General Information about Croatia
The Republic of Croatia was part of Yugoslavia from 1945 until gaining independence in 1991.
It is a not yet a member of the EU, and although accession negotiations are underway is not expected to become a member before 2012.
Caution- Landmines!!!
Although the tourism bodies like to play down the risk, there are many thousands of unexploded landmines along what was the front in the country's civil war. Many of these areas are close to tourist destinations.
For this reason it is NOT recommended that you wander off the beaten track or head across country while in Croatia. They are being actively cleared, but it is an onerous task and not expected to be complete until late 2008 at the earliest. There is a map of the affected areas here.
General Information about Croatia
Capital: Zagreb
Official languages: Croatian
Population: 4.5 million
Currency: Kuna (HRK)
Calling code: +385
Religion
By tradition, Croatians are largely Roman Catholic, although the number of people stating that they are Catholic is falling, though there is a sizable minority of the Orthodox faith.
Climate
Northern Croatia has a continental climate. Central, semi-mountainous and mountainous regions, as well as the entire Adriatic coast, have a Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are mild along the coast, while winter can be cold and snowy in central and northern regions.