Europe, Adriatic Sea, Islands

Croatia Simply Explained

A colorful learning page about a country with clear sea water, waterfalls, old cities, national parks and an exciting history.

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Quick facts

Zagreb

Capital

Euro

Currency since 2023

National parks

Adriatic

Sea in the west

Fact Sheet

The most important facts at a glance

First come the key facts. Then there are more details for everyone who wants to get to know Croatia better.

Capital

Zagreb

Language

Croatian

People

3.9 million

Area

56,594 km²

Currency

Euro

Interactive map with a marker on Croatia Open larger

Where is Croatia?

Croatia is in southeastern Europe. To the west is the Adriatic Sea. Its neighbors include Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Memory sentence: Croatia lies on the Adriatic Sea, so it has many coastal towns and islands.

The flag explained simply

The Croatian flag has three stripes: red, white and blue. The coat of arms is in the middle. The red-and-white pattern looks a bit like a chessboard.

Nature

Sea, islands, waterfalls and mountains

Croatia is special because many landscapes are close together: coast, islands, forests, rivers, lakes and rocky mountains.

Kornati

A national park with many rocky islands, pale stone and deep blue water.

Plitvice Lakes

Lakes and waterfalls lie above one another like steps. The water often looks turquoise.

Krka

The Krka River forms waterfalls, wooden paths and green riverbanks.

Dubrovnik

An old city right by the sea, famous for city walls and red roofs.

National parks protect special nature.

1949

Plitvice became Croatia's first national park.

UNESCO

Plitvice is a World Heritage Site.

Adriatic

The sea shapes the coast, food and holidays.

National Parks

Eight places where nature is protected

Click a card. It opens a short text about that national park.

Plitvice LakesLakes, waterfalls and forests

Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's best-known national park. Many small and large lakes are connected by waterfalls. The park is a good example of why clear water, forests and animals need protection.

KrkaRiver and waterfalls

Krka is named after the Krka River. There you can see waterfalls, green banks and wooden paths. The park shows why rivers are important: they give plants, fish and many small animals a home.

KornatiIslands in the sea

Kornati is made up of many islands in the Adriatic Sea. The landscape is dry and rocky, but the sea is full of life. This park is mainly about protecting islands, coasts and sea nature.

BrijuniIslands with history

Brijuni lies off the Istrian peninsula. The national park includes islands, meadows, trees and coast. Besides nature, you can also find traces from earlier times, such as old buildings.

MljetForest and saltwater lakes

Mljet is a green island in southern Croatia. The national park is known for dense forests and two large saltwater lakes. It shows that islands are not only beaches, but can also have valuable forests and quiet waters.

PaklenicaRocks and canyons

Paklenica lies in the Velebit mountains. It has high cliffs, canyons and hiking trails. Many climbers visit the park, but mountain plants and animals are also important there.

RisnjakMountain forest in the north

Risnjak lies in a cooler mountain region. Forests grow there, and animals that need quiet places live there. The name reminds people of the lynx, a shy wild animal.

NordvelebitMountains and views

Northern Velebit National Park lies in the Velebit mountains. It has karst landscapes, mountain meadows and wide views. It shows well that Croatia is not only sea, but also mountains.

Cities & Buildings

Cities and Buildings

Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik show three different sides of Croatia: capital city, Roman history and coastal city.

Capital

Zagreb

Zagreb is in the north. It is known for St. Mark's Church with its colorful roof.

Facts about Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and an important center for politics, culture and transport. In the old town there are squares, churches, museums and trams. St. Mark's Church stands out because its roof looks like a colorful pattern.

Roman times

Split

In Split you can find Diocletian's Palace. Today it is part of the old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Facts about Split

Split lies on the coast of Dalmatia. The special thing is Diocletian's Palace from Roman times: it is not just one building, but a whole part of the old town. Today you can find alleys, squares, cafes and old walls right next to each other.

Coast

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has old city walls, red roofs and lies directly on the Adriatic Sea.

Facts about Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is often called one of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic Sea. The old town is surrounded by strong walls. From above you can see red roofs, pale stone and the blue sea, which makes Dubrovnik a very famous photo spot.

Culture

How Croatia lives and sounds

Language

Dobar dan means hello. Hvala means thank you.

Food

On the coast, people often eat fish. Peka, cevapi and pancakes are also well known.

Free time

Many people swim, hike, go boating or visit markets and festivals.

Sport

Football is very popular. Croatia has had strong national teams.

Mini Language Course

Dobar dan

Hello

Hvala

Thank you

Sea

History

A very short timeline

1949

Plitvice becomes a national park.

1991

Croatia declares independence.

2013

Croatia joins the EU.

2023

Croatia starts using the euro.

Summary

Croatia in five sentences

These five points summarize the most important information on the page.

1. Croatia is in southeastern Europe on the Adriatic Sea.
2. The capital is Zagreb and the language is Croatian.
3. Croatia is known for islands, waterfalls and national parks.
4. Famous places include Dubrovnik, Split and Plitvice Lakes.
5. Croatia has been in the EU since 2013 and has used the euro since 2023.

Quiz

Test your Croatia knowledge

Click an answer. The correct answer turns green.

What is the capital city called?

Correct: Zagreb is in the north of the country.

Which sea is Croatia on?

Correct: The Adriatic Sea lies between Italy and Croatia.

What is Plitvice?

Correct: Plitvice Lakes are very famous.

Which currency does Croatia use?

Correct: Croatia has used the euro since 2023.