Croatia - General information
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
4.437.460 inhabitants, capital Zagreb (779.145 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
Kuna (1 Kuna = 100 Lipa). There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Lipa coins, 1, 2, 5 and 25 Kuna coins and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Kuna banknotes.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and at most tourist agencies, hotels and camping grounds. Banking hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays banks are open until 1 p.m. In the larger cities some banks are also open on Sundays. Credit cards: Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa, Sport Card International). Cash dispensing machines are ubiquitous.
Electricity
Voltage of city power grid – 220V, frequency 50HZ
Water
Tap water is potable throughout Croatia .
The telephone code
for Croatia is +385.
Time zone
GMT plus one hour in winter and GMT plus two in summer.
Travel documentation
Passport or some other internationally recognized identification document. Tourists may remain in Croatia for up to three months.
Important telephone numbers
- International dialling prefix for Croatia: 385
- Ambulance 94
- Fire-service 93
- Police 92
- Assistance on the roads 987; 987@hak.hr
- (If you are calling from outside of Croatia or using a mobile phone dial ++3851 987)
- General information 981
- Information about local and district telephone numbers 988
- Information about International telephone numbers 902
- Weather forecast and road conditions 060 520 520
- Croatia's auto club (HAK) +385 (0)1 4640 800; Internet: www.hak.hr; e-mail: info@hak.hr