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This paper provides some key research findings from the Civicus Civil Society Index Project in Croatia, which was implemented from 2008 to 2010, as a part of an international comparative research project. This was the third wave of the research project, after a pilot in 2001 and the following phase from 2003 to 2005. State of civil society in this paper is analysed in four dimensions: level of organizations, values, perceived impact and environment, which are integral parts of the "Civil Society Diamond" -- one of the best known components of this project. The research findings are put in a dynamic context, compared to the previous two research phases, thus enabling tracing of particular indicators and dimensions of civil society in a developmental perspective. Dimensions of level of organizations, that is civil society infrastructure, and that of environment have obtained the greatest score in this research. Moreover, the dimension of environment shows the greatest increase in the observed time period. We can talk about development of civil society in Croatia, especially in the following aspects: sectoral cooperation and networking, new possibilities of financing, the strengthened role of civil society as a co-governor in certain policy fields, the role of civil society organizations in meeting social needs where public services are lacking. On the other hand, unsustainable employment in civil society organizations, undue interference of the State in civil society's activities, perceived corruption in civil society organizations and generally low levels of trust in society are shown to be permanent challenges for development of civil society in Croatia. The research also recognized multiple effect of the economic crisis on civil society, most notably in the decreased financing of civil society organizations and therefore weakening of human capital in organizations, and on the other hand, by leading to greater passivity of citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the results of the CIVICUS research Civil Society Index in Croatia, conducted in 2004 and 2005, the paper discusses to what extent is civil society becoming a relevant social force. The condition and possibilities of civil society are presented through the analysis of four key dimensions shown through the civil society diamond: the structure, the environment, values and impact. Some of important sub-dimensions of civil society, such as the extents of civic participation, donations to charity, actions in the community, the co-operation between the state and civil society, the values-led framework of action and so on are discussed in more detail thereinafter. Basic strengths and weaknesses of civil society are summed up in the end of the paper, and necessary social actions, as well as the possible directions of further research studies, are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]