croatia

THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA • 2003
GENERAL INFORMATION
Century. The 24 charters which various rulers used to define the rights of the Krapina “Purgers,” citizen craftsmen
who formed guilds in the 16th Century, are kept in Krapina.
STATE AUTHORITY
STATE AUTHORITY
THE COUNTY OF OSIJEK-BARANJA Osijek-Baranja County is in the northeast corner of the Republic
of Croatia, covering an area of 4,152 km2 . It includes Baranja and northeastern Slavonia, which have a combined
population of 330,506 in seven towns and 30 municipalities. The county seat is in Osijek, on the Drava
(20 km from its confluence with the Danube), which is the largest city in eastern Croatia. In addition to being
the political and administrative center of the county, Osijek is the largest bulk freight port and has been a university
town since 1975. Its ideal position on the Drava and along the Danube, which is one of Europe’s most
important transportation routes, as well as its myriad of natural resources, thermal springs and well preserved
environment (especially the KopaËki Rit Reserve) are only some of the advantages of Osijek-Baranja County.
These natural bounties contribute to the development of the food, wood, chemical, textile, metal and leather
industries. In addition, there are 260,778 ha of arable land and 113,193 ha of forest.
Osijek - county seat
Osijek is on the western bank of the Drava River. It lies in the region of ancient Mursa, from which numerous
artifacts exist. Medieval Osijek came into being at the turn of the 9th Century. In the 16th Century, it was
razed by the Turks. At the end of the 17th Century, when the city was liberated, the Austrian ruler built a fortress
to defend the city. At the same time, the city acquired two new additions. Gornji and Donji grad (Upper and
Lower Town), united in 1786 with the Fortress of Osijek to form one city. Osijek became a free royal borough
early in the 19th Century.
ECONOMY
CULTURE
SPORTS
ADDRESSES
CROATIAN SPECIALTIES
THE COUNTY OF POÆEGA-SLAVONIA Poæega-Slavonia County covers 1,815 km2 of western Slavonia,
which is inhabited by a population of 85,831 in 6 municipalities and 4 towns. Poæega is the county seat. The
forested hills, fertile farmland and vineyards are the basis of economic development.
Industry and mining are the most important economic branches. Due to the incredibly fertile land, agriculture
accounts for a third of GDP. Natural beauty and thermal springs in Lipik have been favorable for the development
of tourism.