Fun Facts About Croatia | Things You Didn't Know!

Croatia is a land of contrasts along the Adriatic coast. The country is known for its historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split.

We’ve gathered some interesting tidbits about Croatia during our European trip. Check them out below!

Independence: Croatia is one of the world’s youngest countries, only independent since 1991, but it carries centuries-old stories.
Capital: Zagreb is the capital of Croatia.
Islands: There are over 1,000 islands along the Adriatic coast.
Necktie: Who would have thought that the necktie, that essential accessory for the modern gentleman, originated in Croatia?

Outlets: They use Type C and F outlets here. The plugs in Croatia are different from the U.S.
Sunshine: With an average of 2,715 hours of sunshine per year, it’s like the sun has a special fondness for Croatia.
National Parks: Eight national parks grace the country, each a living painting of untouched nature and breathtaking landscapes.
Hum: The smallest town in the world, Hum, with just 30 residents, is like a miniature fairy tale in the Croatian landscape.
Cultural Heritage: Croatia shares the top spot with Spain for the number of intangible assets on the UNESCO list.
Neighbors: Croatia borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and, via the Adriatic Sea, Italy.
Largest Islands: Cres and Krk are the largest islands in Croatia.
Climate: The climate ranges from a continental climate in the north and east to a Mediterranean climate along the coast, reflecting the country’s diversity.
Diaspora: The Croatian diaspora stretches across North America, Australia, and Western Europe, a network of stories across the seas.
Markets: In stores, prices are fixed, but at markets, you can haggle, a ritual of words and gestures.
Smoking: Smoking is allowed again in some public spaces after a temporary full ban, a return to old habits.
Split: Split is the southernmost place accessible by train, both an endpoint and a starting point.
Buses: Buses are the most efficient form of public transportation in Croatia.
Vis: The island of Vis is the most remote of the major Croatian islands.
Neanderthals: Fossils of Neanderthals from about 130,000 years ago have been found in northern Croatia.
Crescent Shape: The shape of Croatia is often compared to a crescent or horseshoe.
Dalmatian: Croatia is home to the Dalmatian dog breed, famous for its spotted coat, a living pattern of black and white.

Shortest Funicular: The shortest funicular in the world is located in Zagreb.
Pula Arena: The Pula Arena is one of only three preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, a monument of timeless grandeur.
Game of Thrones: The popular HBO series Game of Thrones was filmed in various locations in Croatia, including Dubrovnik and Split, which served as backdrops for the fantasy world.
White Truffle: The largest white truffle ever found, weighing 2.89 pounds, was discovered in Istria.
Penkala: The Croatian inventor Slavoljub Penkala created the mechanical pencil in 1906, leading to the term “pen,” a small wonder of ingenuity.
Moon Scientists: Two Croatian scientists, J. R. Boskovic and A. Mohorovicic, have their names on the moon map, a tribute to their contributions to science.
Sunset: Alfred Hitchcock claimed that the coastal town of Zadar has the best sunset in the world.
Tesla: Nikola Tesla, the famous inventor, was born in the Croatian village of Smiljan, a genius from a small town.
Torpedo: The world’s first torpedo was constructed by Ivan Lupis Vukic from Rijeka, Croatia, a deadly innovation.
Zlatni Rat: The Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia changes shape and color depending on the wind.