Geographical position

Croatia extends from the foothills of the Julian Alps in the north-west and the Pannonian Plain in the east, over the Dinara mountain range in its central region, to the Adriatic coast in the south.

Area

56,542 km2, with an additional 31,067 km2 of territorial waters.

Population

4.400.000

Capital Zagreb (800.000 inhabitants - the administrative, cultural, academic and communication centre of the country).

Length of coast

5,835 km - including 4,058 km of island, islet and reef coastline.

Number of islands, islets and reefs

1,185. The largest islands are those of Krk and Cres. There are 67 inhabited islands.

Climate

Northern Croatia has a continental climate; Central Croatia has a semi-highland and highland climate, while the Croatian coast has a Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures range from -1 to 30°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.

Population

The majority of the population are Croats. National minorities include Serbs, Moslems, Slovenes, Italians, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and others.

Official language and alphabet

Croatian language and Latin alphabet.

Religions

The majority of the population are Roman Catholics, and in addition there are a number of those of Orthodox faith, as well as Muslims, and Christians of other denominations.

Currency

The official currency of the Republic of Croatia is the Kuna, which has 100 Lipa. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, exchange offices and post offices in accordance with the valid exchange rate.
All major credit cards (American Express, Diners, Visa, Eurocard/Mastercard) and Eurocheques (after being changed in banks) are accepted. Accessing money on ATMs is possible in all larger cities and the more important tourist areas like Dubrovnik.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Most plugs have two round pins. Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items, should bring a plug adapter and a transformer.

Important Phone Numbers

International telephone access code for Croatia is +385. The area codes for the largest cities and their surroundings areas are as follows: Zagreb 01, Split 021, Rijeka 051, Osijek 034, Dubrovnik 020. Omit the 0 when dialing from abroad. To place an outgoing international call from Croatia, dial 00 plus the relevant country code and number.

Police 92
fire-brigade 93
ambulance 94
road assistance 987
general information 981

Automobile travel

Minimum driving age is 18.
Documents: International driving license. Third party insurance is obligatory. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory
Motorcycles: The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for rider and passenger. Dipped headlights must be used at all times.
Traffic regulations are similar to those in force in other European countries (right-hand traffic!!! ). For driving in Croatia during the winter months, especially in the Gorski Kotar region, winter tires are essential and in extreme cases snow chains have to be used.
Speed limits: On overland roads 100 km/h, on motorways 130 km/h and in built-up areas 50 km/h unless otherwise stipulated.
Drunken driving (permissible alcohol limit 0.0 promiles ; zero tolerance) is punishable and can lead to confiscation of driving license and severe fines.
Petrol pumps: open from 7 am to 7 or 8 pm every day; in the summer season till 10 pm; on-duty petrol pumps in bigger cities and on main international roads are open non-stop; all pumps sell Eurosuper 95, Super 98, Normal and Eurodiesel
Taxi service: in all cities and tourist places
Car rentals: in all bigger cities, tourist centers and airports

Health services

Foreign tourists do not have to pay for medical services if there is a signed health insurance convention between Croatia and their country of origin. Health care costs for tourists from a country that does not have a signed convention with Croatia are paid directly by the user in accordance with listed prices.
Hospitals are in all of the larger cities and clinics in the smaller towns. Pharmacies are open from 8 am to 7 pm weekdays, till 2 pm Saturdays; in larger cities on-duty pharmacies are open 24 hours.