Split is Croatia's second-largest city, located on the Marjan Peninsula, between the Split Canal and Kaštela Bay, at the foot of the Mosor Mountains. It is situated in the southern part of the country, along the central Croatian coast, positioned between Dubrovnik and Zadar.
The population of Split is just under 200,000, and the national currency is the Croatian kuna (HRK).
This city has a rich history, having witnessed various dramatic events and changes in rulers. Split was founded about 1700 years ago on the site of Salona, a Roman colony that served as the capital of Dalmatia. Emperor Diocletian, who was born here, chose to return to Split after his abdication.
Throughout its history, Split has faced destruction by barbarians, been settled by Slavs, ruled by Hungarian-Croats, and in the 15th century, it became a part of the Venetian Republic. In the 18th century, Dalmatia was annexed to Austria, followed by a period of French rule, and eventually, the city returned under Austrian authority.
In World War I, Split was occupied by Italian troops and later became part of the Serbian-Slovak-Croatian Kingdom. During World War II, the Italians once again occupied the city, followed by German control, until ultimately, Split was ceded to Croatia.
