Independence to present (1995-2026)

After the war, Croatia had to practically rebuild its land and economy. Under President Franjo Tuđman (1990-1999), politics were characterized by nationalism. After his death, a phase of democratization and EU rapprochement began.

The most important milestones:

• 2009: NATO membership
• 2013: EU membership (28th member state)
• 2018: World Cup final in football (silver medal) — a moment that united the entire country
• 2022: Again World Cup semi-final + bronze medal
• January 1, 2023: Double milestone — accession to the Schengen Area (no more border controls) AND the Eurozone (Euro replaces Kuna). A blessing for tourists: no currency exchange, no border queues
• 2024: The Pelješac Bridge connects the south of Croatia for the first time without detour through Bosnia

Today, Croatia is a stable EU state with an economy heavily dependent on tourism (about 20% of GDP). However, the population is shrinking alarmingly — many young Croatians emigrate to Ireland, Germany, or Austria (EU freedom of movement). From 4.4 million inhabitants in 1991, only ~3.86 million remain.