Croatia, a picturesque country in Central and Southeast Europe, boasts a stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea and a rich history stretching back to the arrival of the Croats in the late 6th century. It achieved international recognition as an independent duchy on June 7, 879, under Duke Branimir, and became a kingdom by 925 with King Tomislav, though its sovereignty later saw periods of personal union with Hungary and the Habsburg monarchy.
After forming part of Yugoslavia for much of the 20th century, Croatia declared its independence on June 25, 1991, successfully fighting a War of Independence. Today, Croatia operates as a parliamentary democracy with a developed, high-income economy, integrated into major international bodies like the European Union, Eurozone, Schengen Area, and NATO.
Tourism is a vital sector, attracting nearly 20 million visitors in 2019, while the country also plays a growing role as a regional energy leader, contributing to Europe's supply diversification.