Surface area: 56.691 sq.km, with additional 31.067 sq.km of territorial waters

Population: 4.784.265

Capital: Zagreb ( the administrative, cultural, academic and communication centre of the country); population: 950 000

Number of islands, islets and reefs: 1185; the largest islands are those of Krk and Cres. There ar sixty six inhabited islands.

Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic.

Official language and alphabet: Croatian language and Latin alphabet.

Political system: Parliamentary Democracy

The currency: the Croatian kuna (kn). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000, coins in kn 1, 2, 5 & 25 and 10, 20 and 50 lipa (1 kuna= 100 lipas).

International telephone code for Croatia: 385

Important telephone numbers:
- Police 92
- Fire brigade 93
- Ambulance 94
- Emergency road assistance 987
- General information 981

Public holidays:
(2008)
- New Year's Day, January 1.
- Epiphany January 6.
- Easter , March 23., 24.
- Labor Day, May 1.
- Corpus Christy, May 22.
- Antifascism Day, June 22.
- National Day, June 25.
- National Thanksgiving Day, August 5.
- The Assumption; August 15.
- Independence Day, October 8.
- All Saint's Day, November 1.
- Christmas, December 25., 26.

Climate:

The Adriatic Coast boasts a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters.It is one of the sunniest and warmest coasts in Europe with an average of 2,600 hours of sunshine per year and an average summer temperature of 27°C. The inland part is marked by continental climate with warm summers and rainy and snowy winters.

Travel documents:

To enter Croatia a valid ID card or a passport is needed, depending on international agreement between the countries.
Visa: Please check with the nearest Croatian Consulate or Embassy.

Pets:

can enter the country if they have a vaccination record and veterinary certificate. The record must not be older than one year.

Customs formalities:

Expensive professional and technical equipment should be declared at the border crossing.

Currency:

Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, tourist agencies, hotels, etc. All major cards (American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners) are accepted for a wide range of services.

Medical services:

Medical care for foreign visitors is provided at hospitals and clinics in all major cities in Croatia .Croatia is a member of the Europe Assistance Medical Services System.

Drivers must be in possession of valid documents for themselves and the vehicle, as well as the Green Insurance Card.

Car rental service:

Cars can be rented at the airports, in towns and in all major tourist resorts.

Postal services:

Post offices are open from Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. International phone calls are easily made from hotel rooms and post offices. Phone cards are available from post offices and kiosks. Stamps are sold at post offices, hotel receptions and newspaper and tobacco stands. TNT and DHL air-express carrier services are also available.

Cellular phone range:

Communication by cellular phone is possible throughout Croatia.

Shopping:

Excellent purchases include articles made of leather, local hand-made lace items and embroidery, ceramics, herb brandies, etc.

Opening hours:

department stores and groceries are open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., whereas some shops and groceries close for lunch.

On Saturdays most shops are open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. In tourist resorts most shops stay open longer in the high season, including Saturdays and Sundays.

Duty-free shops are located at airports.