History of Croatia

Small but rich and complicated in history, Croatia lies in southeast Europe. Arriving in the area in 8000 BC, the first occupants, over time, attracted several groups of people.

Early History

The Illyrians were among the first known sizable occupants of Croatia in ancient times. Living in tribes, they were accomplished fighters. The Romans enslaved the Illyrian people in 229 BC, therefore establishing their rule over the area. In the fourth century AD, Roman presence restored Christianity to Croatia. However, Croatia remained open to invasions from several barbarian tribes once Rome fell in 476 AD.

Medieval Period

Arriving in the region, the Slavic tribe, the Croats, established their own nation in the seventh century. In Croatian, the ages denote the beginning of the Middle Ages. The Croatian kingdom peaked under King Tomislav to proceed in the eleventh century. He brought several parts of Croatia together and effectively fought incursions from other kingdoms.

Union with Hungary

Under King Solomon, Croatia united personally with Hungary in 1102. This meant that although they had independent identities and laws, both nations shared a king. Over the next two centuries, Croatia strove for freedom from Hungarian rule, setting off several upheavals and wars. 

Etymology of the Name

Thought to have called "Croatia" from the word "Croats," the Slavic tribe who resided in the region used their namesake. Historians still dispute the exact meaning of this word. 

Ottoman and Venetian Influence 

For Croatia in the fifteenth century, Venice and the Ottoman Empire both offered threats. While the Ottomans seized some of Croatia, Venetian control predominated elsewhere. Rising during this time, several Croatian Renaissance artists had a lasting impact on Croatian art and culture. 

Union with Austria 

Uniting Austria and Croatia, Ferdinand I became King of Croatia in 1527. Austria's influence over three centuries changed Croatian politics and culture, therefore enhancing this link. 

Middle Ages 

In Croatian history, the Middle Ages underwent a notable transformation. Established and subsequently under foreign control, the kingdom of Croatia experienced cultural growth as well as independence battles. The geography and strategic location of the nation attracted several kings and empires to target it. Furthermore, Croatia's past was influenced by its connection with the Roman Catholic Church. The church actively participated in political events and had a major influence on Croatian society during the Middle Ages. 

The World Wars and Yugoslavia 

Rising out of World War One, Croatia first belonged to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia at the start of the twentieth century. Still, strife among many ethnic groups inside Yugoslavia caused Yugoslavia to fall apart in 1991. Declaring its independence from Yugoslavia, Croatia began a journey for autonomy. Croatia at last acquired international respect as an independent nation in 1995. 

Habsburg Rule 

The Ottoman menace withdrew by the late 17th century, and much of Croatia came under Habsburg Monarchy rule. Over Austria-Hungary, a huge kingdom including Croatia, the Habsburgs controlled Habsburg control brought difficulties even if it gave stability. Limited autonomy and frequent conflicts over national identity, language, and administration defined Croatia. Motivated by the revolutions sweeping over Europe, Croats started speaking for their freedoms, language, and tradition. 

World War II and Its Effects 

The history of Croatia swings black during World War II. Originally set up as a puppet state under Nazi Germany, it saw horrific murders and violence. Yugoslavia went communist after World War Two under Josip Broz Tito. Among the six republics forming this new Yugoslav federation was Croatia. Tito maintained unity while underlying conflicts between republics remained unaddressed.

Croatian Independence

Major changes were set stage by the collapse of communism in Europe throughout the late 1980s. Declared independent from Yugoslavia in 1991, Croatia set off the Croatian War of Independence. Although the conflict was a trying time in Croatian history, by 1995, the nation had recovered sovereignty over its territory and, at last, attained complete independence.

Modern Croatia

Since 2013, Croatia is a proud member of the European Union (EU). Popular for its breathtaking Adriatic coast, ancient towns, and energetic culture, it is now a vacation destination. Centuries of invasions, alliances, and resiliency have sculpted Croatia's past to produce a country that combines modernism with legacy. Its narrative calls for tenacity, diversity of culture, and metamorphosis.

Geography

From level plains to the Rocky Mountains and coastal areas, Croatia boasts a varied terrain. Its western coast is the Adriatic Sea, which links the Mediterranean to other European nations and offers access to the nation boasts more than a thousand islands, some of which are well-known travel attractions. Croatia's history has been shaped in great part by its topography since it gave strategic benefits for trade and security.

Culture

Past leaders of Croatia and surrounding nations greatly shape her culture. We know its cuisine, dancing, and traditional folk music. The country also boasts a strong arts culture with so many cultural institutions and events honoring Croatian art and history.

Religion

Roman Catholicism is the most often identified religion among Croats, so it is the most common one in the nation. Still reflecting its various past and cultural impacts, Croatia also has large Orthodox Christian and Muslim populations. 

Climate 

Croatia has a varied temperature; the northern sections experience colder winters while the southern regions experience more Mediterranean ones. The coastlines of the country are appealing tourist destinations because of their warm winters and bright summers. 

Biodiversity 

Croatia features a variety of flora and animals since around thirty percent of its land is covered in woods. Plitvice Lakes National Park is claimed by the government as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO among the several national parks and protected areas. 

Governance 

The President is the head of state; the head of government is the leader of the parliamentary system nation of Croatia. The country has developed significantly towards a continuing democracy with frequent elections and a system of balance of power since gaining its independence. 

Economy 

Croatia changed from an economically planned to a drive-by-markets economy since attaining its independence. Major participants in its economy are industry, tourism, and agriculture. Moreover, Croatia's membership in the EU has a benefit in terms of trade with other European countries. 

Law and court system 

Affected by its Roman and Austrian past, Croatia has a civil law-based judicial system. Comprising lower courts, appeals courts, and one Supreme Court, the national court is independent.

Foreign relations

Croatia has close relations with other European nations as an EU member. It belongs also to the World Trade Organization, NATO, and the United Nations. With regard to its neighbors— Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina—the nation has attempted to mend relationships.

Croatian diaspora

Croatia's turbulent past accounts for its considerable diaspora population. For a variety of reasons—including political environment and economic possibilities— Croatians have moved to Australia, North America, and other areas of Europe.

Military

With an eye towards defense and participation in international peacekeeping activities, Croatia boasts a small but capable military. The armed forces of the country consist of air force, navy, and army formations. 

Tourism 

Given almost 25% of Croatia's GDP is derived from tourism, this is a crucial industry. Drawn to its natural beauty, ancient sites, and cultural value, the nation welcomes millions of tourists annually.

Demographics 

Although Serbs, Bosnians, and Hungarians are also somewhat rare, Croatia's population is mostly ethnic Croats. Though many individuals also speak English and German, Croatian is the official language.

Languages 

Spoken by most Croatian people, Croatian is the official language of the country. Other languages, including Hungarian, Bosnian, and Serbian, are also acknowledged as minority languages albeit their great use in some areas.

Education

In Croatian society, education is extremely prized. Commendatory basic and secondary education helps the nation have a robust educational system. Higher education consists of colleges, polytechnics, and universities.

Sports

Croatian culture and identity are much shaped by sports. Football (soccer) is the trendiest sport in the country; Croatians especially promote their national team. Among the other rather popular sports are water polo, basketball, and handball.

Film Industry 

Croatia claims a growing film culture with films like "Game of Thrones" and "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" shot in the country. Croatia also hosts the Pula Film Festival and the Zagreb Film Festival among other international film events.

Cuisine 

Among other things, Croatian food mixes Mediterranean in origin, Italian, and Austrian flavors. Seafood is a mainstay along the coast; uplands typically include hefty beef dinners. Among the traditional Croatian fare are cevapi, grilled beef minced, pašticada, meat stew, and strukli, a sort of pastry loaded with cheese.

Media

There is a varied media scene in Croatia featuring state and private sources. Though media ownership and political influence have drawn criticism recently, overall the country's press is regarded as free.

Music, literature, and the arts 

With eminent writers and artists, including Ivan Meštrovič, Marin Držić, and Miroslav Krleža, Croatia boasts a rich creative and literary legacy. While modern musicians have also become well-known in other genres, traditional Croatian music is mostly inspired by local customs.

Healthcare 

With a national healthcare system, Croatia gives its people access to specialize and basic medical treatment. Comparatively to other nations in the region, the nation also boasts a low infant mortality rate and high life expectancy.

Transportation 

Roads, trains, and airports all over Croatia link its several areas. Between islands along the coast, ferries are also somewhat frequently employed for mobility. Zagreb is the principal international airport of the nation.