Croatia Might See its Population Size Shrink to 3.5 million by Decade's End
ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - Demographers Ivo Turk and Ivan Čipin warned on Friday that Croatia's population might decline to 3.5 million by the end of the decade, after the latest census revealed the largest decrease in the population size compared with other census periods.
Croatia has a population of 3.89 million, which is 9.25 per cent fewer than in 2011, according to the initial results of the 2021 census released by the National Bureau of Statistics (DZS) on Friday.
Turk noted that in the last 10 years Croatia had lost population faster than in any previous census period.
Croatia's population had been on the decline all along, with the 2011 census showing a drop of 3.4 per cent compared with 2001 and the 2001 census recording a decline of 7.25 per cent compared with 1991.
Turk said that these negative indicators were not the worst thing, adding that "it is yet to be seen what the age and gender structure of the population is."
The DZS published only the data on the population size by town and county, while more detailed statistics, including those on the age structure, will be released at a later date.
Turk said that the data on the age structure are expected to show an even greater number of elderly people (those aged 60 and above) because it is young people who are assumed to have emigrated from the country.
"Further population ageing will have negative repercussions for the birth rate," he stressed.
Čipin said that these results were expected and that the trend in the population decline might accelerate.
"If the present trend continues, the number of inhabitants might fall below 3.5 million much sooner than projected by Eurostat and the UN, already before the end of this decade," he said.
Čipin said that the negative birth rate (a larger number of deaths than births) would continue in the next decade and that it was not realistic to expect a reversal of this trend.
Low fertility and emigration as symptoms of social problems
Čipin said the record-high negative difference between births and deaths in the last two years was solely due to the considerable increase in deaths during the pandemic, "while the number of births stayed more or less the same in the last five years, at 36,000 on average."
There is only one demographic process we can rely on if we wish to slow down or turn depopulation around - migration, he added.
"We should not expect any significant increase in births, not even if we reach 40,000 births per year. We can't significantly reduce the number of deaths below 50,000. But the government can impact migration and the politicians in power should decide how to do it."
Before that, it is necessary to make serious demographic, economic and other analyses, Čipin said, adding that emigration should not be treated solely as a "problem that should be solved" but as a symptom of social problems. "Only when we start solving them can we expect even partial demographic revitalisation."
Čipin said Croatia reached a population peak in 1990 and 1991 at 4.78 million, adding that it was very difficult to expect to reach those numbers ever again, at least this century.
Turk, whose work focuses on the population of Croatia's peripheral parts, said one of the biggest problems was the dying out of those as well as of the rural parts of the country.
Lika-Senj County has a population density of less than ten per square kilometre, he noted.
Vukovar-Srijem County is dying out, too, yet Croatia should have a strong demographic policy there, strategically set and long term, Turk said.
Peripheral regions require central functions in order for people to move there, he said, adding that no one would come to live in Lika because it was beautiful if they had no job opportunities there.
Demographic policy should be above party and government
Croatia needs a demographic policy which is above party and government, one with continuity, irrespective of changes of government, Turk said. "A long-term strategic plan needs to be made. It shouldn't be partisan or political. Experts should be influential."
At present, there is no quick fix for a demographic revival because nothing in demography can be fixed overnight, he said, adding that the first results would be visible only in 20 or 30 years.
A solution lies in the return of young expats, Turk said.
Seven Croatian Hotels Hold the ''HolidayCheck Special Award''
January 14, 2022 - The largest independent travel web portal in Germany, HolidayCheck, has recognized seven Croatian hotels with the HolidayCheck Special Award for their top-quality offer, service, and great reviews from guests.
HolidayCheck provides reservations based on guest reviews, as well as up-to-date information on destinations around the world.
All hotels have to meet a series of strict criteria in order to enter the competition for the award. One of the stricter conditions for winning this award was the high level of recommendations of hotel visitors, which exceeds 90 percent. The survey was conducted based on 360,000 reviews of 2021 vacations, and a total of 619 hotels in 27 countries boast this recognition.
According to HrTurizam, seven Croatian hotels that have been recognized with the "HolidayCheck Special Award": Hotel Plaza Duće, Miramar in Opatija, Valamar Padova on Rab, Bretanide Sport & Wellness Resort in Bol on Brač, Valamar Parentino in Poreč, Aminess Maestral in Novigrad, and in seventh place is the Plaza Hotel in Omiš.
“This award is a great achievement for the entire team of the Aminess Maestral Hotel, without which such success would not have been possible. We want to provide our guests with an unforgettable holiday experience and service at the highest possible level at all times. We are proud that our guests recognized and rewarded it. Each of their praises encourages us to be even better", said the director of Aminess Maestral Hotel Mateo Žiković and added that with this important award, the travel company Aminess and Aminess Maestral Hotel once again confirmed that their service guaranteed to every guest is extremely high.
Aminess facilities have won a number of prestigious awards and recognitions that testify to their top-quality offer, service, and high guest satisfaction.
Under the Aminess brand, there are hotels, campsites, and villas of high category in Novigrad in Istria, Krk, Korčula, Pelješac, and recently in Makarska. It is a total of 13 hotels, 4 camps with more than 450 mobile homes, 92 apartments, and 80 villas, which can accommodate more than 13,000 guests daily.
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.
Denmark Congratulates Croatia on 30 Years Since International Recognition
ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - The Danish Embassy congratulated Croatia on Friday on 30 years since international recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In cooperation with the Zagreb design studio Beton, the embassy presented a Danish-Croatian logo as a sign of partnership and friendship which will be used for all embassy activities in Croatia this year.
The logo is a symbolic platform on which we wish to additionally strengthen our relations. Most projects will be related to sustainable development and the green transition, such as the Green Together exhibition, as well as the common historical and recent links in arts and culture, Ambassador Ole Frijs-Madsen said, per an embassy press release.
I congratulate Croatia on this day and I congratulate it on its strength and perseverance to achieve the goals set long ago despite all the challenges this beautiful country faced in the last 30 years. We Danes love to look to the future and always look for new solutions for a better and more prosperous life, the ambassador said.
I am extremely pleased to be in Croatia at a time when there have never been more possibilities for cooperation. One of the main paths in strengthening our relations is the development of technologies in sustainability and green energy, to which we committed under the Paris Agreement and at the recent COP26 conference in Glasgow, he added.
Croatia and Denmark established diplomatic relations on 15 January 1992.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark visited Croatia with her husband in 2014, including Solin, after which an agreement was signed on digitalising the legacy of Danish archaeologist Ejnar Dygge, who was researching the ancient Roman city of Salona.
Direct Railway Line Between Bjelovar and Split Will Start this Summer
January 14, 2022 - The Bjelovar-Bilogora County has managed to reach an agreement with HŽPP, and Bjelovar will be connected to the Adriatic by a direct railway line for the first time from July 1st, this year.
The seasonal tourist train will run once a day on the route Osijek-Virovitica-Bjelovar-Zagreb-Split, reports HrTurizam.
It will depart from Osijek at 8 pm, in Bjelovar at 11.35 pm, and at its final destination in Split it should arrive at 8.42 am. Return from Split is planned every day at 22.06 hours, the train would arrive in Bjelovar at 8.11 hours, and in Osijek at 11.36 hours. The line will run until August 27.
"The direct railway line that will connect Bjelovar to the Adriatic for the first time is the result of our efforts and talks we started last autumn. We are extremely pleased with the agreement reached with HŽPP and consider it important progress in connecting Bjelovar with other parts of Croatia," said the prefect Marko Marušić, who talked with the representatives of HŽPP about the better connection of Bjelovar with Zagreb and the possibility of introducing a student train from Bjelovar to Zagreb.
Namely, children and students of primary and secondary schools will be able to travel for free, in accordance with the Conclusion of the Government of the Republic of Croatia on the introduction of a pilot project of free public rail transport, which is in force until the end of this year.
Recall, this pilot project includes unlimited daily train journeys from the place of residence to the place of schooling and occasional trips, such as day trips, trips to the doctor, on vacations and other trips in the 2nd class of regular trains.
If you want to learn more about train travel in Croatia, be sure to check Total Croatia's guide HERE. Now available in your language!
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.
Associations of Persons with Disabilities Satisfied with Set of Bills, Says MP
ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - The federation of associations of disabled persons in Croatia is satisfied with the final bills on social welfare whereby the monthly disability allowance has been raised from HRK 1,500 (€200) to HRK 1,750 (€233), and the means test has been abolished for eligibility to this entitlement.
Presenting the changes, lawmaker Ljubica Lukačić on Friday explained that the abolishment of the means tests to be eligible for the disability allowance would enable all disabled people, regardless of whether they are employed or receive pensions, to be entitled to the monthly disability allowance.
Currently, 40,000 people are eligible for the disability allowance, and the new law will encompass all people with disabilities, Lukačić said at a news conference held by the federation of associations of disabled persons in Zagreb.
She said that this and some other legislative amendments would improve the quality of life of the disabled.
The head of the Blind Persons' Association, Vojin Perić, told the news conference that a civilisation headway was made with the recognition of the potential, values and skills of persons with disabilities.
It is impossible to annul the effects of disabilities but one can try to minimise them, said Perić, thanking the prime minister and the government for their support in this regard.
The federation's vice president, Marica Mirić, also expressed satisfaction with the set of final bills that would help the disabled to be more included in society.
Presenting the social welfare bill and another six bills in the set that will overhaul the sectors of foster care, psychotherapy services, psychological services and other rehabilitation services and introduce some new services, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Josip Aladrović said on Thursday that housing allowances for people in need and people with disabilities would be increased.
Furthermore, a list of persons who can be awarded the status of carers will be extended.
The scope of persons who can be granted the status of carers will be expanded under the new laws, which will make it possible for more and more children with disabilities and disabled adults to remain in their own homes and thus make institutionalisation rates lower, he added.
Intensive Works on Split's Integrated Emergency Services Complex Underway
ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - Regional Development and EU Funds Minister Nataša Tramišak and the director of the Split University Hospital Centre (KBC Split), Julije Meštrović, on Friday visited the construction site of the future Integrated Emergency Services (IES), where building works are being carried out intensively.
The minister said that the works are going on according to the plan and the first stage is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.
Tramišak revealed that KBC Split has plans and is preparing documents for other strategic projects, including the construction of a new hospital building and that EU funds have been secured for this.
Apart from the IES complex, the officials today also discussed the plans for a Regional Transfusion Centre, which is another large-scale project being co-financed with the European Union's funds.
Dr Meštrović highlighted good cooperation that makes it possible for these projects to develop well.
The IES project is valued at HRK 70 million (€9.3 million) with more than HRK 30 million (€4 million) having been secured from EU funds. The project is being financed through the 2014-2020 Competitiveness and Cohesion operational programme, and the project is due to be completed until the end of 2023. The project involves investments in infrastructure at the existing premises as well as medical and other equipment.
The second large-scale project, the Regional Transfusion Centre, which too, is being financed from the same operational programme, is estimated at HRK 54 million (€7.4 million) with HRK 31 million being provided by the EU and will be implemented until August 2023. The centre will include a blood bank that can collect 30,000 doses of blood and blood products with 12,000 doses taken at the centre itself and 18,000 taken in the field.
Croatia's Population has Shrunk by Close to 19% in Last 30 Years
ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - Over the past 30 years, since it gained independence, Croatia has lost 895,736 residents or close to 19% of its population, show data from the national statistical office (DZS).
The size of the population has been shrinking since 1991 when the country had a population of 4,784,265, and in 2021, according to data of the census conducted that year, it had a population of 3,888,529.
This means that in the 30 years of its independence, Croatia has lost 18.7% of its population.
In 2001 the country had a population of 4,437,460 and in 2011 4,284,889.
In the decades before 1991, the number of residents grew, and in 1981 a total of 4,601,469 people lived in Croatia while in 1971 Croatia had a population of 4,426,221.
Croatia has not had such a low number of residents as the latest census shows, since the population census of 1948, when it had a population of 3,779,858.
Homeland Movement Says Census Shows Croatia Perishing
ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - Opposition Homeland Movement party deputy leader Mario Radić said on Friday that the results of the latest census showed that Croatia was perishing, with the largest population drops having been registered in peripheral counties due to lack of any state policy for those areas.
"Everything that has been happening to us, all the scandals - JANAF, Krš-Pađene, HNB - are resulting in Croatia's going to ruin and the only thing we are doing is trying to prove who is less responsible for it," Radić told a news conference, stressing that two parties (HDZ and SDP) had ruled Croatia and should therefore be held to account.
The first results of the 2021 census show that Croatia has a population of 3,888,529.
Radić recalled that in the 2011 census Croatia had 4.281 million people, noting that the current number of 3.88 million was a drop of around half a million.
Figures almost identical with those from the 1948 census
Radić noted that in 1991 Croatia had a population of 4.78 million, and that compared to that, the latest figure was a drop of almost 900,000. He said that the 1948 census showed an almost identical number of residents, 3.75 million.
As for the drop in the size of the population in individual counties, Radić said that the City of Zagreb did not have a decrease owing to internal migrations. He said that peripheral counties were the ones with the largest declines in the number of residents because there was no state policy to keep the population in those areas.
Homeland Movement MP Stipo Mlinarić of Vukovar said that the large population decreases in Slavonia were due to the HDZ's Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem project as there was no strategy for rural areas or improvement of life in those areas.
Croatian Census 2021: Only 3 Cities Now with 100,000+ Inhabitants
January 14, 2022 - More on the Croatian census 2021, as the pace of emigration in Osijek means that there are now only three Croatian cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants.
As previously reported on TCN, the Central Bureau of Statistics published the first results of the 2021 census in the morning. Index.hr has some further information from the Croatian census 2021 regarding the cities in Croatia.
The results contain data on the total number of enumerated persons and on the total number of inhabitants, households and housing units at the level of the Republic of Croatia, level 2 statistical regions, counties, cities, municipalities and settlements. Croatia lost 396,360 people in 10 years. Only three cities have more than 100,000 inhabitants - Zagreb, Split and Rijeka.
Osijek fell below 100,000 inhabitants
The fourth largest city in Croatia is still Osijek, but it has fallen below 100,000 inhabitants - now there are 96,848. In 2011, Osijek had 108,048 inhabitants. Rijeka lost 14.6 percent of its population, and Split 13.7 percent.
The ten largest cities in Croatia are: Zagreb (769,944 inhabitants), Split (161,312 inhabitants), Rijeka (108,622 inhabitants), Osijek (96,848 inhabitants), Zadar (70,829 inhabitants), Velika Gorica (61,198 inhabitants), Pula (52,411 inhabitants), Slavonski Brod (50,039 inhabitants), Karlovac (49,594 inhabitants) and Varaždin (43,999 inhabitants).
A historical demographic catastrophe
The population of Croatia has been declining since 1991, when it had a population of 4,784,265. In the decades before that year, the population grew: in 1981 there were 4,601,469 inhabitants in Croatia, in 1961 4,159,696, in 1953 3,936,022, in 1948 3,779,858, and in 1931 3,430,270 inhabitants.
Since the 1948 census, Croatia has not recorded such a low number. Since 1991, it has lost 895,736 inhabitants, almost all of Zagreb. In the last ten years, ie since the last census, which was held in 2011, 396,360 inhabitants have been lost, almost 10%.
The real population is probably smaller
In reality, this number is even lower because many were counted, although they work abroad most of the year, and some may have moved away altogether, but their families are still counted in Croatia. All parts of Croatia have lost inhabitants, mostly Slavonia.
There is no county in Croatia that has recorded population growth. Vukovar-Srijem lost almost every fifth inhabitant (more than 19%), Sisak-Moslavina and Brod-Posavina 17.53%, and the smallest decline was in Zagreb, Dubrovnik-Neretva and Zadar counties.
Croatia's Coronavirus Update: 8,555 New Cases, 32 Deaths
ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - In the last 24 hours, Croatia has performed 17,926 coronavirus tests, and 48% of them, or 8,555 have returned positive, while the infection has taken 32 more lives, raising the COVID-related death toll to 13,038, the country's COVID-19 crisis management team reproted on Friday.
There are currently 55,789 active cases of the infection in the country, including 1,710 hospitalised patients of whom 205 are on ventilators.
Since the first registered case of the infection with the novel virus in Croatia in late February 2020, 802,745 cases of the disease have been reported so far, and 733,918 people have recovered from it, including 8,234 recoveries in the last 24 hours.
As many as 3.96 million tests for SARS-CoV-2 have been conducted to date.
So far, 56.11% of the total population have been vaccinated against COVID-19, or 66.81% of adult Croatians.
