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CROATIA INFO
Croatia is a small country which, thanks to its geographical position and unusual shape, comprises variuos influences and climates. The charm and the beauties of the Mediterranean are unified with a touch of Alps and the Pannonian valley all the way to the Danube shores, while the mountain Dinara stretches in the middle. It is a country that simply takes your breath away once you embark on the journey of discovering its diverse natural beauties, its cultural and historical heritage and the hospitable people. Croatia is famous for its crystal clear blue sea, gastronomy, and its quality wine.
AREA
The land area of Croatia makes 56, 594 sq kilometres, and the territorial sea area 31, 067 sq kilometres.
COASTAL CROATIA
Total lenght of coast makes 5, 835.30 km, out of which 4, 058 km is the island coast. There are 1, 185 islands (47 inhabited), rocks and reefs in Croatia. The largest islands are Krk and Cres.
The Adriatic sea is situated between the Apennine and Balkan penninsula. Its eastern coast belongs to the Republic of Croatia: from Prevlaka in the south to Savudrija in the west. It is a unique area in Europe, suitable for cruising with motor vessels and sailboats, as well as exploring the under-sea world.
The highest mountain
Dinara 1, 831 m
Population ; Political organisation ; Climate ; Identificion papers ; Health care ; Public Holidays
Population
There are 4, 437, 460 inhabitants (2001 census). The majority of the population are Croatians, and the minorities come from Serbia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy and the Czech Republic, and other countries.
Political organisation
Political system: parliamentary democracy. The capital city is Zagreb (population of 779, 145 – 2001 census), the country's business, traffic and cultural centre.
Climate
The climate is mainly continental, but at higher altitudes there is also a mountainous climate. In the coastal regions, slightly south of the island Rab, the climate is classified as Mediterranean. The northern Adriatic (Istria, Kvarner mainland and the islands) has a moderately continental climate, excluding the interior parts of the region.
Average temperatures in the continent:
January –2 C to 0 C
August 20 C to 12 C
Average temperatures on the coast
January 6 C to 14 C
August 22 C to 28 C
The sea temperature makes 12 C during the winter, and 25 C during the summer.
IDENTIFICATION PAPERS
Passport or other internationally ackowledged document.
Tourist are allowed to stay in Croatia up to a period of 3 months.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz
Water
Tap water is drinkable all over Croatia, a country rich in natural springs of water.
Monetary unit
The national currency is the Croatian kuna (kn). One kuna consists of 100 lipa. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 lipa; 1, 2, 5 and 25 kuna; and paper bills of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1 000 kuna.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies and hotels. There are plenty of cash machines as well.
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept the following credit cards: American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/Mastercard, Visa.
From Monday to Friday banks are open from 7.30 to 20.00, and on Saturdays from 8.00 to 12.00.
HEALTH CARE
There are hospitals and private clinics in all larger cities, and clinics and pharmacies in all smaller towns. If there is an agreement between Croatia and their country of origin, tourists do not pay for health care. If the case is different, tourists pay a standard fee when in need of health care.
For those patients whose life might be in danger, there is the air emergency transport (helicopter), as well as the one on the sea (speed-boat).
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 January New Year
6 January The Epiphany
- Easter
- Easter Monday
1 May Labour Day
- Corpus Christi
22 June Anti-Fascism Day
25 June Statehood Day
5 August Victory and Homeland Gratitude Day
15 August The Assumption
8 October Independence Day
1 November All Saints Day
25 December Christmas Day
26 December Boxing Day (St. Stephen's Day)
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