Croatia - Useful information for your trip

Croatia is a country belonging to the European Union, it is located in the Western part of the continent and lapped by the Adriatic Sea.

Under the geographical point of view, it can be divided into three main regions, which are also characterized by different weather conditions. In the Eastern part lies the Pannonian Basin, a large plain interrupted by some hills. Here, there is a semi-continental climate, with rigid winters and warm and dry summers. The mountain area in the central part of the country encloses the Dinaric Alps, it divides the Danube course from the Adriatic Sea. This area owns an alpine climate, with mild summers and rigid winter, during which long and abundant snowfalls are common. Finally, the Adriatic coast, on the south, shows a sub-Mediterranean climate, with warm and sunny summers and mild winters.

Because of the heterogeneity of the landscape and climate, Croatia boasts several species in terms of flora and fauna. This is why, its biodiversity is one of the richest in Europe. In order to preserve and safeguard these natural beauties, many national parks have been established, and more than 380 animals have been considered as protected animals, among which are boar, wolf, brown bear and Euro-Asiatic griffon.

The most important national parks are: Plitvice National Park, which has been declared World Heritage Site by Unesco. The park hosts 16 lakes in succession, that are connected  with waterfalls, and several animal species. Paklenica National Park, that is characterized by deep gorges of the mountain range of Velebit covered by lush vegetation. Many other areas enclose the natural beauties of Croatia and offer breath-taking and pictoresque views.

During the past years and centuries, Croatia was controlled by different empires and nations, only on 25 June 1991 it declared its independence from Yugoslavia. The evidence of the ancient rulers can be noted in its architecture. Indeed, the Amphitheaters, the Arch of the Sergii in Pula, the majestic Diocletian's Palace boast proofs of the Roman architecture; while the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč has Byzantine influences and many palaces in the main squares have Venetian-Gothic reminiscences.

The economy of Croatia is mainly based on the tertiary sector and light industry; the tourist sector also plays a significant role within the country's economy.