CITY OF ZAGREB

Zagreb is the Capital of the Republic of Croatia and it is the biggest city in Croatia as far as the populations concerned historically, Zagreb has grown out of two medieval settlements that developed on neighboring hills, Gradec and Kaptol which make the nucleus of today’s Zagreb.

Today, Zagreb is the political, administrative, commercial, cultural, academic and scientific centre of Croatia. Zagreb is an old central European city. The upper and lower City considered monuments of the great historical and cultural value and still have that medieval and baroque atmosphere. The first written document of the city dates from 1094.when a Diocese was founded on Kaptol. Another significant event happened in 1242., when King Bella IV. pro claimed Gradec a free royal city by chartering the Golden Bull. Another significant year was 1557.when Zagreb was mentioned as Croatian Metropolis for the first time. In the middle of 19th century, Kaptol, Gradec and surrounding settlements were combined into the integrated city thus making conditions for the development of the modern central European City. Finally, the Croatian Parliament proclaimed independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia in 1991., and Zagreb became the capital of the new European State.

Apart from this landmarks, in the history of Zagreb there were many more that played an important role in the life and development of the city. The historical events after 1850., had left many traces and are still felt and present in the lives of Zagreb’s citizens. In 1991., by the proclamation of independence, Zagreb became the capital and the political and administrative center of Croatia. It is also the business, academic, cultural and artistic center. Many famed scientists, artists and sportsmen come and live in Zagreb. Zagreb can offer its visitors the baroque atmosphere of the upper city, picturesque open-air markets, diverse shopping facilities, an abundant selection of craft products and a selection of delicious domestic cuisine. Zagreb is a city of green parks and promenades, with many places to visit in the beautiful environment. The town will enter the third millennium with the population of the million. In spite of the rapid development of the economy and of transportation it has retained its exquisite charm and beauty and a relaxed feeling that makes it truly the city suit quality living. According to the population statistics figures, Zagreb had 779.145 citizens (415.153 female and 363.992 male) in 2001. The wider city area had more than one million inhabitants. The average age of the population is 39,7 years.

The majority of the inhabitants are Croats (about 92%), the rest are minorities: Serbs, Slovenians, Bosnians (Moslems) and Albanians. According to the religion, the majority is Catholic (87%). The other religions are: Orthodox, Islamic (2%), Jehova’s Witnesses, Anglican, Adventistic, Baptist and Jewish, 4%of them are Agnostics and 3,5% are atheists. The largest city districts are: Trešnjevka (120.000 inhabitants), New Zagreb (110.000) and Dubrava (100.000). The city of Zagreb has a special status given by the constitution, i.e., it has both the power of a city and a county. It also has the competences of the state administration handled by the administrative bodies of the city council. The members of the city council are elected by the citizens at the general elections. The members of the council elect the Lord Mayor and the members of the city board by the majority of votes.
The city board has 11 members who are submitted to approval by Lord Mayor and are elected by the members of the city council by the majority of votes. Lord Mayor is the head of the city board and he has two deputies.
Central administrative body consist of: 12 city offices, 3 city institutions and 3 city services which are supervised by the Lord Mayor and the city board. 17 city districts are founded on the local self-governing level and are directed by the councils of city districts together with their Chairman. They are elected by the inhabitants of city districts.