Croatia

Map

Geography
Croatia, or Republic of Croatia, a country in eastern Europe. Croatia lies in the northwest part of the Balkan Peninsula and includes all of the historic regions of Dalmatia and Slavonia, and most of the historic region of Istria. The total area is 21,830 square miles (56,538 km2). Croatia has a rocky coastline that gives way to hills and plains in the interior.

Manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and timber production are mainstays of the economy. Croatia's leading manufacturing center is Zagreb. An important producer of cement and steel, other major products of Croatia include chemicals, petroleum, ships, and textiles. Bauxite and coal are its most valuable mineral resources.

Croatia has trade relations mainly with Austria, Germany, and Italy. Tourism also makes an important contribution to Croatia’s economy. Tourists come chiefly from the United Kingdom and also from Austria, Germany, and Italy. The most famous tourist sites are the resorts along the Adriatic coast and on the islands of Brac, Hvar, and Krk. Another tourist attraction is the historic walled city of Dubrovnik.

The chief crops grown in Croatia are corn, potatoes, soybeans, sugar beets, tobacco, and wheat. Fruits such as apples, cherries, grapes, olives, pears, and plums are among the other crops grown. Cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep are also raised by farmers.

Dalmatian(national animal)

Iris