ECONOMIC PROFILE
Croatia is a country in transition that is at the same time part of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Since the communist system dissolved and Croatia gained independence at the beginning of the 90's, the country has been experiencing dynamic changes of its economic and social structure, which will become even more intense in the forthcoming period. Looking for comprehensive changes of the political, legal and economic system at this year's democratic elections, Croatian citizens elected authorities that will continue to build civil society, and a democratic and market-oriented state integrated into the European Union. This necessitates the change of behaviour of all economic entities, institutions and individuals, as well as adjustment to the standards of developed European countries.

Overall political and economic stability, an efficient legal system, democracy and free entrepreneurship are the basic prerequisites for economic development that will enable Croatia to join the community of modern and democratic states and to become a full member of the leading economic associations worldwide. The main goals on this path are an increase in production and exports, the reduction of public spending, the acceleration of privatisation and the continuation of restructuring of economic entities.

March 2000