Croatia General Information - Mercian Travel Centre

Croatia - General Information

GENERAL Total (land) area 56610 km2 Population (last census) 4.784.265 Length of Coastline (mainline) 1778 km Area of Coastline (islands) 4012 km Number of Islands and Isles 1185 (66 inhabited) Largest islands: Krk 410 km2 Cres 404 km2 Brac 396 km2 Hvar 298 km2 Pag 287 km2 Korcula 273 km2 Official language: Croatian, written in Latin alphabet RELIGION Religion: the majority of inhabitants are Catholics, followed by members of the Orthodox church, Muslims and Protestants FOREIGN LANGUAGES German, Italian and English are the most common foreign languages spoken in the tourist resorts. TIME ZONE GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Saturday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). POLITICS Croatia has democratic political system with multiple political parties. Bicameral parliament, the Sabor, is composed of a lower House of Representatives (Zastupnicki dom). President: Stipe Mesić, from February 2000, elected on a 5-years term Prime Minister: Ivica Račan WHEN TO VISIT CROATIAN COAST? The best period to visit our coast is from April to October. Peak temperatures in high season summer months (July, August) can reach 38°C (100°F), and the water surface at that point reaches a comfortable 26°C (79°F). High season has its obvious advantages for people looking for fun and excitement and disadvantages for others, but in Croatia you can always find some nice hidden place if you want to sleep far from loud music. Spring starting in March can bring some rain showers, but the autumn months, September and October, are ideal for travel if you want to relax. In the off season the beaches are less crowded and the prices drop, weather, however, remains stable and the water is still agreeably warm. Generally, you can travel along the Croatian coast at any time of the year. During winter season, however, you should pack some warm clothing in spite of the mild Mediterranean climate. The temperatures seldom drop below the freezing point but some winds might be unpleasant in the winter. SOCIAL CONVENTIONS People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport. Topless sunbathing is generally accepted, but nude bathing is restricted to few designated beaches or any of numerous wild beaches along the coast. HOLIDAYS January 1st - New Year's Day January 6th - Epiphany Easter Monday May 1st - May Day Corpus Christi - movable observance June 22nd - Day of the Anti-Fascist Struggle June 25th - Statehood Day August 5th - Homeland Gratitude Day August 15th - Assumption October 8th - Independence Day November 1st - All Saints' Day December 25-26 - Christmas Holidays ELECTRICITY 220 volts, 50Hz Plugs have two round pins or three round pins for appliances that need to be earthed. If you need adapters or transformers (for USA equipment check things like notebooks or electric razors if they have a switch), inquire in bigger shops with electric supplies or in supermarkets.