CROATIAN Facts & Figures

Size: 21,851 square miles

Population: 4,290,692

Capital: Zagreb

Currency: Kuna

Weather / Climate:

Most of Croatia has a moderately warm and rainy continental climate as defined by the Köppen climate classification. Mean monthly temperature ranges between −3 °C (27 °F) (in January) and 18 °C (64 °F) (in July). The coldest parts of the country are Lika and Gorski Kotar where snowy forested climate is found at elevations above 1,200 metres (3,900 feet). The warmest areas of Croatia are at the Adriatic coast and especially in its immediate hinterland characterized by the Mediterranean climate, as the temperature highs are moderated by the sea. Consequently, temperature peaks are more pronounced in the continental areas—the lowest temperature of −35.5 °C (−31.9 °F) was recorded on 3 February 1919 in Cakovec, and the highest temperature of 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) was recorded on 5 July 1950 in Karlovac.[73]

Mean annual precipitation ranges between 600 millimetres (24 inches) and 3,500 millimetres (140 inches) depending on geographic region and prevailing climate type. The least precipitation is recorded in the outer islands (Vis, Lastovo, Biševo, Svetac) and in the eastern parts of Slavonia, however in the latter case, it is mostly occurring during the growing season. The maximum precipitation levels are observed on the Dinara mountain range and in Gorski kotar. Prevailing winds in the interior are light to moderate northeast or southwest, and in the coastal area prevailing winds are determined by local area features. Higher wind velocities are more often recorded in cooler months along the coast, generally as bura or less frequently as sirocco. The sunniest parts of the country are the outer islands, Hvar and Kor?ula, where more than 2700 hours of sunshine are recorded per year, followed by the southern Adriatic Sea area in general, northern Adriatic coast, and Slavonia, all with more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Taken from wikipedia

CROATIAN languages

Croatian(hrvatski jezik) is the collective name for the standard language and dialects spoken by Croats,[3] principally in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Serbian province of Vojvodina and other neighbouring countries. They are varieties of the Serbo-Croatian language, along with Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin.[4][5][6]

Standard and literary Croatian is based on the central dialect, Shtokavian (Štokavian), more specifically on Eastern Herzegovinian, which is also the basis of standard Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin. The two other principal Croatian dialects are Chakavian (?akavian) and Kajkavian. These dialects, and the four national standards, are commonly subsumed under the term "Serbo-Croatian" in English, though this term is controversial for native speakers[7] and paraphrases such as "Bosnian-Croatian-Montenegrin-Serbian" are therefore sometimes used instead, especially in diplomatic circles.

Vernacular texts in the Chakavian dialect first appeared in the 13th century, and Shtokavian texts appeared a century later. Standardization began in the period sometimes called "Baroque Slavism" in the first half of the 17th century,[8] while some authors date it back to the end of 15th century.[9] The modern Neo-Shtokavian standard that appeared in the mid 18th century was the first unified Croatian literary language.[10]

Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_language

CROATIAN culture

A country of striking natural beauty with a stunning Adriatic coastline, Croatia is again very popular as a tourist destination. Croatia has everything from picture-perfect, historic walled cities to spectacular Roman ruins, imposing castles, unspoilt national parks and some of the clearest waters you’ll find anywhere on the Adriatic. Fantastic cuisine (including exquisite seafood on the coast and truffles in Istria), good local wines and a buzzing café culture all add to the appeal. The country's capital, Zagreb, is truly Central European. Everything from the architecture to the hearty culinary offer reflects the region's centuries-old ties with Austro-Hungary and the city also makes a good base for visiting the historic castles and vineyards of Zagorje. Throughout Croatia travel guide there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, numerous museums and dozens of festivals. Rugged mountain ranges such as Velebit and Gorski Kotar are a haven for hiking, while the Adriatic offers ideal conditions for sailing, scuba-diving and sea-kayaking. Those in search of a more restful holiday can enjoy hours of sunshine on the beach - and remember, as Europe's top naturist destination, Croatia is one place you can finally get that all-over tan.

Croatiahas a long and eventful history. Greek colonies were present on its coast and islands, Celtic tribes are thought to have settled inland, it formed part of the Roman Empire for several hundred years, and was gradually colonized by the Slavs from the 6th century AD. An independent Croatian state was established in the 10th century, but lasted less than 200 years. Over subsequent centuries it was alternately ruled by Hungary, Venice, Napoleon and Austria. After World War I, a new 'Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes' was created in 1918, and following the Second World War, Croatia became part of Tito’s Yugoslavia along with Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Macedonia.

On 25 June 1991, Croatia declared itself independent from Yugoslavia, a move that resulted in the Homeland War (1991-1995), which saw Croatia pitted against the might of the Yugoslav army and Serb irregular forces. In December 1991 the German government recognised Croatian independence, with the rest of the world quickly following suit.

The death of the country's first democratically elected president, Franjo Tudjman, in December 1999 heralded a new era of Croatian politics; Stjepan Mesi? stepped into the fold and Croatia adopted a more conciliatory approach at home and abroad.

At the time of President Tudjman's death, the country was still in a parlous state. Its citizens suffered from government-backed attacks on their civil and political rights. The governing party, the HDZ, was mired in corruption and the economy was in severe difficulties. Presidential and parliamentary elections at the beginning of 2000 ushered in politicians who pledged commitment to Croatia's integration into the European mainstream. The constitution was changed to shift power away from the president to the parliament. Croatia joined the World Trade Organisation and pledged to open up its economy. However, organised crime and mafia-linked violence continued to be a major concern, and the government had to demonstrate that it was serious about tackling the problem so as not to jeopardise its EU membership bid. By early 2003 it had made enough progress in shaking off the legacy of those years to apply for EU membership, becoming the second former Yugoslav republic after Slovenia to do so.

In July 2009, Jadranka Kosor became Croatia's first female prime minister following the surprise resignation of former PM, Ivo Sanader. A dispute with Slovenia over sea and land borders dating back to the break-up of Yugoslavia also threatened to derail Croatia's journey to EU membership until June 2010, when a Slovene referendum cleared this outstanding obstacle to Croatia's EU accession. Croatia's EU accession talks were held up because the country's most prominent war crimes suspect, Gen Ante Gotovina, remained at large until 2005. Gen Gotovina was finally convicted by the UN War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague in April 2011, and shortly after this, Croatia successfully completed its EU accession negotiations. It is due to become the EU's 28th member state in 2013.

Roman Catholic Croats are in majority (87.8% of the total population), but there are also Eastern Orthodox Serbs (4.4%), as well as small communities of Protestants, Jews and Muslims.

People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport.

Holidays

·         01 January – New Year's Day

·         06 January – Epiphany

·         April – Easter

·         01 May – Labour Day

·         June – Corpus Christi

·         22 June – Anti-Fascist Resistance Day

·         25 June – Croatian National Day

·         05 August – Victory day and National Thanksgiving Day

·         08 October – Independence Day

·         01 November – All Saints’ Day

·         25 December – Christmas

Taken from:

www.bbc.co.uk

www.worldtravelguide.net

CROATIAN people

The demographic features of the population of Croatia include statistical data collected through censuses, normally conducted in ten-year intervals and analysed by various statistical bureaus since the 1850s. The Croatian Bureau of Statistics performs this task since the 1990s. The latest census in Croatia was performed in April 2011. The permanent population of Croatia at the 2011 census had reached 4.29 million. Population density equals 75.8 inhabitants per square kilometre, and the overall life expectancy in Croatia at birth is 75.7 years. Since 1991, Croatia's death rate continuously exceeds its birth rate. The population rose steadily from 2.1 million in 1857 until 1991, when it peaked at 4.7 million, with the exception of censuses taken following the two world wars. The natural growth rate of the population is currently negative, with the demographic transition completed in the 1970s. In terms of age structure, the population is dominated by the 15–64 year old segment. The median age of the population is 41.4, and the gender ratio of the total population is 0.93 males per 1 female.

Croatiais inhabited mostly by Croats (89.6%), while minorities include Serbs (4.5%), and 21 other ethnicities (less than 1% each). The demographic history of Croatia is marked by significant migrations, including the arrival of the Croats in the area growth of Hungarian and German speaking population since the personal union of Croatia and Hungary, and joining of the Habsburg Empire, migrations set off by Ottoman conquests and growth of Italian speaking population in Istria and in Dalmatia during Venetian rule there. After the collapse of Austria-Hungary, the Hungarian population declined, while the German speaking population was forced or compelled to leave after World War II and similar fate was suffered by the Italian population. Late 19th century and the 20th century were marked by large scale economic migrations abroad. The 1940s and the 1950s in Yugoslavia were marked by internal migrations in Yugoslavia, as well as by urbanisation. The most recent significant migrations came as a result of the Croatian War of Independence when hundreds of thousands were displaced.

The Croatian language is the official language of Croatia, but minority languages are officially used in some local government units. Croatian is declared as the native language by 96% of the population. A 2009 survey revealed that 78% of Croatians claim knowledge of at least one foreign language—most often English. The main religions of Croatia are Roman Catholicism (87.8%), Orthodox Christianity (4.4%) and Islam (1.3%). Literacy in Croatia stands at 98.1%. The proportion of the population aged 15 and over attaining academic degrees grew rapidly since 2001, doubling and reaching 16.7% by 2008. An estimated 4.5% of the GDP is spent for education. Primary and secondary education are available in Croatian and in languages of recognised minorities. Croatia has a universal health care system and in 2010, the nation spent 6.9% of its GDP on healthcare. Net monthly income in September 2011 averaged 5,397 kuna (c. 729 euro). The most significant sources of employment in 2008 were manufacturing industry, wholesale and retail trade and construction. In October 2011, unemployment rate was 17.4%. Croatia's median equivalent household income tops average Purchasing Power Standard of the ten countries which joined the EU in 2004, while trailing the EU average. 2011 census recorded a total of 1.5 million private households, which predominantly owned their own housing. Average urbanisation rate in Croatia stands at 56%, with augmentation of urban population and reduction of rural population.

Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Croatia

CROATIAN food

Croatian cuisine is heterogeneous and is known as the cuisine of regions, since every region has its own distinct culinary traditions. Its modern roots date back to ancient periods and the differences in the selection of foodstuffs and forms of cooking are most notable between those on the mainland and those in coastal regions. Mainland cuisine is more characterized by the earlier Slavic and the more recent contacts with the more famous gastronomic orders of today - Hungarian, Viennese and in some part of land Turkish - while the coastal region bears the influences of the Greek, Roman and Illyrian, as well as of the later Mediterranean cuisine - Italian and French.

Cuisine of the regions

Croatian cuisine can, roughly summarized, be divided into a few regions which all have their specific cooking traditions, characteristic for the area and not necessarily well-known in other parts of Croatia. Most dishes, however, can be found all across the country. This is also why the varied cuisine of Croatia is called "cuisine of the regions".

Meat and game

Some foods from typical Croatian menus:

  • Specialities from the grill are called s roštilja or s ražnja
  • prženomeans fried
  • pod pekommeans that the dish has been put into a stone oven under a metal cover. The cook puts hot coals on the cover so that the meal is cooked slowly.

Croatian meals include:

Seafood:

Croatian seafood dishes include:

  • Squids - Croatian: lignje, Italian: calamari
  • Octopus salad - Croatian: salata od hobotnice
  • Cuttlefish risotto - Croatian: Crni rižot, Italian: Risotto nero
  • Tuna
  • Shrimps - Croatian: škampi, Italian: scampi
  • Common mussels - Croatian: dagnje
  • Cod with potatoes - Croatian bakalar na bijelo (Dubrovnik, Dalmatia and Istria)
  • Fishstew - Croatian brodet or brudet (Dubrovnik and Dalmatia), Italian brodetto
  • Clams
  • Sea spider salad
  • Breaded catfish or carp
  • Grilled sardines
  • Buzara or Buzzara (shellfish sautéed in garlic, olive oil, parsley & white wine)
  • Date shells or prstaci are part of the traditional cuisine, but in the 20th century their extraction was banned as a measure of ecological protection

Stews

Pasta

· Žganci is a dish in Slovenian and Northern Croatian cuisine

· Pašticada with Gnocchi is a beef pot roast dish from Dubrovnik and Dalmatia.

· Fuži is a sort of pasta from Istria.

· Needle macaroni

· štrukli is a pastry dish from Zagorje, Zagreb area.

· Krpice sa zeljem

· Šporki makaruli traditional pasta mixed with meat sauce - from Dubrovnik and surrounding area

Soups

·  maneštra

·  Veal soup with smoked meat

· Vegeta seasoned broth

Other

  • Punjena paprika - paprika/peppers filled with minced meat (Hungarian: töltött paprika)

Sweets and desserts

· Baklava

· Dunavske Valovi

· Kremšnita - cream slice

· Šaumšnita - meringue cream slice

· Zagorski štrukli - sweet pastry from northern Croatia

· Uštipci

· Croatian honey

· Bear's paw

· Farmer's cheese (quark) cakes (cream cake)

· Krafne, pokladnice - a type of Donut

· Croatian pancakes (with cream with wine sauce)

· ušljivac, deran, badavdžija (long plaited bun)

· Šnenokli (eggwhites in vanilla cream)

Wines

Croatiahas two main wine regions: Continental (Kontinetalna) and Coastal (Primorska), which includes the islands. Each of the main regions is divided into sub-regions which are divided yet further into smaller vinogorje, (literally wine hills) and districts. Altogether, there are more than 300 geographically-defined wine-producing areas in Croatia. In parts of Croatia, wine, either red or white, is sometimes consumed mixed in approximately equal proportions with water.

Dessert wines

Taken from wikipedia

Places to go in CROATIA

Traditional handicrafts like embroidery, intricate lace from the island of Pag, small decorative ‘hearts’ from Zagreb, lavender bags from Hvar, locally made glass jewellery, woodcarvings and ceramics make good souvenirs, while Croatian wines and spirits, olive oils and truffle products also make excellent gifts to bring home. Local fashion label I-GLE has stores in Zagreb. Fairs and festivals can be a good place to buy souvenirs, or seasonal markets such as those in central Zagreb around Easter, and there are a number of shops (particularly in Zagreb and Dubrovnik) selling a good range of local products. Tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than 500 Kn. Visitors should ensure that all receipts are retained after any purchase is made, as financial police have the power to fine visitors without relevant documents. This is to prevent VAT evasion by shopkeepers.

The year-round nightlife scene centres on the capital, Zagreb, which buzzes with everything from swanky cocktail bars to alternative cultural clubs patronised by students. However, come summer, the lion's share of the inland action moves to the tourism-boosted coast. Venues include everything from informal beach bars and pavement cafes through to style bars and glitzy nightclubs. Some of the most up-market clubs are in Dubrovnik, and frequently hit the gossip magazines as they attract both foreign and local celebrities. Likewise, the bars and clubs in trendy Hvar Town on the island of Hvar - dubbed the new Ibiza - are patronised by the glamorous international yachting crowd.

A top cycling spot is in Mljet National Park, located on the green and unspoiled island of the same name. The park boasts dense forests, two interconnected saltwater lakes and, in the centre of the larger lake, the exquisite St Mary's Island and Benedictine Monastery.

Dive in the ethereal Blue Grotto and explore the shipwrecks sunk off the island of Vis, Croatia's most remote inhabited island.

Velebit is Croatia’s most extensive mountain range and the best area for hiking lies just inland from the coast between Senj and Starigrad-Paklenica, and contains two national parks, Sjeverni Velebit in the north and Paklenica in the south.

Slavonia's Kopa?ki Rit Nature Park is a vast expanse of wetland frequented by myriad migrating birds and well away from the tourist crowds.

The Kornati National Park is an archipelago of some 90 scattered islands and islets. Virtually uninhabited, the islands display a harsh, rocky landscape practically devoid of vegetation. Several renovated stone cottages provide 'Robinson Crusoe'-type holiday accommodation.

The river in Krka National Park has sculpted a picturesque canyon, famed for its spectacular Skradinski buk (Skradin Waterfalls) and the islet of Visovac, home to a Franciscan Monastery.

PlitviceLakes National Park is one of Croatia's premier tourist attractions - a UNESCO-listed tree-shrouded wonderland of 16 turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Though busy with visitors in the summer, Croatia’s most famous national park never fails to disappoint, with water gushing over ancient travertine beds and tumbling down high waterfalls. Over thousands of years, the waters that flow through this area have passed over limestone and chalk, creating deposits which form natural barriers between the lakes. The lakes range in height from Proscansko Jezero at 636.6m (1746ft) above sea level, to the lowest, Kaludjerovac, at 505.2m (1386ft), and in surface area from 81 hectares (33 acres) to one hectare (2.5 acres).

Brijuni National Park is an archipelago of 14 unspoilt islands located off the west coast of Istria. Stay overnight on the largest island, Veli Brijun, home to a golf course and a safari park.

Undoubtedly the most famous place in Croatia, Dubrovnik’s old town constitutes one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities on the Mediterranean. Walk a complete circuit of Dubrovnik's 13th-century city walls, then explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Check out the Franciscan Monastery (home to Europe's oldest pharmacy) and delightful baroque churches. Dubrovnik's turbulent history can be unearthed at the Rector's Palace, War Photo Limited and the Maritime Museum.

With its rows of red rooftops set bold against the deep blue-green of the Adriatic, the walled city of Dubrovnik has fairly emphatically become the poster-boy for Croatian tourism as a whole. George Bernard Shaw summed it up nicely for the planet’s postcard industry when he proclaimed ‘those who seek paradise on Earth should seek it in Dubrovnik’ – it is, in essence, the kind of place that sits well on the cover of a glossy magazine.

There is, however, a great deal more to Dubrovnik than its undoubted aesthetic charms. UNESCO has placed everything that lies within the old walls on its World Heritage List, and not just because it all looks nice. Its multi-layered history is every bit as interesting as you hope it’s going to be, while despite the medieval architecture there’s also a strong modern pulse to the place. And contrary to many preconceptions, there’s a fair bit to discover outside the walls too...

Travel back in time to Split, the capital of Central Dalmatia, which was founded in the third century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Croatia’s second city is a major port, and the main jumping off point for ferries to and from some of the most popular islands, including Hvar and Bra?. At its core is the truly amazing Diocletian’s Palace (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), built for Diocletian and which is now a warren of houses, shops, alleys and historic architecture spanning some 1700 years.

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea and backed by the rugged Dinaric Mountains, the splendid Dalmatian city of Split, built upon a 1,700-year-old Roman palace, is a living, breathing museum. Ancient Roman architecture forms a backdrop to modern-day life, with boutiques displaying imported designer wear and cafés playing techno amid the stones of an imperial palace.

Split was founded when Diocletian built his retirement home here in AD295. Centuries of Venetian rule have also left their mark with gothic, Renaissance and baroque buildings dotting the core.

Split is becoming an increasingly important tourist hub, a gateway to Dalmatia, with an international airport, ferries from Italy and local boat services to the nearby islands. Today, budget flights, a revamped waterfront, a plethora of new hotels and the renovation of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed core have made Split into a must-visit Croatian destination.

See fine examples of early Croatian religious art at the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split. Appreciate more of Meštrovic's 20th-century sculptures in the city's Meštrovic Gallery.

Just west of Split is the tiny medieval city of Trogir, that was was founded by the Greeks in the third century BC. Discover the beautiful Romanesque cathedral and Venetian gothic stone buildings that have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage site list.

Zagreb– the Croatian capital is unquestionably its most interesting city, despite the focus of tourism on the coast. Beautiful architecture, a huge number of museums and galleries, excellent restaurants, a lively café culture and some lovely parks and gardens all make Zagreb an essential part of any visit to Croatia.

Visit the historic monuments of Gornji Grad (Upper Town): the Cathedral, St Mark's Church (noted for its tiled roof) and the Sabor (Croatian parliament). Then check out the museums of 19th-century Donji Grad (Lower Town).

The Museum of Arts and Crafts traces Croatian craftsmanship through the centuries, and the Mimara Museum exhibits a rich collection of painting, sculpture and ceramics from abroad. Admire Mestrovic's dramatic sculptures at the Mestrovic Atelier.

Central European in appearance and spirit, Zagreb bears the hallmark of centuries spent under Vienna and Budapest. Visitors to Zagreb will find an ever-increasing choice of plush accommodation and a plethora of chic bars and restaurants, as well as the chance to ride on shiny new trams and to see some of Croatia's most important cultural sights.

Picturesque Gornji Grad (Upper Town) is made up of higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets and buildings dating from medieval times up to the 19th century. In contrast, Donji Grad (Lower Town) follows a geometrical grid-plan, with a series of green squares rimmed by Austro-Hungarian buildings erected from the late 19th century onwards.

It is perhaps no surprise then that Zagreb is confidently leading Croatia towards full integration into the European Union, with accession predicted (though still tentatively so) in 2011.

Head for the undulating hills and vineyards of Zagorje, just north of Zagreb, to explore the historic Veliki Tabor and Trakoš?an castles.

Often overlooked by most tourists until comparatively recently, Zadar is one of the most important historical centres on the coast, with a beautiful old town centre and now a thriving music festival nearby (the Garden Festival). Stroll around its narrow cobbled streets, drink coffee on a ruined Roman Forum and listen to classical recitals in the ninth-century Church of St Donat.

Join the jet set on the increasingly exclusive island of Hvar, renowned for its rugged coastline, excellent wines and lavender fields. Drink coffee or sip cocktails in Hvar Town, a Venetian settlement, built around a picturesque harbour presided over by a hilltop fortress.

Home to some of Croatia's best seafood restaurants, the gastronomic enclave of Volosko is a pretty fishing village just outside the popular resort of Opatija, while soaking up attractive Adriatic sea views.

Central Dalmatia's second city, Šibenik, is worth visiting for its 15th-century UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James alone. The Old Town was founded by the Slavs, not the Romans or Venetians.

KorculaTownis a marvel of medieval urban planning which has charmed foreign visitors since the first tourists arrived on the eponymous island in the 1920s.

Built on a small peninsula, the Istrian town of Pore? dates back to Roman times. Climb the tower of its star attraction, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Euphrasius Basilica and admire the Basilica's stunning sixth-century Byzantine mosaics.

The city of Pula on the Istrian coast has some of the finest Roman ruins in Croatia, including a magnificent and remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre which is one of the largest surviving in the world.

The fine golden shingle of Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) makes it Croatia's most photographed beach, located just outside the tourist resort of Bol on the island of Brac. It's also one of Croatia's top windsurfing destinations.

Escape the crowds on the Kvarner Gulf island of Cres, famous for its colony of Griffon Vultures, the historic settlement of Valun and the laid-back Cres Town.

Driving around Inland Istria will reveal romantic hill towns like Motovun, Buje and Gronjan. While here sample the local delicacy, truffles.

Island-hopping - Croatia has over 1100 of them, in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the remote islets that make up the Kornati archipelago, to the lavender-scented, party capital of Hvar. Island hop the largely traffic-free Elaphite Islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan, near Dubrovnik, with their secluded and beaches and good-value restaurants.

Taken from www.worldtravelguide.net

Doing business in CROATIA

Croatia has successfully established macroeconomic stabilisation. Though the state still has a large presence in the economy, GDP growth is rising and the Croatian market is experiencing moderate expansion. Croatia spent  the first five years of its independence fighting the presence of the Serbian military and has only  recently begun to improve living standards and to make  critical economic changes.  Tourism and an increase in consumer spending have also refined Croatia’s economic climate. A member of NATO and the UN, Croatia has  plans to join the EU in 2010.

 Working practices in Croatia

• Croatians are very fashion conscious and will always dress according to the latest western styles. Croatians dress to reflect their level of professionalism.

•Most businesses operate from 9:00 am to 5.00 pm but  it is always advised that  you  check  with your Croatian business partners because many companies will start  or finish at different times.

• Deadlines are a lot more flexible than in western business culture and work is often finished at the last minute.

• Always address colleagues with their title and surname. Never use first names unless invited to do so.

Structure and hierarchy in Croatian companies

• Croatians value authoritative superiors and respect the knowledge, education, confidence and experience that comes with status.

•Croatia’s collectivist society has significantly impacted business culture. Usually only one person makes major decisions and receives success.  However, no one is responsible for failure.

• Decisions are made without consultation and managers usually do not need to provide explanations as to why a decision was reached.

Working relationships in Croatia

• Croatians are personable and will want to know about your family and where you are from.   Do not talk about money or personal problems – Croatians view this as a sign of weak character and the discussion will leave your colleagues feeling  uneasy.

• Personal space is important, but a large distance indicates dislike. Eye contact is also essential and is viewed as a sign of respect.

• Croatians are often direct. Croatians view soft-spoken or shy people as vulnerable and weak.

Business Practices in Croatia

• Meetings are often lengthy and do not tend to follow an agenda.

•Small talk usually precedes negotiations at meetings. It is important to initially build a relationship before discussing business matters.

• Professionalism is extremely important in Croatian business culture. Always maintain an appropriate relationship with your Croatian colleagues, as respect will decrease if the relationship becomes too personal.

Croatian business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)

DO show respect towards everyone you meet, including unfamiliar acquaintances as Croatians will often acknowledge strangers in passing.

DO ask Croatians for their opinions on the subject matter at hand. Croatians will be happy to assist you and this will help you  earn their trust.

DO translate one side of your business card into Croatian. While not a necessity, this shows respect and will impress your Croatian business partners.

DON’T discuss religion, war, or other ethnicities. These subjects are taboo in Croatian business culture.

DON’T openly criticise your Croatian colleagues. Croatians are very proud and are easily offended, so make suggestions rather than complaints and avoid direct confrontation.

DON’T make plans, either business or personal at the weekend without the consent of your Croatian colleagues. Weekends are considered family time and Croatians do not tend to let business interfere with their personal plans.

Taken from www.communicaid.com

CROATIA: useful links

www.visit-croatia.co.uk/

www.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1097128.stm

www.find-croatia.com/

www.croatiaairlines.com/en

www.exploring-croatia.com 


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