Croatia

Capital: Zagreb

Major Language: Croatian

Area: 56,594 km2

Population: 4 million

HDI Rank: 43 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 3.5 million (86.3%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 200,000 (5%)

Islam: 60,000 (1.5%)

Other: 300,000 (7.2%)

General Information:

Croatia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Then in 1918 the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom that would eventually be known as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became an independent communist state under Marshal Tito. Croatia declared independence in 1991. There are nearly more Croatians living outside of the country as living in Croatia. It is the home of world popular dog breed called Dalmatians and the “pen” was invented by a Croatian named Penkala, in 1906. Soccer is the most loved sport.

Religious Background:

Religion was stifled under the Communist regime of Yugoslavia, but after the independence there was a resurgence of the religious fervor. Though Croatia is predominantly Catholic, it has no official religion and supports freedom of religion. Though all religious communities are treated as equal, the Catholic Church holds much influence in society, even though only a small minority are practicing Catholics. Protestantism reached Croatia in the 16th century, but was mostly eradicated due to the Counter-Reformation implemented in the country.

Catholic background:

Byzantine and Frankish missionaries and Benedictines played a significant role in the christening of Croats in the 7th century. By the 9th century, Croats had already been fully included in a large European Christian community. In the 16th century, Protestantism reached Croatia, but was mostly eradicated due to the Counter-Reformation implemented by the Habsburgs. The Church is composed of 5 archdioceses, 13 dioceses and 1,603 parishes. Patron saints: Joseph, Jerome.

Prayer Points

1. Croatians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 3.5 million Catholics in Croatia.
Though Croatia is predominantly Catholic, most are nominal, and lack understanding of the gospel. Pray that they would have a divine revelation of who Christ is.
Ask God to pour out His Spirit on this predominantly Catholic nation and remove every hindrance that keeps them from knowing Jesus.
Pray that Catholics will realize that religion does not save anyone, but it is a relationship with Christ. Ask God for Catholics to open their hearts to Jesus, and trust Him as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 1,603 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 2,329 priests, 1,018 brothers and 3,288 sisters.
Ask God to draw the hearts of Catholics to Himself through ways and means that is relevant to them.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical church is growing, with churches spreading throughout the nation. Evangelicals are one of the few who bridge the ethnic divide which has led to many Bosnians, Croats and Serbs being won to Christ. Pray that Evangelicals would continue to demonstrate the love of God and lead many to the Savior.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

High unemployment, little confidence in the future, and widespread drug use (80% of teens) show that there is no hope. Corruption and bribery are commonplace. Pray that Croatians will discover hope and future through Jesus Christ.

5. Other Religions

Apart from Eastern Orthodoxy and Islam, there is a small minority of those belonging to the Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist faith, and cults. There is a growing number of atheist and non-religious. Pray for the gospel to reach them quickly.