The war years, 1991 to 1995

This page describes a painful period in a factual and respectful way. It is not a full history, and it focuses on how the war touched the places and people visitors meet today.

Background

Croatia was one of the republics of Yugoslavia. It declared independence on 25 June 1991, and fighting followed in several parts of the country. The war lasted until 1995.

Effects on towns and people

Many people were killed or forced to leave their homes, and towns and villages were badly damaged. Vukovar on the Danube was besieged in 1991 and heavily destroyed. Dubrovnik was shelled in December 1991, and its old town was damaged. UNESCO placed the old town of Dubrovnik on its list of World Heritage in Danger in 1991.

Effect on tourism

Before the war, the Adriatic coast was a popular holiday destination for visitors from across Europe. The fighting, and the perception of danger, caused visitor numbers to fall sharply. Hotels were damaged or used to house people who had been displaced, and coastal tourism took years to recover.

The end of the war

In 1995, Croatian forces carried out operations in May and August, and the Dayton agreement later that year ended the wider conflict in the region. Some areas, such as eastern Slavonia, returned to Croatian control in the following years.

Remembering

Memorials and museums across the country, including in Vukovar and Dubrovnik, remember those who died. Visitors are welcome to pay their respects.