Croatia [antikvár]

FAST FACTS Population: 4.5 millión Area: 56,538 sq km Head of state: President Stjepan Mesic GDP growth rate: 5% Inflation: 2.9% Average net monthly salary: 6000KN Unemployment rate: 11.18% Primary trading partner: Itaiy Population growth rate: -0.04% Life expectancy: male 71, female 78.5 Destination Croatia Sitting on a see-saw between the Balkans and Central Europe, Croatia has been suffering from something of a love-hate-love affair with the EU and its neighbours. Invited to jóin the UN Security Council in January 2008, its NATO membership was poised for 2009, but its dispute with the EU over its fishing laws saw displeased finger-wagging from the European officials and the already slightly elusive EU joining date (is it 2010? 2011? Perhaps 2012?) caught on yet another hurdle. March 2008 saw the beginning of the trial of Ante Gotovina, Croatia's wartime generál whose arrest was the main prerequisite for the beginning of Croatia's talks for joining the EU back in 2005. Gotovina stands accused of 'joint criminal enterprise' for the expulsion of Serbs from Krajina in 1995. Revered and still seen as a hero by many in his native Zadar region, Gotovina's trial is sure to bring home somé controversial elements of Croatia's Homeland War. Still in progress at the time of writing were the judicial reforms, the struggle against corruption and the improvement of conditions for the setting up of priváté businesses in the country, all of which have to be ful-filled before Croatia can get its foot in the door of the desirable European club. Life for the average Croat remains on the tough side, however - the average salary of 6000KN per month is often too low to support a fam-ily - and there is a declining but still substantial rate of unemployment (11.18%). Statistics show that the support for joining the EU, which was once vast and palpable, is lately hovering around the 50% mark and is only threatening to sink further. Many Croats feel their progress is being scrutinised more carefully than that of other, recently joined, EU members, and while this may well be the case, it's an unsurprising sign of caution after the large EU expansions of 2004 and 2007. Croatia's economy is looking brighter, however, with a steady GDP growth over recent years. This is, of course, thanks to the continuing growth of tourism and the ensuing development. The country has, with few exceptions, managed to keep massive development at bay and maintain Croatia's beauty - the very ingredients that keep the punters coming for more. New luxury hotels are sprouting up every year, especially on Hvar and in Dubrovnik, but smaller, budget-oriented and agritourism options are increasing, too, especially in Istria. Croatia has alsó been doing well at sport, one of its most successful endeavours. The country won the World Handball Championship in 2007 (just don't ask 'What's handball?'), and the national football team reached the quarter finals in the 2008 Euró Cup, beating Germany but sadly losing to Turkey on penalties. With its economic growth, sporting successes and great bars, restaurants, films and music festivals, plus a desire to further improve its infrastructure and sustainable development, Croatia seems to be saying 'never mind the EU, we're comin' atcha'.