Population – 4.4 million, Area – 56,542 sq km (21,831 sq mi), Currency – Kuna (HRK; symbol Kn) = 100 Lipa, Flight times – From London to Zagreb is 2 hours 15 minutes; there are no direct flights from the USA, Cities – Zagreb (capital), Dubrovnik, Split, Pula, Rijeka, Time Zone – GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October), Weather – Hot, dry summers and cold winters in the lowlands; in the mountains, summers are cool and winters cold and snowy; along the coast, the climate is Mediterranean with mild winters and dry summers, Languages – Croatian, Serbian, Italian, Slovene, Slovak and German. Religion – Roman Catholic (87.8%), Eastern Orthodox Serbs (4.4%), and small communities of Protestants, Jews and Muslims, Electricity - 220 volts AC, 50Hz.

The Republic of Croatia is situated close to densely populated and industrially developed European countries and is situated along the Adriatic Sea and its hinterland. It stretches from the slopes of the Alps and deep into the Pannonian Valley to the banks of the Danube and Drava rivers.

Thus according to its natural characteristics, as well as its cultural and historical development, Croatia can be divided into three geographically distinct zones; namely the Coastal region, the Mountain region and the Pannonian region. The most important routes are centered along the Sava river, the Adriatic and the Drava river; there are also several important transversal routes from the Austrian and Hungarian border to the Adriatic coast

Like many countries in Western Europe, Croatia was founded on the ruins of the Roman Empire. When they arrived in the territory of present-day Croatia, the Croats were politically organized in principalities. In 925, Croatian King Tomislav united the principalities, establishing the first Croatian state. Later, Croatia retained its legal status and autonomy within the framework of the Hungarian empire, and the Habsburg Monarchy.

Not the first place you would necessarily think of heading to for medical treatment, Croatia in Central Europe is slowly but surely establishing a name for itself as a medical tourist center, with low-cost treatment and high standard of care being its most attractive selling points.

Following in the paths of countries such as Hungary, Romania, Poland and the Czech Republic, Croatia is waking up to its potential as a medical tourist destination and its government is taking serious steps to ensure that it receives the global attention that it deserves. It is however still a relative newcomer to the scene and this is helping to keep prices low, a situation which may well change in the future.

Dentistry is the country’s strongest selling point with a full range of essential and cosmetic treatments available at costs well below those on offer in the US. Vodice, in Šibenik-Knin, has been a popular tourist destination for some time, but is now increasing its appeal via its large selection of high quality dental centers offering visitors the chance to fix their smile before exercising it at local sights and attractions.

Cosmetic surgery is also on the rise, with everything from face lifts and liposuction to breast enlargements and reductions available. Prices are, again, a major selling point with savings of up to 50 percent against the cost of similar procedures in the US.

Croatia has done much to improve its image as a worthy visitor destination since its war-torn days. Those coming to avail themselves of cheap medical treatment can also take advantage of the country’s rich history, unrivalled natural beauty and fine medieval architecture as well as modern attractions and activities.

Croatia is located between East and West Europe was used for centuries as a transit country. As a result several cultures came in contact with each other. Several cultural influences have contributed to the history of the country.

The history of Croatia returns almost as far as humanity himself. Current Croatia was inhabited in pre Historic period by the Illyrics. It was incorporated in 35 before Christ by Octavianus as Pannonian, which was a part of the Roman Empire. In the 7th century Croatia was conquered by Slavonian tribes. In the 10th century Tomislav (king in 924) made himself and Croatia independent. Also at that time Venice conquered the coast area. The influence of Italian construction art is still visible in the Croatian coast places.

After the 2nd World War Croatia took part of the federation Yugoslavia. At the end of the years eighty the traditional antagonisms between the different populations arose. Under the influence of Slobodan Milosevic the Serbian predominance grew and the resist from Croatia against this predominance grew rapidly. Not long after this the riots and political tensions began. In 1989 Croatia introduced a new law and explained in December 1990 itself sovereign. Croatia was recognised on 15 January 1992 as an independent state by the European community. Germany, Hungary and Italy took diplomatic relations at first states.

Culture

Language: The modern Croatian language was born thanks to the union of more than nine hundred years of literature written in a mixture of Croatian Church Slavonic and vernacular language. If we zoom in on the subject we can see that Croatian Church Slavonic was abandoned by the mid-1400s but vernacular Croatian literature has been in existence for more than five centuries. Croatian is based on the Štokavian dialect (with some influence from Cakavian and Kajkavian) and written with the Latin alphabet.

Music: Croatian folk music is a mishmash of different styles, each distinct in its own way. Violinists or tambura players and a Croatian mandolin accompany Kolo, a lively Slavic dance. Dalmatia's gentle guitar and accordion bands have a distinctly Italian flavour.

Religion: Majority of the Croats is Roman Catholic, while Serbs follow the Eastern Orthodox Church. In addition to doctrinal differences, Orthodox Christians venerate icons, let priests marry, and couldn't care less about the Pope. Thoroughly suppressed during Yugoslavia's Communist period, Roman Catholicism is now making a comeback, with most churches strongly attended every Sunday. Muslims make up 1.1% of the population and Protestants 0.4%. There's a tiny Jewish population in Zagreb.

Food: Croatians love a bit of oil and among the greasy delicacies is Burek, a layered pie made with meat or cheese and Piroska, a cheese donut from the Zagreb region. Inland areas are well known for Manistra Od Bobica (beans and fresh maize soup) or Struki (baked cheese dumpling). The Adriatic coast excels in seafood: regional dishes include scampi and Dalmatian brodet (mixed fish stewed with rice). Virtually every region produces its own varieties of wine.

Zagreb is a vivacious new European metropolis that has well preserved its Central European charm, the capital city of Croatia and the country's political, economic, intellectual and cultural centre.

Istria is the most developed Croatian tourist region, closest and most easily accessible from Western Europe, whose landscape can be compared to that of Tuscany or Provence. The first know inhabitants of Istria were the Histri, from whom Istria received its name. Numerous peoples and cultures, from Romantimes to today, have left evidence of their cultures in the architecture, wall painting and in the rich church architecture. Vineyards and picturesque little towns are scattered all over the interior of the peninsula.

Porec - is probably the most visited resort in Istria, known for its hotel settlements, the Blue and the Green Lagoons, and the islet of St. Nicolas in the vicinity. A Roman colony since the 2nd century BC, Porec is a town with a preserved Roman urban pattern and numerous unique Ancient Roman, early and late medieval buildings, the most outstanding being Euphrasius' Basilica built in the 6th century on the site of an earlier basilica from the 4th century and of the even earlier Mauro's oratorium, of which floor mosaics have been preserved.

Rovinj - is also a famous resort, with many historical sacral buildings and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. The old nucleus is situated on a peninsula, previously an island connected to the shore in 1763.

The Brijuni Archipelago consists of two large and twelve smaller islands off the west coast of Istria. The archipelago is one of the seven National Parks of Croatia, abounding in rare plant and animal species, including a zoo park with animals from other climate zones. Some extraordinary examples of Roman and Byzantine heritage can be found on the islands.

Pula is an ancient city on the southern tip of Istria, known for its 2,000 year old amphitheatre, one of the world's best preserved buildings of the kind, and other cultural monuments. . Pula, the largest city and port in Istria, a communication economic and administrative center, is an attractive place to spend a holiday for many tourists, with some 2,350 hours of sunshine a year.

Kvarner adjoining Istria, has several popular resorts, from the celebrated tourist centre Opatija to Kraljevica and Crikvenica. The area is frequented by tourists in winter as well, due to its mild climate and easy accessibility. The carnival season, from January until March, is particularly interesting. Tourists who want to experience nature, certainly must visit the islands, with their well preserved flora and fauna.

Opatija is one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic. It used to be a favourite winter resort of the Central European elite and aristocracy, known for its well-tended parks, small botanical gardens, numerous cosy restaurants and elegant turn of the century as well as modern hotels.

Further down south, Dalmatia, is the apogee of the Mediterranean, bursting with colours, fragrances and shapes, unforgettable in the intensity of the experience of nature. It is a region of long beaches, pine woods and the ancient towns of Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Trogir, Omis and Dubrovnik, that testify to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Croatia. The islands of Hvar, Brac, Solta, Korcula, Vis, Mljet and others, although equally enchanting, are all unique in their character. Dalmatia is also known for its good wines and friendly people.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and the regional capital of Dalmatia, built inside and around the historical Diocletian's Palace from the third century, included in the UNESCO world heritage list. The people of Split, who are particularly attached to their city and the hill called Marjan overlooking it, will proudly boast that there is no other place in the world like Split.

Dubrovnik, a medieval aristocratic republic from the 12th-19th centuries and the best preserved walled city in the Mediterranean, is one of Croatia's main tourist attractions and one of only three European cities ranked as a World Heritage Site of zero category by UNESCO, which the English poet Lord Byron named the "pearl of the Adriatic". The enchanting landscape, including the nearby islands, the beeches, the numberless historical sites, the colours, the shapes, the scents, the warmth of the climate and people... will all provide for an unforgettable experience.

There are manny beautiful islands in Croatia, like Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, Hvar, Brac, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean - Zlatni rat - which is also a windsurfing paradise. The island of Mljet which is situated between the island of Korcula and Dubrovnik. The most visited island is Krk, but in the Kvarner there are also Cres, Losinj, Rab, Pag... To mention only most famous.

National parks

In Croatia there are seven National parks, here are links to some of them: The mountain of Risnjak is is a national park, situated relatively close to the coast, in the region of Gorski Kotar. The Plitvice Lakes are situated in the continental region of Lika, half way between Zagreb and Sibenik. The beauty of the virgin nature and the abundance of animal and plant life, were the reasons why the area was designated a national park in 1949 and why UNESCO put Plitvice lakes on its list of world natural heritage in 1979. The Paklenica Canyon, located in the vicinity of Zadar, is also protected as a national park. Its two 400 m deep gorges rank among the most impressive erosion formations in Europe. Paklenica is also noted for its flora and fauna. The Krka River, probably the most wonderful of all the rivers in the Croatian karst, is also a national park. The river runs through a canyon, and then as it cuts its way to the sea, it forms lakes, waterfalls and rapids.