After years in which demographic data brought largely negative news, the latest estimates from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics indicate a modest but significant shift. Between 2023 and 2024, the majority of Croatian cities recorded population growth, with Dubrovnik standing out among the country’s top performers.
According to the 2024 estimate, Dubrovnik gained 370 new residents in just one year, placing it 10th nationwide in absolute population growth. The cities ahead of Dubrovnik are predominantly larger urban centres or municipalities from the Zagreb metropolitan area and northern Dalmatia, making Dubrovnik the only city from southern Croatia to feature among the top ten.
The data suggest a notable change in long-term demographic trends, offering cautious optimism for cities that have struggled with population decline in recent years. In Dubrovnik’s case, the figures point to growing residential appeal beyond its traditional role as a tourism hub, highlighting improved living conditions and sustained interest in long-term settlement.
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