The Republic of Croatia is a kind of boomerang shape, bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country has a lot of coastline - all of the west side of the country is bordered by the Adriatic Sea. Within this coastal area are thousands of different sized islands and islets. It's a total haven for people who enjoy water sports. But there are mountains and highlands too, making the country pretty varied.

Croatia has seen many changes since people first settled there in the seventh century. It has joined with other countries, sometimes against the wishes of the Croat people. Croatia used to be part of the Republic of Yugoslavia, but it declared its independence in 1991. There was a civil war between the Croats and Serbs over who 'owned' the country: this war lasted for four years. By 1998 Croatia had taken back control and many thousands of Serbs left the country, whilst many Croats returned back to their homeland.

The capital city of Croatia is Zagreb. This is the most industrial city in Croatia and many people work there, but there are three other main cities too, called Split, Rijeka and Osijek. These are also fairly built-up cities, and many people have moved from the country to the cities to find work.

The Croatian countryside is remarkable, with loads of really beautiful things to see. Look at the View! and find out more.

And what about the past? Have a look at Then and Now and find out what effects history has had on the Croatia of today.

Don't forget to check out our Amazing Facts on Croatia. You might find out something new!

Links

Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.

http://www.multimap.com
- detailed maps of Europe, including Croatia

http://www.biega.com/croatia.jpg
- a map of Croatia

http://www.croatia.hr/aboutus/index.php
- the Croatian Tourist board

http://goeasteurope.about.com/cs/croatia/
- information about Croatia

http://www.worldinfozone.com/facts.php?country=Croatia
- interesting facts about Croatia

Home | Introduction | Then and Now | Look at the View | Amazing Facts