Contemporary Croatia is a land of contrasts and contradictions: Primitive Stone Age settlements, glittering seaside resorts, vestiges of Greek and Roman antiquity, pristine natural wonders, and newly cosmopolitan cities all coexist in a framework of geographic and cultural diversity. Croatia is famous and infamous: It is a popular sun-drenched tourist destination and, at the same time, an ethnic battlefield that was the site of one of the most vicious European wars in modern times.
Despite serial invasions by foreign nations, Croatia successfully protected its heritage and kept it alive in its citizens' hearts and homes. Modern Croats are fiercely independent survivors, who have again and again emerged from ethnic conflicts and foreign occupations to reassert their national identity.
Fortunately, Croatia's wars are in the past and the newly vibrant nation is facing the 21st century poised to embrace progress, global commerce, tourism, and independence as it pushes forward to claim a place in the European Union.
To understand how far Croatia has come and to find the source of its strength, look to the Croatian people. Shared hardship and fierce solidarity are the catalysts that make the Croatians eager to proclaim their heritage after having spent much of the last thousand years or so anticipating war, at war, or recovering from war. Contemporary Croatia is confidently racing toward prosperity, shaking off its underdog image as it focuses on the future and builds on its past.
