Zadar County is one of seven Croatian littoral counties situated in the very centre of the Adriatic coast. The total area of the County is 7.486,91 km2. The land area is 3.641,91 km2, the sea area is 3.845,00 km2 and the island surface area is 587,6 km2. Geographically, it is situated in such a way that it comprises the northern Dalmatian coast and the hinterland Ravni Kotari and Bukovica. From Lika and Croatian continental part it is sharply separated by the high massive of mountain Velebit, which has determined its development for centuries. Today, this separation is felt significantly less because of Sveti Rok tunnel passing through the mountain. The Zadar County therefore has, according to its geo-traffic position, a key position in linking the northern and southern part of Croatia.
There are 6 towns and 28 municipalities in the Zadar County, with 179.186 inhabitants, according to the results of the 2011 census. The largest city and administrative centre of the county is Zadar – 3.000 years old, the fifth largest city in Croatia. Zadar is also educational and economic centre of the region. Millennia of existence and perseverance of this city are evident in its cultural heritage through which the most valuable pages of Croatian history are written. The University of Zadar testifies that fact, since it is established as successor of the Dominican University founded in ancient 1396. The total area of the county is half land and half sea. That is a definite indicator of the maritime orientation of the region, primarily in economic terms. The headquarters of the largest shipping company in Croatia – Tankerska plovidba – is also in Zadar, and the Zadar County is at the forefront of fishing and mariculture, the economic branches with the largest share in regional exports.
Two national parks, three parks of nature and numerous protected natural areas surround Zadar County. Due to the natural beauties and richness of the cultural and historic heritage, the main economic branch in development of Zadar County is tourism and its complementary activities. Although primarily known to boaters, the tourist product of Zadar County is particular favourite for tourists who desire an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere and family vacations.
The development of tourism is closely related to agriculture. Ravni Kotari, with their central geographical position in Zadar County, forms 30 % of total arable surface of Dalmatia. In addition to the fertile soil, the favourable Mediterranean climate, rich water resources and enviable environmental conditions also have a significant role in the development of agriculture. For years, we have protected its natural and cultural heritage, and today we have the privilege of enjoying our ancestors’ heritage within preserved environment.
We believe that these basic pieces of information regarding the Zadar County will be an encouragement for future business partners and motivation for visitors to explore the natural potentials, the cultural and historical heritage and gastronomy of this region, and for an encounter with well-known hospitality of local inhabitants.
