Society and way of life

The traditional way of life in Croatia is characterised primarily by community, which is reflected in customs, crafts and folklore, and also in eating habits, with a rich variety of regional cuisines becoming more and more available to foreign guests as part of the range of tourist services. Croatia is particularly proud of its top quality olive oil and selected indigenous wines. The community spirit is also seen in sports and recreation – popular ways of spending leisure time. In this sense, and due to the success of top sportsmen and women, Croatia is considered to be one of the top sporting countries of Europe. Croatian sportspeople have often been high profile representatives of the country; among them are the basketball player Dražen Petrović, the tennis player Goran Ivanišević, the skiers Janica and Ivica Kostelić, and the national water polo, handball and football teams (especially Davor Šuker and Luka Modrić).

Social security in the Republic of Croatia refers to organised protection for vulnerable groups within the population, such as the sick, elderly, those unfit for work, the unemployed, the socially endangered, and...

The organisation and development of civil society in Croatian history has mostly been associated with the charitable work of the Catholic Church and wealthy citizens, while, in the Middle Ages, it was also conducted...

The first newspaper in Croatia was <i>Ephemerides Zagrabienses,</i> printed in Zagreb in 1771 in Latin, and the first newspaper in Croatian was <i>Kraljski Dalmatin,</i> launched in 1806 in Zadar (it was also published in...

Traditional Croatian culture is characterised by exceptional diversity. Ecological conditions and the influences of the cultures with which the Croats have come into contact through history (Mediterranean, Central European...

The main feature of Croatian cuisine is its diversity, so it is impossible to single out a typical cuisine or typical dish. Different natural and economic circumstances and diverse cultural influences have affected...

There is a long tradition of grape-growing and wine production, spread throughout most parts of the country, and viniculture is a traditional way of life. Local wines are commonly served in homes and restaurants.

Although Croatia has inherited a tradition of sporting competition dating back to Roman times, or medieval knights’ tournaments, the beginnings of organised sport in the country can be traced to the late 19th century, when...

The tie (cravat), today an essential fashion accessory for men and women, was named after an item in the uniform of Croatian soldiers during the Thirty Years War? As part of their uniform, they tied an eye-catching...