While our ships set sail daily for the most beautiful Adriatic bays, it is interesting to see what the Croatian summer looks like through the eyes of statistics. The Croatian Bureau of Statistics has traditionally brought the figures closer to the general public in a timely and humorous way, combining serious analytics with the lightness of summer themes.
In its new seasonal overview, the CBS brings an interesting mosaic of figures about summer and summer habits just the way we like it: clearly, briefly and with a smile.
Below we present their text, which reminds us that behind every view of the sea, traffic jams on the roads and reserved accommodation, there is a whole story told in numbers.
If you love summer, the best time of the year has just begun. Lots of sunshine, warm evenings, hanging out outdoors, lounging on the beach, cooling off in the sea, rivers or lakes. All of this is most often used to describe the hottest season of the year. If you don’t like the heat, you stay out of the sun and try to cool down, there is a solution for you too. At the very beginning of summer, we bring you a statistical summer to-do list!
1. First of all: protect your skin!
Although skin care is important all year round, with the first rays of more intense sun, we all begin to realize how strong it can be, and how sensitive our skin can be. In order to avoid applying yogurt to our skin in the evening and trying various folk remedies to relieve sunburn, it is important to apply a cream with a protective factor to our skin every summer day, especially the one we plan to spend outdoors. After sun exposure, it is always a good idea to finish the day by hydrating the skin. We are not dermatological experts, but we do have the latest data on trade in goods. In 2024, we imported sunscreen and skin care cosmetics worth 200.0 million euros, mostly from France, Germany and Ireland. The above products also travel in the other direction, more precisely, we exported them worth 143.0 million euros, mostly to Serbia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. Open the ice cream season!
Some people consume it all year round, while for others it is a symbol of summer. On a stick, in a cone or a cup, with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or pistachio flavors, there is plenty to choose from, but there is no better summer dessert than ice cream and without a doubt – it is now officially allowed in all shapes and flavors! Homemade ice cream is a favorite for many, so check out how its production has progressed in recent years.
3. Refresh yourself by jumping into the water!
Yes, we know: the sea is not water! But when the sea is not nearby, then swimming in a river, lake or pool is just as enjoyable, and for some it may even be preferable to swimming in the sea. Refreshing yourself from the summer temperatures, lying in the shade with the chirping of crickets or the gurgling of the river will quickly bring everyone back to balance. So throw on your swimsuit and head to the beach!
New or old, bikini, one-piece, briefs or boxers, it doesn’t matter. In 2023, we produced as many as 3.8 million pieces of all of the above, with women’s swimsuits leading the way (3,821,480 women’s and only 1,636 men’s). We also import swimsuits: in 2024, we imported a total of 18,843,857 pieces and, somewhat expectedly, most of them from Italy.
4. Put on your sunglasses, pour something refreshing and enjoy!
For some, sunglasses are a fashion accessory, for others, they are a necessary protection, and why not be both? Summer is the time when almost everyone will put them on their head or in their bag. Let’s mention that in 2024 we imported 2.5 million pieces, mostly from Germany. There is no discussion about tastes – whether you like cat-like, aviator or the once popular lenoni, they are an adornment for every face.
And when the goggles are on, the swimsuit is on, and all the other beach gear is ready, the only thing left to do is sit back and pour yourself a refreshing drink. In 2023, we produced 4,495,923 hl of them. Of course, this type of drink will also bring everyone a much-needed break during the workday.
5. Turn on the air conditioning during a heat wave!
Don’t make the rookie mistake of sitting directly under the air conditioner (where the number shows a low 18°C) because soon, instead of refreshing drinks and cocktails, you’ll be greeted with throat and nose medicines, teas, and tissues! And we left those behind in the colder months.
The key, as in everything, is moderation, so during a heat wave, keep the space you are staying in reasonably cool and spend the hottest part of the day away from the sun. Domestically produced air conditioners, of which we produced 1,263 units in 2023, can help you with this. However, judging by trade data, air conditioners, in addition to homes, shops and business premises, are often found in containers and trucks for transport. Namely, in 2024, we imported air conditioners worth 117.1 million euros, and at the same time we exported them worth 36.5 million euros.
Bonus: If your obligations allow, travel!
Change your routine and place of residence! Refreshing your everyday life with travel is a good practice throughout the year, and it is most common during the summer months. This is confirmed by tourism data for 2024, according to which Croatian residents made 2.2 million private multi-day trips in June, July and August, which is 40.3% of the total number of private multi-day trips made last year. August was the most desirable month for private multi-day trips, and more within Croatia than abroad.
Whether it’s a weekend, a few days, or weeks, pack your things and visit at least one destination outside of your home this summer!
