The Republic of Croatia is a European country situated along the Adriatic Sea and its hinterland. It stretches from the slopes of the Alps and deep into the Pannonian Valley to the banks of the Danube and Drava rivers.

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Thus according to its natural characteristics, as well as its cultural and historical development, Croatia can be divided into three geographically distinct zones: the Coastal region, the Mountain region, and the Pannonian region.

The area of Croatia is 21,830 sq. miles (56,538 sq km), approximately the size of West Virginia. Croatia's population, which totals 4,784,265 according to the 1991 census, is predominantly Roman Catholic.