Croatia is located in southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia. With 1185 islands, islets and cliffs, Croatia is a unique area for cruising with motor-, speed-, and sailboats, as well as for enjoying the underwater world. With a population of five million and about the size of West Virginia, Croatia’s east coast extends from Prevlaka in the south to Cape Savudrija in the west. The climate here is similar to that of the Mediterranean, with mild rainy winters, and hot dry summers. The bora, sirocco and north-western winds blow most often. Because only 66 of the islands are inhabited, Croatia is one of the few countries in Europe which has preserved its natural habitat, creating an attractive destination for tourists. Seven national parks make up 8% of the country; four of these (Kornati, Mljet, Brioni and Krka) run along its 1,100 miles of coastline and three are found in the mountains (Risnjak, Paklenica and the Plitvice). Much of Croatia’s thousand year old culture and traditions have been maintained in the country’s food and drink as well as music and dance. In fact, its ethnic diversity has compelled UNESCO to classify both Dubrovnik and Split as world cultural heritage cities.