Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. It is located in the north of the country along the Sava River and at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb is close to the border with Slovenia and sits at an elevation of about 158 meters above sea level. As of the 2021 census, the city itself has a population of 767,131 people, with over 1 million living in the Zagreb metropolitan area.

The history of Zagreb dates back to Roman times, with the oldest settlement nearby called Andautonia. The name "Zagreb" first appeared in 1134, referring to a settlement founded in 1094. In 1242, Zagreb became a free royal city, and in 1851, Janko Kamauf served as its first mayor. Today, Zagreb has special administrative status and is divided into 17 city districts, ranging from low-lying areas along the Sava River valley to foothills of the Medvednica mountain.

Zagreb plays a key role in Croatia as the center of government, economy, and culture. It is home to the central government, administrative bodies, and most government ministries. The city is also a major transport hub where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe connect. Zagreb’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in high-tech industries and services. The city is known for its high quality of living, many museums, and many sporting and entertainment events.

Name

The name Zagreb has an unclear origin. It has been used for the city since the 12th century, especially for its diocese. The name likely comes from an old Slavic word meaning "hill" or "uplift," referring to the nearby Medvednica mountain. Another theory suggests it may mean "riverbank," pointing to the Sava River nearby. Over time, the name became officially used for the united city in 1852.

History

Main article: History of Zagreb

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Zagreb.

The oldest known settlement near present-day Zagreb is the Roman town of Andautonia, now Ščitarjevo, which existed between the 1st and the 5th centuries AD.

The name "Zagreb" was first recorded in 1094, when the city consisted of two centers: the smaller, eastern Kaptol, mainly for clergy and housing Zagreb Cathedral, and the larger, western Gradec, home to craftsmen and merchants. In 1851, Josip Jelačić, the Ban of Croatia, united these two areas. The main square, Ban Jelačić Square, is named after him.

During the time when Croatia was part of Yugoslavia (1918 to 1991), Zagreb was an important economic center and the second-largest city. After Croatia declared independence in 1991, Parliament of the Republic of Croatia named Zagreb the capital.

Geography

Climate

Zagreb has an oceanic climate, which means its weather is influenced by both land and sea. The city experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, sometimes hot, with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are relatively cold, and snowfall can occur, though it has become less common in recent years. Spring and autumn bring changeable weather, with spring often seeing more sunny days as the season progresses.

Cityscape

Zagreb's skyline includes several notable high-rise buildings. Important historical structures include Neboder, built in 1958, and Cibona Tower from 1987. In recent years, new high-rise buildings such as Eurotower and Zagrepčanka have been constructed, changing the city's appearance. Most of Zagreb's taller buildings were built in the 1970s and 1980s, but new developments continue to rise, especially on the city's outskirts.

Surroundings

The area around Zagreb is rich in history and natural beauty. The Medvednica mountain, with its highest peak Sljeme, offers hiking trails and views that stretch to the Julian Alps in neighboring Slovenia. The region is also known for its traditional villages, where local crafts and foods, like gingerbread, are still celebrated today.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Zagreb

Zagreb is the largest city in Croatia, with a population of 767,131 as of 2021. The Zagreb metropolitan area, which includes Zagreb County, has slightly more than one million people and makes up about a quarter of Croatia's total population. Most people in Zagreb are Croats, making up over 93% of the population. Other groups include Serbs, Bosniaks, Albanians, Romani, and smaller numbers of Slovenes, Macedonians, Montenegrins, and others.

The city of Zagreb is divided into 17 districts since 1999. Besides the main city area, there are many other settlements within the city's administrative area, such as Sesvete and Lučko, along with smaller villages. In total, there are 70 settlements, each with its own population count.

Politics and government

See also: Politics of Croatia

Zagreb is the capital of the Republic of Croatia and serves as its political center. Important government buildings like the Croatian Parliament and Banski dvori, the seat of the government, are located in Zagreb, particularly around St. Mark's Square.

The city has a special status, allowing it to manage both city and county affairs. The Zagreb City Assembly and the Mayor of Zagreb lead the city. The current mayor is Tomislav Tomašević, representing the We Can! party. The city is divided into districts and local committees to help manage community needs and projects.

Culture

Zagreb is a vibrant tourist destination, attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond. The city boasts many attractions, including two statues of Saint George and an art installation called Nine Views. Zagreb is also famous for its award-winning Christmas market. The city is home to many restaurants serving traditional Croatian food and international cuisine, with several international hotel chains offering accommodations.

Zagreb's museums offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. The Archaeological Museum features ancient artifacts, while the Modern Gallery showcases works by Croatian artists. The Croatian Natural History Museum houses Neanderthal remains, and the Technical Museum displays historic machines and vehicles. The Museum of the City of Zagreb provides insights into the city's past, and the Mimara Museum features artworks from around the world. The Ethnographic Museum displays Croatian cultural heritage, and the Museum of Contemporary Art shows modern and international art.

Zagreb hosts many events throughout the year, including concerts by world-famous artists and festivals like the INmusic festival and the Zagreb Jazz Festival. The city also features numerous theatres and concert halls, such as the Croatian National Theater and the Vatroslav Lisinski concert hall. Annual events include the World Theatre Festival, International Puppet Festival, and Animafest, the World Festival of Animated Films.

The city offers many parks and sports facilities. Jarun Lake provides opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, while Maksimir Park is popular for walking and cycling. Sports centers like Dom sportova and Sports Park Mladost host various activities, including basketball, handball, and swimming. Arena Zagreb is the main venue for large events, and Maksimir Stadium is the city's largest football stadium.

Economy

Zagreb is an important center for business and trade in the region. Key industries in the city include making electrical machines, chemicals, medicines, textiles, and food. Big companies from Croatia and Central Europe, such as Agrokor, INA, and Hrvatski Telekom, have their main offices in Zagreb.

The city is home to the only Croatian stock exchange, the Zagreb Stock Exchange, located in Eurotower, one of the tallest Croatian skyscrapers. Zagreb has the highest income per person in Croatia, and many people work there in banks, utilities, and public transport.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Zagreb

Highways

Main article: Highways in Croatia

Zagreb is an important center for highways in Croatia. Five major highways start from Zagreb, connecting it to cities like Rijeka, Split, and Budapest. These highways help link Zagreb with other parts of Croatia and nearby countries. The highways are tolled, meaning drivers need to pay to use them.

Roads

The city has many wide roads to help move traffic. Some of these roads get very busy during rush hour, making it hard to drive quickly. European routes E59, E65, and E70 pass through Zagreb, bringing more traffic to the city.

Bridges

Zagreb has several bridges over the Sava River. The first bridge was built in 1892, and today there are six main bridges that help cars cross the river.

Cycling

Cycling is possible in Zagreb because the city has flat areas and warm weather. However, the bike paths are not always connected well, making it hard to ride a bike everywhere. The city had a bike-sharing system that changed in 2025.

Public transportation

Zagreb has many ways to get around without a car. Trams are a common way to travel in the inner city, and buses help connect the outer areas. There is also a funicular, a small train that goes up a hill, and a cable car that takes people to the top of Medvednica mountain. The main train station and bus station are important places for travelers.

Tram network

Main article: Trams in Zagreb

Zagreb has many tram lines that have been running since 1891. The trams are an important part of the city's public transport. They have different types of trams, some newer and some older, and they carry millions of passengers every year.

Rail

Zagreb has train tracks that go around the city and connect to other places in Croatia and Europe. Trains are a good way to travel to cities like Ljubljana, Budapest, and Munich.

Commuter rail

Since 1992, Zagreb has had commuter rail services that help people travel to and from the city quickly. These trains go to places like Zaprešić and Velika Gorica and run often during the day.

Air traffic

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport is the main airport in Croatia. It is about 17 kilometers from the city and handles millions of passengers each year. The airport has flights to many places in Europe and also to Canada and North America. There is also a smaller airport called Lučko Airfield, which is used for special purposes and sports.

Education

Zagreb has many schools, including 136 primary schools and 100 secondary schools, with 30 special types called gymnasia. There are also 5 public higher education institutions and 9 private professional schools, along with 4 international schools such as the American International School of Zagreb.

The University of Zagreb, founded in 1669, is the oldest university in Croatia. It has grown to include 29 faculties, three art academies, and the Croatian Studies Centre. Over 200,000 students have earned Bachelor’s degrees there. The city is also home to two private universities and many other colleges and professional schools.

Main article: University of Zagreb

Further information: List of universities in Croatia

Notable people

Zagreb has been home to many talented individuals across different fields. In the arts, notable figures include Lea Deutsch, a child actress, and Sanja Iveković, a photographer and sculptor. The city has also produced famous football players such as Marcelo Brozović and Luka Modrić, as well as athletes in other sports like tennis player Borna Ćorić and alpine ski racer Janica Kostelić.

In music, Zagreb boasts artists like Josipa Lisac, a popular singer, and Zinka Milanov, an operatic soprano. The city’s scientific community includes Marin Soljačić, a physicist, and Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger, a geologist and archaeologist. Literature in Zagreb flourished with writers such as Miroslav Krleža, often regarded as Croatia's greatest 20th-century writer, and August Šenoa, a renowned novelist.