Croatia's population growth in 2024 recorded a positive trend, according to data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS).

In the middle of last year, Croatia had approximately 3,866,233 inhabitants, representing a slight increase of 0.2 percent or 6,547 people compared to the previous estimate from 2023, writes index.hr. The largest relative increase was recorded by Istria County with an increase of 1.66 percent, followed by Zadar County and Zagreb County, which also recorded population growth.

On the other hand, the largest population decline was recorded in Požega-Slavonia County, Virovitica-Podravina County, and Vukovar-Srijem County. Women make up 51.3 percent of the total population, while men make up 48.7 percent.

Croatia's demographic picture continues to show an aging population trend. The average age of the population is 44.5 years, placing Croatia among the oldest countries in Europe. Men are on average 42.8 years old, and women 46.2 years old.

Those younger than 19 account for slightly less than 20 percent, with Međimurje County having the largest share of young people and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County the smallest. The share of women of fertile age amounts to 39.8 percent of the total female population. More than half of the population (52.5 percent) lives in five counties, with particular emphasis on Zagreb and Split-Dalmatia County, while the fewest inhabitants live in Lika-Senj County and Požega-Slavonia County, states index.hr.

The overall economic situation in Croatia shows stable growth. In the first quarter of 2025, gross domestic product (GDP) increased in real terms by 2.9 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, marking the seventeenth consecutive quarter of positive economic trends. In the second quarter of 2025, GDP growth accelerated to 3.4 percent compared to 2024. Growth was recorded in almost all sectors, driven by increased household consumption, government spending, and exports of goods and services. Costs for food, beverages, and services are rising, which is also reflected in a slight increase in the consumer price index of 3.5 percent in May 2025 compared to the same month last year.

Household consumption in the first quarter of 2025 increased by 1.7 percent, while government spending rose by as much as 5.8 percent. Exports of goods and services achieved growth of 6.0 percent, while imports of goods and services increased by 8.8 percent, indicating increased market activity and trade flows. Price indices signal a certain level of inflation, especially in the food, restaurant, and hotel sectors, while prices in transport and clothing fell slightly.

Although the demographic picture is a key issue, economic indicators provide optimism for Croatia's future. Population growth in some counties and stable economic growth with strengthening exports and domestic consumption indicate the country's steady development in the first half of 2025.