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Croatia and Its History in Pocket! Let's Make It Short ;)

Croatia is a European country located in Southeast Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the southwest. Though it's a small country, it has a rich history and culture that makes it an interesting place to visit, enjoy it and learn about.

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The earliest known human settlements in Croatia are ancient and date back to the Paleolithic era, and the country has been inhabited by various groups throughout its history. In the 7th and 8th centuries, the Croats, a Slavic tribe, migrated to the area and established the Kingdom of Croatia. In the 10th century, Croatia became a part of the Hungarian Kingdom, and later on, in the 19th and 20th centuries, it was an important part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

After World War II, Croatia became a part of Yugoslavia, but it declared independence in 1991, and has been a sovereign nation since then. Today, Croatia is a proud member of the European Union and the United Nations.

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Croatia is a very naturally diverse country, with a mix of mountains, forests, and coastal regions. Its coast is known for lots of beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, and in summer months, it is a very popular destination for tourists. The country's capital, Zagreb, is a modern city with a rich cultural history. It is home to a number of museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as numerous restaurants and cafes. In the last decade, Zagreb has been voted the best European Advent destination.

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Croatia is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, including the ancient city of Dubrovnik, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including its medieval walls and churches. Other popular tourist destinations in Croatia include the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is home to a series of waterfalls and lakes, and the island of Hvar, which is known as the sunniest island.

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In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Croatia is also known for its delicious cuisine. Croatian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors, and it is known for its seafood, meats, and fresh vegetables. The country is also known for its wines, and it produces a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines. Croatian wines are made from a variety of grape varieties, including Plavac Mali, Grasevina, and Malvazija.

 In cities and towns along the coast or in the capital, Zagreb, the country has a strong tradition of ethnic music and dance, and it is home to a number of festivals throughout the year that celebrate its culture and history. When in Croatia, you should listen to local 'klape' (a group of musicians characterized by its a cappella style and its use of harmonies and melodies that are inspired by the natural beauty of the Croatian coast) or 'tamburaši' (music ensemble that originated in the eastern part of the country and plays the tambura, a stringed instrument that is similar to a mandolin).

Croatian is the official language of the country, and it is a member of the South Slavic language group. Croatian is closely related to Serbian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, and many people in Croatia are fluent in many languages such as English, German, or Italian.

Croatia has a parliamentary democracy and is a unitary state with a president as its head of state and a prime minister as its head of government. The Croatian parliament is made up of two chambers, the Croatian Parliament, and the Croatian Sabor.

The economy of Croatia is primarily service-based, with tourism being a major contributor to the country's GDP. Other significant industries in Croatia include manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. The country has a good standard of living, and it is a member of the European Union and the World Trade Organization.

The Croatian flag features a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and blue. The red and white colors are traditional Croatian colors, and the blue represents the country's membership in the European Union.

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Croatia has a diverse landscape, with mountains in the north and coastal regions in the south. The country's highest peak is Dinara, which is located in the Dinaric Alps and stands at 1,831 meters (6,007 feet) tall. The country is also home to a number of national parks, including the Plitvice Lakes National Park and the Krka National Park.
The Croatian coast is known for its clean and clear blue waters and incredible beaches. The country has a long history of fishing, and seafood is a staple of Croatian cuisine.

Croatia is home to a number of ancient ruins and historical sites, including the ancient city of Pula, which is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheater. The city of Split is home to the Diocletian's Palace, which was built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD.

It is very known that the Croatian coast is home to a number of small islands, and these islands are popular vacation destinations, but as well is home to a number of ancient castles and fortifications, including the Dubrovnik city walls, which were built in the 14th century to protect the city from invaders. The castle of Trakošćan, located in the northwest of the country, is a well-preserved castle that dates back to the 13th century.

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Croatia is a popular destination for sports and outdoor activities, and it is home to a number of national parks and nature reserves. The country is also known for its water sports, including diving, kayaking, and sailing. In the winter, the mountains in the north of the country are popular for skiing and snowboarding.