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Zagreb CroatiaINTRODUCTION Situated between the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountains and the northern bank of the Sava River, this is the largest city in Croatia and the only one whose metropolitan area exceeds one million people. Zagreb is not only the governmental and economic base of Croatia, it is also the tourist base of Croatia and a base between Western and Eastern Europe, as well as the Adriatic Sea. The city is ideally connected to all major cities and resorts in the region and has a wealth of culture and atmosphere enjoyed by many tourists. HISTORY Croatia and the Zagreb area have been inhabited since prehistoric periods and during its early years Croatia passed from the Celts, Greeks, Romans, Huns, Ostrogoths, and Byzantines, until settled by the Slavs in the 7th century. A successful Croatian state thrived throughout the Medieval period until the rise of the Hungarian's in the 12th century. During the 16th century the Ottoman Empire expanded its reach into Croatia, but was driven out during the next century. During the next couple of centuries Croatia remained apart of the Hapsburg Empire, but Croatia, along with Slavonia, broke away from the Austrian-Hungarian Empire shortly before their defeat in World War I. The country joined the pan-Slavic Kingdom, which used Zagreb as its capital, but by 1929 the union had turned into a dictatorship, named the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, lead by King Aleksandar. Yugoslavia was occupied by the Axis Powers throughout most of World War II, until they were driven out by the Soviet Union. After the war Croatia became apart of the Democratic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, lead by communist Josip Tito. With a rise in nationalism the Croatian government declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and, because of atrocities committed by Serbian forces, much of the world recognized Croatian independence within a year. With the help of the U.N. Yugoslavian forces withdrew, helping to end all major fighting. ATTRACTIONS 
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