Key facts for investors
Zadar County is one of the seven coastal Croatian Counties and it is located in the very center of the Croatian part of the Adriatic coast. It's one of the largest counties in Croatia - with 3.641,91 km2 land territory and 2.845 km2 of sea surface, the county takes up 6.5% of the total land territory and 12.4% of the total sea surface in Croatia.
According to the latest Census in 2011, Zadar County is populated by 170.017 inhabitants which makes up for 4% of total number of inhabitants in Croatia.
By its administrative and territorial constitution, Zadar County consists of 28 municipalities and 6 cities. City of Zadar is the administrative, economic and educational center of the County. Zadar, with a 3000 years long history, is also the fifth largest city in Croatia and the third on the Croatian part of Adriatic coast.
Traffic wise, Zadar County is well connected. The Adriatic tourist road, as well as the route of Zagreb-Split-Dubrovnik highway pass through the county, along with railway route Zagreb-Knin-Split. Because of its geo-traffic position and a modern traffic infrastructure, Zadar County is particularly important in connecting not only the regional centers of northern and southern parts of Croatia but European centers as well.
The international airport, connection to the highway, industrial port and rail station are all located within 10 kilometers, making that part of Zadar County territory highly valued across the region, especially in terms of traffic infrastructure. Because of its position and previous investments in traffic infrastructure, Zadar County has been continually developing in various economic fields, especially in tourism, maritime transport and mariculture. With the construction of Gaženica Port (both passenger and cargo aimed), including Zadar in the Zagreb-Split-Dubrovnik highway system and additional investments in the Zadar Airport, the access to Zadar County is now easier and faster than ever before. This is evident in the increasing number of tourists and high numbers of goods and cargo transportation.
In the economic structure of Zadar County, the gross income is mostly made in whole sale and retail sale, manufacturing industry, tourism, fishing and mariculture industry as well as shipping trade. All of these take up a significant part of total national economy and are as such of particular value for the entire country. For example, white and tuna fish farmers in the county make up for 72% of total Croatian mariculture, according to the ratio of granted sea surface and total quantity sold. Numerous locations at the coast and on the islands enable the further development in this field without the risk of damaging the environment or tourism. The sea is also the source of goods for fishing industry, but its industry has been limited by the lack of natural resources and legal limitations. Zadar is also the home of the biggest shipping company in Croatia and its subsidiary. Together, they make for 38% of commercial fleet in the country which has a strong impact at the success of entire economy in the county as well as the living standards of maritime industry workers and their families.
Because of its geographical location and developed transport and traffic infrastructure, the greatest potential of Zadar County is in tourism and other complementary fields of work. The current accommodation capacity of the county counts 170.000 beds, not including marine berths.
Along with food industry based on sea goods and goods from Ravni kotari, there has been a development in manufacturing industry as well. This industry is aimed at producing metal components for automobile, food and pharmaceutical industries. The economy of the county maintains a positive gross income account regarding exchange of goods with foreign countries by aiming at exporting goods and services in areas of tourism and shipping industry.
Developed infrastructure stimulates a faster development of the county, especially in the area of city of Zadar which is now an important transportation point on the border of the EU and overseas countries. The latest significant investment in Gaženica Port attracted a concessionaire who will enable Zadar to become a homeport for cruise ships.
The county offers tremendous opportunities for development of agriculture due to area of Ravni kotari. The area boosts as high-quality and fertile geographical unit which makes up for 30% of total farmland in southern Croatia. Along with fertile ground, other key factors in agriculture development are played by favorable Mediterranean climate, rich water resources and high-standard environment conditions. All of these are an integral part of traditional heritage of the county as they are the result of dedicated care from local community in maintaining healthy and clean environment.
Also, Zadar County has a significant potential for investing in alternative energy sources, highlighted by the strategic plan by EU in gaining energy independence and other investments in the cargo port.
Zadar County is also one of the rare areas with positive demographic trends and an above-average growth of employment. Numerous well-equipped business areas offer valuable possibilities for further