8 October: Croatia Independence Day

Today is Croatia Independence day, so time for ten facts about Croatia:

1. Croatia consists of over a thousand islands and islets, 48 of which are inhabited. The largest islands are Cres and Krk.
2. The necktie was invented by the Croats in the 17th century. They called it a kravata.
3. They also gave us the Dalmatian dog. Although these dogs were largely bred in England in the 19th century, there are references to the breed in Croatia, dating back to the 17th century.
4. The currency, until such time as they adopt the Euro, is the kuna. Kuna is the Croatian word for the marten, a cute little ferret-like creature prized for its fur. The fur of these animals was widely traded and became synonymous with money. The kuna is divided into 100 lipa, which is the Croatian name for the linden lime tree.
5. The world's largest Truffle was found here by Giancarlo Zigante and his Dog, Diana, in 1999. The truffle weighed in at 1.31 kg (2 lbs, 8 oz), and was valued at about $5,000 at the time.
6. The capital and largest city is Zagreb, although the most famous city is probably Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is the location used for King's Landing in Game of Thrones.
7. The smallest town is Hum, not only the smallest town in Croatia but the smallest in the world with a population of between 17 and 23 people.
8. Croatians call their country Hrvatska.
9. Scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia. Another famous Croatian is writer Marko Marulić is credited with the first known use of the word psychology (in the title deeds Psichiologia de ratione animae Humanae), meaning the science of the soul.
10. The Emperor Diocletian, who was the only Roman Emperor to retire, chose to spend his retirement in Split. His palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a genuine Egyptian Sphinx which Emperor Diocletian had brought from Egypt to adorn the entrance to his tomb.