including professional or academic titles should be exchanged just after formal introductions. There is also a large number of local agents, advisers, consultants and, to a lesser extent, lawyers, willing to act for foreign companies, but none should be engaged before being thoroughly checked in advance. Croatia has created a more liberal framework for foreign investments so that foreign investors are guaranteed special rights and incentives for investing in Croatia. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Croatian Chamber of Economy, Trg Rooseveltov 2, 10000 Zagreb (tel: (1) 456 1555; fax: (1) 482 8380; e-mail: hgk@hgk.hr; website: www.hgk.hr). Conferences/Conventions: The Croatian National Tourist Board can offer advice through their Convention Bureau (see Contact Addresses section), which also has a Zagreb Convention Bureau located at Koptol 4, 10000 Zagreb (tel: (1) 489 8555; fax: (1) 481 4949; e-mail: zagreb.convention@ccb.hr; website: www.zagreb-convention.hr). Climate Croatia has a varied climate, with continental climate conditions in the north and Mediterranean ones on the Adriatic coast. Required clothing: Lightweights with rainwear for summer. Mediumweights for winter with heavier clothing for inland areas. History and Government History: Converted to Roman Catholicism in the seventh century, the Croats established an independent kingdom during the tenth century, while the Serbs opted for the Eastern Orthodoxy of the Byzantine Empire, culminating in the Great Schism of 1054. In 1089, so-called Inner Croatia came under the control of Hungary and then the Habsburg Empire, and remained so for eight centuries, while the larger part of Dalmatia was variously controlled by the Byzantines, Venice and Austria. In 1529, following the defeat of the Hungarians by the Ottoman Turks, the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires divided Hungary’s territories, thereby creating a militarised border in Croatia between the Islamic and Christian worlds, running roughly along the present border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbs settled in areas of Croatia known as Krajina (border lands), the source of much Croat-Serb conflict thereafter. By 1699, when the Ottoman Empire began its long decline, most of modern Croatia was under Habsburg control, except for the Venetian territories of Dalmatia, Istria and Dubrovnik, which finally came to Vienna in 1815, after a brief period of French control under Napoleon. In 1868, Croatia came under strong Hungarian influence, however, after the destruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I, a new ‘Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes’ was created in 1918, later renamed ‘Yugoslavia’ in 1929. During the inter-war period, however, a highly unitary Serb-dominated state was created, worsening Croat-Serb conflict, which was exploited by the Nazis, after the Axis dismemberment of Yugoslavia in 1941. A so-called ‘Independent State of Croatia’ was established in Zagreb, which included the whole of nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was ruled by the indigenous fascist Ustasa movement. This state adopted a tripartite policy of genocide, forcible conversion to Catholicism and deportation against the Serbs under its control. The particular brutality of this regime has, in the eyes of many, tainted Croat nationalism ever since. Following the Communist takeover of 1945, Croatia became a constituent republic of the new Yugoslav federation led by Josip Broz Tito who, although himself an ethnic Croat, opposed any expression of Croatian nationalism. Thus, in 1971, a mass movement (Maspok) that favoured just such a nationalist revival in Croatia – and was supported by the League of Communists in Croatia – was crushed by Tito, with the aid of the federal Yugoslav National Army (JNA). However, Croatian nationalism grew once again, following Tito’s death in 1980 and the decline of the Yugoslav regime under the unwieldy collective presidency. The disintegration of Yugoslavia began in 1990, after multi-party elections in Slovenia and Croatia. In Croatia, the nationalist Croatian Democratic Union (Hrvatska Demokratska Zajednica, HDZ), led by Franjo Tudjman, won almost two-thirds of the Croat assembly seats and immediately moved towards full independence. In January 1991, the Yugoslav federal army entered Croatia in force, in support of the minority Serb community that sought autonomy within Croatia. The fighting in Croatia, between the JNA and Serb militia on one side and hastily assembled Croat defence forces on the other, was ended by a UN-brokered ceasefire in January 1992. By this time, 30 per cent of Croatian territory had been lost to Serb control. Yet Croatia made important gains as a nation; both recognition by the European Union and admission to the United Nations were achieved in 1992. In August the same year, presidential and legislative elections returned Tudjman and the HDZ with substantial majorities. Tudjman was now able to pursue his immediate objectives: recovering Croatian territory; and improving the Croat position in Bosnia. By 1995, with discreet external support and an alliance of convenience with the Bosnian Muslims, the Croats were ready to take on the Serbs. Within days, their surprise military action forced the Serbs into seeking a political settlement. This duly emerged in the Dayton Accord of November 1995, of which Croatia was a clear beneficiary. The military victory bolstered the position of Tudjman and the HDZ, who were re-elected in a series of polls between 1995 and 1997. However, Tudjman’s increasingly authoritarian and nationalistic style of government was alienating a significant constituency both inside and outside the country. Moreover, his dismissive attitude towards the International War Crimes Tribunal investigating the Bosnian civil war was undermining Croatia’s key ambition of joining the European Union. Tudjman’s death in December 1999 ushered in a new era of Croatian politics. The following month, the HDZ was ousted from control of the Sabor, by a five-party centre-left alliance led by the Social Democratic Party. Then, in February 2000, the presidential election was won by Stipe Mesic, representing the HNS, a member of the governing coalition. Along with a new Prime Minister, social democrat Ivica Racan, Croatia has since adopted a more conciliatory, less strident approach both at home and abroad, as well as a more positive attitude towards the international war crimes tribunal at the Hague. This has paid dividends, including membership of the World Trade Organisation, membership of post-NATO security organisation ‘Partnership for Peace’ and a berth on the fast track in the complex process leading to full EU membership. However, there remained serious doubts at home – including a raft of ministerial resignations during July 2001 – about the wisdom of allowing the Hague tribunal to delve into Croatia’s treatment of its Serb and Muslim minorities during the war. By contrast, almost exactly a year later, the presidents of Croatia, Bosnia and Yugoslavia held their first joint summit, pledging future regional co-operation. Government: Under the 1990 constitution, legislative power rests with the bicameral Sabor, both houses of which are directly elected for four-year terms. The lower house, the Chamber of Representatives (Zastupnicki Dom), has 127 seats, of which 80 are elected by proportional representation, 28 in single-seat constituencies, with the remainder variously earmarked for recognised ethnic minorities and Croats who are resident abroad. The upper house, the Chamber of Districts (Zupanijski Dom), has 68 members – 63 elected in three-seat constituencies, plus five appointees. Executive power is held by the President, elected for five years, who appoints a cabinet of ministers. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.