Croatia is a state in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Area - 56,542 km2, water area - 33,200 km2. Population - 4,495,904 (2005). The capital and largest city is Zagreb (779 thousand inhabitants). The highest point of the country is the city of Dinara, the central peak of the Dinaric Highlands (1,830 meters).

The country consists of two continental parts, located mainly in the Sava river basin; and the Adriatic, an elongated narrow strip along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. A characteristic feature of the Adriatic coast is a large number of islands, usually stretched parallel to the coast from the northwest to the southeast. The Adriatic coast of Croatia was formed during the structural-denudation dismemberment as a result of the subsidence of the western part of the Balkan Peninsula and the partial flooding of the coastal ridges of the Dinaric highlands by the sea.

Numerous islands, winding bays and straits, combined with Mediterranean vegetation, give the coast a picturesque look. The 1145 Dalmatian Islands cover an area of ​​about 2500 km2, of which 47 are inhabited. The largest - Cres and Krk - cover an area of ​​more than 405 km2, the smallest are tiny rocks in the middle of the sea. The islands are home to three of Croatia's eight national parks - Brijuni, Kornati and Mljet. The length of the sea coast is 5,835 kilometers; of these, 1,777 kilometers are the length of the continental coast, 4,058 kilometers are the length of the coastline of the islands.

In the north, Croatia borders on Slovenia (670 km), in the northeast on Hungary (329 km), in the east on Serbia (241 km), in the south on Bosnia and Herzegovina (932 km) and Montenegro (25 km). In the southern part of the Adriatic coast, a narrow 10-kilometer stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina goes to the sea, on which the city of Neum is located. Because of this, the southern part of Croatia, centered on the city of Dubrovnik, is cut off by land from the rest of the country.

Relief of Croatia

Most of the territory of Croatia is located at an altitude of more than 500 meters above sea level. The Adriatic coast is separated from the interior by mountain ranges. The highest peaks are Tsintsar (2085 m), Velika Vershina (1890 m), Dinara (1830 m), St. Yure (1762 m), Vaganski (1757 m), Pleshevitsa (1648 m). The narrow strip of the mountainous coast of the Adriatic Sea (Dalmatia) is indented by numerous bays. Along the coast, like a mosaic, many islands and islets are scattered. In total there are 1185 of them with a total length of the coastline of 4058 km. The eastern part of Croatia is a hilly plain, crossed by the valleys of the Sava and Drava rivers. In the center and in the west of the country there is a sharply dissected Dinaric highland up to 1831 m high, karst is widely developed here (craters, caves, and other relief forms composed of limestones).

Water resources of Croatia

The largest rivers, the Danube and its tributaries, the Sava and Drava, flow into the Black Sea. A few rivers flow down to the Adriatic through narrow gorges, forming a huge number of waterfalls. The waters of the Adriatic Sea near the Croatian coast are clean and transparent, since mountain rivers do not carry silt and sand into it.

The largest lake in Croatia is Vransko (30.7 km2). Tourists are attracted by the picturesque chain of 16 Plitvice lakes that merge with the Korana River, the Red and Blue lakes near Imotski, a freshwater lake on the island of Cres. There are artificial lakes in Gorski Kotar - Lokve and Bayer. Lake Kopachevo and wetlands around it are inhabited by many birds. Here is the largest ornithological reserve in Europe, Kopacki-Rit.

Climate of Croatia

The climatic conditions of different regions of the country are very diverse. In northwestern and eastern Croatia, the climate is temperate continental and continental. In winter, frosts are weak, but sometimes it snows, spring and autumn are long and rainy, summers are hot, sometimes dry. In the mountainous regions, the climate is typical for the middle mountains - cold and snowy winters, warm summers. On the coast and islands, the climate is Mediterranean - rainy and snowless winters, long and hot summers, mild spring and autumn. The tourist season on the coast lasts from mid-May to mid-October.

Flora and fauna of Croatia

Croatia is a kind of northern exotic oasis of the Mediterranean Sea with numerous rare species of plants and animals. About 4300 species of plants grow on its territory.

The country's vegetation is extremely diverse: in the south of Dalmatia and in many areas of the Adriatic coast and on the islands - subtropical (in the foothills and mountains, broad-leaved forests of oak, hornbeam, maple, interspersed with shibleak thickets). In the central mountainous regions - oak-hornbeam, beech, and in the upper mountain belt - beech-fir and spruce forests. On the plains of Slavonia and Baranya, the natural vegetation is steppe and forest-steppe with significant areas of broad-leaved forests of oak, linden, hornbeam, and maple. Poplar, willow, oak, shrubs grow along the valleys of large rivers, and meadows are widespread. Large areas are occupied by arable land. In total, the flora of Croatia has 4300 species. The flora on the islands is especially rich.

764 species of red, brown and green algae are distributed in the Adriatic Sea.

The fauna is characterized by less species diversity. In the mountain forests there are brown bear, forest cat, pine and stone martens, hares, foxes, wolves, deer, chamois, roe deer, badger. Lizards and snakes are characteristic of the treeless, well-heated slopes of the Dinaric Highlands, and turtles are common in coastal areas. Diverse avifauna. Many nesting species. The most notable species are the eagle, kite, falcon, capercaillie, partridge, stork, gulls and a number of waterfowl. There are many species of woodpeckers in the forests, including three-toed, black (zhelna), gray-haired, white-backed, large motley, lesser motley, and verticey. Cres Island is one of the few places on Earth where the Bald Vulture Eagle lives.

Especially large concentration of birds within the marshy landscapes at the confluence of the Drava and Danube. There are many commercial fish species in the Adriatic Sea. Of the aquatic mammals, the monk seal is characteristic. The richness of the flora and fauna of a small country is demonstrated by seven national parks, three of which are located in the mountainous region (Rysnjak, Paklenica and Plitvice Lakes), and four on the coast (Kornati, Mljet, Brijuni and Krka).

National parks of Croatia

Currently, 7.5 percent of the territory of Croatia is part of the national parks and reserves. The country intends to double this figure, and thus in the near future it will be an extremely valuable territory in terms of ecology, located in the center of Europe.

Of the seven national parks, three are located in the mountainous region (Rysnjak, Paklenica and Plitvice Lakes), and four are on the coast (Kornati, Mljet, Brijuni and Krka). Let's get to know them better.

Brijuni is an archipelago consisting of 2 large and 12 small islands, located near Pula. It is the national park of Brijuni, together with the water area, its area is 36 square meters. km. It is rich in rare species of plants and animals. Here are architectural monuments of the ancient, Roman and early Byzantine periods. The National Park also includes a zoo with exotic animals.

During the period between the two world wars, Brijuni was one of the most upscale tourist centers and, preserving this tradition, remains so to this day. Being a natural corner of exceptional beauty, Brijuni intends to build its future on tourism.

Krka - the territory of the Krka National Park is 142 sq. km. The Krka River is known as the most unusual of all the rivers that flow through the rocky region of Croatia, and two-thirds of it passes through a canyon, forming numerous lakes, waterfalls and streams on its way to the sea. Between the Roški waterfall and the Skradinski buk on the island of Visovac, there is a monastery of the Franciscan brothers, which houses a very valuable library. The picturesque ancient town of Skradin with a hotel and a sailing center is also located in the National Park.

Plitvice - the sixteen lakes of the Plitvice Lakes National Park are connected by 92 waterfalls. The total area of ​​the lakes is about 2 km2, and the entire National Park extends over an area of ​​200 square meters. km. Due to its unique beauty, rich flora and fauna, this place was proclaimed a National Park back in 1949, and in 1979, by decision of UNESCO, Plitvice Lakes was included in the list of world natural monuments. This unique creation of nature, which arose about four thousand years ago, attracts a huge number of tourists. Local traditions and customs are especially interesting here, for example, weddings under a waterfall.

Kornati is the largest island archipelago in the Mediterranean. Most of its islands (101) with an adjacent water area of ​​224 sq. km. Steep cliffs between rocks, sometimes reaching a height of one hundred meters, stone cliffs stretched along the coast for many kilometers, separating the possessions of local residents, rich flora and fauna - these are the reasons why this territory was proclaimed a National Park. For yachtsmen who are especially interested in these islands, 2 sailing centers have been built (Zhut and Pishkera).

Mljet - located between the island of Korcula and Dubrovnik. A third of its territory in the west (31 sq. km) has been declared a National Park due to the unique features of this place. So, the Small and Big lakes are connected to the sea and to each other by barely noticeable streams. The rich flora, especially forests, and valuable cultural heritage also became the reasons for the state protection of this region. Here, on the island, on the Big Lake, there is an architectural ensemble of a miniature monastery of the Franciscan brothers (XII century), which now houses a hotel.

Paklenica - part (36 sq. km) of the highest mountain range in Croatia, Velebit, is located on the southern side of the slope descending to the sea. The gorges here reach a depth of 400 meters and are the most impressive erosive gorges. Along with rich forests (different types of beech and black pine), the fauna of the paklenitsa also deserves attention: rare species of insects, reptiles and numerous species of birds, among them the especially rare bald vulture eagle. Anicha Kuk - a wall 400 meters high in the gorge, is one of the most attractive for climbers in Croatia.

Rysnyak is a mountain range (1528 m), located in Gorsky Kotar - a place completely overgrown with forests. The state took this region under protection, first of all, because of its rich vegetation, the rapid growth of which was influenced by four factors: seaside, continent, Dinarides, Alps. In addition, the mountain got its name from the name of the animal lynx, which still lives in these places today.

In addition to these protected National Parks, Croatia can be proud of its clean environment and rich flora and fauna in the rest of its part. There are not so many such countries in Europe. About 4300 species of plants grow on its territory. In the Adriatic Sea, there are hundreds of varieties of fish, lobsters, oysters and other seafood. Cres Island is one of the few places on earth where the Bald Vulture Eagle lives. Not far from Osijek is Kopačky rit, the largest ornithological reserve in Europe. There are two botanical gardens in Croatia: Trsteno near Dubrovnik and Opeka near Vinica. The country is proud of its numerous parks, in which most of the animals are under state protection. It can be said without exaggeration that one of the natural phenomena is the freshwater lake Vransko on the island of Cres - the source of life for the entire island. We could tell a lot more about the uniqueness and originality of the flora and fauna of Croatia. But we will only repeat: here the beauty of the surrounding world is learned and judged not by books.

Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/

Croatia is one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world and one can understand those tourists who come here not to see its cultural, historical and architectural sights, but to enjoy the beauties of its virgin nature. The azure waters of the Adriatic coast, beaches surrounded by coniferous forests and the air saturated with the aromas of mountain herbs and the sea attract many tourists from all over the world.

About 4.5 thousand different types of flora grow in the country, and most of them you will not see in any other European country. On the rocks and stony cliffs alone, there are 700 species of outlandish plants. Oaks, maples, hornbeams, lindens grow in the forests, and along the river valleys - poplars, willows and many shrubs.

Unusually picturesque, abundantly covered with vegetation, numerous islands of Croatia. Tourists, going on a trip to Croatia, be sure to visit them to immerse themselves in the world of amazing nature. Slender cypresses, fragrant laurel bushes, olive groves, citrus plantations, well-groomed vineyards, lavender fields are so beautiful that there is a desire to stay in this paradise forever. The richest in terms of vegetation is the island of Krk, on which 1430 plant species grow.

The fauna of Croatia is not as rich as the flora, but, nevertheless, is of great interest for study. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that representatives of the animal world do not die out here, as in other countries to which civilization has reached. Lizards and snakes live here on the warm rocks, and there are many turtles near the bern. Walking along the mountain forest paths, you can easily see a marten, chamois, deer, badger, fox and hare. More formidable animals also live here, such as wolves, brown bears and forest cats.

If you buy a tour to Croatia in winter, then on one of its islands you can see several types of Russian birds that come here for the winter, fleeing from our cold. Capercaillie, partridges, several species of woodpeckers, including very rare ones, live in the local forests. The favorite habitat of birds is swampy landscapes formed at the confluence of rivers or in the area where they flow into the sea. Eagles, falcons, storks, gulls and several other species of waterfowl live here.

The underwater world of the Adriatic is extraordinarily beautiful. Amazing corals, many species of exotic and commercial fish, huge shells can be found while scuba diving in clear sea waters. A rare aquatic mammal, the monk seal, also lives here.

Climate

According to medical experts, the climate of Croatia is one of the most suitable for summer holidays. In northern Croatia - continental, in the central - mountainous, on the Adriatic coast - Mediterranean.

The maximum temperature in July - August in the continental regions is +28C, on the coast +34C. The minimum in January - February in the continental part is -2C, on the coast +9C. The center of the country is characterized by hot, dry summers and wet, rather cold winters.

In January, the average daily temperature ranges from -1°С to +3°С, in August it is from +20°С to +23°С. The water temperature in summer is +25°С, +27°С.

The Croatian coast has the largest number of hours of sunshine in Europe - 2600, making this area of ​​the Adriatic one of the most visited in Europe. The best time to travel to Croatia is from May to September. The most optimal time is September, as the beaches are crowded in July and August. In September, with the end of holidays and vacations, there are fewer people. Mediterranean type of climate with mild winters and dry summers (lasting 5-6 months). The heat is easily tolerated due to dry air, sea breeze and abundance of greenery on the coast.

For several years in a row, UNESCO has awarded Croatia the Blue Flag for the cleanest waters of the Mediterranean coast.

Waters of the oceans and land

The area of ​​the Croatian water area is 33,200 km². The actual length of the Adriatic coast is about 1278 km, along it there are a large number of islands and small islets, their total number is 1185.

The island of Krk is the pearl of the Croatian archipelago and the largest island in the country (409 sq. km.). The Krka National Park protects the unique nature of the river of the same name, for 72 km. flowing through the canyon with a depth of 100 to 200 m, forming lakes and 7 waterfalls. The unique lake between the Rosh waterfall and the Skradin whirlpool is 13 km long, and in the middle of it is the island of Visovac with a Franciscan monastery. In addition to its beauties, Krka is also known for its diversity of flora and fauna, and belongs to the richest parks in Europe. The dense forests of the island are interspersed with rocks, vineyards and olive plantations, numerous resort towns provide all imaginable and unimaginable opportunities for recreation and sports, and beautiful sand and pebble beaches and hundreds of secluded bays allow you to enjoy the purest sea. In the capital of the island, the city of Krk, there are many original houses in the Venetian style, the residences of the dukes, three ancient churches in the upper part of the city, the Frankopan Castle (XIV century) and a wonderful Romanesque cathedral (XII century) in the old part of the city.

Of all the islands of the Adriatic coast of Croatia, only 66 are inhabited - in these deserted places you can swim in the cleanest lakes, follow hiking trails. By the way, the control over the ecological situation here is very serious: on some islands it is forbidden not only to kindle fires, but also to smoke.

The country consists of two parts: continental, located mainly in the Sava river basin; and the Adriatic, an elongated narrow strip along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The Adriatic Sea is visible off the coast to a depth of 50 meters.

There are three main resort areas in the country:

Peninsula Istria

o Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, Vrsar, Rovinj, Pula, Medulin, Rabac, Opatija, Lovran, the islands of Brijuni and Krk (Krk is not strictly Istrian, but is located in the neighborhood)

Central Dalmatia

o Vodice, Sibenik, Primoshten, Trogir, Split, Brela, Baska Voda, Makarska, Tucepi, Podgora, islands of Brac and Hvar

South Dalmatia

o Dubrovnik, the islands of Kolocep, Lastovo, Korcula and Mljet, Mlini, Neum, Plat, Slano and Cavtat

All beaches are municipal, admission is free. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas will cost about 2 EUR. Some hotels provide beach equipment for free.

The beaches of Istria, with very rare exceptions, are artificial concrete platforms, natural stones, plateaus or small pebble lagoons. In Central Dalmatia (the cities of Brela, Baska Voda, Tučepi and others) and on the island of Brac, the beaches are made of small pebbles. They are considered the best on the entire coast. Pine trees here grow literally 3-4 meters from the surf line, and therefore no umbrellas are needed. In South Dalmatia, there are pebble, rocky, and concrete beaches, and on the islands in the Dubrovnik region, there are also sandy beaches.

And also Croatia in general and Istria in particular - perhaps the main center of world nudist tourism.

Natural areas, flora and fauna

In the country, pine forests coexist with tropical plants.

Deer, roe deer, wild boars, martens, foxes, as well as pheasants, wild ducks and geese are found in Slavonia and Baranya. Gorski kotar is an area where wild goats, wolves, black grouse are hunted, and goats can be shot in the area of ​​Dalmatinska zagora or Biokovo. On the Peljesac peninsula there are moufflons, and in Istria there is an abundance of game. The islands of Cres and Losinj are famous for their deer. The clear water of numerous rivers, rivers, streams, lakes, and, of course, the sea attract fishing enthusiasts. In Croatia, the best varieties of fish, crayfish, lobsters and oysters in the Mediterranean. Sea urchins are found in Croatian coastal waters, especially in secluded places. The best protection against them is special slippers, which are sold in the tourist area at every step.

Northern part Croatia(Slavonia) is located within the flat Middle Danube Plain (Hungarian Lowland), drained by the Danube and its tributaries (the largest of them are the Sava with a tributary of the Kupa and Drava). The rivers are full-flowing and navigable for the most part. The southern part of Croatia is located within the Dinaric highlands, elongated parallel to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The steepest slopes of the ridges face the sea. The border with Bosnia and Herzegovina for a considerable length runs along the crest of the Dinara ridge with the peak of the same name (1831 m, the highest point in the country). The coastal part of the Dinaric Highlands is composed of limestone and is characterized by a wide distribution of karst.

The most valuable large bauxite deposits are found in Dalmatia, on the islands and in Istria. Croatia is also rich in deposits of marl, the main raw material for the cement industry. The reserves of hard and brown coal, oil and natural gas are small.

Short mountain rivers have a high hydropower potential. The length of the coastline is 1777 km. The shores are heavily indented by bays and abound in convenient harbors. The sea off the coast is deep, which facilitates navigation. The largest offshore islands are Krk (408 sq. km), Brac (396 sq. km), Cres (336 sq. km), Hvar (299 sq. km), Pag (287 sq. km) and Korcula (276 sq. km). km).

Eastern and central Croatia are characterized by warm summers (average July temperature 22°C) and cool winters (average January temperature ca. 0°C). 700-1000 mm of precipitation falls annually, which is evenly distributed throughout the year. The Mediterranean climate is pronounced on the Adriatic coast and islands with hot dry summers (average July temperature 24-26 ° C) and warm wet winters (average January temperature + 5-9 ° C). The average annual rainfall is 800-1500 mm, but they are mainly confined to the autumn-winter season. In the mountains, summers are moderately warm, winters are moderately cold, and heavy rainfall occurs all year round. However, in areas where karst is widespread, moisture seeps rapidly through limestone, soils become very dry, and slopes are often devoid of vegetation.

The soils of coastal karst fields are mostly red; brown forest soils are more typical of the central mountainous region, while chernozem-like soils predominate on the plains of the northeast, and alluvial soils predominate in the valleys of lowland rivers.

The vegetation of the country is extremely diverse: in the south of Dalmatia and in many areas of the Adriatic coast and on the islands - subtropical (in the foothills and mountains
broad-leaved forests of oak, hornbeam, maple, interspersed with shiblyak thickets). In the central mountainous regions - oak-hornbeam, beech, and in the upper mountain belt - beech-fir and spruce forests. On the plains of Slavonia and Baranya, the natural vegetation is steppe and forest-steppe with significant areas of broad-leaved forests of oak, linden, hornbeam, and maple. Poplar, willow, oak, shrubs grow along the valleys of large rivers, and meadows are widespread. Large areas are occupied by arable land. In total, the flora of Croatia has 4300 species, among them there are many endemic species (703 species are characteristic only for the Dinaric Highlands, 103 - only for Croatia). The flora of some islands is especially rich; Thus, 1430 species have been registered in the flora of the island of Krk, and 43 of them are endemic. The flora of the islands, which receive less rainfall, is less rich. Some of the islands are heavily forested. Thus, more than 70% of the area of ​​Mljet Island is occupied by an array of Aleppo pine and evergreen oak forests.

764 species of red, brown and green algae are distributed in the Adriatic Sea.

The fauna is characterized by less species diversity. In the mountain forests there are a brown bear, a forest cat, forest and stone martens, hares, foxes, wolves, deer, chamois, roe deer, badger. Lizards and snakes are characteristic of the treeless, well-heated slopes of the Dinaric Highlands, and turtles are common in coastal areas. Diverse avifauna. Many nesting species. The most notable species are the eagle, kite, falcon, capercaillie, partridge, stork, gulls and a number of waterfowl. There are many species of woodpeckers in the forests, including three-toed, black (zhelna), gray-haired, white-backed, large motley, small motley,
verticenal. A rare bird, the bald eagle, has been preserved on Cres Island, and an isolated locality of the Nutcracker, more common for the coniferous forests of Eastern Europe and Asia, is confined to the coniferous forests of the Velebit ridge. Especially large concentration of birds within the marshy landscapes at the confluence of the Drava and Danube.

There are many commercial fish species in the Adriatic Sea. Of the aquatic mammals, the monk seal is characteristic.

Motovun Forest is a nature reserve located in the east of the Istrian peninsula, between the cities of Motovun and Optral. In 1963, the forest received the status of a reserve. This decision was made by the Institute for Nature Protection.

Geographically, the forest is spread over 275 hectares. The reserve is located in the valley of the Mirn River, and the forest has become famous for the types of white and black truffles that grow there.

In the Mediterranean, this reserve remained the last floodplain forest, untouched by man. On the whole earth you will find only two such areas: forests near the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria and oak forests on the border of Albania and Montenegro. Previously, they could be found in the valleys of rivers such as the Neretva and Roa, but in our time they are agricultural land.

In the past, when the territory of the Motovun forest belonged to Venice, strict rules were observed here, according to which the forest was protected. But then the territory was transferred to the administration of imperial Austria, and forests began to be cut down for shipbuilding, trees were cut down for building material and used for other purposes. Drainage channels located in the region also influenced the land transformation.

In the last 50 years, the Motovun forest has changed its appearance significantly, and the beautiful elms, oaks and ash trees of this area are now on the verge of extinction.