From U09885@UICVM.UIC.EDU Fri Nov 5 08:26:19 1999 Date: Thu, 21 Oct 1999 18:25:24 CDT From: "U.S. State Department Country Background Notes" To: DOSBACK@LISTSERV.UIC.EDU Subject: 9910 Croatia Background Note U.S. Department of State Background Notes October 1999 Official Name: Republic of Croatia PROFILE Geography Area: 56,538 sq. km. (slightly smaller than West Virginia). Cities: Capital -- Zagreb (est. pop. 706,770), Split (189,388), Osijek (104,761), Pula (62,378), Sisak (45,792). Terrain: Geographically diverse, flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains. Climate: Continental in the north; Mediterranean in central regions and along the Adriatic coast. People Nationality: Croatian(s) (Hrvat(i)). Population (1999): 4,494,000. Population growth rate (1998 est.): 0.13%. Ethnic groups: Croat 78%, Serb 12%, Muslim 0.9%, Hungarian 0.5%, Slovenian 0.5%, other 8.1%. Religions: Catholic 76.5%, Orthodox 11.1%, Slavic Muslim 1.2%, Protestant 0.4%, others and unknown 10.8%. Language: Croatian. Education: Literacy -- 97%. Health: Infant mortality rate -- 8/1,000. Life expectancy -- male 70.43, female 77.28. Work force (1.4 million total): Industry and mining -- 31.10%. Agriculture -- 4.3%. Government -- 19.1%. Other -- 45.5%. Government Type: Parliamentary democracy. Constitution: Adopted December 22, 1990, amended in 1992. Independence: June 25,1991 (from Yugoslavia). Branches: Executive -- president (chief of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers (cabinet). Legislative -- bicameral People's Assembly (parliament). Judicial -- Supreme Court, Constitutional Court. Political parties: Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ); Social Democratic Party (SDP); Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS); Liberal Party (LS); Istrian Democratic Congress (IDS); Croatian Peasant Party (HSS); Croatian National Party (HNS); Croatian Party of Rights (HSP); Croatian Democratic Union (HKDU); more than 20 other parties registered. Suffrage: Universal at 18, 16 if employed. Flag: The Croatian National flag is a red-white-blue tricolor (arranged horizontally in that order) with the coat of arms (13 red squares and 12 white squares arranged in a 5x5 checkerboard pattern). On top of the coat of arms is a crown composed of 5 regional symbols: the oldest known Croatian coat of arms, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia. Economy GDP: $21.32 billion, 1998; $20.27 billion, 1997. Real GDP growth rate: 2.7%, 1998; 6.5%, 1997. Income per capita (1998): $ 4,663. Unemployment rate (June 1999): 19.5%. Inflation rate: 5.7%, 1998; 3.6%, 1997; 3.5%, 1996. Natural resources: Oil, coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt. Agriculture (10% of GDP, 1996): Wheat, corn, sugar, beets, sunflower seeds, alfalfa, olives, grapes. Industry (20% of GDP): Chemicals and plastics, machine tools, electronics, textiles, aluminum, shipbuilding. Trade (1998): Exports -- $4.54 billion. Major markets -- Italy, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Austria, Russia. Imports -- $8.38 billion. Major suppliers -- Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, France, Russia. Services (55% of GDP): Tourism, transport. U.S.-CROATIAN RELATIONS Croatia declared its independence from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991. The United States opposed the unilateral secession of Croatia and Slovenia, fearing it would lead to war. War broke out between Croatia and the Yugoslav People's Army in the fall of 1991. The European Union recognized Croatia several months later--on January 15, 1992. Largescale fighting ended later that month under a peace plan brokered by former U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. Official relations between the United States and Croatia began on April 7, 1992, when the U.S. recognized Croatia, along with Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the last of the major powers to do so. There was little substance to the relationship at first. Diplomatic relations were not established until August of 1992, and the first U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, Peter Galbraith, did not arrive until June 1993. The U.S. played a supporting role to the European-led peace process in the early 1990s. The situation changed dramatically by 1997. The U.S. took the lead in negotiating and implementing the peaceful reintegration of Croatia's Danubian region (including Krajina, Eastern Slavonia, Baranja, and Western Sirmium). The U.S. and Croatian Governments were in close contact at all levels in an attempt to find a peaceful solution to the region's problems. Lack of early U.S. involvement had upset Croats, but intense U.S. involvement in the implementation of the Dayton and Erdut Agreements led Croatians to complain of too much pressure. The U.S. has, however, continued to vigorously insist upon fulfillment of the terms of the agreements on all sides. U.S. policy in Croatia and the area has centered on promoting the territorial integrity of existing states, the possibility for all refugees and displaced persons to return home, freedom from discrimination on ethnic or religious grounds, the sanctity of private property, and tolerance for democratic dissent. In February 1998, the U.S. presented a Partnership for Peace "road map" outlining specific areas where improved performance was needed. The road map highlights Dayton implementation, democratization, and refugee returns and reconciliation as the main points on which progress must be made. Working to achieve these goals can pave the way to full integration of Croatia into Western political, security, and economic structures. Principal U.S. Embassy Officials Ambassador -- William D. Montgomery Deputy Chief of Mission -- Charles English Political/Economic Counselor -- Kathleen Redgate Commercial Officer -- Patrick Hughes Administrative Officer -- Sylvie Martinez Public Affairs Officer -- Allen Docal HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS The Croats are believed to be a purely Slavic people who migrated from Ukraine, although newer theories hold they may have been nomadic Sarmatians. The Croats settled in present-day Croatia in the 6th century. They were Christianized in the 9th century, but preserved autonomy from Rome until the 1000s. The first King of Croatia, Tomislav, was crowned in 925, having created a sizeable state, including most of Croatia, Slavonia, Dalmatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The state was destroyed by attacks from Bulgarians, Byzantines, Venetians, and Magyars. The 1102 pacta conventa recognized a common king for Croatia and Hungary. The two crowns would remain connected until the end of World War I. After the 1526 Battle of Mohacs, the Hungarian dynasty was extinguished, and Croatian nobility elected the Austrian Ferdinand Habsburg king. During the next 200 years, the Ottoman Empire was a constant threat, and the Military Frontier was created in 1578, an area carved out of Croatia and ruled directly from Vienna. Austria encouraged settlement of Germans, Hungarians, Serbs, and other Slavs in the Military Frontier, creating an ethnic patchwork. The Ottoman Empire was driven out of Hungary and Croatia by the 1700s, and Austria brought the empire under central control. As Austrians pushed germanization and Hungarians magyarization, Croatian nationalism emerged. The Croatian national revival began in the 1830s with the Illyrian Movement. By the 1840s, the movement had moved from cultural goals to resisting Hungarian political demands. In 1868, Croatia was given domestic autonomy, but the governor was appointed by Hungary. Croatian leadership divided between proponents of a South Slav union and supporters of a Greater Croatia. Croatian and Serbian parties began to cooperate in 1905, with the Croato-Serb Coalition. Shortly before the end of World War I, on October 29, 1918, the Croatian Parliament proclaimed Croatia's administrative relations with Austria and Hungary void. The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was created December 1. The Croats were not happy with rule from Belgrade by a Serbian king, however. Croatia gained autonomy in 1939, but the Axis powers dismantled Yugoslavia in 1941. The Croatian radical-right Ustase was brought from Italy and installed as the government of the Independent State of Croatia. Antifascist and communist Croats joined Tito's Partisans. Croatia became part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945. Decentralization in 1965 led to a resurgence of nationalism in the Croatian spring of 1970-71. In 1980, after Tito's death, political and economic difficulties mounted. The federal government began to crumble. Inflation soared, and reforms failed. In 1990, the Croatian Democratic Union won the first free postwar elections on a platform of nationalism, anticommunism, and privatization. Conflict between Serbs and Croats in Croatia escalated, and 1 month after Croatia declared independence June 25, 1991, a civil war fueled by Serbian invasion broke out in Krajina. January 1992 brought a UN-sponsored cease-fire, but hostilities resumed the next year when Croatia fought to regain territory taken by Serbs. A second cease-fire was enacted in May 1993, and Croatia and Yugoslavia signed a joint declaration the next January. In September 1993, however, the Croatian Army led an offensive against the Serb-held "Republic of Krajina." A third cease-fire was signed in March 1994, but it was broken the next May when Croatian forces again attempted to reclaim lost territory. In early August, Croatian forces recaptured Krajina with a major offensive, and some 150,000 Serbs fled the region, many to Serb-held areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ECONOMY In an economy traditionally based on agriculture and livestock, peasants comprised more than half of the Croatian population until after World War II. Pre-1945 industrialization was slow and centered on textile mills, sawmills, brickyards, and food-processing plants. Rapid industrialization and diversification occurred after World War II. Decentralization came in 1965, allowing growth of certain sectors, like the tourist industry. Profits from Croatian industry were used to develop poorer regions in the former Yugoslavia. This, coupled with austerity programs and hyperinflation in the 1980s, led to discontent in both Croatia and Slovenia that fueled the independence movement. Privatization under the new Croatian Government had barely begun when war broke out. As a result of the Croatian war of independence, the economic infrastructure sustained massive damage in the period 1991-92. In 1999, GDP growth has slowed after a period of expansion, and Croatia is facing a recession. This is due mainly to weak consumer demand and a decrease in industrial production. Inflation and unemployment are rising, and the kuna has fallen, prompting the national bank to tighten fiscal policy. A new banking law passed in December 1998 will give the central bank more control over Croatia's 53 remaining commercial banks. Croatia is dependent on international debt to finance the deficit. A recently issued EURO- denominated bond was well received, selling $300 million, which will help offset economic losses from the Kosovo crisis. Despite the successful value-added tax program, planned privatization of state controlled businesses, and a revised budget with a 7% across that board cut in spending, the government still projects a $200 million deficit for 1999. Low inflation and currency stability have been the main economic achievements of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Structural reform has been lagging, however, and problems of payment arrears and a lack of banking supervision continue. The upcoming elections may take HDZ focus off of economic policy. The party has promised two salary increases to public-sector employees before the end of the year which will increase the fiscal deficit. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS Croatian politics will be dominated by the legislative elections that will occur at the end of this year. The ruling party, the Croatian Democratic Union, has experienced a drop in its popularity, as evidenced by recent election polls. This has prompted President Franjo Tudjman to revive national issues. A period of political uncertainty may ensue as a result of HDZ's struggle to hold onto power. They have begun to tighten their reigns on the media and sow division among the opposition. Foreign relations could suffer as the HDZ targets the West in an attempt to reawaken nationalist feelings. This may be especially evident as the U.S. continues to put pressure on Croatia to accelerate the return of Serb refugees. The President of the Republic of Croatia is the head of state and is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term. A president may not serve more than two terms. The presidency is strong, with an extensive veto. He also may issue decrees with the force of law. He appoints the prime minister and the cabinet, a council of ministers that is proposed by the prime minister. The president is the commander in chief of the armed forces. The last election was held June 15, 1997. The next elections must be held by June 2000. The Croatian legislature is the Sabor (parliament), a bicameral body consisting of a Chamber of Deputies and a Chamber of Zupanije (counties). The Chamber of Deputies can have between 100 and 160 deputies, and the Chamber of Counties has 63 members (3 from each county). All representatives are elected for 4-year terms. The Chambers meet in public sessions twice a year -- January 15 to June 30 and September 15 to December 15. The powers of the legislature include enactment and amendment of the constitution; passage of laws; adoption of the state budget; declarations of war and peace; alteration of the boundaries of the Republic; calling referenda; carrying out elections, appointments, and relief of office; supervising the work of the Government of Croatia and other holders of public powers responsible to the Sabor; and granting amnesty. Decisions are made based on a majority vote if more than half of the Chamber is present, except in cases of national rights and constitutional issues. The Supreme Court of the Republic of Croatia is the highest court. Court hearings are open, and judgments are made publicly, except in issues of privacy of the accused. Judges are appointed for life. The High Judiciary Council of the Republic appoints judges. It is a body consisting of a president and 14 members proposed by the Chamber of Counties and elected by the Chamber of Deputies for 8-year terms. The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia decides on the constitutionality of laws and has the right to repeal a law it finds unconstitutional. It also can impeach the president. The body is made up of 11 judges proposed by the Chamber of Counties and elected by the Chamber of Deputies for 8-year terms. The president of the Constitutional Court is elected by the court for a 4-year term. The country is composed of 21 counties (zupanijas). Three representatives from each county are elected to the Chamber of Zupanije. Croatia's military consists of five branches: ground forces, naval forces, air and air defense forces, frontier guard, and home guard. Total active duty members of the armed forces number 56,180, including about 33,500 conscripts. Terms of service are 10 months. Reserves number 220,000. The Croatian military budget was approximately $1.1 billion in 1997 (a little more than 5% of GDP). Principal Government Officials President -- Franjo Tudjman Prime Minister -- Zlatko Matesa Foreign Minister -- Mate Granic Ambassador to the United States -- Miomir Zuzul Ambassador to the United Nations -- Ivan Simonovic The U.S. embassy is located at 2343 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008; Tel: 202-588-5899; Fax: 202-588-8936. Consulates are located in Cleveland, Los Angeles, New York. FOREIGN RELATIONS Croatian foreign policy has focused on gaining access to European and transatlantic institutions, maintaining good relations with its neighbors, and securing close ties with the United States. Relations with the U.S. and the European Union (EU) focus on implementation of the Dayton Accords, Erdut Agreement, ethnic reconciliation, nondiscriminatory facilitation of the return of refugees and displaced persons, and democratization. Croatia has had an uneven record in these areas since 1996, inhibiting its relations with the U.S. and Europe. Improvement in these areas will be necessary to advance Croatia's prospects for further Euro-Atlantic integration. Progress in the areas of Dayton, Erdut, and refugee returns were evident in 1998, but progress was slow and requires intensive international engagement. Thus far, refugee returns have accelerated in 1999. However, unsatisfactory performance, in 1998, in implementing broader democratic reforms still raises questions about the ruling party's commitment to basic democratic principles and norms. Areas that are of concern today include restrictions on freedom of speech, one-party control of public TV and radio, repression of independent media, unfair electoral regulations, a judiciary that is not fully independent, and lack of human and civil rights protection. Relations with neighboring states have normalized somewhat since the breakup of Yugoslavia. Work has begun -- bilaterally and within the new Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe -- on political and economic cooperation in the region. Outstanding issues with neighboring countries include border disputes with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Montenegro. U.S. support to Croatia comes through the Southeastern European Economic Development Program (SEED). In 1998, SEED funding in Croatia totaled $23.25 million. More than half of that money was used to fund programs encouraging sustainable returns of refugees and displaced persons. About one-third of the assistance was used for democratization efforts, and another 5% funded financial sector restructuring. TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION The U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Program provides Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements. Consular Information Sheets exist for all countries and include information on entry requirements, currency regulations, health conditions, areas of instability, crime and security, political disturbances, and the addresses of the U.S. posts in the country. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions overseas which pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. Free copies of this information are available by calling the Bureau of Consular Affairs at 202-647-5225 or via the fax-on-demand system: 202-647-3000. Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings also are available on the Consular Affairs Internet home page: http://travel.state.gov. Consular Affairs Tips for Travelers publication series, which contain information on obtaining passports and planning a safe trip abroad are on the internet and hard copies can be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, telephone: 202-512-1800; fax 202-512-2250. Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647- 5225. For after-hours emergencies, Sundays and holidays, call 202-647- 4000. Passport information can be obtained by calling the National Passport Information Center's automated system ($.35 per minute) or live operators 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) Monday-Friday ($1.05 per minute). The number is 1-900-225-5674 (TDD: 1-900-225-7778). Major credit card users (for a flat rate of $4.95) may call 1-888-362-8668 (TDD: 1-888-498- 3648). It also is available on the internet. Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) and a web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety for regions and countries. A booklet entitled Health Information for International Travel (HHS publication number CDC-95-8280) is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, tel. (202) 512-1800. Information on travel conditions, visa requirements, currency and customs regulations, legal holidays, and other items of interest to travelers also may be obtained before your departure from a country's embassy and/or consulates in the U.S. (for this country, see Principal Government Officials listing in this publication). U.S. citizens who are long-term visitors or traveling in dangerous areas are encouraged to register at the U.S. embassy upon arrival in a country (see Principal U.S. Embassy Officials listing in this publication). This may help family members contact you in case of an emergency. Further Electronic Information Department of State Foreign Affairs Network. Available on the Internet, DOSFAN provides timely, global access to official U.S. foreign policy information. Updated daily, DOSFAN includes Background Notes; daily press briefings; Country Commercial Guides; directories of key officers of foreign service posts; etc. DOSFAN's World Wide Web site is at http://www.state.gov. U.S. Foreign Affairs on CD-ROM (USFAC). Published on an annual basis by the U.S. Department of State, USFAC archives information on the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network, and includes an array of official foreign policy information from 1990 to the present. Contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. To order, call (202) 512-1800 or fax (202) 512-2250. National Trade Data Bank (NTDB). Operated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the NTDB contains a wealth of trade-related information. It is available on the Internet www.stat-usa.gov and on CD-ROM. Call the NTDB Help-Line at (202) 482-1986 for more information.