Terrain
Geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands
Climate
Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast
People
Nationality: Croatian(s)
Population: 4,475,611 (July 2013 est.)
Languages: Croatian (official) 96.1%, Serbian 1%, other and undesignated (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak and German ) 2.9% (2001 census)
Religions
Roman Catholic 87,.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none 5.2% (2001 census)
Economy
Though still one of the wealthiest of the former Yugoslav republics, Croatia's economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war. The country's output during that time collapsed and Croatia missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve slowly with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6% led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending.
Living Conditions
Croats live in single-family homes, multi-family homes, and apartments. The average Croatian home includes a kitchen (usually with eating area), a bathroom, a living room, and bedrooms. Most Croatian homes have conveniences such as television sets, refrigerators, stoves, telephones, washing machines, stereo systems, and VCRs. Many homes have personal computers, satellite dishes, and video game systems.
Government
Parliamentary democracy
US Military Presence/Support
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (1:07)