3. Croatia FLAG CAPITAL: Zagreb POPULATION 4,284,889 The climate The coast has a typically Mediterranean climate consisting of hot, dry, sunny weather during summer, and relatively mild – though somtimes wet – weather in winter. Official languages Croatian Drives on the right

5. Located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is an archipelago of 20 islands with its Old Town set on a small peninsula.

6. 4. Split Nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower,” Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast. The city’s main attraction is its historic core of beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

7. One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Croatia and all of Europe, the Plitvice National Park consists of several breathtaking lakes, waterfalls and lush forest.

8. 2. Korcula Best known as the alleged birthplace of the famous merchant traveler, Marco Polo, Korcula is a 30- mile (50 km) island located off Croatia’s Adriatic Coast.

9. 1. Krka National Park Located in Central Dalmatia of Croatia, the Krka National Park is a protected area of spectacular natural scenery, wildlife and historic sites. Situated along the Krka River within Sibinik-Knin County, the national park is best known for its numerous gushing waterfalls and natural pools of clear, blue-green waters.

10. In parts of Croatia next to the sea, traditional music has a few different types. There is a “klapa”. “Klapa” is a group of men who sing songs in groups, and there are no instruments. “Klapa” groups sing about sea, living next to sea, or about love. They usually wear white shirts, black pants, and a red fabric belt. In modern times, “klapa” groups started using modern instruments, and there are women “klapa” as well. A part of Croatia with plains is called Slavonija. Parts of Croatia with mountains and hills are called Zagorje, Međimurje, even Lika. All of these have similar folk clubs and instruments, but they are still different from one place to the other. When they dance, a lot of people stand into the circle called “kolo”. They hold each other’s hand, or hold each other around the waist, and dance in circles while singing. While they are singing and dancing, other people play instruments like “tamburica”

12. 1. Pršut – is a dry-cured ham, an essential part of every type of celebration in Croatia and every restaurant menu. 2. Paški sir – is cheese from Pag Island and it’s made entirely from milk produced by sheep grazing freely local sparse grass, various herbs and aromatic plants. 3. Pašticada – is a traditional meat dish from Dalmatia. Beef is the main ingredient. 4. Crni rižot – or black risotto, is another Dalmatian must- try dish. 5. Riba na gradele i blitva – this is traditionally the most common combination in Dalmatia: mixed grilled fish paired with chard boiled with potatoes.

13. 1. Pršut 2. Paški sir 3. Pašticada 4. Crni rižot 5. Riba na gradele i blitv a

14. On the 1 July 2013, Croatia became the 28th member of the EU after a decade of carrying out all the reforms needed to bring it into line with EU laws and standards. Croatia will share not only the benefits of EU membership, but also the responsibilities that come with it. The country takes an equal role in decision making with its 27 EU counterparts. In April 2013, Croatian voters went to the polls to choose 12 members of the European Parliament.

15. Croatia is a secular state, where the constitution provides for freedom of religion and freedom of publicly professing religious belief for all citizens