1. The Home of the World's Smallest Town
Located in the heart of Istria, Croatia, Hum holds the record of being the smallest town globally. With a population of only 20 people, this tiny town complete with boundary walls, restaurants, and a church, offers an idyllic view of the lush green hills.
2. Birthplace of the Necktie
The modern necktie traces its origin back to Croatia. Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century wore small ties around their necks, which piqued the interest of the Parisians. They quickly adopted it, leading to the popularity of the modern necktie we see today.
3. World's First Pipe Organ Powered by the Sea
Croatia is home to the world's first sea organ located in Zadar. Designed by a local architect, Nikola Bašić, the organ plays music powered by waves crashing into the tubes under the marble steps. This unique feature has earned Zadar the title of 'Sound of the Sea.'
4. Country of More Than a Thousand Islands
Croatia boasts an impressive coastline, dotted with more than a thousand islands. Although only 48 of these islands are inhabited, each one offers its distinct attraction, from vineyards and olive groves to secluded beaches and historic ruins.
5. The Pioneers of Parachute and Torpedo
The first parachute was made and successfully tested by a Croatian. Faust Vrančić brought Leonardo da Vinci's concept to life in the 1617s with a parachute jump from a Venice tower. Likewise, the first prototypes of a self-propelled torpedo as a naval weapon were created by Croatian Ivan Lupis-Vukić in the mid-19th century.
6. Hosting a Sunset Festival Every Year
Zadar is known for having the most beautiful sunsets in the world. To celebrate this natural beauty, the city hosts a 'Sunset Festival' every year, attracting tourists and locals alike.
7. 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Croatia is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include historic cities, national parks, and even traditional lace making, reflecting the rich cultural and natural diversity of the country.
8. The Famous Dalmatian Dogs' Origin
The popular dalmatian dogs with their distinct black and white-spots originate from Croatia. They got their name from the historical Dalmatia region of the country.
9. Setting of Game of Thrones
Several iconic scenes of the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones" were filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The city's walls, fortresses, and streets served as the backdrop for the fictitious King's Landing, attracting fans across the globe.
10. The Istrian Olive Oil – The World's Best
The Istrian peninsula of Croatia is renowned for producing the world's best olive oil for several years running. Its unique climate and soil compositions contribute to the top-quality olive oil revered worldwide.
11. Croatia's Vineyard Density is Among The Highest in the World
Croatia proves to be a paradise for wine lovers with high vineyard density. Croatia's wine regions produce diverse local wine varieties that have earned international accolades.
12. The Only Preserved Amphitheatre with Complete Circular Wall
Croatia is home to one of the six largest Roman arenas in the world. The Pula Arena, known for its imposing architecture, is the only Roman amphitheater preserved in its entirety.
13. Inventor of the Pen was a Croatian
Slavoljub Penkala, a naturalized Croatian, invented the mechanical pencil and the fountain pen. Today, Penkala’s company, TOZ Penkala, remains one of the world’s leading stationery companies.
14. Home to the World's Largest Truffle
The world's largest truffle was discovered in the Istrian forests of Croatia. This huge white truffle weighed an astonishing 1.31 kg and was found by Giancarlo Zigante in 1999.
15. The Unusual ‘Happiness Museum’
Located in Zagreb, the Museum of Broken Relationships is a global crowd-sourced project dealing with the concept of love that's ended. This highly unusual museum captures the public's imagination and has gained much attraction, becoming a staple in Croatia's culture scene.
16. Hosts the Oldest Annual Film Festival in Europe
Since 1954, Pula, Croatia, has been hosting the Pula Film Festival. As Europe's oldest annual film festival, it attracts top global celebrities and has grown into an internationally recognized event.
17. Where You’ll Find The Jaguar Underwater Wine Cellar
Between Pula and Rovinj, beneath the Adriatic Sea is an underwater winery. Sea conditions supposedly improve the quality of wine, and here, you can dive right in to visit the underwater cellar where wine bottles age.
18. Home to the World's Biggest Truffle Market
Apart from being the discovery site of the largest truffle, Croatia hosts the world's biggest truffle market. Located in Livade, the market is a heaven for food lovers with a penchant for the unique and delicious fungi.
19. The Oldest Continuously Inhabited City in Europe
Croatia's city, Vinkovci, is considered to be one of Europe's oldest continually inhabited cities. With settlement roots dating back to nearly 8,000 years, the city’s history is rich and varied.
20. Lion Statues That Don’t Roar
Venetian architects sculpted many lion statues in Croatia's Dalmatian cities during the Venetian rule. The lions, symbols of Venice, are shown with closed mouths, meaning they roared in peace, not war, as Venice was a commercial empire. The subtle history behind these statues make them a fascinating insight into the country's past.