Croatia

Did you know?

• 🌊A mesmerizing country in southern Central Europe on the Adriatic Sea coast, famous for its thousands of islands, ancient architecture, and rich history.
• 🏳️The modern flag of Croatia was officially adopted in 1990, but its elements date back centuries. The red-white-blue tricolor represents the Pan-Slavic colors and combines the historical colors of the three kingdoms that made up the Croatian lands: Croatia (red and white), Dalmatia (blue and yellow/white), and Slavonia (blue and white). The Šahovnica (Chequy Shield) in the center consists of 25 red and white squares. According to legend, in the 10th century the Croatian King Svetoslav Suronja won a game of chess against a Venetian doge for the right to rule the cities of Dalmatia, subsequently making the chessboard his coat of arms. Above the shield is a crown of five smaller shields representing the historical regions of the country: oldest Croatia, the Dubrovnik Republic, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia.
• 👔The Birthplace of the Necktie — the modern necktie originated thanks to Croatia. In the 17th century, Croatian mercenaries wore traditional neckerchiefs. During a visit to Paris, they charmed King Louis XIV, who introduced this accessory into French fashion, calling it a cravate (a corruption of the word 'Croat'). This term is still used in French, Spanish, Ukrainian, and many other languages today.
• 🏰The Real King's Landing — if you love TV shows, Croatia will look very familiar. The ancient fortified city of Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for 'King's Landing' in the cult series Game of Thrones.
• 🐕Origin of Dalmatians — the famous spotted dog breed originates from the historical region of Dalmatia on the coast of Croatia. Illustrations of these dogs have been found in church murals and regional chronicles dating back to the 16th–18th centuries.