| Republic of Croatia is a country at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Central Europe, on the Adriatic Sea, opposite of Italy.
The majoritiy of the population (4.381.352) are Croats. Official language is croatian with latin alphabet and the predominant religion is catholicism. Croatia borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The capital is Zagreb
(app. 779.145 inhabitants). The currency is kuna (HRK) and the calling code is +38 5. Croatia is a candidate for membership of the European Union and is expecting NATO membership invitation in April 2008.
On October 17, 2007 Croatia became a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2008-2009 term. The area of Croatia is 56.542 km s.q. with an additional 31.067 km s.q. of territorial waters. The length of coast (Istria, Croatia
Riviera and Dalmatia) is 5.835 km (incl. 4.058 km of islands, islet and reefs). The total number of islands, islets and cliffs is more than 1.700, but only 67 islands are inhabited. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. The Croatian coast is unspoilt and well protected. Croatia's eco-system is specially protected according to the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia. The quality of the water in the Adriatic is very well preserved. The results reached through the constant measuring of the quality of water on more than 800 beaches are in accordance with the strictest criteria. The Blue Flag, which is carried out in Croatia from 1997, symbolizes a preserved, safe and pleasant environment for fun, relaxation and recreation, but it
also includes an elaborate system for managing resources, and sustainable development in tourism.
Croatia coast has a warm and Mediterranean climate, while Northern Croatia has a continental and Central Croatia has a semi-highland climate. In the winter temperatures range from - 1 to 6 °C in the continental region, -5 to 0°C in the mountain region and 5 to 10°C in the coastal region. Summer temperatures range from 22 to 26°C in the continental region, 15 to 20°C in the mountain region and 26 to 30°C in the coastal region At the Adriatic Sea, the bora, sirocco and north-western wind blow most often.
Croatia is one of the most stunning and unspoiled landscapes in Europe, with natural beauty and innumerable cultural and historical monuments and towns, such as the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Pula, the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian in Split (a UNESCO world heritage site) and the Romanesque cities of Krk, Rab, Pag, Korcula and Trogir (a UNESCO world heritage site). Dubrovnik is an immaculately preserved 13th century fortified city with Renaissance towers, churches and harbour. The entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site. Hvar boasts the country's oldest public theatre - dating from 1612. There are many beautiful churches; the basilica of Euphrasius in Porec, the preRomanesque church of St. Donat in Zadar, Sibenik cathedral, and many others. | 
