Zagreb - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Due to complicated and longstanding issues with some neighboring countries (ahem, to the east), Croatians definitely have prejudices against people of certain ethnicities. - Jan 2023
With more than 90% of the population being Catholic, there is not a lot of diversity in the country. Like in other big cities, here you see Croats working all types of jobs, including driving the cab and working in the corner store. I do not hear of many racist incidents, but I have heard of two involving trying to hire household help and racial slurs in the international school. - Jul 2018
Croatia remains very homogeneous - white, Catholic, and Croat - and people who are different stand out. My impression was that Croatians were expected to conform to the norm but that foreigners are generally given a pass. There is a high degree of religious freedom, and most overt prejudice was directed against ethnic Serbs rather than racial minorities. Gender roles are still fixed to a much higher degree than in the U.S., although women can and do rise to positions of prominence within Croatia on a regular basis. - Aug 2014
Internally, yes, as they are not far removed from the homeland war and have great prejudices against neighboring countries. But for U.S. citizens, no issues at all. If you have darker skin you are likely to get stares as there are not many non-whites here. But I don't believe you would be treated badly - only gawked at as a novelty. - Jun 2014
This country is VERY VERY white... I haven't seen or heard of anyone of an ethnic background being openly bashed or treated horribly, but they do get a lot of stares, and maybe even a few unfriendly ones. But some of the Marines here have had great experiences and never any real negative things happen. - Feb 2014
No. It's a predominantly Catholic country, but Croatians tend to get along with those of other faiths or none at all, and I'm not aware of any racial or gender issues. - Jan 2012
None, but that is because there is not too much immigration from other parts of the world and Europe. If you are a foreigner you are seen as something weird. Croatians are NOT open at all, or at least they don't seem to mind you or care. - Dec 2011
None. - Oct 2010
I've heard there are racial prejudices here, but I'm Korean and haven't ever had any problems. People are very kind, helpful, hospitable, and sweet to my small children. - Mar 2009
Again, I have heard of some prejudices (mostly based on race), but I a not sure how real they are. Religion is obviously very important, since being Catholic is almost a matter of national identity, but I am not sure how mu this would enter in play in day to day life with foreigners - Mar 2009
