War-torn in recent memory, Croatia has overcome its contemporary history in the eyes of many and has become a popular spot for tourists and foreign investors alike. Croatia is a dynamic, forward-thinking country with a lot to offer those who visit, and though reminders of the country’s past troubles are around, it would be unwise to tarnish the country with any kind of negative brush.

Around the tenth century Croatia was an independent kingdom, until it became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the collapse of the Empire, Croatia became a part of what was Serb-ruled Yugoslavia in 1918, until 1945 when the state fell under Communist rule. Things were this way until 1991, when Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia – this act of defiance was met by strong military retaliatory action and resulted in war, with fighting lasting until the UN negotiated a ceasefire in 1992. The uneasy standoff was brought to a close by the Croats in 1995 with an unexpected show of military power that forced the Serbs to deal with matters in a political fashion, resulting in the Dayton Accord of November 1995. The following years saw national pride bolstered and changes towards a Socialist government, and have left Croatia with a strong economy and membership to the EU looking likely to happen by around 2007. Since stability returned to the nation, there has been an influx of visitors to the country – even more so than there were in the past. The purchase of property is popular in the region and the beautiful nation has a great deal to offer all those who may wish to travel there – be it for business or pleasure.

The standards of healthcare in Croatia are generally good and treatment is provided free to British nationals on production of a valid UK passport. Healthcare is a big issue for the Croatian government, and standards are constantly improving – even though this is the case, there are areas where the standards are lower than what would be expected. As is the norm, health insurance is recommended for any visits abroad.

Mobile phone coverage stretches across the whole country, though obviously quality of service cannot be guaranteed in rural areas. Landlines are widely available and are generally well-developed. Internet cafes are spread across the main towns and cities, and internet use is becoming more common thanks to an emerging IT market in Croatia.

Normal banking hours in most areas are from 0700 to 1900 Mondays to Fridays, with some banks opening on Saturdays from 0700 to 1300. Certain banks in larger towns and cities also open on Sundays. Normal office hours are from 0830 to 1630, Monday to Friday. Shopping hours are normally 0800 to 2000 Monday to Friday and 0800 to 1400 or 1500 on Saturdays, and some shops in larger towns and cities may open Sundays.

A handshake is the usual manner in which people are both greeted and said goodbye to, and normal business etiquette applies.

A tip of around ten percent is expected in restaurants, taxis and hotels