OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Croatian, written in Latin alphabet
RELIGION
Religion: the majority of inhabitants are Catholics, followed by members of the Orthodox church, Muslims and Protestants
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
German, Italian and English are the most common foreign languages spoken in the tourist resorts.
TIME ZONE
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Saturday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
POLITICS
Croatia has democratic political system with multiple political parties.
Bicameral parliament, the Sabor, is composed of a lower House of Representatives (Zastupnicki dom).
President: Stipe Mesić, from February 2005, elected on a 5-years term
Prime Minister: Ivo Sanader
President of Parliament: Vladimir Šeks
WHEN TO VISIT CROATIAN COAST?
The best period to visit our coast is from April to October. Peak temperatures in high season summer months (July, August) can reach 38°C (100°F), and the water surface at that point reaches a comfortable 26°C (79°F). High season has its obvious advantages for people looking for fun and excitement and disadvantages for others, but in Croatia you can always find some nice hidden place if you want to sleep far from loud music. Spring starting in March can bring some rain showers, but the autumn months, September and October, are ideal for travel if you want to relax. In the off season the beaches are less crowded and the prices drop, weather, however, remains stable and the water is still agreeably warm. Generally, you can travel along the Croatian coast at any time of the year. During winter season, however, you should pack some warm clothing in spite of the mild Mediterranean climate. The temperatures seldom drop below the freezing point but some winds might be unpleasant in the winter.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport.
Topless sunbathing is generally accepted, but nude bathing is restricted to few designated beaches or any of numerous wild beaches along the coast.
HOLIDAYS
January 1st - New Year's Day
January 6th - Epiphany
Easter Monday
May 1st - May Day
Corpus Christi - movable observance
June 22nd - Day of the Anti-Fascist Struggle
June 25th - Statehood Day
August 5th - Homeland Gratitude Day
August 15th - Assumption
October 8th - Independence Day
November 1st - All Saints' Day
December 25-26 - Christmas Holidays
ELECTRICITY
220 volts, 50Hz
Plugs have two round pins or three round pins for appliances that need to be earthed. If you need adapters or transformers (for USA equipment check things like notebooks or electric razors if they have a switch), inquire in bigger shops with electric supplies or in supermarkets.
