Dubrovnik-Neretva County is the southernmost county of Adriatic Croatia, territorially organized into 22 units of local and self-government, consisting of 5 cities and 17 municipalities. It is known for its unique geography, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional natural beauty. Located between Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north, Montenegro to the southeast, and Italy along the maritime border, the county is characterized by its narrow and uneven coastline, separated from the hinterland by high mountain ranges. This natural phenomenon has created a unique landscape where coastal towns, fertile fields, and islands of exotic beauty intertwine. The county consists of two main functional and geographic zones: the narrow coastal strip with a promontory opening to the sea, encompassing the area of the city of Dubrovnik, the Pelješac Peninsula, and the most important islands – Korčula, Mljet, Lastovo, and the Elaphiti Islands – and the fertile Neretva Valley, which is known for its rich agriculture. With a total area of 9,272 km², of which 1,781 km² consists of terrestrial territory, Dubrovnik-Neretva County is one of the smaller Croatian counties, both in terms of size and population. According to the 2021 census, the county has 115,862 inhabitants. The coastline, which stretches for 1,024 km, is highly indented, with 306 islands, islets, rocks, and reefs. The diversity of the landscape is further enriched by the biological diversity of both land and sea, making this area unique throughout the entire Mediterranean.
Economy and Key Industries
Dubrovnik-Neretva County is one of the most developed Croatian regions when considering Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. Its economy is primarily based on the tertiary sector, while primary and secondary sectors are less represented. Tourism is by far the most important economic sector. The city of Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a world-renowned destination that attracts millions of tourists annually. However, other parts of the county are increasingly developing their tourist offerings – the islands of Korčula and Mljet, the Pelješac Peninsula, Konavle, and the towns of Cavtat and Ston are becoming more popular among both domestic and international visitors.
In addition to tourism, agriculture and aquaculture also play a significant role. The Neretva Valley, with its fertile alluvial soils, is the second most important agricultural area in Croatia. It is especially known for growing citrus fruits, particularly mandarins, which are exported throughout Europe. The Pelješac Peninsula and the island of Korčula are famous for their tradition of viticulture and olive cultivation, while the Mali Ston Bay is one of the most important centers for shellfish farming in Europe, especially oysters and mussels. In addition to agriculture, fishing is well-developed, particularly in the Neretva Channel and the waters around the islands of Mljet and Korčula.
The county is also developing a renewable energy sector, including solar and wind energy projects, thanks to favorable climatic conditions and a large number of sunny days throughout the year.
Transportation Connectivity and Infrastructure
Dubrovnik-Neretva County is connected to the rest of Croatia by the A1 highway to Ploče, regional and local roads, as well as maritime and air traffic. Dubrovnik Airport is a key entry point for international visitors, while the ports of Dubrovnik and Ploče are of great economic importance. The Pelješac Bridge, which opened in 2022, has improved transportation connectivity within the county, eliminating the need to cross through the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
[Source: Regional Development Agency Dubrovnik-Neretva County DUNEA, February 2025]
Main Indicators
|
GDP
EUR
|
2.061.723.000 |
|
Population
|
115.912 |
|
Men |
56.982 |
|
Women |
58.930 |
|
Age 0-14 |
17.243 |
|
Age 15+ |
98.669 |
|
GDP Per Capita
EUR
|
17.923,00 |
|
Area Size
km²
|
1.781 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: GDP (2022), Population (2024, Estimate), Area size (2021)
Gross Value Added by ActivitiesEUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2022
Infrastructure
|
Motorways
km
|
19 |
|
Broadband Connections
number and density
|
29.852 / 73% |
|
Number of issued building permits
|
350 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: Motorways (2024), Building permits (2023), Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Industries: Broadband Connections (Q4 2024)
Investments
| |
Amount |
|
Foreign Direct Investments
million EUR
|
952 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2024
Foreign Direct Investment by Activitymil. EUR
| Activity |
Amount |
|
Accommodation
|
452,11 |
|
Real estate business
|
253,40 |
|
Proprietary investments in real estates
|
148,80 |
|
Construction of buildings
|
74,96 |
|
Computer programming, consulting and related activities
|
22,22 |
|
Other
|
0,06 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2024
Foreign Direct Investment by Countrymil. EUR
| Country |
Amount |
|
Sweden
|
251,35 |
|
Luxembourg
|
178,66 |
|
Switzerland
|
126,16 |
|
Netherlands
|
77,36 |
|
Italy
|
45,94 |
|
Other
|
272,07 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2024
Gross Investment in new Fixed Assets, by Location of Investment Constructions and Types of Assets
| Asset type |
Amount (EUR, 000) |
| Buildings, spaces and structures |
205.403 |
| Machinery and equipment with fittings |
61.991 |
| Transport equipment |
7.351 |
| Cultivated biological resources |
1.506 |
| Intellectual property products |
6.349 |
|
Total
|
289.926
|
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2023
Biggest Investors
Source: Financial Agency, data for 2024
Maximum Investment Incentives' Intensity according to the Investment Promotion Act
| Large enterprises |
Medium enterprises |
Small and micro-enterprises |
| 40% |
50% |
60% |
Source: 2022-2027 Regional Aid Map for Croatia
International Trade
Export by Activity000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Import by Activity000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Export by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Import by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Education
| Eduction level |
Number of pupils |
|
Kindergartens and Other Legal Entities Implementing Preschool Education Programmes
|
5.112 |
|
Basic Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
9.413 |
|
Upper Secondary Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
4.742 |
|
Students Enrolled on Professional and University Study, According to Place of Permanent Residence
|
3.354 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024/2025
Number of High School Studends Who Have Completed Their Education
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2023/2024
Number of Students and Institutions by Educational Sectors
| Educational Sector |
Number of Institutions |
Number of Students |
|
Tourism and catering
|
5 |
985 |
|
Economics, trade and business administration
|
5 |
574 |
|
Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and metallurgy
|
5 |
435 |
|
Electrical engineering and computing
|
6 |
395 |
|
Health and social work
|
1 |
219 |
|
Transport and logisitics
|
2 |
210 |
|
Construction and geodesy
|
2 |
124 |
|
Graphic technology and audio-visual design
|
2 |
113 |
|
Personal, security and other services
|
1 |
94 |
|
Agriculture, food and veterinary
|
2 |
35 |
|
Textiles and leather
|
1 |
21 |
Source: Ministry of Science and Education, data for 2024/2025
Students Who Graduated From University Study or Completed Professional Studys
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Students Enrolled at Institutions of Higher Education, by Scientific and Artistic Fields of Study
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2022/2023
Institutions of Higher Education and Graduated Students
| Name |
Students who graduated from or completed university or professional study |
|
RIT Croatia, Dubrovnik
|
168 |
|
Public university in Dubrovnik
|
326 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2021
Business Indicators of Enterprises
| Activity |
Number of Business Entities |
Number of Persons Employed |
Average Monthly Gross Earnings per Person in Paid Employment
(EUR) |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
|
93 |
207 |
1.364 |
|
Mining and quarrying
|
7 |
147 |
1.757 |
|
Manufacturing
|
273 |
1.367 |
1.339 |
|
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
|
33 |
347 |
1.995 |
|
Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
|
49 |
1.067 |
1.410 |
|
Construction
|
642 |
3.500 |
1.279 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
683 |
4.490 |
1.349 |
|
Transportation and storage
|
372 |
3.195 |
1.756 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities
|
922 |
6.299 |
1.534 |
|
Information and communication
|
160 |
632 |
1.802 |
|
Financial and insurance activities
|
11 |
531 |
1.776 |
|
Real estate activities
|
404 |
329 |
1.463 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities
|
566 |
1.084 |
1.583 |
|
Administrative and support service activities
|
444 |
1.507 |
1.493 |
|
Public administration and defence, compulsory social security
|
144 |
3.494 |
2.197 |
|
Education
|
110 |
3.948 |
1.937 |
|
Human health and social work activities
|
142 |
2.706 |
2.527 |
|
Arts, entertainment and recreation
|
886 |
1.169 |
1.593 |
|
Other service activities
|
1.747 |
649 |
1.358 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Unemployed
| |
Rate |
|
Unemployment Rate
|
9,40% |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Unemployed by Activity
| Activity |
Number |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
117 |
| Mining and quarrying |
5 |
| Manufacturing |
234 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
2 |
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
35 |
| Construction |
200 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
515 |
| Transportation and storage |
213 |
| Accommodation and food service activities |
912 |
| Information and communication |
32 |
| Financial and insurance activities |
20 |
| Real estate activities |
23 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities |
119 |
| Administrative and support service activities |
192 |
| Public administration and defence, compulsory social security |
293 |
| Education |
154 |
| Human health and social work activities |
95 |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation |
49 |
| Other service activities |
175 |
| Not classified |
265 |
| Total |
3.650 |
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2024
Registered unemployed by occupation
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2024
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