Location: Southeastern Europe
Capital: Zagreb
Population: approximately 4.5 million
Total area: 53,729 km²
Geo park Rab is located in the Lopar region on the northern part of Rab Island. The area is known for its sandy bays, geological formations, and rich natural heritage. The virtual excursion offers interpretive points where natural and cultural elements intertwine.
Croatia is a Central European and Mediterranean country stretching between the Pannonian Plain, the Dinaric Alps, and the Adriatic Sea. Its physical geography is remarkably diverse, combining lowlands, plateaus, mountains, karst phenomena, and a deeply indented coastline with over a thousand islands.
The eastern part of Croatia lies along the Drava, Sava, and Danube rivers. This fertile lowland is composed of alluvial sediments, ideal for agriculture. Geologically, it belongs to the younger Tertiary deposits of the Pannonian Basin. The region features floodplains, oxbow lakes, wetlands, and thermal springs.
Central and southwestern Croatia is part of the Dinaric mountain system. Formed mainly of limestone and dolomite, it hosts classic karst features: sinkholes, poljes, caves, and disappearing rivers. The highest peak is Dinara (1,830 m). The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a globally recognized example of karst hydrology.
Croatia’s coastline stretches 5,835 km, including 1,777 km of mainland and 4,058 km of island shores. With over 1,200 islands, the largest are Krk and Cres. The coast is highly indented, featuring bays, peninsulas, and natural harbors. Mediterranean vegetation, terraced agriculture, and dry-stone walls are typical.
Major rivers include the Sava, Drava, Kupa, Neretva, and Cetina. Rivers in the Pannonian region are slow and meandering, suitable for navigation. In contrast, rivers in the Dinaric region are fast, steep, and ideal for hydropower. The Adriatic Sea is shallow, warm, and saline.
Croatia has three main climate types:
Croatia lies at the junction of the Eurasian and Adriatic microplates. Earthquake-prone zones exist, especially in Dalmatia and around Zagreb. Geological formations range from Paleozoic metamorphic rocks to Neogene sediments.
Croatia’s physical geography underpins its cultural diversity, historical development, and touristic appeal. From karst plateaus to coastal islands, from Pannonian plains to Dinaric peaks — Croatia offers a rich natural mosaic worth presenting in a visually engaging, accessible, and archival-quality digital environment.
Croatia is traditionally divided into several cultural and geographic regions, each with its own landscape, heritage, and character. These regions are not administrative units, but they reflect historical, natural, and cultural identities.
