General information about Croatia

Geography
Croatia is located on the Adriatic Sea. The closest neighbors to the west are Italy, Slovenia in the north, Montenegro to the south and to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The land area is a total of 56 542 km2, which compares with Sweden’s 449 964 km2. In total there are 1185 islands, islets and inlets of which 47 are inhabited. The country’s highest peak is Dinara 1831 meters above sea level.

Population and languages ​​
The population consists of more than 4.4 million inhabitants. Here, also, Hungarians, Czechs and Italians live. The official language is Croatian and the alphabet is Latin. English, Italian and German are the most common languages ​​in the tourist resorts.

Climate
Most of Croatia has continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The coastal areas have a typical Mediterranean climate with mild moist winters and warm sunny summers. Croatia is one of the sunniest countries in Europe with about 2700 hours of sunshine per year. The Adriatic is ”rated” as one of the world’s warmest and cleanest seas. The water temperature varies between 24-26 degrees during the summer.

Even during the months of April – May and October – November you can experience the feeling of a nice Swedish summer with up to 22 degrees in the water.

Money and Credit Cards
Currency is ”kuna”, HRK. 1 HRK is 100 lipa. For 1 HRK you will pay 1.25 SEK (2011-02-26). Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks, exchange office, post office. Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Amex, etc.) are received almost everywhere and can be used in ATMs.

Electricity and water
220 V, frequency 50 Hz. Thus, it is no problem to bring Swedish electrical articles. The tap water is for the most part drinkable all over Croatia, on Brac there is no problem drinking tap water.

If you get sick
Hospitals and clinics are located in all major cities, health centers and pharmacies in smaller towns. Remember to include a certificate that you have home insurance and, therefore, travel insurance (applies to most companies).
Call your insurance company and have them send a certificate or print it from the website.
In case of an accident or illness call 112

When you want to call
Important phone numbers, Ambulance – 94, Police – 92, Fire Department – 93, Car Repair – 987.

International Country Number – 385

Mobile phone is no problem, but keep in mind that it’s expensive.

Travel Documents
Valid passport. If you drive your own car, drivers license, car registration documents and vehicle insurance are required.

Business hours and public administration hours
Stores are open weekdays between 8:00 and 20:00. Saturdays and Sundays until 14.00, during high season (June-September) a little longer. Gas stations open at 07:00 and close at 19:00 or 20:00 every day. During the high season they are open until 22:00.

Public administration opens at 08:00 and closes at 16:00.