Croatia
Republic of Croatia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.55%
Situated in Southeast Europe, Croatia has a population of approximately 3.87 millionāa modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 56,594 kmĀ², translating to a density of 68 people per kmĀ². Its capital is Zagreb, and Croatian is the official language, while the euro serves as the national currency.
Population
3,866,233
Area
56,594 kmĀ²
Density
68/kmĀ²
World Rank
#131
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Deaths (13.3 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (8.3 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 23.2% aged 65 or above and 13.9% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Zagreb
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Southeast Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Croatian
- Currencies
- euro (ā¬)
- Calling Code
- +385
- Top-Level Domain
- .hr
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 3,866,233
- Land Area
- 56,594 kmĀ²
- Population Density
- 68 per kmĀ²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.55%
- Annual Growth
- -21,264 people
- Daily Growth
- -58 people
- World Population Share
- 0.05%
- Coordinates
- 45.17Ā°, 15.50Ā°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $24.1k, Croatia sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 5%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 30.1 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
78.5 years
GDP per Capita
$24,050
Birth Rate
8.3 per 1,000
Death Rate
13.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
57.5%
Fertility Rate
1.46 births/woman
Infant Mortality
3.9 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.0%
Literacy Rate
98.2%
Internet Users
83.6%
Under 15
13.9%
Over 65
23.2%
Health Spending
7.2% GDP
Gini Index
30.1
Age Distribution
0-14 years
538K
15-64 years
2.4M
65+ years
897K
Urbanization
About 57.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Zagreb serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 3481.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
2.2M
57.5%
1.6M
42.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 78.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 3.9 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 98.2% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Croatia
Croatia has 3 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Croatia's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. With 23.2% of the population already over 65, the aging challenge is likely to deepen in the decades ahead. As a United Nations member state, Croatia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,866,233 |
| 2030 | 3,785,751 |
| 2035 | 3,695,194 |
| 2040 | 3,614,054 |
| 2045 | 3,540,796 |
| 2050 | 3,474,162 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Croatia.
Largest Cities in Croatia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Croatia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Croatia?
The population of Croatia is approximately 3.9 million as of 2026, making it #131 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Croatia?
The capital of Croatia is Zagreb.
What languages are spoken in Croatia?
The main languages spoken in Croatia are Croatian.
How big is Croatia?
Croatia covers an area of 56,594 kmĀ² with a population density of 68 people per kmĀ².
Is Croatia growing or shrinking?
Croatia's population is declining at a rate of -0.55% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Croatia?
The average life expectancy in Croatia is 78.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Croatia?
The GDP per capita of Croatia is $24,050.