Some Interesting Facts About Croatia

#1--Croatia Ruled!

Between the 14th century and 1808 Dubrovnik was the capital of a country known as the Republic of Ragusa, an independent state empowered by its location on the sea. However, it declined as a country in 1667 when an earthquake killed more than 5000 of its citizens. Then in 1699 the republic sold some of its territory to the Ottomans to prevent Venetian forces from crossing its borders. The land sold at that time is still owned by Bosnia and Herzegovina today and divides the Croatian coast. (Scroll down or click on Bosnia Herzegovina Coast on the sidebar index to read more about this area.)

In 1806, the French took control of the weakened Dubrovnik republic, and in 1815 the Habsburg Empire overthrew the French.

#2--Croatia Recognized the new U.S.
In 1776--When Dubrovnik was an independent republic--it was one of the first countries to recognize the United States as a country!

#3--Dubrovnik Suffered
Between 1348 and 1691, Dubrovnik suffered from 18 epidemics of the plague. Then in 1667 the city was terribly damaged by an earthquake. This has led most historians to believe that there were never more than 30,000 residents in the city before this time. Scroll down or click on Dubrovnik--City by the Sea to read about the Lazareti (a quarantine facility).

#4--Did Brac Provide White house Stone?
I have found a number of travel sites that explain that the stone used in the White house (the President's official home in the U.S. capital of Washington D.C.) came from the Island of Brac. But U.S. sites explain that the stone for the White house came from Maryland and Virginia. I think I'd bet on the local stone considering the new United States had limited funds and had just declared its independence from European control. I think this is a false rumor that somehow gained validity. If any of my readers can verify the Brac stone connection, please leave a comment.

#5--Dalmatian Dogs
Although there has been some disagreement* about the history of the Dalmatian dog, Croatia is officially recognized as the dog's country of origin.
The Dalmatian is known for it's white coat with black spots, its hunting ability and its role as a coach or carriage dog. A sad but interesting fact about this breed is that10% of Dalmatian puppies are born deaf which means they cannot be trained.
Have you ever wondered why Dalmatians are often firehouse mascots in U.S. firehouses? This started because Dalmatians were frequently used in early firehouses to guide the horse-drawn fire wagons, help rescue people in burning buildings, and guard the firehouse. They are especially suited for these tasks and showed their bravery and skill in the firehouse. Therefore, they are often chosen by modern firehouses as mascots.
* Some of the disagreement came from the fact that Dalmatian breeding was first popular in Great Britain.

#6--Inventors of the Tie
At the height of their cultural influence, the Croatians invented the neck tie and made it popular. The French coined the fashion expression "a la croate" which evolved into the French word for the tie--la cravate--still used in France today. In Croatia the tie is similarly called cravat. Imagine that, men! Were it not for a Croatian, you'd never have to mess with that tie!


#7--Croatian Money--The Kuna
Many places in Croatia accept both euros and kuna, but the official currency of Croatia is the Kuna. The Kuna is named for a small rodent whose pelts were once used as a unit of trade. (The English name for the kuna is marten.) The first mention of the Kuna in literature was in 1018 and the first recorded use of a kuna coin was in 1256.
See Currency Converter on the side bar.