Education

School education:
The eight years of primary education are divided into two stages: classes one to four and five to eight. Secondary education comprises grammar schools, vocational schools and art schools. Grammar schools are divided into general, linguistic, classical and scientific schools. Vocational schools offer courses lasting for three or four years, including a period of practical instruction. Art schools include Music, Dance, Visual Art and Design. Attendance to Science classes is not obligatory. Students must pass an entrance examination to enter university in professional fields.

Higher education:
Institutions of higher education include universities, faculties, academies of arts, polytechnics and schools of professional higher education. Higher education is divided into a university and a non-university sector. Universities can comprise faculties, academies of arts or departments. In addition to public higher education institutions which are founded by law or by a regulation of the Government of Croatia, there are private institutions which are founded by a decision of a founder. Private institutions of higher education must be approved by the National Council for Higher Education. University studies qualify students for high level professional or artistic work and prepare them to continue their scientific work. Professional studies qualify students for high level professional work. There are four universities in Croatia located in Osijek, Rijeka, Split and Zagreb.



Economy

Before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the Republic of Croatia, after Slovenia, was the most prosperous and industrialized area with a per capita output perhaps one-third above the Yugoslav average. The economy emerged from a mild recession in 2000 with tourism, banking, and public investments leading the way. Unemployment remains high, at about 18%, with structural factors slowing its decline. While macroeconomic stabilization has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from politicians. Growth, while impressive at about 3% to 4% for the last several years, has been stimulated, in part, through high fiscal deficits and rapid credit growth. The EU accession process should accelerate fiscal and structural reform.



Climate

The coastal region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. Minimum winter temperatures are around 39°F (4°C) and summers average around 79°F (26°C). Inland a continental climate is predominant with hot summers and cold winters.

Dubrovnik has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The wettest months are October, November and December. Summer days can be intensely hot, but humidity is moderate and gentle breezes ensure very cool, pleasant evenings.



List of Universities in CROATIA

Schools

• University Zagreb