Historically part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire until its collapse at the end of World War I, Croatia was one of the six republics that formed Yugoslavia. 

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the first post-Communist multi-party Parliament was constituted in Croatia on May 30th 1990. 

In May 1991, the Croatian independence referendum had resulted in a 94% vote in favour of establishing an independent Croatia. 

Following the result, the Croatian Parliament formally proclaimed independence with the Constitutional decision on sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Croatia on June 25th. 

The Walls of Ston in southern Croatia are the longest preserved fortification system in the world apart from the Great Wall of China.