It is a privilege to serve as Croatia's Ambassador to the United States at a time when our nations confront the challenges of the 21st century.  Croatia is a country rich in history, culture and beauty. Croatians are warm, friendly people with a special appreciation for the United States and Americans. This appreciation is reflected best in the words of one of Croatia's greatest poets Antun Gustav Matos. In 1906 Matos affirmed that "America is presently the most important factor in the creation of Croatian democracy, the best school of Croatian vitality."  Croatians want Americans to know more about our country. We want you to visit us, to make Croatia the choice investment in Europe, and grow with us as social and economic partners, sharing common values, ideas and visions.  In an effort to nurture the expanding partnership between Croatia and the United States, the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia has compiled and published "Croatia and USA: 1996 and Beyond." You will find in this brochure glimpses of life in Croatia—from an economy promising to be one of the most vibrant in Europe to the splendor of the Croatian coastline and the elegant delight of Croatian wines.  This brochure also contains an overview of diplomatic relations between Croatia and the United States and a description of the services that our Embassy offers, such as consular affairs. Further, we profile Croatians who are accomplished in the arts, international sports, and business.  I am confident about Croatia's strengths and the wisdom of our approach toward integration into the Western community of democracies. Croatia emerged as an independent state under the leadership of President Dr. Franjo Tudjman, who had a vision, a grasp of the present and of the possibilities of the future. In the field of Croatia-U.S. relations, there are many opportunities to broaden and deepen the structure of our relations. Croatia wants to be a strong partner in Europe and transatlantic institutions. We want to further develop the economic opportunities that our two nations offer each other.  I will continue to build on the work of my predecessors: Dr. Frane Golem who worked tirelessly to promote Croatia's interests in the United States as the first Croatian representative in America; and Ambassador Dr. Petar Sarcevic, the frst Croatian Ambassador to the United States, who laid the solid foundations of Croatia-U.S. relations. I also look forward to working closely with the Croatian American community, which has made enormous contributions to developing the United States. Croatian Americans have continuously maintained their links with Croatia and we will continue to strengthen those ties. Croatian Americans provided immeasurable support and assistance at crucial moments in Croatia's history. They stood up and their voices were heard when Croatia struggled for independence and international recognition. For their determination and commitment, Croatia will eternally be grateful. I thank you on behalf of all Croatians everywhere for your interest in our country, for your friendship, and for your ongoing support of Croatia. I am hopeful that this brochure will help you understand Croatia and entice you to contribute further to strengthening the indispensable partnership between our two nations as we move into the new millennium. Dr. Miomir Zuzul Croatian Ambassador to the United States