Croatia is a small country located in Southeast Europe, bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It covers an area of 56,542 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 4 million people, making it one of the least populated countries in Europe.
The population of Croatia has been steadily declining since the 1990s due to a combination of factors, including low birth rates, emigration, and an aging population. According to the latest estimates from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the population of the country stood at 3,977,703 as of January 1, 2021. This represents a decrease of 0.6% compared to the previous year.
Overview of Croatia's Population
Croatia is a country located in Southeast Europe, with a population of approximately 4 million people. The country has a diverse population, with several ethnic groups residing in the country. The majority of the population are Croats, who make up around 90% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Serbs, Bosniaks, Hungarians, Slovenes, and Italians.
The population density of Croatia is relatively low, with an average of 73 people per square kilometer. The largest city in Croatia is the capital city of Zagreb, which has a population of around 800,000 people.
The population of Croatia has been relatively stable in recent years, with a slight decrease in population observed in some regions. This is due to several factors, including low birth rates and emigration of young people in search of better job opportunities.
The table below shows the population of Croatia by region:
| Region | Population |
|---|---|
| Zagreb | 804,507 |
| Split-Dalmatia | 455,242 |
| Istria | 208,055 |
| Primorje-Gorski Kotar | 296,195 |
| Osijek-Baranja | 284,430 |
| Vukovar-Srijem | 177,065 |
| Sibenik-Knin | 109,320 |
| Zadar | 170,398 |
| Lika-Senj | 45,434 |
| Karlovac | 128,749 |
| Koprivnica-Krizevci | 115,582 |
| Varazdin | 175,951 |
| Krapina-Zagorje | 131,158 |
| Medimurje | 113,804 |
| Dubrovnik-Neretva | 121,870 |
| Brod-Posavina | 158,575 |
| Pozega-Slavonia | 78,034 |
| Virovitica-Podravina | 84,124 |
| Bjelovar-Bilogora | 119,743 |
| Sisak-Moslavina | 172,977 |
Overall, Croatia's population is diverse and relatively stable, with the majority of the population being Croats. The country has a low population density, with the largest city being Zagreb.
Historical Population Trends
Croatia has a long and complex history, and its population has undergone many changes over the years. Here is a brief overview of the country's historical population trends:
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Prehistoric Period: It is difficult to estimate the population of Croatia during prehistoric times, but it is believed that the area was inhabited by various tribes and cultures, such as the Illyrians and the Celts.
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Roman Period: During the Roman period, Croatia was part of the province of Illyricum, and its population was estimated to be around 400,000.
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Medieval Period: During the medieval period, Croatia was part of various kingdoms and empires, such as the Kingdom of Croatia, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. The population of Croatia during this time is estimated to have been between 300,000 and 500,000.
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Modern Period: In the 19th century, Croatia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its population grew to around 2 million by the early 20th century. After World War I, Croatia became part of Yugoslavia, and its population continued to grow, reaching 4.3 million by the 1990s.
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Recent Trends: Since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Croatia's population has been in decline, due to factors such as emigration, low birth rates, and an aging population. As of 2021, the population of Croatia is estimated to be around 4 million.
Overall, Croatia's population has undergone many changes throughout its history, reflecting the country's complex political and cultural landscape.
Current Population Statistics
Croatia is a small country located in Southeast Europe. As of September 2023, the estimated population of Croatia is approximately 4,050,000 people. The country has a population density of about 74 people per square kilometre.
The population of Croatia has been slowly declining over the past decade, with the natural decrease (more deaths than births) being the primary cause. The birth rate in Croatia is relatively low, with an average of 1.4 children per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. Additionally, many young people have been leaving the country in search of better job opportunities and a higher standard of living.
The majority of the population in Croatia is ethnic Croats, who make up about 90% of the population. Other ethnic groups in the country include Serbs, Bosniaks, and Hungarians. The official language of Croatia is Croatian, which is spoken by nearly 95% of the population.
The following table provides a breakdown of the population of Croatia by age group:
| Age Group | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| 0-14 | 14.8% |
| 15-64 | 65.1% |
| 65+ | 20.1% |
Overall, the population of Croatia is relatively small compared to other European countries. The country is facing demographic challenges due to its low birth rate and emigration, which could have significant implications for its economy and society in the future.
Demographic Breakdown
Croatia is a country located in Southeast Europe with a population of approximately 4 million people. The country has a diverse population with different ethnicities, religions, and languages. In this section, we will provide a breakdown of the demographic characteristics of Croatia.
Population by Age and Gender
According to the latest data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the population of Croatia is divided almost equally between males and females. As of 2021, there were 1.98 million females and 2.02 million males in the country.
In terms of age, the largest age group in Croatia is people aged 40-49, who make up 13.8% of the population. The second-largest group is people aged 50-59, who make up 13.6% of the population. The smallest age group is people aged 90 and over, who make up only 0.02% of the population.
Ethnicity and Language
The majority of the population in Croatia are Croats, who make up 90.4% of the population. Other ethnic groups in Croatia include Serbs (4.4%), Bosniaks (0.5%), and others (4.7%).
Croatian is the official language of Croatia, and it is spoken by the majority of the population. Other languages spoken in Croatia include Serbian, Bosnian, and Italian.
Religion
The majority of the population in Croatia are Roman Catholics, who make up 86.3% of the population. Other religious groups in Croatia include Orthodox Christians (4.4%), Muslims (1.5%), and others (7.8%).
In conclusion, Croatia is a diverse country with a relatively equal distribution of males and females. The majority of the population are Croats who speak Croatian and practice Roman Catholicism.
Population Density and Urbanisation
Croatia has a population density of 74 people per square kilometre, which is relatively low compared to other European countries. The majority of the population is concentrated in urban areas, with around 58% of Croatians living in cities and towns.
The capital city of Zagreb is the largest urban area in the country, with a population of over 800,000 people. Other major urban areas include Split, Rijeka, Osijek, and Zadar.
Despite the urbanisation trend, Croatia still has many rural areas with low population densities. These areas are primarily located in the eastern part of the country, where agriculture is the main economic activity.
The table below shows the population density and urbanisation rates of Croatia's counties:
| County | Population Density (people per sq km) | % Urban Population |
|---|---|---|
| Zagreb | 1,025 | 79.4 |
| Split-Dalmatia | 76 | 62.9 |
| Osijek-Baranja | 49 | 51.1 |
| Primorje-Gorski Kotar | 92 | 60.7 |
| Istria | 73 | 49.9 |
| Sisak-Moslavina | 58 | 48.1 |
| Zadar | 56 | 54.2 |
| Vukovar-Srijem | 41 | 39.1 |
| Krapina-Zagorje | 113 | 32.2 |
| Karlovac | 53 | 36.7 |
| Bjelovar-Bilogora | 45 | 34.6 |
| Brod-Posavina | 60 | 40.8 |
| Lika-Senj | 7 | 26.8 |
| Virovitica-Podravina | 30 | 32.7 |
| Požega-Slavonia | 36 | 27.4 |
| Šibenik-Knin | 38 | 44.6 |
| Međimurje | 153 | 41.7 |
| Zagreb County | 197 | 63.6 |
| City of Zagreb | 1,025 | 99.4 |
Overall, Croatia's population density and urbanisation rates are relatively low compared to other European countries. However, the country's urban areas continue to grow, while rural areas face depopulation and economic challenges.
Impact on Economy and Infrastructure
Croatia's population has a significant impact on its economy and infrastructure. With a population of approximately 4 million, Croatia is a small country with a relatively small economy. However, the country has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from tourism and agriculture to manufacturing and services.
Tourism is one of the main drivers of the Croatian economy, and the country's population plays a crucial role in supporting this industry. Croatia's beautiful coastline and historic cities attract millions of tourists every year, and the local population is responsible for providing the services and infrastructure needed to support this industry.
Agriculture is another important industry in Croatia, and the country's population plays a vital role in supporting this sector. The local population is responsible for growing crops, raising livestock, and managing the land, which provides food and raw materials for the country's economy.
In terms of infrastructure, Croatia's population is responsible for maintaining and developing the country's roads, bridges, and other transportation networks. The local population is also responsible for providing the services and utilities needed to support the country's businesses and residents.
Overall, Croatia's population plays a crucial role in supporting the country's economy and infrastructure. While the country's economy is relatively small, the local population is highly skilled and dedicated, and they work hard to ensure that Croatia remains a prosperous and thriving nation.
Future Population Projections
According to the United Nations, Croatia's population is projected to decline in the future. By 2050, the population is expected to decrease to approximately 3.4 million people, and by 2100, it is projected to further decline to 2.6 million people. This is due to a combination of factors, including low birth rates, emigration, and an ageing population.
The following table shows the projected population numbers for Croatia from 2020 to 2100, according to the United Nations:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 4,058,165 |
| 2030 | 3,765,155 |
| 2040 | 3,544,880 |
| 2050 | 3,395,385 |
| 2060 | 3,292,135 |
| 2070 | 3,231,695 |
| 2080 | 3,211,840 |
| 2090 | 3,232,125 |
| 2100 | 2,641,785 |
It is important to note that these projections are subject to change based on various factors, such as changes in fertility rates, migration patterns, and government policies. However, they do provide insight into the potential future of Croatia's population.
Overall, Croatia's declining population presents challenges for the country, such as a shrinking workforce and an increased burden on healthcare and social services for the elderly population. It is important for the government to address these issues and implement policies to promote population growth and retention.