Croatia is a calm country with beautiful, untouched and ecologically clean nature and a favorable climate. It uniquely combines European, Slavic, as well as elements of Eastern culture.

The Croatian national character is distinguished by such features as moderation and calmness, combined, however, with cheerfulness and openness for communication, readiness to meet halfway.

The good nature and hospitality of the Croats allow them to get along with a wide variety of people. The attitude towards Russian tourists in the country is friendly, besides, communication is facilitated due to similar-sounding languages. Good, friendly service is also always provided.

The standard of living in Croatia is quite high, and the cost is low. So, secondary education is given here free of charge, higher education with good study can also be obtained for free.

Population

According to Countryaah, the number of inhabitants of Croatia is about 4.8 million people. As for the national composition of the country, the majority of the population are Croats (about 80%).

The largest national minority can be called the Serbs, living mainly in Slavonia, Lika and Gorski Kotar. In addition to the above, Slovenians, Hungarians, Albanians, Italians, Germans, Czechs, Gypsies, Ukrainians, Russians, etc. live in Croatia.

67% of the inhabitants of Croatia are people in a mature, working age from 15 to 64 years, and the number of women and men among them is almost equal.

Language

The official language of the country is Croatian. In addition, most Croats, especially those who live in the most popular resort areas among tourists, speak English, German, and Italian.

Croatian, like Russian, belongs to the Slavic language group, so the sound and meaning of many words are the same, and the language barrier does not seem serious and insurmountable.

Spoken Croatian is somewhat reminiscent of the Old Russian language: praise – thank you, cost how much – how much it costs, we pray – please, etc.

Religion

The most common and largest religious areas in Croatia are Catholicism, which is practiced by Croats, and Orthodoxy, which is followed by Serbs. Catholics, however, are much more (76.5%). Representatives of Islam and Protestantism also live in Croatia (1.2% and 0.4% respectively). Check agooddir for recent history of Croatia.

Croats are deeply and sincerely religious. There are churches even in the smallest settlements, and new ones continue to be built. You can also note a large number of monasteries. On Sundays, Catholic churches are overcrowded with believers.

Behavior rules

As in any foreign country, it does not hurt for a tourist to know a number of features and traditions in the behavior and communication of Croats.

Croatia is a very calm country where you don’t have to worry too much about the safety of your belongings or your own safety. However, girls walking alone have the opportunity to face increased attention and courtship from local representatives of the stronger sex.

Men here are distinguished by panache, wit and great love for women in general, often regardless of the age and external data of the latter. It is not for nothing that the tie became a Croatian invention, and the local folk women’s costume includes a rather short skirt.

Croats are very fond of nature and often take outings with a large company to the country or just for a picnic outside the city.

The people of Croatia are very patriotic. With them, they often wear things with national symbols. This is also why Croatians are very positive about the attempts of tourists to learn their language. If you know at least a few basic phrases in Croatian, you can earn the goodwill of the locals.

Against the background of other republics that were once part of Yugoslavia, Croatian women are extremely emancipated and are not inferior to men in most activities.

National Croatian holidays

January 1 – New Year;
January 6 – Epiphany;
Easter and Easter Monday;
May 1 – Labor Day;
May 30 – Independence Day;
June 22 – Day of anti-fascism;
August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin;
November 1 – All Saints Day;
December 25, 26 – Christmas.