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Croatia joins the EU: Five things you didn’t know about our new neighbour

 

Monday 01 July 2013 13:32 BST
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As Croatia joins the European Union, it is time Britons brushed up their knowledge about the country.

War and piste

It has a skiing tradition comparable to Scotland’s but Janica Kostelic is one of the greatest winter Olympians. She has four gold medals.

A spotted history

Croatia is home to several more than 101 dalmatians, the dogs named after the historic province of Dalmatia more than 300 years ago.

Split loyalties

Goran Ivanisevic, Croatian tennis champ, has played for and managed Split’s football team, Hajduk. But he supports West Bromwich Albion.

Diplomatic ties

Croatian soldiers in natty neckerchiefs gifted by their wives inspired the French cravat (corrupted from “croate”). The English tie followed.

Member state

Nudist beaches are big in Croatia. Bradley Cooper once visited one to film a travel show – and stripped. Google it.

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