Croatia is known as the country of one thousand islands

Croats are first mentioned in History in the 7th century, when they formed two principalities in the Balkans. Since then, the country has in turn been independent, part of various kingdoms and empires, or made alliances with. Before the Second World War, it was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and after it, of the Republic of Yugoslavia. Croatia declared its independence in 1991. The costly and bitter "Croatian War for Independence", that started as a war between the Croatian Government and the Yugoslav's People's Army turned to a War between Serbs and Croats, with the decisive victory of Croatia in 1995. The semi-presidential system was replaced in 2000 and since then Croatia is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system.

Croats are particularly proud of their see and their islands. The Croatian shore has one of the purest seas in the region. In this relatively small (about 60000 sq. m) country, there are plains and mountain creeks, lakes, and, of course, the fantastic coast of the Adriatic Sea. The wonderful summers make Croatia a much praised holiday spot for many tourists. Its mountainous area and the marvelous opportunities it offers to adventure-lovers, its' wonderfully preserved natural parks and heritage monuments bring to Croatia vacationers looking for just lazy summer days at the beach to those looking for adventure holidays rafting, diving, biking, paragliding, sailing, kayak adventure, hiking etc.

Tourists on vacation are offered the standard choice of hotels, youth inns, rented apartments, etc. But more and more Westerners are interested in buying vacation property in Croatia. The number of real-estate agencies offering online deals for holiday houses in Croatia is growing fast. The most popular deals are for summer houses on the islands.

While Croatia is often described as "an unspoiled picture book", Croats are also very proud of their Dubrovnic, the pearl of the Adriadic, the "most photogenic walled city in Europe". This jewel medieval city, with its marble sidewalks, bell-towers, palaces and houses looks like a scene from a fairy tale. A look down its 80-foot high walls exposes the full beauty of its terracotta-red rooftops and surely is the highlight of the holiday. Property within these walls is already expensive, from $395 to $563 per square foot. The surrounding districts have more affordable prices: about 200 per square foot for an apartment.

Property prices are rising rapidly in Croatia, from 20% to 30% per year. And along with old stone houses on the island that do need restoration, new buildings are also rising. These apartment complexes also have parking space and swimming pools. A few years, the price for two to three-bedroom apartments ranged from $94,500 to $121,000. Studios, one and two-bedroom apartments are also available in fishing villages for prices ranging from $47,000 to $81,000. And the price of 1 sq. ft, for a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom house in Dubrovik, "one of the last seafront properties", is already nearing $700.

If you are thinking holidays, Croatia would be a great holiday destination. Internet TLD: .hr, currency: Kuna (HRK). And also: James Bond's model was the Croatian Duško Popov (1912–1981)!