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Croatia

With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Despite the tragedy of war, its charms remain largely intact; most of the tourist areas have been lovingly recreated. However, reminders of the country's painful history abound.

The aura of medieval Croatia endures in the cobbled streets of Rovinj and the recently restored other-worldliness of Dubrovnik's Stari Grad. The country is also home to some of Europe's finest Roman ruins, including the immense palace of Diocletian in Split.

Pre-1991 Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia) was shaping up as the new Costa del Sol. Planeloads of tourists - 10 million a year - were hitting the Adriatic shores in search of sun, cheap living, medieval quaintness and perhaps a spot of naturism. But with Croatia's push for independence during the violent break-up of Yugoslavia, war inevitably soured the tourism boom. However, European holidayers are being lured back by its irresistible coastline and cruisy Croatian charm.

Warning
Some remote areas of Croatia, even though safe and welcoming, remain uncleared of landmines. These include the Danube region in eastern Slavonia and Krajina. It is unwise to stray into fields or abandoned villages.

Full country name: Republic of Croatia
Area: 56,542 sq km
Population: 4.42 million
Capital City: Zagreb (pop: 777,000)
People: Croatian (78%), Serbian (12%), Slavic Muslim (Bosniac), Hungarian, Slovenian, Italian
Language: Croatian, Serbian, Italian, Slovenian, Hungarian
Religion: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Islam
Government: presidential/parliamentary democracy
Head of State: President Stipe Mesic
Head of Government: Prime Minister Ivo Sanader

GDP: US$43.12 billion
GDP per capita: US$9,800
Annual Growth: 3.7%
Inflation: 6.2%
Major Industries: Steel, cement, chemicals, fertilisers, textiles
Major Trading Partners: EU (esp. Germany, Italy), Slovenia
Member of EU: No