Croatia’s Evolving Infrastructure
Croatia is a developed country who gained its independence in 1991. After a four-year conflict from 1991-1995 with surrounding countries, Croatia managed to bounce back. It eventually joined the European Union in 2013. With strict guidelines set by the European Union, Croatia’s infrastructure has improved and is still improving today with many projects underway. Not only has Croatia come along way since 1991, but their public services, roadways, airports, and telecommunications show for it. Croatians and visitors are able to enjoy the many projects that have taken place over the last decade. They have not only improved travel, but the Croatian way of life.
The local governments provide many public services in Croatia, including electricity, water, and waste. Croatia is a country rich in water with two water basins, the Danube water basin, and the Adriatic water basin. Although Croatia has fairly new water treatment plants, the water network infrastructure is aging and needs updates. Plans already in the making.
In Croatia, customers are allowed to choose their preferred electricity company. Electricity comes mainly through hydro and thermal plants along the coast. In the early 90’s, when Croatia was struggling to gain its independence, its power grid was a target, with blackouts occurring daily. Croatian infrastructure has since improved, and the power grid, now connecting with Continental Europe, is an integral part of the country with 90% of its customers being households.
Waste Disposal in Croatia
Waste management has also improved since joining the European Union. With a country goal of zero waste by 2020, the gathering infrastructure is pretty specific. For example, in the United States residents sort waste through their trash and recycling cans. In Croatia, there are six different gathering practices separating communal waste, biodegradable waste, bulk waste, plastic, paper, and glass.
Furthermore, if planning to move to Croatia, its good to know that residents living in a 915 sq ft apartment spend around $175.00 U.S. dollars on monthly utilities. Croatia also offers universal health care to its people. Croatians all get cover under a basic insurance plan that has different levels and options. There are many medical facilities in Croatia, including 79 hospitals. Also, depending on where you travel to in Croatia, some places are more equipped with handicap infrastructure than others. Take the beach, for example. There are only a select few beaches that have actual wheelchair ramp access.
Transportation Infrastructure In Croatia
Transportation infrastructure in Croatia is expanding and was on the rise in the early 2000s. There’s a total of 11 highways, known as autocestes in Croatia. These highways have at least three lanes going in both directs. Highways in Croatia extend to connect the northern, southern, eastern, and western parts of the country. Croatia is somewhat of “U” shaped. It connects travelers to all parts of the country. This was once one of Croatia’s infrastructure problems.
Now, along with the motorways, drivers have expressways and smaller roads to get from one place to another. Drivers can expect tolls on most of Croatia’s highways. Driver’s have an assortment of ways to pay for tolls ranging from cash, credit cards, smart cards, and ENC’s. ENC is an electronic toll collecting system. Croatians are also able to travel by railways, but many of these infrastructures need updates, with some dating as far back as pre-WW2. There are nine international airports in Croatia, with flights flying directly to the United States. Many of the major airports’ terminals got updated, improving Croatia’s infrastructure status.
Communication Infrastructure In Croatia
Communication infrastructure in Croatia is pretty up to date. As far as mobile devices are concerned, you can find distributing stores all over. Buyers are able to purchase pay as you go plans or contract plans. You can purchase one prepaid minute for as little as .10 cents in US currency. As far as the internet goes, the infrastructure has improved a lot. There once was a time, not too long ago, when the only available internet was at internet cafes. These days, the internet is widely available with wi-fi coverage growing increasingly. You can buy internet services in residential homes for as little as $23.00 US dollars a month. Some towns have even set up free wi-fi hotspots for visitors. Fortunately, data sim cards are available for purchase if you plan to use your mobile device considerably.
Since the early 2000s, Croatia has been working to improve the country’s infrastructure. Although there is still more work around the corner and projects that need addressing, since joining the European Union, Croatia has had the ability and money to make diligent strides towards a more up to date infrastructure on all levels. Whether you plan to visit or move to Croatia, you will be in a country with a more developed and modern infrastructure than others. Croatia’s beautiful coastlines, rivers, land, and architect is a sight for the eyes and an experience for all.
