Dalmatian
This spotted dog breed takes its name from Dalmatia, a coastal region of Croatia where it has been kept for centuries as a carriage dog and firehouse companion.
Flag of Croatia
Field Report
Croatia is a small country in southern Europe, tucked along the Adriatic Sea where the continent begins to stretch toward the Middle East. It is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, and Bosnia, and its jagged coastline is dotted with hundreds of islands that shimmer in clear blue water. Most Croatians identify as Roman Catholic, but many have never heard the gospel explained in a personal and life-changing way, which is why missionaries and local believers are working to share the truth about Jesus across the country.
From the Field Notebook
Dalmatian
This spotted dog breed takes its name from Dalmatia, a coastal region of Croatia where it has been kept for centuries as a carriage dog and firehouse companion.
Griffon Vulture
The rocky cliffs of the island of Cres are home to one of Europe's last large colonies of griffon vultures, whose wingspans can stretch nearly three meters wide.
Olm
This pale, blind salamander lives entirely underground in the cave streams of Croatia and can survive without food for up to ten years.
Peka
Meat and vegetables are slow-cooked under a heavy iron or clay bell buried in glowing embers, giving the dish a deep, smoky tenderness that families gather around for Sunday meals.
Burek
Flaky pastry spirals filled with minced meat or cheese are sold warm from bakeries across Croatia and make a filling breakfast or midday snack.
Fritule
These small, round fried dough balls flavored with citrus zest and brandy are a beloved treat during the Christmas season and winter festivals.
Croatia is home to Dubrovnik, a walled medieval city so well-preserved that its stone streets and sea-facing ramparts look nearly the same as they did 500 years ago.
The necktie, worn by millions of people around the world today, traces its origin to Croatian soldiers in the 1600s who tied scarves around their necks — the word 'cravat' comes from the word 'Croat.'
Croatia has more than 1,200 islands along its Adriatic coastline, though fewer than 50 of them have people living on them year-round.
The country is roughly shaped like a crescent or boomerang, meaning some parts of Croatia are closer to neighboring countries than they are to other parts of Croatia.
Nikola Tesla, the inventor whose work made modern electrical systems possible, was born in 1856 in a village in what is now Croatia.
Daily Life
78
Years life expectancy
98%
Can read and write
88%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Croatia is home to 17 distinct people groups — 3 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
Most Croatia's people follow Christianity (92.3%). Less than 1% of people in Croatia are Evangelical Christians.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Bosniak
23,000 people
Deaf
6,500 people
Jewish, Croatian-speaking
1,600 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.