Which countries border Croatia?
Croatia is a country located in Southeast Europe, and it shares borders with five other countries and the Adriatic Sea. The country has a total land area of 56,542 square kilometers, and its coastline stretches along the Adriatic Sea for over 5,800 kilometers. The neighboring countries of Croatia are Slovenia to the north, Hungary to the east, Serbia to the south, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, and Montenegro to the southwest.
Slovenia: the neighbor to the north
Slovenia is a neighboring country to Croatia located to the north. The two countries share a 670-kilometer border, which is the longest border that Croatia shares with any other country. The border between the two countries is mostly formed by the river Mura and is relatively open, with several border crossings available for travel and transportation. Historically, Slovenia and Croatia were part of the same country, Yugoslavia, until its dissolution in the 1990s.
Hungary: the border to the east
Hungary is a country located to the east of Croatia, and the two countries share a 329-kilometer border. The border between Croatia and Hungary is formed by the river Drava, and it is also relatively open, with several border crossings available for travel and transportation. Hungary is a member of the European Union, and its border with Croatia marks the easternmost border of the EU.
Serbia: the southern border
Serbia is a neighboring country to the south of Croatia, and the two countries share a 241-kilometer border. The border between Croatia and Serbia is mostly formed by the river Danube and is relatively open, with several border crossings available for travel and transportation. Serbia is not a member of the European Union, but it has a visa-free regime with Croatia, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely across the border.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: the border to the southeast
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a neighboring country to the southeast of Croatia, and the two countries share a 932-kilometer border, which is the longest land border that Croatia shares with any of its neighboring countries. The border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively open, with several border crossings available for travel and transportation. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union, but it has a visa-free regime with Croatia, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely across the border.
Montenegro: the southwestern neighbor
Montenegro is a neighboring country to the southwest of Croatia, and the two countries share a 25-kilometer border. The border between Croatia and Montenegro is a relatively short one, and it is formed by the Bay of Kotor, a natural harbor on the Adriatic Sea. Montenegro is not a member of the European Union, but it has a visa-free regime with Croatia, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely across the border.
Adriatic Sea: the western border
The Adriatic Sea is the western border of Croatia, and it has a coastline that stretches for over 5,800 kilometers. Croatia has several islands and archipelagos along its coast, including the popular tourist destination of Dubrovnik, and it has a significant maritime industry, including fishing and tourism.
Italy: Croatia’s maritime neighbor
Italy is a neighboring country to Croatia across the Adriatic Sea, and the two countries share a maritime border. Italy is also a member of the European Union, and it has a significant trade and tourism relationship with Croatia. The two countries have several ferry connections between their respective ports, and there are also flights available between major cities in both countries.
EU countries and non-EU countries
Croatia shares borders with both European Union (EU) and non-EU countries. Slovenia and Hungary are both members of the EU, while Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro are not. Croatia became a member of the EU in 2013, and its membership has facilitated travel and transportation across its borders with other EU countries.
Croatia’s land area and coastline
Croatia has a total land area of 56,542 square kilometers, making it the 128th largest country in the world by land area. Its coastline stretches for over 5,800 kilometers, making it the 20th longest coastline in the world. The country has several islands and archipelagos along its coast, including the popular tourist destinations of Hvar, Brac, and Korcula.
Border disputes and agreements
Croatia has had several border disputes with its neighboring countries, including Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These disputes have been resolved through diplomatic negotiations and agreements, including the Arbitration Agreement between Slovenia and Croatia in 2009 and the Treaty of Budapest between Croatia and Hungary in 2017. The border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is still subject to some disputes, particularly around the territory of the Bay of Neum.
Travel and transportation across borders
Travel and transportation across Croatia’s borders with its neighboring countries are generally straightforward, with several border crossings available for use. Citizens of EU countries can travel freely across Croatia’s borders, while citizens of non-EU countries may require visas or other travel documents. Croatia is also a member of the Schengen Area, which facilitates travel and transportation across its borders with other Schengen countries.
