--- title: Croatia — English Wikipedia · full text with trees · page 3 description: Wikipedia's «Croatia», whole, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics, CC BY-SA 4.0. It begins: Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/3/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/) / [en](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/) / Croatia # Croatia · page 3 From Wikipedia, [«Croatia»](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia), revision of the 2026-09-01 dump, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). The trees and pragmatics of these pages, Mova's parse of that text, are CC BY-SA 4.0 too. [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/6/) The hilly northern parts of [Hrvatsko Zagorje](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hrvatsko_Zagorje) and the flat plains of Slavonia in the east which is part of the [Pannonian Basin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonian_Basin) are traversed by major rivers such as [Danube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube), [Drava](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drava), [Kupa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kupa), and the [Sava](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sava).[182](../../182/ "tree and pragmatics") The Danube, Europe's second longest river, runs through the city of [Vukovar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vukovar) in the extreme east and forms part of the border with Serbia.[183](../../183/ "tree and pragmatics") The central and southern regions near the Adriatic coastline and islands consist of low mountains and forested highlands.[184](../../184/ "tree and pragmatics") Natural resources found in quantities significant enough for production include oil, coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, and hydropower.[\[147\]](../../page/6/#ref-147 "note 147")[185](../../185/ "tree and pragmatics") [Karst topography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst_topography) makes up about half of Croatia and is especially prominent in the Dinaric Alps.[\[149\]](../../page/6/#ref-149 "note 149")[186](../../186/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia hosts [deep caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_caves_in_Croatia), 49 of which are deeper than 250 m, 14 deeper than 500 m and three deeper than 1000 m. The [Plitvice lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plitvice_Lakes_National_Park) are a system of 16 lakes with waterfalls connecting them over [dolomite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolomite_%28mineral%29) and [limestone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limestone) cascades.[187](../../187/ "tree and pragmatics") The lakes are known for their distinctive colours, ranging from turquoise to mint green, grey or blue.[\[150\]](../../page/6/#ref-150 "note 150")[188](../../188/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Climate Most of Croatia has a moderately warm and rainy [continental climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_climate) as defined by the [Köppen climate classification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Köppen_climate_classification).[\[151\]](../../page/6/#ref-151 "note 151")[189](../../189/ "tree and pragmatics") Mean monthly temperature ranges between -3 °C in January and 18 °C in July.[190](../../190/ "tree and pragmatics") The coldest parts of the country are [Lika](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lika) and [Gorski Kotar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorski_Kotar) featuring a snowy, forested climate at elevations above 1200 m.[\[151\]](../../page/6/#ref-151 "note 151") The warmest areas are at the Adriatic coast and especially in its immediate hinterland characterised by [Mediterranean climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_climate), as the sea moderates temperature highs.[\[151\]](../../page/6/#ref-151 "note 151")[191](../../191/ "tree and pragmatics") Consequently, temperature peaks are more pronounced in continental areas.[\[151\]](../../page/6/#ref-151 "note 151")[192](../../192/ "tree and pragmatics") The lowest temperature of -35.5 °C was recorded on 3 February 1919 in [Čakovec](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Čakovec),[\[152\]](../../page/6/#ref-152 "note 152") and the highest temperature of 42.8 °C was recorded on 4 August 1981 in [Ploče](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ploče).[\[153\]](../../page/6/#ref-153 "note 153")[193](../../193/ "tree and pragmatics") Mean annual precipitation ranges between 600 mm and 3500 mm depending on geographic region and climate type.[194](../../194/ "tree and pragmatics") The least precipitation is recorded in the outer islands ([Biševo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biševo), [Lastovo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lastovo), [Svetac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svetac), [Vis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vis_%28island%29)) and the eastern parts of Slavonia.[195](../../195/ "tree and pragmatics") However, in the latter case, rain occurs mostly during the [growing season](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growing_season).[196](../../196/ "tree and pragmatics") The maximum precipitation levels are observed in the Dinaric Alps, in the Gorski Kotar peaks of [Risnjak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risnjak) and [Snježnik](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snježnik).[\[152\]](../../page/6/#ref-152 "note 152")[197](../../197/ "tree and pragmatics") Prevailing winds in the interior are light to moderate northeast or southwest, and in the coastal area, prevailing winds are determined by local features.[198](../../198/ "tree and pragmatics") Higher wind velocities are more often recorded in cooler months along the coast, generally as the cool northeasterly [bura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bora_%28wind%29) or less frequently as the warm southerly [jugo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jugo).[199](../../199/ "tree and pragmatics") The sunniest parts are the outer islands, Hvar and Korčula, where more than 2700 hours of sunshine are recorded per year, followed by the middle and southern Adriatic Sea area in general, and northern Adriatic coast, all with more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year.[\[154\]](../../page/6/#ref-154 "note 154")[200](../../200/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Biodiversity Main article: [Protected areas of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_areas_of_Croatia) Further information: [Register of Protected Natural Values of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Register_of_Protected_Natural_Values_of_Croatia), [Natural and Cultural Heritage of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_and_Cultural_Heritage_of_Croatia) Croatia can be subdivided into [ecoregions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecoregion) based on climate and geomorphology.[201](../../201/ "tree and pragmatics") The country is one of the richest in Europe in terms of biodiversity.[\[155\]](../../page/6/#ref-155 "note 155")[\[156\]](../../page/6/#ref-156 "note 156")[202](../../202/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia has four types of biogeographical regions—the [Mediterranean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Biogeographic_Region) along the coast and in its immediate hinterland, [Alpine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_Biogeographic_Region) in most of Lika and Gorski Kotar, [Pannonian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonian_Biogeographic_Region) along Drava and Danube, and [Continental](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Biogeographic_Region) in the remaining areas.[203](../../203/ "tree and pragmatics") The most significant are [karst](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst) habitats which include submerged karst, such as [Zrmanja](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zrmanja) and [Krka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krka_%28Croatia%29) canyons and tufa barriers, as well as underground habitats.[204](../../204/ "tree and pragmatics") The country contains three ecoregions: [Dinaric Mountains mixed forests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinaric_Mountains_mixed_forests), [Pannonian mixed forests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonian_mixed_forests), and [Illyrian deciduous forests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illyrian_deciduous_forests).[\[157\]](../../page/6/#ref-157 "note 157")[205](../../205/ "tree and pragmatics") The karst geology harbours approximately [7,000 caves and pits](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_caves_in_Croatia), some of which are the habitat of the only known aquatic cave [vertebrate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertebrate)—the [olm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olm).[206](../../206/ "tree and pragmatics") Forests are abundant, covering 2490000 ha or 44% of Croatian land area.[207](../../207/ "tree and pragmatics") Other habitat types include wetlands, grasslands, bogs, fens, scrub habitats, coastal and marine habitats.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[208](../../208/ "tree and pragmatics") In terms of [phytogeography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytogeography), Croatia is a part of the [Boreal Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boreal_Kingdom) and is a part of Illyrian and Central European provinces of the [Circumboreal Region](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumboreal_Region) and the Adriatic province of the [Mediterranean Region](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Region).[209](../../209/ "tree and pragmatics") The [World Wide Fund for Nature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Fund_for_Nature) divides Croatia between three ecoregions—Pannonian mixed forests, [Dinaric Mountains mixed forests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinaric_Mountains_mixed_forests) and [Illyrian deciduous forests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illyrian_deciduous_forests).[\[159\]](../../page/6/#ref-159 "note 159")[210](../../210/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia hosts 37,000 known plant and animal species, but their actual number is estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[211](../../211/ "tree and pragmatics") More than a thousand species are endemic, especially in Velebit and Biokovo mountains, Adriatic islands and karst rivers.[212](../../212/ "tree and pragmatics") Legislation protects 1,131 species.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[213](../../213/ "tree and pragmatics") The most serious threat is habitat loss and degradation.[214](../../214/ "tree and pragmatics") A further problem is presented by invasive alien species, especially [Caulerpa taxifolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caulerpa_taxifolia) algae.[215](../../215/ "tree and pragmatics") Invasive algae are regularly monitored and removed to protect [benthic habitat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benthic_habitat).[216](../../216/ "tree and pragmatics") Indigenous cultivated plant strains and domesticated animal breeds are numerous.[217](../../217/ "tree and pragmatics") They include five breeds of horses, five of cattle, eight of sheep, two of pigs, and one poultry.[218](../../218/ "tree and pragmatics") Indigenous breeds include nine that are endangered or critically endangered.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[219](../../219/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia has 411 [protected areas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_areas_of_Croatia), encompassing 9% of the country.[220](../../220/ "tree and pragmatics") Those include eight [national parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_park), two [strict reserves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strict_nature_reserve), and thirteen [nature parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_park).[221](../../221/ "tree and pragmatics") The oldest national park in country is [Plitvice Lakes National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plitvice_Lakes_National_Park), a [UNESCO World Heritage Site](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Sites_in_Croatia).[222](../../222/ "tree and pragmatics") Velebit Nature Park is a part of the UNESCO [Man and the Biosphere Programme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_and_the_Biosphere_Programme).[223](../../223/ "tree and pragmatics") The strict and special reserves, as well as the national and nature parks, are managed and protected by the central government, while other protected areas are managed by counties.[224](../../224/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2005, the National Ecological Network was set up, as the first step in the preparation of the EU accession and joining of the [Natura 2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natura_2000) network.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[225](../../225/ "tree and pragmatics") ## Governance Further information: [Politics of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Croatia), [Human rights in Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Croatia) The Republic of Croatia is a unitary constitutional republic using a [parliamentary system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_system).[226](../../226/ "tree and pragmatics") Government powers in Croatia are legislative, executive, and judiciary powers.[\[160\]](../../page/6/#ref-160 "note 160")[227](../../227/ "tree and pragmatics") The [president](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Croatia) is the [head of state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_of_state), directly elected to a five-year term and is limited by the constitution to two terms.[228](../../228/ "tree and pragmatics") In addition to serving as [commander-in-chief](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commander-in-chief) of the armed forces, the president has the procedural duty of appointing the prime minister with the parliament and has some influence on foreign policy.[\[160\]](../../page/6/#ref-160 "note 160")[229](../../229/ "tree and pragmatics") The [government](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_Government) is headed by the [prime minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Croatia), who is supported by [deputy prime ministers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deputy_Prime_Minister_of_Croatia) and various [ministers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Croatia#Ministries) in charge of particular sectors.[\[161\]](../../page/6/#ref-161 "note 161")[230](../../230/ "tree and pragmatics") As the [executive branch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_%28government%29), it is responsible for proposing legislation and a budget, enforcing the laws, and guiding foreign and internal policies.[231](../../231/ "tree and pragmatics") The government is seated at [Banski dvori](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banski_dvori) in Zagreb.[\[160\]](../../page/6/#ref-160 "note 160")[232](../../232/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Law and judicial system Further information: [Law of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Croatia) A [unicameral parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicameralism) – known as the Sabor – holds [legislative power](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legislative_power).[233](../../233/ "tree and pragmatics") The number of parliament members can vary from 100 to 160.[234](../../234/ "tree and pragmatics") They are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms.[235](../../235/ "tree and pragmatics") Legislative sessions take place from 15 January to 15 July, and from 15 September to 15 December annually.[\[162\]](../../page/6/#ref-162 "note 162")[236](../../236/ "tree and pragmatics") The two largest [political parties in Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_parties_in_Croatia) are the [Croatian Democratic Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_Democratic_Union) (HDZ) and the [Social Democratic Party of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Democratic_Party_of_Croatia) (SDP).[\[163\]](../../page/6/#ref-163 "note 163")[237](../../237/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia has a [civil law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_law_%28legal_system%29) legal system in which law arises primarily from written statutes, with judges serving as implementers and not creators of law.[238](../../238/ "tree and pragmatics") Its development was largely influenced by German and Austrian legal systems.[239](../../239/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatian law is divided into two principal areas—[private](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_law) and [public law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_law).[240](../../240/ "tree and pragmatics") Before [EU accession negotiations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_enlargement_of_the_European_Union) were completed, Croatian legislation had been fully harmonised with the [community acquis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_acquis).[\[164\]](../../page/6/#ref-164 "note 164")[241](../../241/ "tree and pragmatics") The main national courts are the [Constitutional Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Court_of_Croatia), which oversees violations of the Constitution, and the [Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Croatia), which is the highest court of appeal.[242](../../242/ "tree and pragmatics") A variety of administrative, commercial, [county](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_Court), misdemeanor, and municipal courts handle cases in their respective domains.[\[165\]](../../page/6/#ref-165 "note 165")[243](../../243/ "tree and pragmatics") Cases falling within judicial jurisdiction are in the first instance decided by a single professional judge, while appeals are deliberated in mixed tribunals of professional judges.[244](../../244/ "tree and pragmatics") Lay magistrates also participate in trials.[\[166\]](../../page/6/#ref-166 "note 166")[245](../../245/ "tree and pragmatics") The [State's Attorney Office](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State%27s_Attorney_Office_of_the_Republic_of_Croatia) is the judicial body constituted of public prosecutors empowered to instigate prosecution of perpetrators of offences.[\[167\]](../../page/6/#ref-167 "note 167")[246](../../246/ "tree and pragmatics") Law enforcement agencies are organised under the authority of the [Ministry of the Interior](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_the_Interior_%28Croatia%29) which consist primarily of the national police force.[247](../../247/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia's security service is the [Security and Intelligence Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_and_Intelligence_Agency_%28Croatia%29) (SOA).[\[168\]](../../page/6/#ref-168 "note 168")[\[169\]](../../page/6/#ref-169 "note 169")[248](../../248/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Foreign relations Main article: [Foreign relations of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Croatia) Croatia has established diplomatic relations with most world nations – [189 states in total](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_diplomatic_relations_of_Croatia) – starting [with Germany](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia–Germany_relations) (1991) and most recently [with Liberia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Liberia) (2024).[\[170\]](../../page/6/#ref-170 "note 170")[249](../../249/ "tree and pragmatics") It exerts influence as a [small power](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_power) in this region and within European international institutions.[\[171\]](../../page/6/#ref-171 "note 171")[\[172\]](../../page/6/#ref-172 "note 172")[250](../../250/ "tree and pragmatics") Since the 1990s, Croatia has had unresolved border disputes throughout Southeast Europe, namely [with Serbia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia–Serbia_border_dispute), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia.[\[173\]](../../page/6/#ref-173 "note 173")[251](../../251/ "tree and pragmatics") It is a member of the [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations) (UN),[\[174\]](../../page/6/#ref-174 "note 174") the [European Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union),[\[175\]](../../page/6/#ref-175 "note 175") [NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO),[\[176\]](../../page/6/#ref-176 "note 176") the [Council of Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Europe),[\[177\]](../../page/6/#ref-177 "note 177") the [Union for the Mediterranean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_for_the_Mediterranean),[\[178\]](../../page/6/#ref-178 "note 178") and the [Schengen Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area) as well as the [Eurozone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurozone).[\[175\]](../../page/6/#ref-175 "note 175")[\[179\]](../../page/6/#ref-179 "note 179")[252](../../252/ "tree and pragmatics") Modern Croatian foreign policy objectives include enhancing relations with neighbouring countries, developing international cooperation and promotion of the Croatian economy.[\[180\]](../../page/6/#ref-180 "note 180")[253](../../253/ "tree and pragmatics") It supports 57 embassies, 30 consulates and eight permanent diplomatic missions.[254](../../254/ "tree and pragmatics") Many international organisations have regional offices in Croatia, such as the [European Bank for Reconstruction and Development](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Bank_for_Reconstruction_and_Development) (EBRD), [International Organization for Migration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Organization_for_Migration) (IOM), [Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organization_for_Security_and_Co-operation_in_Europe) (OSCE), [World Bank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Bank), [World Health Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization) (WHO), [International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Criminal_Tribunal_for_the_former_Yugoslavia) (ICTY), [United Nations Development Programme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Development_Programme) (UNDP), [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_High_Commissioner_for_Refugees) (UNHCR), and [UNICEF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNICEF).[\[181\]](../../page/6/#ref-181 "note 181")[255](../../255/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Croatian diaspora Main article: [Croatian diaspora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_diaspora) The diaspora consists of communities of ethnic [Croats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croats) and [Croatian citizens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_nationality_law) living outside Croatia.[256](../../256/ "tree and pragmatics") The [largest diaspora is in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_Americans), with a large population across neighboring Southeast Europe.[\[182\]](../../page/6/#ref-182 "note 182")[257](../../257/ "tree and pragmatics") The country maintains extensive contact with Croatian communities abroad through administrative and financial support of cultural, sports activities, and economic initiatives.[\[183\]](../../page/6/#ref-183 "note 183")[258](../../258/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia actively maintains foreign relations to strengthen and guarantee the rights of the Croatian minority abroad.[\[184\]](../../page/6/#ref-184 "note 184")[\[185\]](../../page/6/#ref-185 "note 185")[259](../../259/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Military Main article: [Armed Forces of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_of_Croatia) Further information: [Defence industry of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_industry_of_Croatia) The Armed Forces of Croatia (OSRH) consists of three service branches: the [Croatian Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_Army), the [Croatian Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_Navy) and the [Croatian Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_Air_Force).[260](../../260/ "tree and pragmatics") They are headed by the President of Croatia as commander-in-chief while defence policy is overseen by the Government of Croatia.[\[186\]](../../page/6/#ref-186 "note 186")[261](../../261/ "tree and pragmatics") The military supports the foreign policy of Croatia and international security initiatives.[262](../../262/ "tree and pragmatics") It is the sole military wing of the [Military Security and Intelligence Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Security_and_Intelligence_Agency_%28Croatia%29) (VSOA).[263](../../263/ "tree and pragmatics") The Armed Forces are spread across [continental Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Croatia) and capital city Zagreb, with the Navy largely based in [Split](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split,_Croatia).[264](../../264/ "tree and pragmatics") According to the 2025 [Global Peace Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Peace_Index), Croatia is the 18th most peaceful country in the world.[\[187\]](../../page/6/#ref-187 "note 187")[265](../../265/ "tree and pragmatics") Since the [Croatian War of Independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatian_War_of_Independence) (1991–1995), the Armed Forces have played a key role in protecting territorial integrity.[266](../../266/ "tree and pragmatics") The military's first foreign deployment was in 2003 – the [War in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_%282001–2021%29) and [Iraq War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War) – later joining the military alliance [NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO) in 2009.[\[188\]](../../page/6/#ref-188 "note 188")[267](../../267/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia maintains a close security and foreign intelligence relationship [with NATO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia–NATO_relations) and [the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia–United_States_relations#Military_cooperation).[\[189\]](../../page/6/#ref-189 "note 189")[268](../../268/ "tree and pragmatics") The military has been deployed to various [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations) (UN), NATO and American-led missions around the world.[\[190\]](../../page/6/#ref-190 "note 190")[\[191\]](../../page/6/#ref-191 "note 191")[\[192\]](../../page/6/#ref-192 "note 192")[269](../../269/ "tree and pragmatics") Since joining the European Union (EU) in 2013, it became a part of the [EU defence forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defence_forces_of_the_European_Union).[270](../../270/ "tree and pragmatics") The Armed Forces have seen significant militarization and modernization since the early 2020s due to regional geopolitical risk.[\[193\]](../../page/6/#ref-193 "note 193")[271](../../271/ "tree and pragmatics") Its deep integration within Europe and the U.S. has led to modern defence pacts and a robust [defence industrial base](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_industrial_base).[\[194\]](../../page/6/#ref-194 "note 194")[272](../../272/ "tree and pragmatics") The Croatian military is among the most [technologically advanced in Southeast Europe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_level_of_military_equipment).[\[195\]](../../page/6/#ref-195 "note 195")[\[196\]](../../page/6/#ref-196 "note 196")[273](../../273/ "tree and pragmatics") Croatia has had [military conscription](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Croatia) since 2025, previously enacted from 1991 to 2008.[\[197\]](../../page/6/#ref-197 "note 197")[\[147\]](../../page/6/#ref-147 "note 147")[274](../../274/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Administrative divisions Main article: [Counties of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counties_of_Croatia) Further information: [NUTS of Croatia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUTS_of_Croatia) Croatia was first divided into counties in the [Middle Ages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages).[\[198\]](../../page/6/#ref-198 "note 198")[275](../../275/ "tree and pragmatics") The divisions changed over time to reflect losses of territory to Ottoman conquest and subsequent liberation of the same territory, changes of the political status of Dalmatia, Dubrovnik, and [Istria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istria).[276](../../276/ "tree and pragmatics") The traditional division of the country into counties was abolished in the 1920s when the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes and the subsequent Kingdom of Yugoslavia introduced [oblasts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oblast) and [banovinas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdivisions_of_the_Kingdom_of_Yugoslavia) respectively.[\[199\]](../../page/6/#ref-199 "note 199")[277](../../277/ "tree and pragmatics") Communist-ruled Croatia, as a constituent part of post-World War II Yugoslavia, abolished earlier divisions and introduced municipalities, subdividing Croatia into approximately one hundred municipalities.[278](../../278/ "tree and pragmatics") Counties were reintroduced in 1992 legislation, significantly altered in terms of territory relative to the pre-1920s subdivisions.[279](../../279/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1918, the [Transleithanian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transleithania) part was divided into eight counties with their seats in [Bjelovar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bjelovar), [Gospić](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospić), [Ogulin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogulin), [Osijek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osijek), [Požega](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Požega,_Croatia), [Varaždin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varaždin), Vukovar, and Zagreb.[\[200\]](../../page/6/#ref-200 "note 200")[\[201\]](../../page/6/#ref-201 "note 201")[280](../../280/ "tree and pragmatics") Since 1992, Croatia has been divided into [20 counties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counties_of_Croatia) and the [capital city of Zagreb](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_city_of_Zagreb), the latter having the dual authority and legal status of a county and a city.[281](../../281/ "tree and pragmatics") County borders changed in some instances, last revised in 2006.[282](../../282/ "tree and pragmatics") The counties subdivide into [127 cities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Croatia) and [429 municipalities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_Croatia).[\[202\]](../../page/6/#ref-202 "note 202")[283](../../283/ "tree and pragmatics") [Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomenclature_of_Territorial_Units_for_Statistics) (NUTS) [division](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Division_of_Croatia) is performed in several tiers.[284](../../284/ "tree and pragmatics") NUTS 1 level considers the entire country in a single unit; three NUTS 2 regions come below that.[285](../../285/ "tree and pragmatics") Those are Northwest Croatia, Central and Eastern (Pannonian) Croatia, and Adriatic Croatia.[286](../../286/ "tree and pragmatics") The latter encompasses the counties along the Adriatic coast.[287](../../287/ "tree and pragmatics") Northwest Croatia includes Koprivnica-Križevci, Krapina-Zagorje, Međimurje, Varaždin, the city of Zagreb, and Zagreb counties and the Central and Eastern (Pannonian) Croatia includes the remaining areas—Bjelovar-Bilogora, Brod-Posavina, Karlovac, Osijek-Baranja, Požega-Slavonia, Sisak-Moslavina, Virovitica-Podravina, and Vukovar-Syrmia counties.[288](../../288/ "tree and pragmatics") Individual counties and the city of Zagreb also represent NUTS 3 level subdivision units in Croatia.[289](../../289/ "tree and pragmatics") The NUTS [local administrative unit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_division) (LAU) divisions are two-tiered.[290](../../290/ "tree and pragmatics") LAU 1 divisions match the counties and the city of Zagreb in effect making those the same as NUTS 3 units, while LAU 2 subdivisions correspond to cities and municipalities.[\[203\]](../../page/6/#ref-203 "note 203")[291](../../291/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/6/) - ← previous: [page 2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/2/) - next →: [page 4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Croatia/page/4/) - ↑ back to [English Wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/)