Is Croatia a Safe Country?

As a Croatian living in Italy I have been asked many times question like: Is Croatia a safe country? Is Croatia safe for single women? Should I rent a car or take public transport? My answer may sound pretentious but I dare to say, it is not only safe but it's probably the safest country in Europe.

To prove my statement I've found official records that there are fewer than 10 homicides a year in Croatia. I can assure you that Croatia is one of the rare places on the earth where you don't have to watch your back.

Women will not face particular danger in Croatia. Croatian men are generally very gallant and good-mannered. Women on their own may occasionally be stressed and followed in great coastal cities like Rijeka, Split, Zadar and others. Sometimes local bars and cafes (called "kafic") may seem like private men's clubs and a women alone may feel uncomfortable with sudden silent and cold stares. But I suggest to behave cool in these situations.

Feminism has not reached satisfactory level in Croatia. There are only few women in leadership position, specially in political life. Women are still dedicated to housework and children care but little by little Croatian women are gaining the position which they merit.

Women in Croatia gives a high priority on good looking, trying to buy the most fashionable clothes they can afford. Topless sunbathing is acceptable and the naturist style is visible in every part of Croatia.

If any church visits are planned, keep in mind that women are expected to wear tops with sleeves and bottoms that fall beneath the knees. Churches and some museums post their dress codes and they will turn you away if you don't follow these rules.

Here are some things and words you should never use when visiting Croatia, otherwise you will find yourself in trouble. Don't call it Yugoslavia! Please don't do that! Remember all those wars over there about 10 years ago? Remember seeing Dubrovnik shelled on TV? That wasn't a Hollywood movie. That was for real. Well, they won that war. Or rather, the "former Yugoslavia" military picked up and left Croatia to itself. Croatia has been its own country ever since. If you visit there, don't ever call it Yugoslavia.

My message is: Come to visit this small country and feel safe to go where you want. Even if mugging and thefts are not a problem and even you can safely walk in any town at night, use your common sense, as always.