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Geographical characteristics of the Republic of Croatia. Geographical location Consular Section of the Embassy

Located at the crossroads of routes leading to Central Europe and the Mediterranean, the Republic of Croatia simultaneously belongs to the Mediterranean and Central European-Danubian regions. It extends in the form of an arc from the Danube River in the northeast to the west to the Istrian peninsula and south to Boka Kotorska.

By land, Croatia borders five countries, and the total length of its borders is 2028 km. The country has land borders with Hungary (329 km), Serbia (241 km), Bosnia and Herzegovina (932 km), and it borders Slovenia (546 km) and Montenegro (25 km) both by land and sea. The country has an exclusively maritime border with Italy.

The land area of the Republic of Croatia is 56,538 square meters. km, the area of its territorial waters is 31,067 sq. km, - thus, the Republic of Croatia occupies a total area of 87,605 sq. km. Its total length coastline is 5,835 km, of which the continental part accounts for 1,778 km, and the island part accounts for 4,057 km. The direct distance between the extreme capes of the Croatian continental coastline is 559 km. The country's continental coastline is significantly indented, and in the distant past this had a huge impact on the creation of numerous ports and piers, and in the last 100 years - on the development of picturesque tourist centers. Croatia has approximately 1,185 islands and small islets along the Adriatic coast, of which 66 islands are inhabited.

The largest Croatian island is Krk with a total area of 409 km2.
The longest, as the name might suggest, is not the island of Dugi (Long), but the island of Hvar. Its length is 68 km and its area is 300 km2.
The highest island is Brac. Its Vidova Gora (779 m) is the highest point of the Adriatic archipelago.
The most wooded island of the Adriatic is Mljet. Almost 72% of its surface is occupied by forests, 22% by cultivated land, and 6% by stones.
The sunniest Adriatic island(and, in general, the sunniest place in Croatia) - Hvar. Here the sun shines 2,718 hours a year. At the same time, for everything Adriatic Sea the annual average is 2,600 hours.

The territory of the northern part of the country is mostly lowlands and plains: the Sava River basin, the hilly plains of Slavonia, Podravina, Posavina. On the Adriatic coast there is the Dinaric Highlands with the country's highest mountain, Troglav (1,913 m), the Velebit mountain range ( maximum height 1,758 m), Kapela Ridge. Main rivers: Sava, Danube with tributaries Drava and Mura.

In terms of land area and number of inhabitants (according to the latest census - 4,381,352 people), the Republic of Croatia is in 25th place among European countries. Citizens of Croatia live in 6,694 settlements, with about 20% of the inhabitants living in four large cities (Zagreb, the main city with about 770,000 inhabitants, as well as Osijek, Rijeka and Split), with a population of over 100,000 inhabitants, and 51% in 177 cities or towns that occupy 16% of Croatia's territory. The northwestern regions are the most densely populated (over 140 people/sq. km), and the least populated are the areas of Liki, Gorski Kotar, the interior regions of the Istrian peninsula and some islands.

Economic and geographical position of Croatia

Croatia is an independent state of the Balkan Peninsula, located on the northeastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

The country borders Serbia and Montenegro (east), Hungary (north), Slovenia (northwest), Bosnia and Herzegovina (southeast).

The capital of Croatia is Zagreb. The total area of the country is 56.5 thousand square meters. km.

Note 1

After independence in 1991, Croatia's level of economic development declined sharply. The main tasks of the economic development of this country: reducing the level of taxation, developing entrepreneurship, reducing government spending, increasing employment, strengthening the social protection system, increasing the importance of science and the latest technologies in the economy.

Leading industries in Croatia: petrochemical, chemical, electronic and electrical engineering, textile, food, pharmaceutical, woodworking. The main breadbasket of the country is its northeastern regions, where wheat, corn, soybeans, sugar beets, flax, hemp, potatoes, sunflowers, and fodder crops are grown.

In the lowlands and on the hillsides people engage in gardening (mainly apples and plums) and viticulture.

Croatia consists of a continental part located in the river basin. Sava and the Adriatic part stretched along the coast of the sea. The Adriatic coast of the country is characterized by a large number of islands. The most large islands– Cres and Krk, with a total area of more than 405 sq. km.

Relief and climatic conditions

Most of the country is located at an altitude of more than 500 m above sea level. Mountain ranges separate the interior of Croatia from the Adriatic coast.

The central and western regions of Croatia are represented by the sharply dissected Dinaric Highlands. Karst formations are widespread here - caves, sinkholes, etc. The highest peak is Tsintsar (2085 m). The eastern regions of the country are hilly plains crossed by the Drava and Sava rivers.

Different areas of Croatia experience different climatic conditions:

central regions – the climate is temperate continental, characterized by cold and wet winters, dry and hot summers; the average temperature of the cold season is from -1 to +3º C, the average temperature of the warm season is from 20 to 23º C;
mountainous areas - characterized by cold, snowy winters and cool summers; the average temperature in winter is from -5 to 0º C, in summer – from 13 to 18º C;
Adriatic coast - Mediterranean climate with warm and humid winters, hot and dry summers; the average temperature of the cold season is from +5 to +10º C, the average temperature of the warm season is from 23 to 26º C.

Natural resources

Water resources. Total renewable water resources– 105.5 cubic meters m. Includes the Danube with its tributaries Sava and Drava, the rivers Rasa and Mirna in Istria, Krka, Ermanja, Cetina and Neretva in Dalmatia. a few small rivers, waters of the Adriatic Sea. The most big lake- Vransko. The 16 Plitvice lakes are famous (Fig. 1).

Minerals. The country has developed deposits of coal, oil, natural gas, bauxite, lignite, bitumen, iron and manganese ores, calcium, cement marl, quartz, graphite, alumina, mica, building stone and rock salt. Large valuable deposits of bauxite are found in Istria, Dalmatia and the islands.

Natural healing resources. The main natural healing resources are bioclimate, landscape, healing mud, mineral waters. There are three types of resorts: climatic, balneological, and mud. Mineral waters: radon (Krapinsko Toplice); sulfide (Varazdinski Toplice, Tuchelske Toplice); iodide thermal water(Bizovačke Toplice); sulfur-radon waters (Istarske Toplice); ferruginous, iodine-bromine, hydro-carbonate waters (Topusko); sodium chloride waters (Nafthalan).

Tourist resources. There are 444 protected areas in Croatia (8.5% of the total area). The most popular parks and reserves: Brijuni islands with Mediterranean vegetation, Plitvice karst lakes(16 lakes connected by waterfalls and the Korana River), the Kornati island group, the rocky mountains of Paklenica, the Velebit mountain range, the wild fauna of the Rysnjak forest.

Flora and fauna

Note 2

Croatia is a Mediterranean oasis with many rare species of plants and animals.

The vegetation is very diverse (4,300 species) and varies greatly in different parts of Croatia:

Islands, areas of the Adriatic coast, southern Dalmatia. The vegetation is subtropical. In the mountains and foothills there are broad-leaved forests of hornbeam, maple, and oak, interspersed with thickets of shiblyak.
Central mountainous regions. Beech, oak and hornbeam forests predominate. Spruce and beech-fir forests grow in the upper mountain belt.
Flat terrain (Baranya, Slavonia). Forest-steppe and steppe vegetation with large areas of broad-leaved forests of linden, oak, hornbeam and maple.
Valleys of large rivers. There are oak, willow, poplar, various shrubs, and many meadows.
Adriatic Sea. Famous for its variety of green, brown and red algae.

The diversity of fauna is less pronounced. They live in mountain ranges brown bears, deer, wolves, foxes, forest cats, stone and pine martens, hares, roe deer, chamois, badgers.

On the well-warmed and treeless slopes of the Dinaric Highlands, snakes and lizards are found. IN coastal areas a lot of turtles.

Croatia has a diverse avifauna. The most notable species: kite, eagle, falcon, partridge, capercaillie, gull, stork. Many waterfowl and nesting species. There is a wide variety of species of woodpeckers: three-toed, gray-haired, black (yellow), large and small spotted, white-backed, and verticelled.

There are many birds in the wetlands at the confluence of the Danube and Drava.

The coastal waters of the Adriatic Sea are home to monk seals and many commercial fish species.

Within the framework of a unified Yugoslavia, Croatia ranked second after Slovenia in terms of industrial development and output per capita (this figure was about a third higher than the national average). The republic specialized in mining (oil, coal, bauxite), shipping and tourism.

The formation of the independent Republic of Croatia and the subsequent civil war of 1991–1995 provoked hyperinflation and a sharp decline in the level of economic development. The country's economy before 1996 can be regarded as a wartime economy, when 40% of government spending was allocated to defense. During the period from 1989 to 1994, the economic decline in Croatia reached 46%.

Heavy industry in modern Croatia includes metallurgical and steel rolling plants, engineering plants, hydroelectric power plants, shipyards, cement and reinforced concrete products factories.

Leading industries– chemical, petrochemical, electrical and electronic, food, textile, woodworking, pharmaceutical. The country has breweries and wine-vodka factories, meat processing plants, and production enterprises. leather goods, sugar, processing of agricultural products.

The northeastern plains of Croatia are the main breadbasket of the country. Here they grow grain crops (corn and wheat), sugar beets, soybeans, hemp, flax, sunflowers, potatoes, fodder crops (clover, alfalfa, fodder beets), and raise cattle. On the hillsides and in the lowlands, gardening (mainly plums and apples) and viticulture are traditionally practiced. The main crops in mountainous areas are barley and potatoes. Istria and Dalmatia are characterized by viticulture and winemaking, growing early vegetables and southern fruits, including citrus fruits and olives.

In the fall of 1993, the country began implementing an economic stabilization plan. In such sectors of the national economy as tourism, mining, shipbuilding, oil refining, many enterprises were privatized, and by 1995, with the assistance of foreign investors, programs for their reconstruction began to be implemented. However, after the Croatian invasion of Krajina in August 1995, this assistance was curtailed.

Since 1997, the process of denationalization of the country's largest enterprises has accelerated, including railways, the INA oil and gas concern, which was built with the expectation of supplying petroleum products to the whole of Yugoslavia, and the electric power industry.

The total economically active population is estimated at 1.68 million people. Unemployment is growing and remains at a high level: if in 1996 the unemployed were 15.9% of the working population, then in 1997 - 16.6%, in 1998 - 17.2%, in 1999 - 19.1%, in 2000 - 22% . In this regard, tens of thousands of workers left for the West in search of work.

The annual growth rate of industrial production since 1997 was estimated at 3–5%, but in 2000 it dropped to 1.7%. The inflation rate in 1996 was 3.5% (in 1993 it exceeded 1500%), in 1997 - 4.6%, in 1999 - 4.4%, in 2000 - 6%. At the same time, there has been a steady growth of GDP: in 1997 - 18.92 billion dollars, in 1998 - 20.6 billion, in 2003 - 47.05 billion dollars. At the same time, GDP growth (in 1990 prices) in 1998 amounted to 2.5%, in 2003 – 4.3% (in 1999 there was a decrease in GDP by 0.4% compared to the previous year). GDP per capita in 1992 was $1800, in 1993 – $2705, in 1994 – $2974, in 1995 – $3487 (62.5% of the 1989 level), in 1996 – $3650, in 2003 reached $10,600. In the structure of GDP, the share of the service sector is 71% (1999) ahead of the share of industry (19%) and agriculture (10%). The share of the service sector is increasing, in particular due to the revival of the tourism business in coastal Croatia since 2000.

Croatia is characterized by a developed transport system . So, in 1997 the length railways reached 2.3 thousand km, highways - 27.8 thousand km (23.5 thousand km with hard surfaces, including 330 km of expressways). Zagreb is connected by highways to Slovenia, Yugoslavia and Hungary. The Adriatic Highway connects all the main cities of coastal Croatia. The bed of the Sava along almost its entire length, as well as the bed border river The Danube was navigable before the hostilities. To restore navigation along inland waterways, it is necessary to carry out work to clear the beds of these rivers. There are several seaports on the Adriatic coast, providing maritime transport not only to Croatia and the former Yugoslavia, but also to a number of other European countries. Largest ports- Rijeka, in the Gulf of Rijeka, in the north and Ploce, at the mouth of the Neretva, in the south, smaller ones - Pula, Split, Sibenik, Dubrovnik. The Croatian merchant fleet consists of 53 vessels of over 1,000 GRT each, with a total tonnage of 631,853 GRT. In 1999, there were 22 airports in the country. An oil pipeline with a length of 670 km, a 20-kilometer oil product pipeline and a gas pipeline with a length of 310 km pass through the territory of Croatia.

Croatia is gradually forming a foreign market. Thus, in 1999, the export of goods and services amounted to $4.3 billion. Transport equipment, products of the chemical and petrochemical industries, textiles, and food are exported. The main export partners are Italy (18%), Germany (15.7%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (12.8%), Slovenia (10.6%), Austria (6.2%). Imports amounted to $7.8 billion. Croatia imports cars, transport and electrical equipment, fuel and lubricants, and food. The main import partners are Germany (18.5%), Italy (15.9%), Russia (8.6%), Slovenia (7.9%), Austria (7.1%).

Throughout the 1990s, there was an increase in external debt. In 1997, it was estimated at 31.1% of GDP (in 1996 - 26.6%, in 1995 - 25%), in 1999 in absolute terms it reached 9.3 billion dollars. In 1998, the revenue side of the country's budget amounted to 6 billion. dollars, expenses – 4.7 billion dollars.

Since 2000, the government has intensified foreign economic relations and set a goal to increase the investment attractiveness of the main industries. At the same time, it is taking measures to stabilize the financial system and reduce external debt.

The post-Tudjman government is more focused on joining Western European structures (EU, NATO) and modifying the country's economic development accordingly. In general, despite the significant destruction caused by military operations (damage is estimated at $18.7 billion), Croatia still remains the second (after Slovenia) most economically developed state among the former republics of the SFRY.

The Republic of Serbia has an area of 88.4 thousand square meters. km, population 10,150,265 million people and borders Macedonia in the south, Bulgaria and Romania in the east, Hungary in the north, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the west, Montenegro and Albania in the southwest. Three regions are distinguished: Serbia proper, which in 1991 was inhabited by 5.82 million people, and the autonomous regions - Vojvodina (2 million) and Kosovo (1.95 million). In 1999 there was a large wave of emigration of Albanians from Kosovo, and in 2000–2001 - the emigration of Kosovo Serbs. GDP-4400. EAN-2.961. GDP annually - 5.9%. Unemployment - 31.6%.

A agriculture: 16.6%
industry: 25.5%
services: 57.9%

Exports - commodities: manufactured goods, food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment

The population is dominated by Serbs (62%) and Albanians (17%). Montenegrins (5%), Hungarians (3%) and a number of national minorities also live in Serbia. Before the outbreak of hostilities in 1999, Serbs made up 85% of the population of Serbia proper, 54% in Vojvodina and 13% in Kosovo; Hungarians and Croats are large minorities in Vojvodina. Most Serbs are Orthodox Christians. Muslims are small in Serbia proper and constitute the majority in Kosovo.

State structure. After World War II, under the 1946 constitution, Serbia became one of six republics in the federal Yugoslav state. The Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Serbia was adopted in 1963.

In September 1990, a new Serbian constitution was adopted, which established a unicameral parliament - the Assembly (250 seats), whose deputies are elected for a four-year term. The head of the Republic of Serbia is the president, elected for a five-year term in direct general elections. The highest body of executive power is the Council of Ministers, headed by a chairman, who is elected by parliament from among the candidates proposed by the president. The chairman forms the government, which is approved by parliament.

The Republic of Montenegro is part of the union of Serbia and Montenegro. Its area is 13,812 sq. km. Montenegro is located on the Dinaric Highlands and has access to the Adriatic Sea; It borders Albania in the southeast, Serbia in the northeast and east, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the northwest. In Montenegro, three regions are distinguished: fertile lowlands along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the basin of Lake Shkoder and adjacent sections of the valleys of the Zeta and Moraca rivers in the southwest; mountainous western region ( Old Montenegro), west of the Zeta river; mountains to the north and east (known as Brda), used for pasture and forestry purposes. The capital of the republic is Podgorica (formerly Titograd, 1945–1992). Until 1945 the capital was the city of Cetinje.

642.5 thousand people live in Montenegro. The population is dominated by Montenegrins (61.7%), the other most numerous national groups are Bosans (Muslim Bosnians, or Muslims as an ethnic community, 13%), Serbs (9.3%), Albanians (6.5%). Most Montenegrins and Serbs traditionally belong to the Serbian Orthodox Church, and a significant part of Bosans and Albanians profess Islam. Small communities of Croats, Serbs and Albanians practice Catholicism.

State structure. According to the Yugoslav Constitution of 1946, Montenegro became one of the six federal republics. The communist leadership of Montenegro, after 44 years of rule, was removed in January 1989 under pressure from demonstrations organized by the pro-Serbian opposition. As a result, the most important positions in the republic were occupied by new political forces.

On October 12, 1992, the Constitution of Montenegro was adopted, according to which the highest legislative body is the Assembly, consisting of 77 deputies. The President of Montenegro is elected for a five-year term by direct secret ballot on the basis of universal and equal suffrage.

The post of President of Montenegro has been vacant since 2002, as the required number of voters did not turn out for the presidential elections. Acting President – Filip Vujanovic (Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro). The head of the government of Montenegro since 2003 has been the leader of the DSHR, Milomir (Milo) Djukanovic.”

Economics and social structure. Until the 19th century The main driving forces for the development of society in Montenegro and Brda were blood feud, partisan warfare, disintegration and merger of clans. Until the Berlin Congress of 1878, according to the decisions of which several small settlements, including Podgorica, there were no cities in the country. The state began to build roads suitable for the passage of horse-drawn carriages; organized postal, telegraph and telephone communications; stood for the defense of the principles of private property; controlled the public education system

Until the end of the 20th century. Agriculture and cattle breeding remained the main source of livelihood for approximately 80% of the population of Montenegro. Due to unfavorable natural conditions(mountainous terrain, low soil fertility) and backward agricultural technology in the region produce no more than 2/3 of the food consumed. Montenegro specializes mainly in growing corn, fishing and cheese making. Tobacco remains the main cash crop, although cotton is also grown in the more fertile valleys. The leading industries are woodworking, shipbuilding, production of building materials and tobacco processing. In addition, in Montenegro, much attention is paid to the development of tourism, electrification, and the construction of railways and roads. Due to the fall in the exchange rate of the dinar, the government of Montenegro in 1999 introduced the German mark as a parallel means of payment; from November 13, 2000, the circulation of the Yugoslav dinar was prohibited, and the mark remained the only monetary unit of the republic. Since January 1, 2002, the euro has been in circulation.

The introduction of institutional changes and the creation of a truly functioning common trade policy and single market in Serbia and Montenegro are an indispensable requirement for stabilization and subsequent accession to the EU. The European Commission has already begun work in this direction and adopted a Plan for the creation of a single internal market in Serbia7. Thus, Chris Patten, in the Progress Report on Serbia and Montenegro (October 2004), notes that the EU has reached the final stage regarding the participation of Serbia and Montenegro in the stabilization program. Moreover, the commissioner expressed the EU’s readiness to cooperate separately with each state entity of Serbia and Montenegro on issues of economic development, trade and regional policy8.

Macedonia

Republic of Macedonia- an independent state in Europe, the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). Located on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. Often called simply Macedonia, it should not be confused with the state of Ancient Macedonia and the historical region of Macedonia in neighboring Greece. The Republic of Macedonia occupies about 38% of the area of historical Macedonia and has about 44% of its population.

The territory of the Republic of Macedonia previously constituted the largest southern part Yugoslavia. Its modern borders were established shortly after World War II, when the SFRY was formed as part of Socialist Republic Macedonia- thereby the Macedonians were recognized as an independent people within Yugoslavia. In 1991, with the collapse of Yugoslavia into separate states, the territory of Macedonia did not undergo changes. At the same time, the appearance of this separate state led to endless political disputes with Greece over the use of the names "Macedonia" and "Macedonians" - so long time in official documents this state was called the “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.”

· 1991 - declaration of sovereignty and referendum on independence of Macedonia. The first president of Macedonia is Kiro Gligorov (1991-1999).

· 1992 - withdrawal of units of the Yugoslav army.

· 1993 - introduction of the “blue helmets” (former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) of the UN.

· 1995 - after the assassination attempt on Kiro Gligorov, Stoyan Andov served as acting head of state for a short period.

· As a result of the war in Kosovo in 1999 about 360,000 Kosovo Albanians fled to Macedonian territory. The refugees soon left the country, but a little later, local Albanians, following their example, put forward a demand for autonomy for the regions of the republic with a predominant Albanian population.

· 1999-2004 - President Boris Trajkovsky.

· 2001 March - August - Albanian uprising, which swept the north and west of the country (especially the Tetovo region). The Albanian Army of National Liberation (leader Ali Ahmeti) began military-guerrilla operations against the regular army of Macedonia. The confrontation was ended only by the intervention of NATO, as a result of which the Albanians were granted limited legal and cultural autonomy (official status of the Albanian language, amnesty for the rebels, Albanian police in Albanian areas).

· 2002 - sporadic relapses of the Albanian-Macedonian interethnic conflict.

Official name	Republic of Macedonia
National flag
Coat of arms
Capital
Official language	Macedonian
Political structure	Parliamentary republic
President	Branko Crvenkovski
Currency	Macedonian Denar
Neighbours	Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania,
Climate
Territory
Location	Southeast Europe, north of Greece
Square : general land water
Coastline
Neighbours	It borders on Serbia in the north, Bulgaria in the east, Greece in the southeast, and Albania in the west.
Climate	Warm; summer and autumn are dry; relatively cold winter with heavy snowfalls
Natural resources	copper, gold, copper, nickel, lead, manganese, asbestos, iron ore, zinc, chromite, wood, tungsten, gypsum
Land use arable land crop lands	22.01% 1.79% 76.2% (2005)
Natural hazards	high seismic hazard
Population
Age structure: 0-14 15-64 over 65
Middle age general male female	(forecast for 2007)
Population growth
Lifespan(forecast 2007): general male female	74.21 years 71.73 years 76.88 years
Ethnic groups	Macedonians 64.2%, Albanians 25.2%, Turks 3.9%, Greeks 2.7%, Serbs 1.8% (as of 2002)
Literacy rate
GDP (purchasing power parity)	$221.4 billion
Share of GDP per agriculture industry service sector	9% 29% 62% (2006)
Working population
Share of working population in agriculture industry service sector
Unemployment rate
Population below the poverty line
Main agricultural products	tobacco, wine, grapes, vegetables, milk, eggs
Industrial products	food and beverages, chemicals, iron, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles.
Exported goods	food, beverages, tobacco, textiles, iron and steel, various industrial products.
Export - partners	Serbia and Montenegro 22.5%, Germany 17.8%, Greece 15.3%, Italy 8.3% (2005)
Imported goods	machinery and equipment, cars, chemicals, fuel, food
Import - partners	Russia 13.25, Germany 10.4%, Greece 9.2%, Serbia and Montenegro 8.2%, Bulgaria 7.3%, Italy 6% (2005)

Croatia

Republic of Croatia(Croatian) Republika Hrvatska listen)) is a state in the south of Central Europe and the west of the Balkan Peninsula, a former Soviet republic within Yugoslavia that became independent in 1991.

Coat of arms of Croatia

The coat of arms of Croatia is a shield with 25 red and white squares arranged in a checkerboard pattern. On top of the shield is decorated with a stylized crown, consisting of five links in the form of the historical coats of arms of Croatia, the Republic of Dubrovnik, Istria, Dalmatia and Slavonia. The coat of arms has been known since the time of the independent Kingdom of Croatia (11th century).

According to old legend, the chessboard squares in the coat of arms of Croatia did not appear by chance. Once the Slavic ruler Svetoslav Surinia (10th century) played a game of chess with the Venetian Doge Pietro II. The winner received the right to own the cities of Dalmatia. According to the results of the game, this right went to Svyatoslav, which gave rise to the depiction of chess on his coat of arms.

Flag of Croatia

The national flag of Croatia is a rectangular panel of three equal horizontal stripes: the top - red, the middle - white and the bottom - blue; with the coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia in the middle. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is 1:2.

For a long time, the folk clothing of the Croats - cloth jackets decorated with braid, galloon were of different colors - red, white and blue, and when in 1848 the inauguration of the Croatian Ban - Josip Jelačić took place in his outfit, these three colors were combined.

Considering the enormous contribution of Josip Jelacic to the preservation of national heritage and independence, from that moment the countdown of the tricolor state symbol begins, which by combining colors symbolizes the unification and integrity of the Croatian people.

Political structure

Croatia is a parliamentary republic led by a president who is elected by popular vote every 5 years.

The president is the supreme commander in chief, forms the government and represents the country internationally.

The highest legislative body of Croatia is the Parliament (Sabor).

The head of government is the prime minister.

The Sabor consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Commons.

Geographical location

The Republic of Croatia is located in Central Europe, bordering on Slovenia in the north, Hungary and Serbia in the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina in the southeast, Montenegro in the south, and the Adriatic Sea in the west.

According to natural and climatic conditions, the country is divided into four regions: Istra, Kvarner, Gorski Kotar and Lika in the north-west; Dalmatia in the central and southern part of the Adriatic coast, the North-West region in the central continental part, as well as Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem in the east.

Most of Croatia's territory is located at an altitude of more than 500 m above sea level, but there are no mountains higher than 2100 m. The Adriatic coast is separated from the interior mountain ranges The most high peaks: Tsintsar (2085 m), Velika Vershina (1890 m), Dinara (1830 m), St. Jure (1762 m), Vaganski (1757 m), Plesevica (1648 m), Risnjak (1528 m), Kula (1534 m), Uchka (1396 m). The eastern and northwestern parts of the country are predominantly low-lying.

The Croatian Adriatic coast is one of the most rugged in the world. It has 1,185 islands and islets with a total coastline of 4,058 km. The length of the coast of the mainland along a conventional straight line is 600 km, and taking into account its ruggedness - 1778 km. Most big island- Krok (409.9 km2); in the north are the large islands of Cres, Losinj, Pag and Rab, Dugi Otok in the center, and in the south - Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Mljet. The largest peninsulas are Istria and Pelesac.

The Danube (188 km) and its tributaries Sava (562 km) and Drava (505 km) flow inland and empty into the Black Sea. The few rivers that carry their waters to the Adriatic Sea through narrow gorges have strong elevation changes throughout their entire length, forming large number waterfalls The longest of them - Mirna and Rasa - flow in Istria, and Zrmanja, Krka, Neretva and Cetina - in Dalmatia.

The largest lake in Croatia - Vransko (30.7 km2) is located near Biograd. The most attractive are the Plitvice Lakes (a chain of 16 lakes with the Korana River), the Red and Blue Lakes near Imotski (karst origin), the freshwater Lake Vransko on the island of Cres and the lakes Vizovacsko and Prokljansko (along the Krka River near Šibenik). Well-known artificial lakes are Lokve and Bayer in Gorski Kotar, Trakoščan in Croatian Zagorje and Perutsa on the Cetina River in Dalmatia. Lake Kopachevo and the wetlands around it are the habitat of birds in the largest ornithological reserve in Europe - Kopachki Rit.

Adriatic Sea

It washes the Balkan and Apennine peninsulas, its average depth is 252 m, the northwestern part is shallow (maximum 23 m in the Gulf of Trieste), while in the south its depth reaches 1200 m. The Adriatic waters off the Croatian coast are clean and transparent, i.e. To. mountain rivers do not carry silt and sand into it. In August the water warms up to 25 - 27°

C. In addition, according to its characteristics, it meets all the strictest standards World Organization Health (WHO). The salt content is 34 mg/l. This means that it is twice as salty as Black.

Croatia has the highest clear weather rate in Europe, 270 - 300 sunny days per year. Pine forests coexist with tropical plants here, and water transparency reaches 50 meters.

The Adriatic coast has a Mediterranean climate with hot and very dry summers and warm and humid winters. The climatic features of this region are determined primarily by the influence of the sea, which softens all seasonal temperature fluctuations. The average temperature in January is from +5°C to +10°C, in August - from +23°C to +32°C. Water temperature in summer is +25°С, +27°С. IN mountainous areas cool summers and cold winters with lots of snow.

Croatia, one of the smallest countries in Europe, is home to about 4,300 plant species. The world of marine flora and fauna is rich, among which there are endemic species, i.e. found only in this area.

Capital

croatia zagreb economy tradition

One of the youngest capitals in Europe, Zagreb, located on the Sava tributary of the Danube, has a thousand-year history. In Zagreb, bounded from the north mountain range Medvednica and its suburbs are home to almost 1/5 of the population of the entire Croatia.

Once upon a time, on the site of Zagreb there was a Roman settlement of Andautonia. Then the Croats came to this land. According to legend, the Croatian warriors walked for a long time, exhausted by thirst, until their leader stopped and stuck his sword into the ground, from where water rose like a fountain. He shouted to the delighted soldiers: “Let’s rake in the water!” Because of this phrase the name Zagreb appeared. According to another version, the name “Zagreb” comes from the Croatian “behind the breg” - behind the hill.

At first Zagreb consisted of two independent settlements called Kaptol and Gradec. Now both Kaptol and Hradec are the central historical districts of the city and represent a unique ensemble of Gothic architecture.

On St. Mark's Square in Hradec there is a 14th-century church with a roof decorated with the Croatian coat of arms. Once upon a time, Hradec was surrounded by a wall and gates; only the Stone Gate has survived to this day. From the Hradec observation point you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Zagreb.

The symbol of the city is located in Kaptol - a huge cathedral Zagreb in neo-Gothic style, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is considered the most tall building in Zagreb.

From Zagreb it is easy to get anywhere in Croatia. The A1 expressway connects the capital with the coastal resort towns of Split and Dubrovnik, and the A6 highway connects with the nearest seaport- Rijeka. Railway station and the main bus station are located in the very center of Zagreb.

Museum lovers will appreciate the capitals of Croatia, because Zagreb has a great variety of museums to suit every taste.

Transport system of Croatia

Public transport

The most common type public transport in Croatia is a bus. In addition to buses in large cities (eg Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Pula, etc.) there is also a network of tram lines (Zagreb and Osijek tram). Tickets for travel are usually sold inside the bus or tram or at newsstands.

Buses

International bus service in Croatia is quite developed. Bus routes run to Croatia from many European countries.

Almost all parts of the country are covered by a network of bus passenger transport. Almost every town has a bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor), where you can buy tickets and check the schedule.

Water transport

Various ferries, motor ships, and hydrofoils operate between Croatian cities located on the Adriatic coast. On water transport You can also reach most of the inhabited islands. There are also international flights. From May 28 to September 30, there is a summer schedule with more frequent departures.

Airports

There are 6 in Croatia international airports and three civilian airports for local and charter flights

International airports:

§ Zagreb Airport (17 km from the center of Zagreb),

§ Split airport (24 km from the center of Split),

§ Dubrovnik airport (18 km from the city),

§ Pula airport (6 km from the center of Pula),

§ Zadar airport,

§ Rijeka Airport.

Airports for local and charter flights:

§ Bol airport

§ Losinj Airport

§ Osijek Airport

The category “transport in Croatia” also includes taxis.. The tariff when boarding a taxi is 2.4 dollars, plus 0.96 dollars for each kilometer. Trips made on holidays and weekends usually cost 20% more.

In general, there are no problems with transport in Croatia. There is almost always an alternative to using another type of transport, especially when it comes to famous resort centers. If you are an ardent fan active recreation, you can rent a bike.

Economy

The leading industries are: shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, chemical, food, textile, woodworking, electrical and electronics, pharmaceutical industries. Tourism is an important sector of the economy.

Advantages: stable economic growth. Under the auspices of the IMF, a program to reduce government spending has been launched. Growth of tourism.

Weaknesses: privatization that has been dragging on since 2001 and resistance from trade unions. The damage from the war is about 50 billion dollars. High unemployment (17.7% as of January 2010).

Population

The population of Croatia is approximately 4800 thousand inhabitants.

Of these, 78% are Croats, 12% are Serbs, 0.9% are Bosnians, 0.5% are Hungarians, 0.5% are Slovenes, Italians, Albanians, Czechs, Slovaks, Gypsies, and Jews also live.

Religion: 87.8% are Catholics, 4.42% are Orthodox, 1.2% are Muslims, 0.19% are Protestants.

The official language is Croatian.

Languages also common: German, Italian, among young people English, the older generation remembers Russian.

Latin alphabet.

Traditions

Croatia is a country with rich national traditions. The seven values of this country, which include customs, traditions and folk crafts, are included in the list cultural heritage UNESCO. The following traditions were included:

Carnival of “ringers”, which takes place every year in the city of Kastav;

Church procession called “Behind the Cross”. Takes place before Easter on the island of Hvar. On this day, residents of six villages on the island undergo a procession of the cross, 25 kilometers long. They are led by a barefoot man carrying a cross. The procession proceeds without rest.

Lace from the islands of Hvar and Pag, from Lepograva. Unesco considers these to be three traditions of lace making;

Wooden children's toys, which have become a folk craft in Zagorje;

Spring procession taking place in Goryan;

In this country there is a traditional evening called “korzo”. This word means evening walk along the embankment or in the city center, when everyone looks at each other with interest. In this case, only one goal is pursued - people show themselves and look at others. Close attention is not considered indecent here. This tradition is nice because anyone can join it.

Another equally widespread tradition is the love of strong coffee and sweets. Croats usually gather in a small cafe with friends, eat sweets and coffee, and have a leisurely, confidential conversation.

In Croatia, it is customary to go to church on Sundays.

After the marriage ceremony in Croatia, it is customary for the bride's married relatives to remove the bride's veil and instead put on an apron and headscarf. This can be said to be a symbol of her married status. Afterwards, all those gathered go around the well three times and throw apples into it.

The national culture in this country is unique and deep. It bears the imprint of long periods of foreign rule and a unique geographical location. Although Croatia was dependent on foreign powers for a long time, it still managed to maintain its individuality and identity. In addition, she still blossomed and rose to new heights.

Croatian cuisine

Croatian cuisine stems from Central European and Mediterranean cooking traditions. In the center of the country, Slavic and Central European culinary influences, where simplicity is the main thing, are more dominant; in the coastal regions, Italian influence with various delights is very strong, and the cuisine of the north-east of the country is also greatly influenced by Austrian and Hungarian cooks.

The central regions of Croatia are famous for simple but nutritious dishes: Sambor steak, potatoes stewed with sweet aromatic wine, sausages.

The coastal regions of Croatia are famous for their seafood, fish, and shellfish dishes. Almost along the entire coast you will be offered fresh grilled sea fish, fried and baked shellfish, shrimp, lobsters, boiled shells, stewed and fried mussels and fresh oysters.

The mountainous regions of Croatia are famous for their lamb dishes and abundant vegetable side dishes of beans and potatoes. You should definitely try the spit-roasted lamb. You will be amazed by the many types of sheep cheeses and of course the national delicacy of Croatia - prosciutto. This is a pork ham, smoked and dried, served with sheep's cheese or olives.

Attractions

Croatia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe in the last decade. This country has an unprecedented number of historical attractions, covering a significant period in the history of European civilization - from civilizations Ancient Greece and Rome to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Yugoslavia. Also in Croatia you can find some of the most beautiful and unique national parks in Europe, such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park. Every year, Croatia is visited by several hundred thousand tourists who, in addition to enjoying historical and natural attractions, spend time on the Adriatic coast, where some of the most beautiful beaches of our subcontinent are located.

The famous Croatian national park Kornati is located in one of the most picturesque regions of Croatia - Dalmatia, on a small archipelago of islands of the same name.

This national park is known not only for its natural diversity, but also for its extensive network of water labyrinths - straits.

Vela Spila Cave is located near the town of Vela Luka on the Croatian island of Korcula. The name of the cave is translated from Croatian as “big cave”. Numerous artifacts were found in the cave, which date back to the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods (7380-7080 BC). Other finds date from the period 13500 - 12600. BC, and some finds have also been dated using radiocarbon dating, and some of the finds are over 20,000 years old.

Plitvice lakes in the same name national park Croatia is located in the mountainous region of Lika.

This national park lies on the Plitvice Plateau, which is surrounded on three sides by the Dinaric Alps. The most famous mountains of this chain in this region are Plzesevica (1640 m.), Mala Kapela (1280 m.) and Medvedak (884 m.). National Park covers an area of karst rocks, dolomites and limestones that contain lakes and caves. The water in the lakes is known for its unique color scheme - it varies from azure to green, from gray to sky blue. The color of the water in lakes depends on the minerals and bacteria in the water and how intense sunlight penetrates the surface of the lake.

The Blue Cave or Blue Grotto is a water-filled sea cave in a small bay called Balun, on the eastern side of the island of Biševo near the Croatian Adriatic coast. The cave is located in the central part of the Dalmatian archipelago.

This grotto is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this region of Croatia.

Zagreb Lower Town is often referred to as the cultural and business center of the Croatian capital. Majority hotel complexes Zagreb is located precisely in the Lower Town.

Unlike Upper Town, the streets of this part of the city are wider, with a large number of parks, squares and alleys. The main shopping streets are also located here, in particular, the most famous shopping street in Zagreb is Ilica Street. In the same area is Marshal Titus Square, where the National Theater of Croatia is located.

The Cathedral of St. Lovro of the 13th - 16th centuries is the most famous architectural structure in Trogir. It was built in the Romanesque style.

The cathedral is one of the monuments of world culture. Based on research, the cathedral was built on the foundation of an ancient basilica, which was destroyed during the Saracen invasion in 1123.

Visa and customs control

Visa issues: There is a visa regime between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

However, when tourist trip It is enough to present a tourist voucher, for an individual (private) - the original invitation from relatives or friends, certified by a notary.

For a business trip to Croatia, you must have an invitation (a fax copy is sufficient) from your Croatian partner, certified by the seal and signature of the responsible person.

In all cases, you must present a valid passport at the border.

Children must have their own passport or be included in the passport of one of the parents.

The period of stay of Russian citizens in the country without a visa is limited to 3 months. Russian citizens whose stay in Croatia may exceed 90 days must apply for an entry visa at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Moscow before entering the country.

Customs control:

The customs regulations of the Republic of Croatia are harmonized with EU standards.

Alcohol and cigarettes. You can import into the country: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 g of tobacco, 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks, 2 liters of wine (goods whose quantity exceeds the specified quota are confiscated).

Jewelry and valuables. The import of jewelry and valuables is permitted within the limits of personal needs.

If they are intended for gifts, then you must present a sales receipt with the price and pay a duty of 30% of the cost of the goods.

Artistic and cultural-historical values. Without special permission, it is prohibited to import items of artistic or collectible value.

Weapons and ammunition. The import of firearms and ammunition must be declared.

Currency. You can have foreign currency and checks in any quantity when entering and leaving the country.

Other. You can bring into the country 1 kg of coffee or tea, 50 ml of perfume or eau de toilette intended for personal use. Goods whose quantity exceeds the specified quota are confiscated.

Items prohibited for import/export:

Prohibited for import:

Explosives;

Antique items;

Drugs;

Items that harm the ozone layer.

Russian institutions

Embassy Address:

Republic of Croatia, 10000 Zagreb, st. Bosanska, 44

Fax: (385 1) 3755-040

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 8.00 - 17.30 (lunch break from 13.00 to 14.00); Friday 8.00 - 14.00.

The embassy is closed on weekends and holidays Russian Federation

Press attache of the Embassy

PAVLOV Boris Nikolaevich

Phone: (385 1) 3755-038, 3755-039

Fax: (385 1) 3755-040

Email: [email protected]

Consular Section of the Embassy

Head of Department - Andrey Borisovich IVANKOV

Phone: (385 1) 3755-904

Fax: (385 1) 370-59-82

Email: [email protected]

Opening hours: visitors are accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00 to 12.00 (Central European time).

Counselor of the Embassy on Economic Affairs

MIRZOYAN Georgy Surenovich

Phone: (385 1) 3755-038, 3755-039

Fax: (385 1) 3755-040

Email: [email protected]

Office of JSC "Aeroflot - Russian Airlines"

st. Zrinjevac, 6

Phone: (385 1) 4872-055, 4872-076

Fax: (385 1) 4872-051

Office at Pleso airport

Phone:(385 1) 4562-288, 4562-258

Representative Russian Center international scientific and cultural cooperation

Vinogradi 82

Tel.: (385 1) 3702-683

Accommodation facilities

Croatia offers its guests a wide variety of hotels at different levels. From family mini hotels and hotels with apartments instead of rooms, the so-called aparthotels, to upscale five star hotels.

Hotels are scattered throughout the Adriatic coast of Croatia, some hotels are located right on the seashore, others are closer to the mountains, many hotels are also in the continental part of Croatia: Zagreb, Zagorje. Cheap apartments and rooms without commission thanks to direct contact with apartment owners. You independently resolve issues of payment and accommodation with the property owner. You can rent an apartment in Croatia without paying agency fees

Useful phone numbers:

Police - 92.

Fire service - 93.

Ambulance - 94.

Roadside assistance - 987.

The international dialing code for Croatia is 385.

City information service - 988.

General information service for the country - 989.

International information service - 902.

List of used literature

1. http://www.croatia.mid.ru - website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Croatia

2. http://www.kdmid.ru - consular information portal