Croatia – Proud Heritage

Croatia – Proud Heritage

Croatia is a democratic parliamentary republic in Central Europe; its capital and largest city is Zagreb. It declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and today the country’s population is 4.28 million.

The service sector dominates Croatia’s economy, followed by the industrial sector and agriculture. Tourism is a significant source of revenue during the summer. Since 2000, the Croatian government has invested in infrastructure, especially transport routes and facilities along the Pan-European corridors.

The modern-day neck tie originates from Croatia – formerly called a cravat, it takes its name from the country.

The Catholic Church plays a large role in Croatian society. Each village and town has a patron saint and that saint’s feast day is celebrated with a procession and church ceremony. Some villages still have a traditional bonfire on their patron saints’ day. 



Croats are extremely proud of their heritage and culture and call their country “Our Beautiful Homeland” which is also the title of the national anthem. The sense of nationalism comes both from their long and rich culture as well as a legacy of foreign invasion and control.

The extended family is the basis of social structure and Croatians will take in elderly parents rather than send them to a nursing home. Weekends are considered family time. Few Croatians will allow business concerns to interfere with this important part of their lives.

Direct and straightforward talk is valued in Croatia, however there is also an emphasis on choosing your words correctly and being diplomatic so as not to cause upset. Often, the level of the relationship will determine how direct someone is or can be. Meeting schedules are not very rigid in Croatia. There may be an agenda but it serves more as a guideline for the discussion than anything else so be prepared for lengthy meetings.

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Sources: Wikipedia, Kwintessential