Geographical Position
Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the NW to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the E; its central region is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and its southern parts extend to the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Surface
The mainland covers 56 594 square kilometers; territorial waters  31 067 km sq.

Population
About 4.5 million inhabitants; majority are Croats; national minorities include Serbs, Slovenes, Hungarians, Bosnians, Italians, Czechs and others.

System of Government
Multy-party parliamentary democracy.

Capital
Zagreb (800 000 inhabitants).

Coastline
5,835 km, of which 4,058 km comprise the coastlines of 1,185 islands (largest are Cres and Krk, only 47 are inhabited), solitary rocks and reefs.

Highest Peak
Dinara, at 1,831 m above the sea level.

Climate
Croatia has three climate zones; the prevailing one in the country's interior is moderately rainy; on the highest peaks, a forest climate with snow falls, while the areas along the Adriatic coast have a pleasantly mild Meditarrenean climate with a large number of sunny days; summers are dry and hot, winters mild and wet with significant precipitations.

Currency
kuna (1 kuna = 100 lipa). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices, travel agencies, hotels, camps, marinas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, marinas, shops.

Travel Documents and Customs
Passport, mainly. More information here.
Customs regulations are harmonised with those of the EU.

Health and Veterinary Services
Hospitals, clinics and, in smaller centers, dispensaris are available througout the country. If there is a signed social security convention between Croatia and the visitor's country, and the visitor has proof of coverage, there is lesser charge or no charge. Otherwise, the services rendered one has to cover personally.There is a network of veterinary clinics and centers. Visit Croatian Veterinary Chamber for more information.

Power Supply
220V, 50Hz , outlets are two-pin continental type.

Tap water is potable in all parts of Croatia.

Emergency Phone Numbers
112 .... Medical, Veterinary, Fire, Polution, Mountain Rescue, Other
9155... Search and Rescue at Sea
93 ...... Fire Brigade
92 ...... Police
94....... Ambulance
987..... Roadside Assistance
981..... General Information Center
988..... Local and Intercity Phone Number Assistance
902..... International Phone Number Assistance
060 520 520 Weather Forecast and Road Conditions
www.hak.hr Croatian Automobile Club (quite useful)

Croatian Angels = a single number for tourist information: 062 999 999, from abroad +385 62 999 999. Service is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian.

Fuel Stations and Prices
www.ina.hr
www.omv.hr
www.tifon.hr
www.hak.hr

National Parks
The Brijuni -  www.brijuni.hr
Kornati - www.kornati.hr
Krka - www.npkrka.hr
Mljet - www.np-mljet.hr
Paklenica - www.paklenica.hr
The Plitvice Lakes - www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
Risnjak - www.risnjak.hr
Norther Velebit - www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr

Nature Parks
Biokovo - www.biokovo.com
Kopački rit - www.kopacki-rit.com
Lonjsko polje (the Lonja range) - www.pp-lonjsko-polje.hr
Medvednica - www.pp-medvednica.hr
Papuk - www.pp-papuk.hr
Telašćica - www.telascica.hr
Učka - www.pp-ucka.hr
Velebit - www.velebit.hr and www.pp-velebit.hr
Vransko jezero (the Vrana lake) - www.vransko-jezero.hr
Žumberak-Samobor Mountains - www.pp-žumberak-samoborsko-gorje.hr
Lastovo Archipelago - +385.20.801.252, fax - 250.

Diving
A permit is necessary for recreational sports diving: www.diving-hrs.hr

National Food and Drink
Aim for popular local dishes and specialties. Each region has its own. Coastal Dalmatia, for instance, you'll find mosty fish and seafood dishes, while in the continental parts you'll find a variety of meat dishes. Of course, you can always opt for the standard European cuisine. Croatia has a long grape growing tradition. Try tasty reds and whites as well as variety of 'rakija' (spirits) that best suite your taste.

*All foods of animal origin are subject to the same standards as in countries in the EU and are under constant veterinary and health supervision.

For further information, visit www.croatia.hr