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Converted to Roman Catholicism in the 7th century, the Croats established an independent kingdom during the 10th century, while the Serbs opted for the Eastern Orthodoxy of the Byzantine Empire, culminating in the Great Schism of 1054. In 1089, so-called Inner Croatia came under the control of Hungary and then the Habsburg Empire, and remained so for eight centuries, while the larger part of Dalmatia was variously controlled by the Byzantines, Venice and Austria. In 1529, following the defeat of the Hungarians by the Ottoman Turks, the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires divided Hungary’s territories, thereby creating a militarised border in Croatia between the Islamic and Christian worlds, running roughly along the present border between Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Serbs settled in areas of Croatia known as Krajina (border lands), the source of much Croat-Serb conflict thereafter.
During the inter-war period, a highly unitary Serb-dominated state was created, worsening Croat-Serb conflict, which was exploited by the Nazis, after the Axis dismemberment of Yugoslavia in 1941. A so-called ‘Independent State of Croatia’ was established in Zagreb, which included the whole of nearby Bosnia & Herzegovina, and was ruled by the indigenous fascist Ustasa movement. This state adopted a tripartite policy of genocide, forcible conversion to Catholicism and deportation against the Serbs under its control. The particular brutality of this regime has, in the eyes of many, tainted Croat nationalism ever since.
Following the Communist takeover of 1945, Croatia became a constituent republic of the new Yugoslav federation led by Josip Broz Tito who, although himself an ethnic Croat, opposed any expression of Croatian nationalism. Thus, in 1971, a mass movement (Maspok) that favoured just such a nationalist revival in Croatia was crushed by Tito, with the aid of the federal Yugoslav National Army (JNA). However, Croatian nationalism grew once again, following Tito’s death in 1980 and the decline of the Yugoslav regime under the unwieldy collective presidency.
By 1995, with discreet external support and an alliance of convenience with the Bosnian Muslims, the Croats were ready to take on the Serbs. Within days, their surprise military action forced the Serbs into seeking a political settlement. This duly emerged in the Dayton Accord of November 1995, of which Croatia was a clear beneficiary.
In February 2000, the presidential election was won by Stipe Mesic, representing the HNS, a member of the governing coalition. Along with a new Prime Minister, social democrat Ivica Racan, Croatia has since adopted a more conciliatory, less strident approach both at home and abroad. Treating with the Hague tribunal remains a delicate issue: even limited cooperation has sparked ministerial resignations. Croatia has a berth on the fast track to EU membership. A formal application was submitted and accepted in February 2003. Croatia may therefore be able to join with the batch of candidate countries scheduled for entry around 2007/8, which includes Bulgaria and Romania: Croatia’s economy is in better condition than either of those, but the Hague tribunal problem has to be resolved once and for all. Within the Balkans, steady progress has been made in improving relations with both Bosnia and Serbia & Montenegro.
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Culture, art, and many traditions of Croatia were influenced by the different ethnicities and backgrounds of its people. For example, the coastal areas were always greatly influenced by Italy and Italian art, since these areas of the country were once a part of the Roman Empire. Other areas in the country's inland experienced the influence of the neighboring countries, such as Austria, Hungary, and central Europe.
That influence can be found in Croatia almost everywhere: architecture, language, religion, etc. Many cities and towns of Croatia, including Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Split, and others, feature a great mix of architectural styles from the ruins of ancient Roman palaces to medieval castles, Goth churches, and modern eclectic buildings. One of the districts in Dubrovnik -Stari Grad (Old Town)- is one such place and is considered by many as one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia.
Croatians love holidays and festivities. There are many festivals celebrated throughout the country almost year-round, like jazz festivals in Zagreb in spring and pop music festivals and Croatian music festivals in Dubrovnik in summer. Zagreb also hosts several international festivals, such as the International Festival of Animation, the International Folklore Festival, and EUROKAZ, a European theatre festival.
Croatian folk music, just like other things in the country, developed under the influence by different styles. The "kolo" is a Slavic round dance popular in Croatia usually accompanied by Roma-style violin or tambura, a Croatian mandolin. The guitar music, very popular in Croatia, has a very clear Italian flavor.
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