Photo by Angelique Padres of a Croatian in military dress, showing how they wear the cravat, from where our modern-day tie originates
The people of Croatia are a pleasure to associate with! They are friendly and welcoming, with most speaking other languages, other than their own, Croatian. They come from a deep and rich culture, steeped in its challenging history, and with four years of state university free, they are highly educated. Conversations with them are engaging experiences as they may discuss some of the issues that currently affect their country, such as labor issues.
Most Croatians speak English, especially the younger generation, and are more than happy to converse with you. They prefer a slower pace of life, which allows them to be more social and enjoy time with each other. Whenever they feel stressed, they take the time to relax at a coffee shop with friends, family, or tourists. Like most cultures, they will appreciate your efforts to learn their language and aspects of their heritage.
At a minimum, one should learn how to say “please” and “thank you”, which are “molin” and “hvala”. Croatians will also appreciate if you know other common phrases, such as greeting each other based on the time of day: good morning, good day, and good evening are dobro jutro, dobar dan, and dobra vecer. Saying congratulations (cestitam) in Croatian is also a good word to know to share with the many newlyweds.
Photo of Croatian bride during a marriage ceremony in Zagreb
Video of a traditional marriage celebration in Trogir
As state college is free for Croatians, they are highly educated and appreciate learning from Americans that visit their country. State or state sponsored private schooling is compulsory for all Croatians until graduating high school, which means home schooling is not an option for them. Private universities, such as Vern University in Zagreb are not free, but still very affordable compared to the United States
Photo from Vern University website, June 2024
Photo from Vern University Journalism department, Zagreb, of professor discussing the Croatian educational system to CSU students
Photo below of friendly police in Split Croatia, May 2024
The friendliness, education, and long heritage of the people resonates with a low crime rate. Conventional crime is not really a problem in Croatia, but the country does struggle with corruption and organized crime. It is one of the safest tourist destinations I have visited.
The cultural difference I noticed the most between Croatia and America is the demeanor of the people. They have a long heritage that resonates with a family style appreciation for each other. They are generally nice and knowledgeable, understanding other countries with the ability to speak multiple languages. It would not be uncommon for a waitress or waiter to possess an engineering degree, especially along the coast were tourism is the highest.
Younger Croatians migrate during the summer season to the coast of Croatia and its coastal islands to earn money during the tourist season. This causes an economic disparity between the coast and inland parts of the country that do not receive a fraction of the tourists and the money that is generated from this service industry. The main source of income from Croatia is in the service industry (66%), which is in high demand during the summer season along the Adriatic Coast.
Photo of coastal service environment for Croatians, Split, Croatia, May 2024
This causes the Croatian people seeking gainful employment to work two jobs each season. One in the lucrative coastal region and one inland, where jobs and paychecks are lower. This also makes it difficult for inland employers to find year-round employees. The solution to this condition suggests giving incentives for tourists to travel inland, along with a rail system that would further facilitate this.
Earlier this year the European Investment Bank signed a 400 million Euro agreement with Croatia to support its rail lines, to include six new trains connecting Split and Zagreb. This will give Zagreb the ability to increase in all revenue sectors, including tourism.
Whether going inland in Croatia or along it’s beautiful Dalmatian coast, you will find the people here friendly, educated, English speaking and happy to engage in a conversation with you.
Photo in Trogir of CSU Prof. Wolfgang, students, and Croatian tour guides. The photo was taken by the daughter of the Croatian woman wearing white lacework and bright colors, depicting traditional dress.
Photo of Croatian woman depicting traditional dress on the island of Korcula. Regional and marriage status are also conveyed by hair dress, specific attire, and colors