Croatia is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, gaining independence in 1991. Its inception as a state was traumatic, with a war in the border region of Krajina where most of the Serbian minority lived, and sporadic bitter attacks on other parts of the country, including the historic town of Dubrovnik; peace has now returned to the country. Croatia has a very varied landscape, including flat, wide plains, rugged mountains, and an amazing coastline of bays, gulfs, inlets, and more than a thousand offshore islands. Zagreb, the country's capital and main cultural centre, has fine museums and churches, and some pleasing baroque and turn-of-the-century architecture. Along the coast is a string of attractive medieval towns, some, like Dubrovnik, with their original fortifications intact. There are also magnificent Roman remains, including Diocletian's Palace in Split, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Croatia was an independent state in the early Middle Ages, but then became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while the Adriatic coast fell under Venetian domination. These influences are very much reflected in Croatia's architectural heritage. In 1918 the country gained its independence as part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes—or Yugoslavia, as it quickly became known. Relations between the Croats and the dominant Serbs were hostile in the inter-war years. In 1941 an independent state of Croatia was declared, essentially under the control of the fascist powers, and a campaign of terror began against non-Croats. While the post-war communist leader, Tito, managed to control extreme manifestations of nationalism on all sides, nationalist tensions resurfaced after his death, and eventually led to the break-up of Yugoslavia. There is no doubt about the strength of nationalist identity in independent Croatia today.

One of Croatia's most famous sons is the 20th-century sculptor Ivan Meštroviº, whose work includes the design of the Museum of Croatian History in Zagreb. Croatian literature dates back to the early Middle Ages but is comparatively unknown abroad. The country has a strong folk music tradition, although contemporary Croatians are far more likely to be interested in disco culture than dancing the kolo.

There are tolls on the motorways around Zagreb, for the bridge to Krk Island, and for the U¹ka tunnel between Rijeka and Istria. Speed limits are 60 kilometres (38 miles) per hour in built-up areas, 130 kilometres (80 miles) per hour on motorways, and 90 kilometres (55 miles) per hour on other roads.

Twenty-four-hour information on road conditions is available by telephoning the Croatian Automobile Association on +385 1 425 575.

There are emergency phones along the main roads. In the event of a breakdown, telephone 987.

The electrical current in Croatia is 220 volts AC. Round, two-pin plugs are used. An adapter is essential for UK and Irish appliances.

The official monetary unit is the kuna (Kn). Notes come in denominations of Kn1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Kn5, 2, and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 lipa.

German Deutschmarks and US dollars are the preferred foreign currencies. Travellers cheques are generally accepted. Currency may be exchanged at banks and authorised exchanges. There are restrictions on the import and export of the kuna. Money should never be exchanged at unauthorised dealers. Banks are open 07.30 to 19.00 Monday to Friday, 08.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Exchange offices are usually open well into the evening.

Adding 10 per cent to the bill would be appropriate for a western visitor. Tour guides expect a tip.

1 January: New Year's Day
6 January: Epiphany
Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
30 May: Statehood Day
22 June: Croatian National Uprising
15 August: Assumption
1 November: All Saints' Day
25 December: Christmas Day

No current information is available.

Croatia has an extensive bus network. Generally, for both urban transport and long-distance carriers, you should buy your ticket at a bus station. Internal transport may be currrently limited in certain parts of the country. There is no metro system in Croatia.

There are regular passenger and car ferries between Split and Ancona (Italy) and between Dubrovnik and Bari (Italy)