Croatia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes. The country is located in southeastern Europe, on the Adriatic Sea. The official language is Croatian, and the capital is Zagreb.
The history of Croatia dates back to the 7th century, when the Croats arrived in the region. Throughout the centuries, Croatia has been ruled by various powers, including the Romans, Byzantines, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Croatia became a republic in 1991, after declaring independence from Yugoslavia.
One of the most popular destinations in Croatia is the Dalmatian Coast, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. The city of Dubrovnik, located on the coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and old town. Another notable city is Split, known for its impressive Diocletian's Palace, which was built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by its neighbors, such as Italy and Turkey. Some of the most famous Croatian dishes include cevapi, which are grilled sausages, pašticada, a slow-cooked beef dish, and crni rižot, a black risotto made with squid ink.
In addition to its beautiful cities and cuisine, Croatia is also known for its national parks. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most popular, with its cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes. Another popular park is Krka National Park, known for its numerous waterfalls and vibrant flora and fauna.
The fortified city of Dubrovnik, surrounded by its medieval walls, has played a significant role in Croatian history. In 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, the city was shelled by Serbian and Montenegrin forces, causing significant damage to the city's historic buildings. However, in recent years, the city has been beautifully restored and is once again a popular tourist destination.
Croatia is a stunning country with a rich history, beautiful cities, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It's no wonder it has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
Activity 1: Read the text and answer the questions:
What is the capital city of Croatia?
What are the two main regions of Croatia?
What is "klasika" in Croatia?
Which city in Croatia is known for its medieval architecture and ancient city walls?
What is the name of the national park in Croatia that has a system of waterfalls?
What is "pršut" and "pašticada" in Croatia?
Activity 2. Match the words with the correct definitions:
heritage
independence
squid ink
waterfall
damage
A. A feature of the natural landscape where water flows rapidly down from a high point
B. A substance extracted from squid that is used as a coloring and flavoring in food
C. The preservation of culture, traditions, or historical landmarks of a particular group or region
D. Harm or injury that impairs the value or usefulness of something
E. The state of being free from the control, influence, or support of others
Activity 3: Further reading - Go online and find interesting things about Croatia in order to answer these questions:
Trivia questions about Croatia:
Which famous ancient Roman emperor was born in Croatia?
What is the name of the fortified city in Croatia that is protected by UNESCO?
Which famous TV series was filmed in the city of Dubrovnik?
What is the name of the Croatian island that is known for its beautiful beaches and nightlife?
Which famous waterfall is located in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia?
What is the name of the Croatian scientist who discovered the alternating current (AC)?
Which Croatian musician is known as the "Queen of Sevdah"?
Which Croatian city is known for its unique architecture and is often called the "city of truffles"?
What is the name of the traditional Croatian a cappella singing style that is protected by UNESCO?
Which famous writer was inspired by the island of Vis in Croatia and wrote one of his most famous plays there?