Rank #48 by World Population
🇭🇷Croatia
Croatia has a population of 3,859,686, ranking #48 in the world. The capital is Zagreb. Located in Europe & Central Asia.
World Bank: High income
3,859,686
Population
#48
World Rank
78.5
Life Expectancy
$22,184
GDP Per Capita
Croatia, #48 by world population
Croatia Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Croatia had a population of 4,140,181 in 1960 and 3,866,200 in 2024, a -6.6% growth over 64 years. The peak was 4,777,368 in 1990. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
3,866,200
Population (2024)
4,140,181
Population (1960)
4,777,368
Peak (1990)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 4,140,181 |
| 1961 | 4,167,292 |
| 1962 | 4,196,712 |
| 1963 | 4,225,675 |
| 1964 | 4,252,876 |
| 1965 | 4,280,923 |
| 1966 | 4,310,701 |
| 1967 | 4,338,683 |
| 1968 | 4,365,628 |
| 1969 | 4,391,490 |
| 1970 | 4,412,252 |
| 1971 | 4,431,275 |
| 1972 | 4,450,564 |
| 1973 | 4,470,161 |
| 1974 | 4,490,660 |
| 1975 | 4,512,082 |
| 1976 | 4,535,934 |
| 1977 | 4,559,571 |
| 1978 | 4,581,085 |
| 1979 | 4,594,778 |
| 1980 | 4,599,782 |
| 1981 | 4,611,509 |
| 1982 | 4,634,234 |
| 1983 | 4,658,254 |
| 1984 | 4,680,285 |
| 1985 | 4,701,417 |
| 1986 | 4,721,446 |
| 1987 | 4,739,745 |
| 1988 | 4,755,207 |
| 1989 | 4,767,260 |
| 1990 | 4,777,368 |
| 1991 | 4,689,022 |
| 1992 | 4,575,818 |
| 1993 | 4,600,463 |
| 1994 | 4,652,024 |
| 1995 | 4,620,030 |
| 1996 | 4,557,097 |
| 1997 | 4,534,920 |
| 1998 | 4,532,135 |
| 1999 | 4,512,597 |
| 2000 | 4,468,302 |
| 2001 | 4,299,642 |
| 2002 | 4,302,174 |
| 2003 | 4,303,399 |
| 2004 | 4,304,600 |
| 2005 | 4,310,145 |
| 2006 | 4,311,159 |
| 2007 | 4,310,217 |
| 2008 | 4,309,705 |
| 2009 | 4,305,181 |
| 2010 | 4,295,427 |
| 2011 | 4,280,622 |
| 2012 | 4,260,368 |
| 2013 | 4,233,922 |
| 2014 | 4,201,598 |
| 2015 | 4,151,725 |
| 2016 | 4,106,867 |
| 2017 | 4,041,407 |
| 2018 | 3,988,775 |
| 2019 | 3,949,390 |
| 2020 | 3,914,206 |
| 2021 | 3,878,981 |
| 2022 | 3,855,641 |
| 2023 | 3,859,686 |
| 2024 | 3,866,200 |
Demographics
| Population | 3,859,686 |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.10% |
| Urban Population | 57.2% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.46 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 78.5 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 4.0 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$22,184
GDP Per Capita
6.1%
Unemployment Rate
High income
Income Level
30.1
Gini Index (inequality)
107.3%
Trade (% of GDP)
21,608,000
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
7.1%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
3.91
Physicians per 1,000
4.0
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
82.1%
Internet Users
112
Mobile Subs per 100
69.0
People per km2
10,202
Net Migration
Environment
34.8%
Forest Area
Croatia Climate
Croatia has an average annual temperature of 11.3°C (52°F) and receives about 885 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.3°C
Avg Temp
885
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 50 mm |
| February | 3° / 37° | 46 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 58 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 65 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 78 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 95 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 84 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 91 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 87 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 85 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 84 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 62 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Croatia
The most comfortable months to visit Croatia are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in Europe & Central Asia
Compare Croatia
Croatia in global context
Croatia is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Croatia has a population of 3,859,686, ranking #48 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 0.10%.
Life expectancy in Croatia is 78.5 years. The infant mortality rate is 4.0 per 1,000 live births.
Croatia's GDP per capita is $22,184. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.
57.2% of Croatia's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 69.0 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Croatia is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Croatia are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Croatia has an average annual temperature of 11.3°C and about 885 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically July and the coldest is January.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 3,859,686 residents, Croatia is a country in Europe & Central Asia. The population is growing slowly, about 0.1% annually.
Economically, Croatia is high-income — GDP per capita is roughly $22,184. Life expectancy is high at 78.5 years, with a fertility rate of 1.5 births per woman, and 57.2% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.