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In the scientific community, the concept of services of general interest is relatively new, even though its components have been examined in various ways for several decades. The term "service of general interest" is a political and normative expression introduced by the European Union. While it is challenging to provide a precise definition, services of general interest are generally understood as service activities that public administration bodies in a specific country or region designate as activities contributing to the public welfare. In geographical research, individual elements of this concept are often analysed, such as the provision of infrastructure and services in settlements, the organization of central places, or the accessibility of services in a specific area. This paper aims to organize fundamental knowledge about services of general interest, as found in scientific and professional literature; with the intention of analysing definitions and classifications of these services, exploring the scientific interest in distinct service categories, examining the spatial organization of services, and investigating their accessibility and adaptation in response to modern social, economic, and technological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the administrative-territorial organisation of Croatia with the organisation in other European countries, with an emphasis on geographical aspects - primarily size (territory) and number of inhabitants of administrative units. The introduction provides an analytical review of the recent papers on this topic, and then an analysis of the current territorial division of Croatia and its former division into regions (groups of municipalities) and so-called “large” municipalities. This is followed by an overview of territorial organisation in other European countries, which is compared with Croatia, with focus on the need to emphasise the relationship between territorial organisation and the size of a particular state. The final part of the paper contains proposals for the administrative division of Croatian territory based on the spatial distribution of the population and the main urban centres, using the application of the best practices in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative food networks have been developing in Croatia over the last ten years, following the example of similar global initiatives. By directly connecting consumers with producers, middlemen are bypassed and short food supply chains are created. This paper focuses on the development of local food systems that have emerged as a result of cooperation between groups of solidary exchange (Grupe solidarne razmjene or GSR for short) and organic farmers. The research is based on qualitative methodology, i.e. semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. A total of 15 interviews with organic food producers were conducted over the last two years (2017-2019). This research shows that cooperation with GSRs, i.e. distribution of products through short food supply chains, has had a series of advantages for producers. GSRs represent a good market for organic products and guarantee fair and stable prices, immediate (or even advance) payment upon delivery of products, and greater autonomy for producers. In addition to its financial advantages, this is a system that fosters social ties and relationships with consumers, in which producers feel appreciated, respected, and supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is forest cover change during the second half of the 19th century in the Ravni Kotari Region. The starting point for the research was data on forests and wooded pastures from 1849, based on Ravni Kotari cadastral municipalities of the first systematic Franciscan Survey and data on forest cover from the 1900 cadastre revision. GIS ArcMap software was used to visualise the forest cover and perform spatial pattern analysis using Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics. The results indicated a small proportion of forests in Ravni Kotari cadastral municipalities and Ravni Kotari as a whole in 1849, but an increase in forest cover throughout the second half of the 19th century. Forest cover increase was a consequence of several legislative and institutional protection measures for forests, which came into effect in Dalmatia in the second half of the 19th century. Statistically significant positive and negative spatial autocorrelations of forest cover were present in some adjacent municipalities, indicating the mainly random influence of certain factors on forest changes in the Ravni Kotari Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban environment's inaccessibility to persons with disabilities is one of the crucial aspects of social discrimination. The paper explores the physical barriers that power wheelchair users encounter while moving around Zagreb, specifically in parts of the following neighbourhoods: Gornji grad (Upper Town)-Medveščak; Donji grad (Lower Town); and Trnje. The aforementioned neighbourhoods encompass a total surface area of 4.31 km2. A participatory approach was applied in the research, whereby wheelchair users were included in the part of the research where navigability of the streets was assessed and the barriers which made moving difficult or impossible were also assessed and mapped. Based on the conducted research, accessibility maps were created and a corresponding interactive GIS map was uploaded online. The results showed that, in the researched areas, power wheelchair users were not able to navigate 22% of total pavement length and 16% of pedestrian crossings by themselves; and they required the assistance of more than one person in order to navigate 19% of pavement length and 9% of pedestrian crossings. The most common barriers include inadequate pavements, kerbs and stairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines continuity of transit tourism economic importance and changes impact on Gorski kotar development. Aim of the paper is to consider causes of changes in economy importance of transit tourism in Gorski kotar and to examine spatial consequences of those changes. The study is based on empirical and field mapping method and the research interview. Method of analysis and statistical methods are used in part where paper discusses tourist traffic. Four development periods and meanings of transit tourism in Gorski kotar can be distinguished. The first period is associated with the development carriages traffic on Karolina (1732) and Lujzijana road (1811). In this first period transit tourism has raised basic infrastructure and had a great influence on the settlement of Gorski kotar. In the second period a railroad Zagreb-Karlovac-Rijeka became a major transit route, which was opened in 1875. Railway proved to be more successful than roads in overcoming the temporal and spatial barriers so it took over the transportation of passengers from the roads. From the transit tourism in railways the greatest economic benefit had a transportation company that raised supporting service facilities at railway stations. The development of the third period was influenced by all the massive car traffic and the renewed importance Louisiana road transport. This period occurred at 1960-ties and began to weaken after the diversion of traffic on the route of the Bosiljevo-Rijeka in year 2003. The first and second period of transit tourism in Gorski kotar had a secondary economic importance and at the end of the third period, has become the leading branch of the local economy. The latest changes which were conceived by the fourth period, are taking place without any planning grounds and transit tourism has lost their economic significance as it had earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews development of digital landslide databases in various countries and in Croatia. Countries that were chosen are those endangered by slope processes and/or those that have landslide databases established and available for review (e.g. Japan, China, New Zealand). The paper shows parameters used in the databases (in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia) and categories recommended for landslide inventory and database development at the global level. Terminology important in research and evaluation of landslide susceptibility, hazard, and risk is also reviewed. The availability of landslide data in Croatia is shown using the example of Rijeka area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the stagnation of a tourist destination taking the example of Pula, Istria's largest urban economic centre. The paper aims to explore the causes of stagnation as one of the stages within the life cycle of a tourist destination and suggest measures for revitalization of tourism and the attraction basis that the tourism development has been based upon. The most intensive tourism development had been recorded from 1981 to 1990, and was interrupted by the Homeland War and post-war reconstruction. Compared to the pre-war period, the number of beds in the city decreased by 14% from 2001 to 2010, the number of tourists decreased by 18% and there were 42% less overnight stays. Pula is not a typical example of a destination going through a stagnation stage, as its stagnation had not been caused by surpassing the capacity of the attraction basis or accommodation facilities. The most important causes of stagnation have been the decrease in the number of tourists from states created after the dissolution of Yugoslavia, development of neighbouring destinations, neglect of its real attraction basis, decrease in quality and the shutting down of accommodation facilities. Measures fortourism revitalization would include revalorization of the existing segment of the attraction basis, which would include stronger development of cultural tourism products, tourism valorisation of military facilities and former military terrains, enabling Pula to gain more affirmation as a tourist destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with spatial analysis of catchment areas of the public primary schools in the City of Zagreb. Spatial analysis was based on data gathered from city administration bodies and the Croatian Bureau of Statistics. These data were collected in a database, i.e. mapped, processed, and visualised using GIS applications. This paper shows that catchment areas defined by the Decree on Primary Schools Network in the Area of the City of Zagreb in 2007 cross borders of City districts, statistical settlements, borders between counties, and are discontinuous and intertwined. A significant amount of house numbers, pertaining to specific catchment areas, extends beyond the 600 meters recommended by the City General Urban Plan. It was found that average and maximum distances of pertaining house numbers from primary schools also extend beyond the 600 meters. Buffers made based on primary school addresses and overlaid with land use data layers in the City of Zagreb indicate the quality of school surroundings and potential threats in their neighbourhoods. Analysis showed significant differences of land use in school surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the spatial density of dolines in the Croatian territory covered by karst. The purpose of this paper is to calculate the spatial density of dolines and show a correlation between calculated doline density values and certain geomorphological and geological factors of their origin and development. Therefore, it has been necessary to calculate the spatial density of dolines applying unique GIS methods of data collection and analysis to the entire study area. Doline density per unit area has been calculated based on the mapped doline bottom. 1:25,000 scale digital cartographic models have been used to determine the doline bottom. The given data have been used to calculate the spatial density of dolines applying a simple kernel method to an area of one square kilometre. The analysis of spatial differences in doline density has revealed that certain connections exist between doline development and relief morphometric parameters as well as lithological and structural terrain features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the results of a quality-of-life research project in the City of Rijeka. The first part presents a deconstruction of the concept into domains and sub-domains that were chosen to represent the quality-of-life concept in this research. The second part is devoted to the analysis of the subjective quality-of-life experience of the inhabitants living in five chosen city neighbourhoods and the evaluation of the objective features of their immediate living space. The following neighbourhoods were chosen: Belveder/Brajda-Dolac, Pećine, Pehlin, Orehovica and Pašac. Results discussed in the paper show significant variations existing in the satisfaction with life domains between respondents living in those five neighbourhoods. According to the analysis, respondents from Belveder/Brajda-Dolac show the lowest average levels of satisfaction with three domains: transport and infrastructure, natural environment and neighbourhood safety. On the other hand, those respondents are significantly more satisfied with the accessibility of services and facilities than all the other respondents. Contrary to them are the respondents from two neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city, namely Pašac and Orehovica, who are significantly more satisfied than all the other respondents with the domain of natural environment, but the least satisfied on average with the accessibility of services and facilities important for the everyday quality of life in the city. Domains and sub-domains that the respondents in different neighbourhoods are the least satisfied with represent those aspects that need special attention and work on the improvement of quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the morphological structure of an area (morphogenesis) is the outcome of numerous interconnected natural, social (anthropogenic, socio-geographical) and perceptive factors. These factors are visibly reflected in the morphology of an area in some way, so they can be read from it. Certain socio-graphical factors (and their changes) that have influenced the design and physiognomy of the current morphological structure of Dubrava are emphasized in this paper. Dubrava is the boundary area situated on the eastern outskirts of Zagreb. Its functional, demographical and morphological features, as well as the development of those features, have many similarities with those in other edging parts of the town, but on the other hand, Dubrava is characterized by processes and phenomena that are more pronounced in Dubrava than elsewhere in the town. Since the Middle Ages, especially over the period of the last eighty years or so, during which the so-called "narrow" centre of Dubrava has appeared and spread, specific dual morphological structure has been formed. This structure consists of both dispersed villages in the northern, north-eastern and south-eastern parts of Dubrava, whose nucleus originated in the Medieval period, and the area of recent development of "narrow" Dubrava with compactly constructed urban tissue. However, regarding the physiognomic-morphological implications, the latter is not homogenous as well -- there are clearly visible areas of the planned and the areas of unplanned, illegal construction. The aims of this paper are: to offer systematic overview and classification of factors that effect the morphogenesis of a certain area, and, by using diachronical analysis, description, and the comparative method as well as the cartographic technique (the working method of research, to explain how some socio-geographical factors (historical development, administrative and territorial division, planning and building regulations) have influenced the appearance and the development of the heterogeneous morphological structure of Dubrava. The example of the morphogenesis of "narrow" Dubrava indicates the interdependence of the analyzed factors. It also points out the early appearance of unplanned construction -- the phenomenon that is widespread in such a manner that it makes Dubrava one of the most unordered parts of Zagreb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the achievements in the Geography of Croatia among 8th Grade Elementary School pupils, and the final grades at comprehensive schools and four-year vocational schools. The results of the external evaluation exams were compared through the two dimensional matrix: elementary school - secondary school, 2008 - 1988. At the end of primary education, the average level of pupils' achievements on the geographical position, natural-geographic and socio-economic characteristics of the Republic of Croatia was 49.1% and 47.9% at the end of the Secondary education. The realized level of achievements that was by 1.2% lower at the end of the Secondary education is not statistically significant but, in relation to the selected sample and the expected cumulative impact of learning and teaching, the result is too low. The paper analyses results for the comprehensive completely comparable test items and confirms the notion that there is no cumulative effect, and that no progress in the level of achievements is made by using the new teaching curriculum. The paper also presents the result of researches conducted in 1988, 2003 and 2008 on pupils' opinions on Geography as a subject in Elementary school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the author researches the possible application of statistical-mathematical indicators such as the regional factor, index of specialization and centre of mass - indicators that are not usually applied in research in the field of tourism geography. These indicators are applied in analysis of the basic data of tourism development: number of tourist arrivals, number of international tourist arrivals by country of origin, and number of tourist beds. This methodological approach is applied in analysis of the geographic characteristics of the most important Central Dalmatian islands: Brač, Hvar, Šolta and Vis. The comparison of this tourist development data has been made for 1988 and 2008, the final points of the period during which Croatian tourism, including the Central Dalmatian islands, had experienced significant changes. This paper also presents the dynamics of tourism development during the same period, along with the processes of polarization in tourism development of the four islands. An analysis of the processes of concentration, centralization, decentralization and polycentric tourism development is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagging behind in economic and demographic development has been one of the fundamental features of Croatian peripheral karst areas for a long time. For that reason, the main research goal of this paper was to analyse attitudes of students from the University of Zagreb regarding the revitalisation potential for Croatian peripheral karst areas. A questionnaire survey was conducted using quota sampling, whereby 490 students were included. The willingness of respondents to return or move to peripheral karst areas was examined, as well as the association between the respondents' stated willingness and connection to these areas by place of birth or origin. Furthermore, economic activities that respondents saw as crucial to the revitalisation processes of karst problem areas were identified. Respondents' views on the possible future development of peripheral karst areas were also analysed. The results point to multi-faceted views of the area. A low level of willingness to return or move to peripheral karst areas on the part of the respondents was determined, whereby respondents, who were linked with peripheral karst areas by birthplace or origin, considered moving or returning to these areas significantly more. Rural tourism and organic agriculture were seen as the most important economic activities in the process of revitalisation. Regional self-government units and central state government were defined by respondents as most important actors in the process of revitalisation. Finally, respondents' predictions about the future of peripheral karst areas were predominantly negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates central functions in the settlements in the Nova Gradiška Area and the commuting habits of the population towards cities outside the area to satisfy basic needs. Central functions were determined using desk methods and field survey, and they consisted of education, health services, supply, telecommunication, and self-government. The frequency, method, and direction of commuting habits were investigated using a questionnaire survey on a representative sample of the local population (for the basic functions of education, health services, supply, and culture). The research revealed a lack of adequate functions in the City of Nova Gradiška itself and the whole investigated area, which forces majority of the population to commute occasionally or regularly to other urban centres, particularly to Slavonski Brod and Zagreb, whose catchment areas overlap in this area, despite the difference in distance. The questionnaire survey proved that the main problem was not the number or type of functions but their quality, due to which some of the respondents preferred to commute to Zagreb, which had a higher perceived quality of services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the spatial concentration of economic activities/sectors in the Republic of Croatia in the period from 2009 to 2016. For this purpose, absolute, and relative spatial concentrations-Hirfindahl- Hirschman's index and variants of the Gini coefficient of concentration (Gini coefficient, spatial Gini coefficient and Gini location coefficient)-were applied. As a basis for their calculation, data on the number of employees per county are used. The results show that the most spatially-concentrated activities are those of the tertiary sector, in particular activities related to information and communication. Some activities are highly concentrated in the City of Zagreb, while others are highly concentrated in certain coastal counties. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing have the most even spatial arrangement. Most of the researched activities did not show a significant change in degree of spatial concentration between 2009 and 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is the third part of the geographic essay on the area of Boka kotorska (the Bay of Kotor). In the first part, the authors (Crkvenčić, I.; Schaller, A., 2005) describes social and political changes in Boka kotorska and development of ethnic structure of the area until 1918. The subject of the second part of the essay(Crkvenčić, I.; Schaller, A., 2006) is ethnic structure of Boka kotorska in the period of Austrian rule (1814-1918). Finally, in this, third part, the changes of ethnic structure of Boka kotorska since the fall of Austrian regime onward are analysed. In the focus of the analysis is the phenomenon of a huge decrease of Croatian population in Boka kotorska. The explanation of ethnic development in the area begins with analysis of data obtained from the last Austrian census in 1910. There are two periods considered in the paper: (1) development of ethnic composition in the period of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918-1941), and (2) ethnic features of the population of Boka kotorska in the period of federal Yugoslavia (1945-1991). In addition, the analysis of data by Montenegrin census in 2003 us made in the chapter titled «Croats in ethnic structure of Boka kotorska - the dying away of Croation population in Boka kotorska». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses premigratory disposition among high school graduates in Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek based on results of empirical research carried out in 2014. A representative sample of 1,830 students (844 male and 986 female) was made by using a probabilistic two-step cluster sampling model, stratified by the type of school and the city where the school is located. The data were processed using the statistical analytical program SPSS 20. The average age of respondents was 18.85, 54.6% attended vocational schools and 45.4% attended gymnasia. The research showed that almost half of the students intended to leave Croatia to continue their education or seek employment. A statistically significant difference was determined according to gender, type of school attended, and city of residence. Furthermore, a correlation between socioeconomic status, family completeness, and religiosity, among students with a lower premigratory disposition, was also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle section of the Kupčina river valley is listed as a natural asset that has been registered, and proposed to be designated as a protected area of the significant landscape category, in the spatial plan of Zagreb County. However, professional criteria for declaring such protected areas are not clearly defined. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to prepare a proposal for research methodology of physical geographic and geoecological surveys of the landscape in order to create an expert baseline study for protection status. The study area is a prevalently agricultural landscape in which the only natural zone is a narrow riparian zone along the riverbed of the Kupčina. For this purpose, the data on geomorphological, soil, and climate characteristics, water resources, and land use were analysed in order to carry out the assessment of land for agricultural use and protection. By using the method of relative relief evaluation, the suitability of the land for agricultural use was determined. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the inner part of the riparian zone of the Kupčina is suitable for protection under the significant landscape category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper closely examines territorial cohesion and rural development policy of the European Union, regional differences in the level of development of the cooperative system, and its spatially differentiated influence on the social and economic development of Croatia. The results confirmed the importance of the cooperative system as a factor of territorial cohesion, and the high level of positive correlation between lagging behind in regional and rural development, and the level of development of the cooperative system. The cooperative system has the greatest influence on regional development in Southern Croatia/Dalmatia (especially on social development) and in Eastern Croatia (especially on economic development). It has the highest impact on rural development in counties with the largest share of local self-government units (administrative towns and municipalities) with a development indeks below 75% of the national average - primarily in Vukovar-Srijem and Osijek-Baranja Counties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of life is a multi-dimensional and complex construct, too broad to be described in simple terms, and, as a result, it is impossible to develop a single, universallyaccepted definition thereof. Reaching a consensus for a definition of quality of life is complicated by the fact that this concept is dealt with by a host of disciplines. Geography, economics, medicine, sociology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and marketing all find areas of interest in investigating certain aspects of quality of life. It is difficult to clarify the specific geographic contribution from the veritable sea of approaches to investigating quality of life, i.e. it is not easy to single out the aspects of investigation of quality of life for which the geographic approach could yield the best results. The goal of this paper is to clarify the qualities of the geographic approach in investigation of quality of life through discussion about the appearance and development of interest for this issue in the framework of geography, as well as by demonstrating theoretical models and classifications of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper closely examines the fluctuations in development of agricultural cooperatives in Croatia during their 150-year-long tradition, as well as recent development trends, and spatially-differentiated development in the contemporary era. The results show that, despite the long tradition, contemporary Croatian cooperatives have been faced with a series of development problems. The main cause of that situation is inadequate legislation - a poorly adjusted law on cooperatives and correlative laws that are relevant for the functioning of cooperative entrepreneurship. This reflects unfavourably in all cooperative sectors, specifically agricultural cooperatives as its most developed sector. This has resulted in a marginal contribution of cooperatives to the socioeconomic development of the nation's demographically ever more destabilised rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the study of changes in the composition of the population of Vukovar-Syrmia County in the period from 1961 to 2011. The changes in the composition of the population with regard to age and gender, as well as the ageing of the population, are being thoroughly analysed. One chapter deals with analytical indicators of the age composition of the population and gives a standardization of the age composition to the level of settlements. Vukovar-Syrmia County is compared with the Republic of Croatia, and changes in the demographic composition of urban and other settlements in the county are analysed. Causes, consequences and characteristics of the changes that have occurred in this fifty-year-period are reviewed and analysed. It is concluded that an early and rapid demographic and general socio-economic recovery of this part of Croatia is not possible without an increase in the birth rate (which should encourage rejuvenation of the age composition), immigration of population, the development of the economy and employment of young people in order to stop their massive emigration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the goal of analysing the forms of scenarios relevant for spatial research and planning, and ways in which the scenario method is contextually used at different spatial levels, a wide encompassing literature review was conducted in relation to typologies and examples of scenario method usage. Given the spatial and temporal frame, the purpose and procedure of scenario construction and resulting scenarios, eleven scenario studies in European countries and nine studies in other countries, described in published academic papers, were selected for closer analysis. On the basis of analysis of scenario typologies, underlying scenarios were recognised: a) explorative, descriptive, forecasting - normative, anticipatory, backcasting; b) qualitative - quantitative; c) expert - participatory; d) baseline - policy; and e) other types of scenarios. The analysis of selected examples of scenario method usage showed especially: the presence of the scenario method in different countries on different spatial levels; relevance in evaluating of alternatives of possible future developments and providing a firm ground for strategies and specific planning and policy measures; connections of the method to the integral approach to spatial development, but also to regionally and locally specific topics; the role of scenarios as links between environmental science research and spatial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ilova River catchment in Central Croatia is under significant human impact as a result of extensive river training works, construction of canals and fish farms. The consequences of building these hydrotechnical structures and river training works on the hydromorphology of streams in the Ilova catchment have not been investigated to date. Following a historical overview of the significant water works, this paper depicts the results of an assessment of morphological features of streams in the Ilova catchment pursuant to the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirements and Croatian Waters' Methodology for monitoring and assessment of hydromorphological features. A total length of 534 km of streams was analysed, which led to the delineation of 48 water bodies for which the morphological condition was evaluated. In the Ilova River catchment, 38.5% of the total watercourse length, respectively twenty-one water bodies, did not meet WFD objectives as they were classified as moderate, poor or bad with respect to morphological condition. The results showing that not only those water bodies within and around settlements but also remote water bodies have a failing morphological status is a matter of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracting gold for over a century from the Witwa- tersrand basin in South Africa as the largest known deposit on Earth, inadvertently also brought large amounts of radioactive and chemotoxic uranium (U) into densely populated environments. With well over 6000 million t of tailings, the Witwatersrand goldfields contain more uraniferous mine waste than all other U-producing countries worldwide combined, exposing millions of mainly impoverished residents to contaminated air, water, soil and food. Yet, to date, no systematic effort has been made to quantify reliably the extent of the problem and assess associated health risks for the entire region. Acknowledging that any concerted strategy for addressing the U legacy requires a scientific base, this paper briefly describes how research on U pollution in South Africa developed, which topics were covered and some of the gaps. Based on this, a radio-ecological approach is proposed to be followed for systematically addressing the problem and arriving at a sound scientific understanding of where U originates, how it migrates through the environment and what the associated health risks are. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expressed regional identity of the local community will also mean greater attachment, and that the value of cultural and natural resources as well as intangible assets, through proper management and investment, have the capability of becoming a major tourist attraction. Heritage reflects the stability, continuity of settlement, the tradition of the cultural landscape and the lifestyle, and is therefore an important part of the traditional identity. Cultural heritage is a resource recognized by tourists, which actually creates a link between identity and the perceptions of residents and tourists. With proper presentation and promotion, spatial identity is one of the most important intangible tourism resources having a very high potential in building unique tourism products. The focus of this paper is the identification of an individual with the spatial identity of a region and investigation of the effects on the sustainable development of tourism, based on a case study of Bjelovar and Čakovec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the precipitation variability research that was conducted using precipitation data of 43 stations in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 1961 - 1990 period. Precipitation variability was analysed for annual, semi-annual and seasonal amounts of precipitation. The results of spatial analysis showed, that the range of precipitation variability is higher in Croatia than in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lower values of precipitation variability were observed in the stations of the central part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nevertheless, further investigations are necessary for a number of stations in Bosnia- Herzegovina to confirm this statement. Lower values of precipitation variability in Bosnia- Herzegovina were obtained for all seasons, but largely for autumn. In the majority of stations, the minimum precipitation variability occurs in the spring. Maximum precipitation variability, which for the largest number of stations occurs in the autumn, is more evident in Croatia than in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the life cycle of Korčula Island in the 1964-2012 period using Butler's (1980) model, according to Lundtorp and Wanhil (2001) criteria. Tourism development was analysed within two separate life cycles, in respect of different factors, segmentation of tourist offer, forms of tourism and spatial processes. The first cycle was based on the classical tourist product, Sun and Sea, and caused the take-over of the whole island by tourism and ended with decline, due to loss of attractiveness and competitiveness of the classical tourist product in the late 1980s and the Homeland War. The present cycle was initiated by rejuvenation of coastal tourism after the war, but the island entered into a stagnation phase again in the mid-2000s. Therefore, great efforts are being put into development of a complex tourist offer and forms of tourism, emphasising heritage and active holidays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the analysis of location factors of small and medium-sized industrial companies in Sisak and Petrinja. Through interviewing small and mediumsized entrepreneurs, representatives of different branches in processing industries, the actual hierarchy of location factors has been established. Advantages and disadvantages of the existing location and its influence on the future development of the companies are examined. It has been comprehended that the efficient power grid, good connection with the road network, the existence of a qualified workforce and state and other support are the most important location factors, and that the influence of processing tradition is prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The former approach of the 2010 paper written by the same author (co-author) has observed and placed the basic identity of historical geography as the fundamental geography discipline (within the meaning of its secondary particularity), whilst this work aims to consider the appliance of the historical-geographical approach and epistemology in numerous planning and gnostically-analytical definitions of spatial laws and models. Doing honour in this way to the theoretical geography and history approaches, the methodological system is primary based on speculative (logical or philosophical) methods and is affirming the justifiability of historical-geographical analysis in objective reality comprehension in geographical space, with the research results justifying the meaning of historical geography in the scientific, educational and planning system. Taking into account the laws, conditionality and functional understanding and modelling within the two basic philosophical categories of space and time, historical geography and its cognitions form the crucial presumption of space-time conditionality understanding in future regional (spatial) units or complex planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of research of spatial and national distribution of foreign direct investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina through quantitative and qualitative analysis of the available data. For a better insight into the origin of investments and possible geopolitical interest of the investors, investing countries are grouped according to the criteria of similarity. The spatial distribution of foreign direct investment presented at the entity level complements insight into the connection between national or religious affiliation with the origins of the investment. Furthermore, analysis of foreign direct investment by sector of activity indicates a possible orientation of investing countries towards target branches of the economy. Using various geographic graphical methods, processed data are presented by a series of parallel graphics. Mutual incompatibility of the information provided by various state authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina produced some problems in processing of data. However, according to this analysis, the article confirms the initial assumption about the connection between the geopolitical interests of the countries investors and recipients in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the study of changes in the composition according to age of the population of Croatia over three decades (1981 - 2011). Consideration is given to the causes and characteristics of demographic ageing and they are compared with European countries. The degree of population old age is analysed in detail and spatial differentiation is made of the basic features of that process (to the level of the local district/town); emphasis is placed on the current situation (in keeping with 2011 Census data). A projection of the process in question up until 2031 is submitted (the trend in the total number of the population and changes in its composition according to age group and degree of ageing). One of the chapters analyses the consequences of the ageing of the population and endeavours to answer the question of how to mitigate such consequences and to impede this destructive process. It is concluded that far reaching solutions should be sought primarily in increasing fertility, by which gradual rejuvenation of the population's age composition could be stimulated. The second group of measures relates to immigration, and the third to increasing the employment rate of young people in order to halt their mass emigration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three pan-European transport corridors pass through the Osijek region. Corridor X goes in the Salzburg-Ljubljana-Zagreb-Belgrade-Skopje-Salonika direction. Corridor Vc (a branch of the corridor V) connects Budapest, Osijek, Sarajevo and Ploče. Corridor VII is represented by the River Danube. Starting from the fact that the transport corridors play a prominent role in connecting places and stimulating development, this paper firstly deals with the stage of their valorisation in the framework of the Osijek region and wider. It analyses the condition of the communications and terminals on the corridor routes and, accordingly, organisation of the connections and development trends of the transport courses. After 15 years of existence the corridors are unevenly and insufficiently valorised. In spite of that, their effects are significant. The corridors have raised the importance of Osijek as a multimodal junction and polarization centre. They have also influenced the spatio-functional development of the Osijek urban agglomeration. The other four centres in the corridors - Vinkovci, Vukovar, Đakovo and Županja - have reinforced their transport and central functions and, together with central Osijek, have become the framework of the region's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with spatial differences in precipitation variability in Central Croatia. Precipitation variability is analysed for 8 meteorological stations for which data for the 1950-2007 period are available. All the researched stations have a continental pluviometric regime. The annual values of mean relative variability in the studied area have relatively small range. The precipitation variability maximum occurs in Autumn at most of the stations, and the minimum in Spring. The annual course of precipitation variability is characterised, at all stations, by a maximum in October. The secondary maximum of precipitation variability occurs in January or February. The primary minimum of precipitation variability is in June at all stations apart from Sisak, where the minimum is in April. The secondary minimum is in March or April. There are spatial differences in precipitation variability, although not particularly pronounced, especially in the March till July period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Town of Vukovar suffered heavy destruction during Serbian military aggression in the 1990s. The paper shows and explains in brief the basic post-war development challenges (obstacles, difficulties and possibilities) of the Town of Vukovar (Croatia). Overviews are presented based upon the relevant statistical, demographic and other documentation and literature, the human and demographic losses, as well as the material damage. In accordance with the "balance" of the consequences of the Croatian Homeland War and recent development documents, the basic obstacle factors of the post-war development and progress of Vukovar are identified and comprehended. The most important demographic indicators are explained. For a number of reasons, they are one of the key negative elements in the development of the Town of Vukovar. The current unfavourable demographic situation tends to further deterioration in the future and is having a negative general influence on the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes dynamic and structural characteristics and spatial distribution of population in the Krapina-Zagorje County. The main aim is to identify and evaluate demographic resources and potentials and the influence of demographic resources on primary education organization. The demographic resources index was applied for identification and evaluation of demographic resources and potentials, and the typology on the administrative level of settlement and the primary schools' enrolment area has been developed. A spatial differentiation of structural and dynamic population characteristics of the researched area in the contemporary period has been determined. According to 2001 Census data, 59.3% of all settlements have extremely weak demographic resources and have no human potential for future demographic and economic development. Total population number projections and the first 2011 Census results have shown that the depopulation will continue and that demographic extinction will be the fundamental determinants of future population development. Negative demographic development over the years has contributed to the decrease in total human potential in the County, as well as to the decrease in the number of pupils in classes and in the number of classes, which implies changes in the number and status of primary school units. The utilization and encumbrance of the human potential in geography teaching will change under these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the impact of natural hazards on spatial vulnerability, and seeks to assess the degree of potential risk from natural hazards to the Kvarner area, one of most important tourist region of the Republic of Croatia. The northern parts of the Kvarner area are located in a seismotectonically active area, in which destructive earthquakes have struck in the past and can be expected to strike again, although it is impossible to predict when, where and with what intensity. Special attention is focused on various types of hazards brought about by climate change that are taking place today and are estimated to accelerate throughout the broader region, the Kvarner area included. The expected primary effects of climate change will be seen in rising sea levels and in the increased intensity and frequency of stormy weather. Such phenomena may occur independently or may interact resulting in higher risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses eighth-grade pupil achievements in the external evaluation exam in the domain of General Geography in the 2007/2008 school year. The study was conducted on a sample of 500 randomly selected tests. The results were compared with the results of the school pupil population that attended the external evaluation exam (21 485 eighth-grade pupils). The objectives of the research were to determine the level of achievement in basic geographic knowledge and skills at the end of compulsory education, the comparison of achievements in the domain of General Geography with the achievements in Geography of Europe and Geography of Croatia domains, and to carry out quantitative analysis of the results of specific test particles in the domain of General Geography according to knowledge dimensions and type of tasks. The level of pupil achievement in the General Geography domain is not satisfactory, because the percentage of test particles solvability is 40%. Achievements in the General Geography domain are lower in comparison with the Geography of Europe domain by 1.9 percentage points, and to the Geography of Croatia domain by 9.1 percentage points. The results achieved in testing the knowledge of facts in the domain of General Geography (71.7%) were significantly better than the results of conceptual (41.4%) and procedural knowledge (31.3%), as were the results in closed-ended tasks (59.8%) in comparison with the results of the semi closed-ended tasks (39.8%) and open-ended tasks (27.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free time or leisure activities are usually perceived as a topic of tourism geography. However, all the economic activities that occur during a regular visit to a shopping centre, as one of the most popular places for spending free time, draw it into the scope of retail and, thereby, economic geography as well. Sociologists claim that shopping centres have replaced parks and free time activities. Parents largely welcome this trend, because shopping centres offer some kind of safe and controlled environment. Wandering around shopping centres is becoming more and more popular among young Croatians as well. So far, in foreign literature, different models and frameworks for understanding the mall experience have been put forward. This paper presents factors relevant for young people in making their choice. Finally, a framework or a model for choosing a favourite shopping centre is offered. With the trend of extensive opening of shopping centre, this model could become useful to shopping centre managements in development of shopping centres and their fight for customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The papers deals with applied research in population geography. Data source and development of a demographic information system (DIS) is of crucial importance for applied population geography studies. In past decades we have chosen to focus upon smaller geographic scales. Geographic perspectives on demographic analysis at the local level seem destined to flourish. That fact encourages demand for population geographers and opens the question of their university education and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to work out a synthetic indicator, which would help in identification, evaluation and comparison of demographic resources. The secondary aim is to form a spatial unit typology in the Republic of Croatia according to the synthetic indicator's value. The synthetic indicator has been named demographic resources index (ider ). It consists of two basic components: demographic index (idem ) and education index (io ). Population size is included in the calculation, specifically as a corrective in the form of a coefficient (k). The first index-component consists of eleven variables. It includes a general direction of demographic changes in the past period, the most important indicators of demographic potential and the synthetic indicator of the population natural change and age structure. The second index-component consists of four variables. It includes the characteristics of the population's attained level of education, as well as indications of the most educated contingent's future proportions. Based on the obtained values of the synthetic indicator, a typology of Croatian territorial units has been formed with six types of demographic resources, and their basic characteristics have been determined. The synthetic indicator of demographic resources has turned out to be relevant and applicable on all levels of Croatian territorial units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aspect of spatial segregation of the Roma population has not been considered until now as part of the variety of planned actions towards achieving the goal of better integration of the Roma national minority in Croatian society. This paper analyzes spatial segregation of the Roma population in Medimurje County, providing results that could contribute to a better understanding of the spatial structure in which the Roma population participate. The results of quantitative indicators suggest a high level of segregation of the Roma minority on the local scale in Medimurje, while it is not so obvious on the county scale. At the County level, Roma people are settled in many municipalities. Segregation is more obvious on the local scale, where Roma people live largely in nationally homogeneous settlements, or with parts of the settlements spatially separated from the rest of the local population. Successful integration of the Roma minority depends on future actions taken, aiming at minimizing spatial segregation, which is closely connected to other segregational aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the population potential of the Krapina-Zagorje County on the administrative level of towns/municipalities. The analysis is based on selected demographic indicators and variables, with population potential being represented by the demographic resources index. The results of the population potential analysis indicate the spatial disparity of the Krapina-Zagorje County. Unfavourable demographic development, primarily strong depopulation and ageing, have led to the weakening of the demographic base to a large extent and to the decreasing of the total population potential in the County. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the changes in spatial distribution of work places, i.e. employment and unemployment, which appeared in the Sisak region as the consequence of the war (1991-1995) and transition restructuring of economy. Employment and unemployment in the period 1989-2007 have been mainly analyzed according to the areas of the former municipalities with making efforts to single Out those which were economically more propulsive, as well as those in which great developmental problems appeared. A special attention was paid to the decrease of the industrial production volume accompanied by continued dismissals of industrial workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the changes in the regional development of Lika after the construction of the motorway in 2004. The motorway better integrated Lika into the traffic system of Croatia, influenced new intraregional relations, created conditions for greater employment, opening of entrepreneurial zones and quicker development of tourism, small industry and agriculture. The new road has actualized the question of this area's further development and its position in the Croatia's regional structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with regional characteristics of birth rates in Croatia on different territorial levels: from individual townships and municipalities to counties and larger areas, such as Pannonian and Karst regions (further divided into the islands, the seashore and the inland). The analysis is based on the average birth rates for a three-year period (2001-2003). In order to eliminate the influence of differences in the age composition of population, standardized birth rates are being calculated. Entire female population of Croatia has been chosen for standard population. In all counties and larger regional entities the process of regional homogenization at low birth rates level is prominent. However, a certain polarization of birth rates in hypothetical conditions of a standardized age composition was determined. One pole is located in Bukovica and Dalmatinska Zagora - the area of hypothetically the highest fertility, and the other one is in Istria and around Rijeka - the area of hypothetically the lowest fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identity is a group of characteristics which determine the distinctiveness of an individual or a group in terms of differences from or affiliation with other individuals or groups; accordingly, it follows that to identify oneself means to (self)determine the self. Whereas space is an essential formational element in the process of shaping identity, particularly national, regional and local, it is of interest to geographers and is mostly pursued by political and cultural geographers. This paper presents a model of geographical research of identity manifest in the names of streets and squares in nine towns of the North Croatian Littoral. It has three main objectives: to corroborate the fact that identity in the urban landscape can be observed through quantitative (statistical-mathematical) and qualitative (interpretative) semantic analysis of street and square names; then to establish the difference in the presence of hodonyms which reflect regional identity (the so-called regional hodonyms), and those which reflect national identity (the so called national hodonyms) in Kvarner and Istria; and finally to examine the level of prominence of the Italian influence in the urban toponymy of Istria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last inter-census period, between 1991 and 2001, Rijeka recorded population decrease for the first time after World War II as the result of negative natural movement and negative net migration. At the same time the number of inhabitants in the suburban region increased owing exactly to in-migration. Besides migration characteristics analysis of the population of the city and its suburban region based on the data of previous censuses, especially on that in 2001, basic results of the empirical research conducted in 2006 by the way of questionnaire method on the sample of 411 respondents in four settlements in the Rijeka suburban region are presented in the paper. The analysis of respondents' replies to four questions regarding reasons for out-migration from their previous place of residence and settling in the Rijeka suburban region settlements points to solving housing problem as the main push factor of out-migration and main pull factor of in-migration to suburbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]