Who Are the Croatians?
The Croatians (Hrvati) are a South Slavic people numbering approximately 7-8 million—4 million in Croatia, with significant diaspora in Bosnia-Herzegovina (550,000), USA (400,000), Germany, Austria, Argentina, and Australia. They speak Croatian, a South Slavic language using Latin script (unlike Serbian Cyrillic). Croatia's position on the Adriatic—between Central Europe, the Balkans, and Mediterranean—shaped a distinctive identity: Catholic (unlike Orthodox Serbs), Western-oriented, yet Slavic. Croatians achieved independence in 1991 after centuries within larger states, their EU membership (2013) and Eurozone entry (2023) representing successful Western integration.
Medieval Kingdom
Croats migrated to the Balkans in the 7th century, establishing principalities that unified into the Kingdom of Croatia (925 CE under Tomislav). Croatia converted to Catholic Christianity, aligning with Rome rather than Constantinople—a defining distinction from Orthodox Serbs. The medieval kingdom maintained independence until 1102, when personal union with Hungary began. The Croatian sabor (parliament) preserved autonomy within Hungarian rule. The distinctive Croatian coat of arms (red-white checkerboard) dates to this period. Croatian territory shifted through centuries of Habsburg, Ottoman, and Venetian influence, with Dalmatian coast developing Mediterranean character distinct from continental interior.
Yugoslav Era
After WWI, Croatia joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia). Serbian dominance fostered Croatian nationalism; the fascist Ustaše movement emerged, creating the murderous Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945) under Nazi sponsorship—responsible for genocide against Serbs, Jews, and Roma. Post-war Communist Yugoslavia under Tito suppressed nationalism; the Croatian Spring (1971) demanded greater autonomy but was crushed. Tito's death (1980) released suppressed tensions. Croatian nationalism revived under Franjo Tuđman; independence declaration (1991) triggered war with Serbia and local Serbs. The Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) killed 20,000 and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Independent Croatia
Post-war Croatia rebuilt, reconciled (partially) with Serbia, processed war criminals, and pursued EU membership. The Adriatic coast's tourism boom (Dubrovnik, Split, islands) drives the economy. Brain drain to Western Europe challenges demographics. Relations with neighbors have stabilized; border disputes with Slovenia resolved. Croatian football success (2018 World Cup final) boosted national pride. The country has transitioned from post-communist, post-conflict state to EU member, though challenges persist: corruption, economic inequality, population decline, and incomplete reckoning with WWII Ustaše legacy and 1990s war crimes.
Croatian Culture
Croatian culture blends Central European, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. Dubrovnik and Split showcase architectural heritage; UNESCO sites abound. Dalmatian klapa (a cappella singing) and Slavonian tamburica music represent regional traditions. Cuisine varies: seafood and olive oil on coast, heavy meat dishes inland. Football is passion—Modrić, Rakitić generation brought global attention. The kravata (necktie) originated in Croatian military dress—exported to France, adopted worldwide. Catholic traditions (Christmas, Easter, saints' days) structure social life. This mix—Slavic language, Catholic faith, Mediterranean lifestyle, Central European institutions—creates distinctive Croatian identity at Europe's crossroads.
References
- Goldstein, I. (1999). Croatia: A History
- Tanner, M. (2010). Croatia: A Nation Forged in War
- Ramet, S. P. (2006). The Three Yugoslavias: State-Building and Legitimation, 1918-2005