Why in News? 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Croatia to strengthen bilateral relations and emphasized the need to expedite efforts toward finalizing a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. 

About Croatia 

• Location: Southeastern Europe, bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and the Adriatic Sea to the west. 
• Capital: Zagreb 
• Major Rivers: Sava, Drava, and Danube – key to inland transport and agriculture 
• Currency: Euro (EUR) (since January 2023, replacing Croatian Kuna) 
• EU Membership: Joined the European Union in 2013 and Schengen Area in 2023 
• Historical Events: Gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991; the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995) was a major event in its modern history. 
• Festivals: Dubrovnik Summer Festival (arts & culture) and Sinjska Alka (traditional knight tournament) 

Map of Croatia