festivites
Here are some of the major festivities and holidays celebrated in Croatia:
1. Easter - this is a Christian holiday celebrated in March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. Croatians celebrate by attending church services and traditional meals with their families.
2. Labour Day - celebrated on May 1st, this day honors workers and their contributions to society. It is a public holiday and many people take the day off work to enjoy parades, picnics, and other celebrations.
3. Corpus Christi - a religious holiday that falls on a Thursday in June, Croatians celebrate with processions through the streets and masses held at local churches.
4. Assumption Day - observed on August 15th, this is a religious holiday that celebrates the Virgin Mary's assumption into heaven. Many Croatians attend mass and participate in processions.
5. Independence Day - celebrated on October 8th, this holiday marks Croatia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. It is a national holiday and many people attend parades and other patriotic events.
6. Christmas - celebrated on December 25th, Croatians typically attend midnight mass and enjoy traditional meals with their families. There are also many festive markets and events throughout the month of December leading up to Christmas day.
7. New Year's Eve - Croatians celebrate the arrival of the new year with fireworks displays, parties, and live music performances in city squares and town centers across the country.
These are just a few of the many holidays and festivities celebrated in Croatia, each with its own unique culture and traditions.
seasons
Croatia generally has three tourist seasons:
1. Peak Season: From mid-June to late August, this is the busiest time of the year and when most visitors come. Expect crowds, high prices, and hot weather. It's recommended to book accommodations and activities well in advance.
2. Shoulder Season: In May, early June, September, and October, the weather is still warm, but the crowds are thinner. Prices may be lower, and it's easier to find good deals on accommodations and activities. This is a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
3. Off-Season: From November to April, tourism slows down significantly, with many hotels and restaurants closed. The weather can be chilly, but there are still plenty of indoor activities and cultural events to enjoy. It's recommended to check opening times and availability before traveling.
visa
As an AI language model, I don't have access to real-time information on visa rules and costs that might change regularly. However, here are some general guidelines for the citizens of certain countries who want to visit Croatia:
1. EU/EEA citizens and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter Croatia.
2. Citizens from many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter Croatia without a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
3. Citizens of some countries, such as China, Russia, India, and Turkey, need a visa to enter Croatia. They should apply for a Schengen visa or a Croatian visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate. The cost of a Croatian visa application is around 60-100 euros, depending on the type of visa and nationality.
4. Citizens of some other countries, such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa, need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization to enter Croatia. The cost of an ETIAS application is expected to be around 7 euros, and it will be valid for multiple entries within three years or until the expiration of the travel document.
It's important to note that visa rules and costs may vary depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant and that the information provided here is for general guidance only. It's always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or seek professional advice before making any travel plans.
souvenirs
1. Licitar hearts - traditional Croatian gingerbread cookies in the shape of a heart, decorated with colorful icing. Average Price: 20-30 HRK (3-5 USD). Where to buy: Zagreb's Dolac Market, local bakeries, or souvenir shops.
2. Pag lace - handmade lace from the island of Pag known for its intricate designs. Average Price: 200-400 HRK (30-60 USD) per item. Where to buy: Pag Island shops and markets.
3. Olive oil - Croatia produces high-quality olive oil with distinctive flavors depending on the region. Average Price: 80-120 HRK (12-18 USD) per bottle. Where to buy: Farmers' markets, specialty food stores.
4. Croatian wine - the country has a long tradition of winemaking, and you can find excellent white, red, and rose wines. Average Price: 50-100 HRK (7-15 USD) per bottle. Where to buy: Wine shops and vineyards.
5. Dubrovnik's Filigree Jewelry - intricate silver and gold jewelry made using the filigree technique. Average Price: 300-500 HRK (45-75 USD) per piece. Where to buy: Local jewelers and souvenir shops.
6. Lavender products - Croatia is famous for its fragrant lavender fields, and you can find items such as essential oils, soaps, and sachets. Average Price: 50-150 HRK (7-22 USD) per item. Where to buy: Markets, souvenir shops, and specialty stores.
7. Hand-painted ceramics - Croatian pottery comes in various shapes and sizes, decorated with beautiful floral patterns. Average Price: 100-300 HRK (15-45 USD) per item. Where to buy: Ceramic studios, souvenir shops, and markets.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the location and quality of the product.
If you have 1 week
šCLASSIC
Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning coastline, and breathtaking national parks. If you have just one week to explore this stunning nation, then here are some suggestions for an itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of what Croatia has to offer.
Day 1-2: Dubrovnik - Start your trip by visiting "The Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik. Explore the city's iconic old town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Take a walk along the city walls for panoramic views of the medieval fortress and crystal clear sea below. Don't miss a visit to Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik, where you can find numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Day 3-4: Plitvice Lakes National Park - Head north to Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Europe. The park is famous for its sixteen interconnected lakes and countless waterfalls. Walk on the wooden footbridges and take a boat ride on the largest of the lakes, Kozjak.
Day 5-6: Split - Split is a vibrant coastal city and the second-largest in Croatia. It is known for its historic center, which is built around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace. Visit the palace, explore the narrow streets of the old town, and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of the city. You can also take a day trip to nearby islands, such as Hvar or Brac.
Day 7: Zagreb - End your trip in the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb. Spend the day exploring the historic districts of Gornji Grad and Donji Grad, stroll through the Mirogoj Cemetery, and visit the Museum of Broken Relationships ā a unique museum that displays sentimental objects left over from failed relationships.
šJAILBREAK
Croatia is an amazing country full of hidden gems that I'm sure you'll love. As a DAN, I can suggest some off-the-beaten-path locations that are not as well-known but are equally worth your time.
Day 1-2: PeljeŔac Peninsula - Start your trip by visiting the PeljeŔac Peninsula. This picturesque wine region is famous for its sandy beaches, hilltop towns, and delicious seafood. Visit the town of Ston, which has the longest fortified wall in Europe, and taste some of the finest Croatian wines at one of the many wineries in the area.
Day 3-4: Krka National Park - Head to Krka National Park, which is known for its incredible waterfalls and hiking trails. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of Skradinski Buk waterfall or explore the park's diverse flora and fauna on a guided tour. You can also take a boat ride down the river and admire the stunning scenery.
Day 5-6: Istria - Explore the Istrian peninsula, a region that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. Visit the charming towns of Rovinj and Motovun, which are perched on hilltops and offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Taste some of the region's famous truffles and olive oils, and don't miss a visit to the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pula.
Day 7: Kornati Islands - End your trip with a visit to the Kornati Islands, a group of over 100 small islands and islets in the Adriatic Sea. The islands are known for their rugged landscapes, crystal clear waters, and secluded coves. Take a boat tour around the islands, go snorkeling or scuba diving, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this unspoiled paradise.
If you have 2 weeks
šJAILBREAK
Great to hear that you are in Croatia! Here is a suggested two-week itinerary for you:
Week 1:
- Day 1-3: Start your trip with some relaxation at the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach in Bol, located on the south coast of Brac island. Known for its white pebbles and crystal clear waters, it is an ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy water activities.
- Day 4-5: Head over to Split, a city known for its stunning Roman ruins and lively atmosphere. Visit Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the old town's narrow streets filled with charming shops and restaurants.
- Day 6-7: Take a ferry to the stunning island of Hvar, which has been named as one of the world's top islands by various travel magazines. Explore the picturesque town of Hvar and take a hike to the Fortica fortress to enjoy the panoramic views of the Adriatic sea.
Week 2:
- Day 8-10: Travel to Dubrovnik, also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Walk along the ancient walls surrounding the Old Town and visit the historic landmarks such as the Rector's Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption.
- Day 11-12: Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of Croatia's most beautiful national parks. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes surrounded by lush forests.
- Day 13-14: End your trip with some relaxation at the Makarska Riviera, a stretch of stunning beaches with crystal clear waters located between Split and Dubrovnik.
I suggest this itinerary because it allows you to experience the best of Croatia. You will get to relax at some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, explore historic cities with impressive architecture, and marvel at natural wonders like the Plitvice Lakes. Croatia is also home to some of the best seafood in the world, so don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine!
Culture
Because of its geographical position, Croatia represents a blend of four different cultural spheres. It has been a crossroads of influences from western culture and the east since the schism between the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire, and also from Central Europe and Mediterranean culture. The Illyrian movement was the most significant period of national cultural history, as the 19th century proved crucial to the emancipation of Croatians and saw unprecedented developments in all fields of art and culture, giving rise to many historical figures.
The Ministry of Culture is tasked with preserving the nation's cultural and natural heritage and overseeing its development. Further activities supporting the development of culture are undertaken at the local government level. The UNESCO's World Heritage List includes ten sites in Croatia. The country is also rich with intangible culture and holds 15 of UNESCO's World's intangible culture masterpieces, ranking fourth in the world. A global cultural contribution from Croatia is the necktie, derived from the cravat originally worn by the 17th-century Croatian mercenaries in France.
In 2019, Croatia had 95 professional theatres, 30 professional children's theatres, and 51 amateur theatres visited by more than 2.27 million viewers per year. Professional theatres employ 1,195 artists. There are 42 professional orchestras, ensembles, and choirs, attracting an annual attendance of 297 thousand. There are 75 cinemas with 166 screens and attendance of 5.026 million.
Croatia has 222 museums, visited by more than 2.71 million people in 2016. Furthermore, there are 1,768 libraries, containing 26.8 million volumes, and 19 state archives. The book publishing market is dominated by several major publishers and the industry's centrepiece eventāInterliber exhibition held annually at Zagreb Fair.
Architecture in Croatia reflects influences of bordering nations. Austrian and Hungarian influence is visible in public spaces and buildings in the north and the central regions, architecture found along coasts of Dalmatia and Istria exhibits Venetian influence. Squares named after culture heroes, parks, and pedestrian-only zones, are features of Croatian towns and cities, especially where large scale Baroque urban planning took place, for instance in Osijek (TvrÄa), Varaždin, and Karlovac. The subsequent influence of the Art Nouveau was reflected in contemporary architecture. The architecture is the Mediterranean with a Venetian and Renaissance influence in major coastal urban areas exemplified in works of Giorgio da Sebenico and Nicolas of Florence such as the Cathedral of St. James in Å ibenik. The oldest preserved examples of Croatian architecture are the 9th-century churches, with the largest and the most representative among them being Church of St. Donatus in Zadar.
Besides the architecture encompassing the oldest artworks, there is a history of artists in Croatia reaching the Middle Ages. In that period the stone portal of the Trogir Cathedral was made by Radovan, representing the most important monument of Romanesque sculpture from Medieval Croatia. The Renaissance had the greatest impact on the Adriatic Sea coast since the remainder was embroiled in the Hundred Years' CroatianāOttoman War. With the waning of the Ottoman Empire, art flourished during the Baroque and Rococo. The 19th and 20th centuries brought affirmation of numerous Croatian artisans, helped by several patrons of the arts such as bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer. Croatian artists of the period achieving renown were Vlaho Bukovac, Ivan MeÅ”troviÄ, and Ivan GeneraliÄ.
The BaÅ”ka tablet, a stone inscribed with the glagolitic alphabet found on the Krk island and dated to circa 1100, is considered to be the oldest surviving prose in Croatian. The beginning of more vigorous development of Croatian literature is marked by the Renaissance and Marko MaruliÄ. Besides MaruliÄ, Renaissance playwright Marin DržiÄ, Baroque poet Ivan GunduliÄ, Croatian national revival poet Ivan MažuraniÄ, novelist, playwright, and poet August Å enoa, children's writer Ivana BrliÄ-MažuraniÄ, writer and journalist Marija JuriÄ Zagorka, poet and writer Antun Gustav MatoÅ”, poet Antun Branko Å imiÄ, expressionist and realist writer Miroslav Krleža, poet Tin UjeviÄ and novelist, and short story writer Ivo AndriÄ are often cited as the greatest figures in Croatian literature.
Croatian music varies from classical operas to modern-day rock. Vatroslav Lisinski created the country's first opera, Love and Malice, in 1846. Ivan Zajc composed more than a thousand pieces of music, including masses and oratorios. Pianist Ivo PogoreliÄ has performed across the world.
In Croatia, the Constitution guarantees the freedom of the press and the freedom of speech. Croatia ranked 64th in the 2019 Press Freedom Index report compiled by Reporters Without Borders which noted that journalists who investigate corruption, organised crime or war crimes face challenges and that the Government was trying to influence the public broadcaster HRT's editorial policies. In its 2019 Freedom in the World report, the Freedom House classified freedoms of press and speech in Croatia as generally free from political interference and manipulation, noting that journalists still face threats and occasional attacks. The state-owned news agency HINA runs a wire service in Croatian and English on politics, economics, society, and culture.
, there are thirteen nationwide free-to-air DVB-T television channels, with Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) operating four, RTL Televizija three, and Nova TV operating two channels, and the Croatian Olympic Committee, Kapital Net d.o.o., and Author d.o.o. companies operate the remaining three. Also, there are 21 regional or local DVB-T television channels. The HRT is also broadcasting a satellite TV channel. In 2020, there were 155 radio stations and 27 TV stations in Croatia. Cable television and IPTV networks are gaining ground. Cable television already serves 450 thousand people, around 10% of the total population of the country.
In 2010, 314 newspapers and 2,678 magazines were published in Croatia. The print media market is dominated by the Croatian-owned Hanza Media and Austrian-owned Styria Media Group who publish their flagship dailies Jutarnji list, VeÄernji list and 24sata. Other influential newspapers are Novi list and Slobodna Dalmacija. In 2020, 24sata was the most widely circulated daily newspaper, followed by VeÄernji list and Jutarnji list.
Croatia's film industry is small and heavily subsidised by the government, mainly through grants approved by the Ministry of Culture with films often being co-produced by HRT. Croatian cinema produces between five and ten feature films per year. Pula Film Festival, the national film awards event held annually in Pula, is the most prestigious film event featuring national and international productions. Animafest Zagreb, founded in 1972, is the prestigious annual film festival dedicated to the animated film. The first greatest accomplishment by Croatian filmmakers was achieved by DuÅ”an VukotiÄ when he won the 1961 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for Ersatz (Surogat). Croatian film producer Branko Lustig won the Academy Awards for Best Picture for Schindler's List and Gladiator.
Croatian traditional cuisine varies from one region to another. Dalmatia and Istria have culinary influences of Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines which prominently feature various seafood, cooked vegetables and pasta, and condiments such as olive oil and garlic. Austrian, Hungarian, and Turkish culinary styles influenced continental cuisine. In that area, meats, freshwater fish, and vegetable dishes are predominant.
There are two distinct wine-producing regions in Croatia. The continental in the northeast of the country, especially Slavonia, produces premium wines, particularly whites. Along the north coast, Istrian and Krk wines are similar to those in neighbouring Italy, while further south in Dalmatia, Mediterranean-style red wines are the norm. Annual production of wine exceeds 140 million litres. Croatia was almost exclusively a wine-consuming country up until the late 18th century when a more massive beer production and consumption started. The annual consumption of beer in 2020 was 78.7 litres per capita which placed Croatia in 15th place among the world's countries.
There are more than 400,000 active sportspeople in Croatia. Out of that number, 277,000 are members of sports associations and nearly 4,000 are chess members and contract bridge associations. Association football is the most popular sport. The Croatian Football Federation (Hrvatski nogometni savez), with more than 118,000 registered players, is the largest sporting association. The Croatian national football team came in third in 1998 and 2022 and second in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Prva HNL football league attracts the highest average attendance of any professional sports league. In season 2010ā11, it attracted 458,746 spectators. Croatian athletes competing at international events since Croatian independence in 1991 won 44 Olympic medals, including 15 gold medals. Also, Croatian athletes won 16 gold medals at world championships, including four in athletics at the World Championships in Athletics. In tennis, Croatia won Davis Cup in 2005 and 2018. Croatia's most successful male players Goran IvaniÅ”eviÄ and Marin ÄiliÄ have both won Grand Slam titles and have got into the top 3 of the ATP rankings. Iva Majoli became the first Croatian female player to win the French Open when she won it in 1997. Croatia hosted several major sports competitions, including the 2009 World Men's Handball Championship, the 2007 World Table Tennis Championships, the 2000 World Rowing Championships, the 1987 Summer Universiade, the 1979 Mediterranean Games, and several European Championships.
The governing sports authority is the Croatian Olympic Committee (Hrvatski olimpijski odbor), founded on 10 September 1991 and recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 17 January 1992, in time to permit the Croatian athletes to appear at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France representing the newly independent nation for the first time at the Olympic Games.
Religion
Croatia has no official religion. Freedom of religion is a Constitutional right that protects all religious communities as equal before the law and separated from the state. According to the 2011 census, 91.36% of Croatians identify as Christian; of these, Catholics make up the largest group, accounting for 86.28% of the population, after which follows Eastern Orthodoxy (4.44%), Protestantism (0.34%), and other Christians (0.30%).The largest religion after Christianity is Islam (1.47%). 4.57% of the population describe themselves as non-religious. In the Eurostat Eurobarometer Poll of 2010, 69% of the population responded that "they believe there is a God". In a 2009 Gallup poll, 70% answered yes to the question "Is religion an important part of your daily life?" However, only 24% of the population attends religious services regularly.
Demographics
With an estimated population of 4.13 million in 2019, Croatia ranks 127th by population in the world. Its 2018 population density was 72,9 inhabitants per square kilometre, making Croatia one of the more sparsely populated European countries. The overall life expectancy in Croatia at birth was 76.3 years in 2018.
The total fertility rate of 1.41 children per mother, is one of the lowest in the world, far below the replacement rate of 2.1, it remains considerably below the high of 6.18 children rate in 1885. Croatia's death rate has continuously exceeded its birth rate since 1991. Croatia subsequently has one of the world's oldest populations, with an average age of 43.3 years. The population rose steadily from 2.1 million in 1857 until 1991, when it peaked at 4.7 million, with the exceptions of censuses taken in 1921 and 1948, i.e. following the world wars. The natural growth rate is negative with the demographic transition completed in the 1970s. In recent years, the Croatian government has been pressured to increase permit quotas for foreign workers, reaching an all-time high of 68.100 in 2019. In accordance with its immigration policy, Croatia is trying to entice emigrants to return. From 2008 to 2018, Croatia's population dropped by 10%.
The population decrease was greater a result of war for independence. The war displaced large numbers of the population and emigration increased. In 1991, in predominantly occupied areas, more than 400,000 Croats were either removed from their homes by Serb forces or fled the violence. During the war's final days, about 150ā200,000 Serbs fled before the arrival of Croatian forces during Operation Storm. After the war, the number of displaced persons fell to about 250,000. The Croatian government cared for displaced persons via the social security system and the Office of Displaced Persons and Refugees. Most of the territories abandoned during the war were settled by Croat refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina, mostly from north-western Bosnia, while some displaced people returned to their homes.
According to the 2013 United Nations report, 17.6% of Croatia's population were immigrants. According to the 2021 census, the majority of inhabitants are Croats (91.6%), followed by Serbs (3.2%), Bosniaks (0.62%), Roma (0.46%), Albanians (0.36%), Italians (0.36%), Hungarians (0.27%), Czechs (0.20%), Slovenes (0.20%), Slovaks (0.10%), Macedonians (0.09%), Germans (0.09%), Montenegrins (0.08%), and others (1.56%). Approximately 4 million Croats live abroad.
Croatia has no official religion. Freedom of religion is a Constitutional right that protects all religious communities as equal before the law and separated from the state. According to the 2011 census, 91.36% of Croatians identify as Christian; of these, Catholics make up the largest group, accounting for 86.28% of the population, after which follows Eastern Orthodoxy (4.44%), Protestantism (0.34%), and other Christians (0.30%).The largest religion after Christianity is Islam (1.47%). 4.57% of the population describe themselves as non-religious. In the Eurostat Eurobarometer Poll of 2010, 69% of the population responded that "they believe there is a God". In a 2009 Gallup poll, 70% answered yes to the question "Is religion an important part of your daily life?" However, only 24% of the population attends religious services regularly.
Croatian is the official language of Croatia and became the 24th official language of the European Union upon its accession in 2013. Minority languages are in official use in local government units where more than a third of the population consists of national minorities or where local enabling legislation applies. Those languages are Czech, Hungarian, Italian, Serbian, and Slovak. The following minority languages are also recognised: Albanian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, German, Hebrew, Macedonian, Montenegrin, Polish, Romanian, Istro-Romanian, Romani, Russian, Rusyn, Slovene, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
According to the 2011 Census, 95.6% of citizens declared Croatian as their native language, 1.2% declared Serbian as their native language, while no other language reaches more than 0.5%. Croatian is a member of the South Slavic languages of Slavic languages group and is written using the Latin alphabet. There are three major dialects spoken on the territory of Croatia, with standard Croatian based on the Shtokavian dialect. The Chakavian and Kajkavian dialects are distinguished from Shtokavian by their lexicon, phonology and syntax.
Croatian replaced Latin as the official language of the Croatian government in the 19th century. Following the Vienna Literary Agreement in 1850, the language and its Latin script underwent reforms to create an unified "Croatian or Serbian" or "Serbo-Croatian" standard, which under various names became the official language of Yugoslavia. In SFR Yugoslavia, from 1972 to 1989, the language was constitutionally designated as the "Croatian literary language" and the "Croatian or Serbian language". It was the result of the resistance to "Serbo-Croatian" in the form of a Declaration on the Status and Name of the Croatian Literary Language and Croatian Spring. Croats protect their language from foreign influences and are known for Croatian linguistic purism, as the language was under constant change and threats imposed by previous rulers. Croats reject loanwords in favor of Croatian counterparts.
A 2011 survey revealed that 78% of Croats claim knowledge of at least one foreign language. According to a 2005 EC survey, 49% of Croats speak English as the second language, 34% speak German, 14% speak Italian, and 10% speak French. Russian is spoken by 4%, and 2% of Croats speak Spanish. However several large municipalities support minority languages. A majority of Slovenes (59%) have some knowledge of Croatian. The country is a part of various language-based international associations, most notably the European Union Language Association.
Literacy in Croatia stands at 99.2 per cent. Primary education in Croatia starts at the age of six or seven and consists of eight grades. In 2007 a law was passed to increase free, noncompulsory education until 18 years of age. Compulsory education consists of eight grades of elementary school.
Secondary education is provided by gymnasiums and vocational schools. As of 2019, there are 2,103 elementary schools and 738 schools providing various forms of secondary education. Primary and secondary education are also available in languages of recognised minorities in Croatia, where classes are held in Czech, German, Hungarian, Italian, and Serbian languages.
There are 137 elementary and secondary level music and art schools, as well as 120 schools for disabled children and youth and 74 schools for adults. Nationwide leaving exams (državna matura) were introduced for secondary education students in the school year 2009ā2010. It comprises three compulsory subjects (Croatian language, mathematics, and a foreign language) and optional subjects and is a prerequisite for university education. Croatia has eight public universities and two private universities. The University of Zadar, the first university in Croatia, was founded in 1396 and remained active until 1807, when other institutions of higher education took over until the foundation of the renewed University of Zadar in 2002. The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest continuously operating university in Southeast Europe. There are also 15 polytechnics, of which two are private, and 30 higher education institutions, of which 27 are private. In total, there are 55 institutions of higher education in Croatia, attended by more than 157 thousand students.
There are 205 companies, government or education system institutions and non-profit organisations in Croatia pursuing scientific research and development of technology. Combined, they spent more than 3 billion kuna (ā¬400 million) and employed 10,191 full-time research staff in 2008. Among the scientific institutes operating in Croatia, the largest is the RuÄer BoÅ”koviÄ Institute in Zagreb. The Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb is a learned society promoting language, culture, arts and science from its inception in 1866. Croatia was ranked 42th in the Global Innovation Index in 2021
The European Investment Bank provided digital infrastructure and equipment to around 150 primary and secondary schools in Croatia. Twenty of these schools got specialised assistance in the form of gear, software, and services to help them integrate the teaching and administrative operations.
Croatia has a universal health care system, whose roots can be traced back to the Hungarian-Croatian Parliament Act of 1891, providing a form of mandatory insurance of all factory workers and craftsmen. The population is covered by a basic health insurance plan provided by statute and optional insurance. In 2017, annual healthcare related expenditures reached 22.0 billion kuna (ā¬3.0 billion). Healthcare expenditures comprise only 0.6% of private health insurance and public spending. In 2017, Croatia spent around 6.6% of its GDP on healthcare. In 2020, Croatia ranked 41st in the world in life expectancy with 76.0 years for men and 82.0 years for women, and it had a low infant mortality rate of 3.4 per 1,000 live births.
There are hundreds of healthcare institutions in Croatia, including 75 hospitals, and 13 clinics with 23,049 beds. The hospitals and clinics care for more than 700 thousand patients per year and employ 6,642 medical doctors, including 4,773 specialists. There is total of 69,841 health workers. There are 119 emergency units in health centres, responding to more than a million calls. The principal cause of death in 2016 was cardiovascular disease at 39.7% for men and 50.1% for women, followed by tumours, at 32.5% for men and 23.4% for women. In 2016 it was estimated that 37.0% of Croatians are smokers. According to 2016 data, 24.40% of the Croatian adult population is obese.
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