The city of Dubrovnik is situated in the very south of the Republic of Croatia and is an urban, cultural and economic center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The Dubrovnik-Neretva County costal belt stretches from the town of Ploče in the north to the Montenegrin border, and is separated from Hercegovina by the Dinaric Mountains. It also includes the island of Korčula, Pelješac peninsula and a group of islands known as the Elafiti archipelago (Koločep, Šipan, Lopud, Tajan, Olipa, Jakljan and Daksa). From behind, City is protected with the mountain Srđ. The City of Dubrovnik has a surface area of 143.35 km2. According to the population census in 2001, this region had 43,770 inhabitants (23,167 females, 20,603 males).

The population of 55,638 is distributed over the area at 35 locations with 17,480 households, and with an average density of 152 inhabitants per square kilometer.
The lack of heavy industry or a large port has encouraged the inhabitants to rely on agriculture and tourism.

Climate

The geographical position of the area is typical of a Mediterranean or 'estasian' climate with mild and damp winters, and hot dry summers with quite low air humidity (approx. 2,600 sunny hours).
The average annual precipitation is 1,250 mm.
The average air temperature is 17°C and the summer sea temperature is approx 21°C. A maximum variation of 4°C is very beneficial for overall general health. There are many sunny days during the winter months.
The gentle Maestral wind - the messenger of lovely weather, refreshes the average summer temperature of 25°C.
The Bura and Jugo winds prevail during the cooler months.

There is a wealth of contrast with the many bays, beaches, steep cliffs and densely wooded islands.
There is a rich variety of flora: cypress, pine, olive groves, vineyards, and lemon and orange plantations - together with aromatic herbs and flowers, plus exotic plants, such as palm trees, agave and cactus, which create a unique atmosphere. Nature lovers can discover a true Mediterranean landscape. Sailors will enjoy the many marinas and crystal blue sea.

Dubrovnik, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is rich in cultural and historical monuments. There is also the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The city is also the venue for numerous scientific, scholarly and literary conferences (PEN in 1933 and 1993), as well as international tourism congresses (ASTA, FUAAV, DRV, SNAV, etc.).

> Dubrovnik Old Town map