Uncover cool stuff about Croatia! From jaw-dropping scenery to quirky facts, get ready for a fun ride through this awesome country.
1. Home-Ownership
Croatia ranks fourth globally in home ownership, with 91 percent of its citizens living in their own homes. In contrast, only 9 percent choose to rent. This stark contrast becomes even more apparent when comparing Croatia to Germany, which sits at the 50th spot with a mere 52 percent of its population owning their homes. This high homeownership rate in Croatia may help explain how its residents maintain their quality of life despite having comparatively lower incomes than individuals in some other countries.
2. Dalmatian Dog
The 1961 animated movie “101 Dalmatians” by Walt Disney played a significant role in popularizing the well-known dog breed known for its unique black or liver-spotted coat. It is interesting to note that the origins of the Dalmatian breed can be traced back to the region of Dalmatia, which is located in Croatia and encompasses a large part of the country’s Adriatic coastline.
3. Organ Donation
Croatia has become a notable figure in global organ donation and transplantation, exceeding expectations despite restrained healthcare spending compared to many other EU nations. A thorough literature review and data analysis revealed key factors, policy shifts, and drivers contributing to Croatia’s remarkable success in organ donation and transplantation.
4. Tourists Per Capita
The debate over whether this news is positive or negative may exist, but there’s no denying Croatia’s impressive standing as it secures the third position among European countries in terms of tourist arrivals per capita. Outshining many, Croatia is surpassed only by Andorra and Malta in this regard. In a nutshell, Croatia boasts an incredible statistic where, for every resident, 3.3 tourists choose Croatia as their destination.
5. Bura Wind
The Bura wind is famous for its incredible strength, capable of reaching extreme levels of intensity similar to gale-force or even hurricane-force winds. It is usually linked to the development of a high-pressure system over Central Europe, which causes the air to speed up as it passes through gaps in the mountains and descends on the opposite side. A record was set on the A1 highway near Sveti Rok Tunnel on December 22, 2003, with a speed of 304 kilometers per hour.
6. Kopački Rit
Kopački Rit is a habitat for numerous species, serving as a haven for birds and providing shelter to hundreds of different bird species. It forms a natural triangle between the Danube and Drava rivers and is the largest internal delta of the Danube. This expansive area ranks among the biggest wetlands in Europe, and its ever-changing appearance ensures that each visit offers a fresh perspective on nature. Kopački Rit has an intriguing appeal that keeps drawing visitors back to witness the continuously changing ecosystem.
7. Jabuka Island
Jabuka (apple), an island known for its volcanic origin, is situated approximately 70 km northwest of Komiža on the island of Vis. The presence of magnetite in the dark volcanic rocks found on the island renders compasses ineffective in its vicinity. The remote location of Jabuka, far from established sea routes, means that boats are seldom seen in these waters. As a result, the island attracts only those who specifically choose it as their destination. Jabuka itself is a remarkable formation—a large, cliff reaching a height of 97 meters, resembling a pyramid. Access to the island is limited to the southwestern side and can only be achieved during favorable weather conditions, which are infrequent.
Despite its small size, Croatia boasts a wealth of natural wonders that we, as its people, may sometimes take for granted. As we navigate our daily lives, it is important to recognize and cherish not only the natural richness but also the unique qualities and spirit of the Croatian people that contribute to the beauty of our nation.
