Krapina-Zagorje County is located in the northwestern part of the Republic of Croatia and belongs to the Central Croatia region. It borders the Republic of Slovenia and Varaždin County to the north, the Republic of Slovenia to the west, Zagreb County and Varaždin County to the east, and the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County to the south. According to data published by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics for the year 2023, Krapina-Zagorje County has a population of 120,942 inhabitants. Although it is one of the smaller counties in terms of area, Krapina-Zagorje County stands out with a high population density. Administratively, it is divided into seven cities and twenty-five municipalities, with its county seat located in the City of Krapina.
Transport Connectivity and Strategic Position
Krapina-Zagorje County enjoys an exceptionally favorable geostrategic position, and its transport connections represent one of its key advantages. The A2 Zagreb–Macelj motorway, which is part of the European traffic corridor E59, runs through the entire county, connecting Croatia with Central Europe. Due to its proximity to Zagreb and Varaždin, a significant portion of the population commutes daily to these cities for work and education. Good international road connectivity facilitates business operations, trade, and investment, contributing to economic development. The close proximity to the capital city, Zagreb—just 30 minutes away—provides additional benefits for business activities. Well-developed industrial zones allow local companies to integrate into global markets. Moreover, a new virtual platform for exploring business zones enables investors to research investment opportunities remotely, without the need for a physical visit, https://investinzagorje.hr/.
Economy and Entrepreneurship
The economy of Krapina-Zagorje County is largely export-oriented, with one-third of total revenue generated in foreign markets. The manufacturing industry is the key sector and the backbone of the county’s economy, particularly the metal processing industry and the production of non-metallic mineral products. In 2023, there were 2,839 businesses operating in the county, employing a total of 23,854 workers. The total revenue of entrepreneurs amounted to 2.737 billion euros, while total expenditures reached 2.489 billion euros. Compared to the previous year, revenues increased by 12.79%, while expenditures grew by 11.47%. The gross profit amounted to 248 million euros, marking a 28.10% increase compared to 2022. The unemployment rate in May 2024 stood at 3.9%, while the average net salary reached 1,357 euros.
Exports and Foreign Trade
The most important trade partners of Krapina-Zagorje County are Slovenia, Germany, and Italy. The largest export market is Slovenia, which accounts for 18.67% of total exports, followed by Germany with 15.73% and Italy with 13.21%. At the same time, imports reached a value of 550.6 million euros, representing an increase of 5.61%. The trade surplus of 272.8 million euros is evidence of a positive balance in trade. With a stable business environment and attractive economic conditions, Krapina-Zagorje County has been awarded the title of European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) 2025 by the European Committee of the Regions. This prestigious award confirms the county’s strategic vision, focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and digitalization, while promoting sustainable investments. Additionally, in 2024, the Financial Times ranked Krapina-Zagorje County 6th among the top 10 small European regions for attracting investments. Just a year later, in 2025, the county was ranked among the top 4 small European regions for investment attractiveness. The largest companies in the county by total revenue in 2023 were: Vetropack Straža d.d. (glass factory, Hum na Sutli), Omco Croatia d.o.o. (Hum na Sutli), MDK Građevinar d.o.o. (Veliko Trgovišće), Jedinstvo Krapina d.o.o. (Krapina) and Trgocentar d.o.o. (Zabok).
Workforce and Labor Market
The number of employees in Krapina-Zagorje County’s businesses grew to 23,854 in 2023, an increase of 2.54% compared to the previous year. Despite challenges related to the availability of skilled labor, the unemployment rate decreased to 3.4%, ensuring labor market stability.
Business Infrastructure and Economic Support
Krapina-Zagorje County continuously invests in the development of business infrastructure and economic support programs. The Entrepreneurial Center of Krapina-Zagorje County, the only certified member of the EBN (European Business and Innovation Network) in Croatia, implements measures to support entrepreneurship and provides expert and educational assistance to entrepreneurs.There are 34 business zones in the county, with the largest one being the Zabok Business Zone, covering 183 hectares and employing 1,809 workers. Additionally, Energy Center Bračak, the first of its kind in Croatia, supports energy projects and helps in securing financial mechanisms for sustainable investments.
Strategic Investment and Development Sectors
The region has positioned itself as a strong investment destination in three high-growth sectors. Industry 5.0 and Advanced Manufacturing – focusing on automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence in manufacturing processes. Healthcare and Digital Health including the Health IT Academy, which trains professionals for digital health technologies. Sustainable Tourism and Wellness leveraging thermal springs and eco-tourism destinations for long-term growth.
Sustainability and Green Investments
Sustainability is a key component of Krapina-Zagorje County’s investment strategy. The region actively promotes clean energy through projects involving near-zero energy consumption, solar and geothermal initiatives, and energy-efficient production processes. The County Energy Agency plays a crucial role in guiding investors toward green investments, ensuring a balance between profitability and ecological responsibility. Foreign direct investors increasingly recognize the value of investing in sustainable projects.
Tourism and Agriculture
Tourism is an essential sector in Krapina-Zagorje County’s development, based on its thermal springs, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Key tourism sectors include: Health and wellness tourism, family and cultural tourism, business tourism. The most developed tourist destinations are Tuhelj, Stubičke Toplice, Krapinske Toplice, and Donja Stubica. Agriculture remains a traditional economic activity, with a focus on local food production. Protected designation of origin (PDO) products include Zagorje turkey, Zagorje mlinci (flatbread), Zagorje štrukli (cheese pastry), and acacia honey, which enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
Future Development and Competitiveness
Krapina-Zagorje County continues to record positive economic trends, with business growth, increasing exports and investments, and rising average wages.The region offers an ideal combination of affordable operational costs, skilled labor, and strategic investment incentives. Unlike larger urban centers facing congestion and high business costs, Krapina-Zagorje County provides favorable business conditions while maintaining direct access to European supply chains.
Vision for the Future
The vision for Krapina-Zagorje County is to become a green and smart region with an inclusive society, sustainable development, and a circular economy, leveraging innovation to achieve its full potential. Moving forward, the county aims to increase its competitiveness by integrating new technological solutions, fostering innovation and creativity, and implementing smart solutions to enhance both economic competitiveness and quality of life for its residents.
[Source: Entrepreneurial Centre of Krapina – Zagorje County, March 2025]
Main Indicators
|
GDP
EUR
|
1.621.374.160 |
|
Population
|
119.204 |
|
Men |
58.565 |
|
Women |
60.639 |
|
Age 0-14 |
16.077 |
|
Age 15+ |
103.127 |
|
GDP Per Capita
EUR
|
13.629,80 |
|
Area Size
km²
|
1.229 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: GDP (2023), Population (2024, Estimate), Area size (2021)
Gross Value Added by ActivitiesEUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2023
Infrastructure
|
Motorways
km
|
38 |
|
Broadband Connections
number and density
|
18.363 / 47% |
|
Number of issued building permits
|
407 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: Motorways (2024), Building permits (2024), Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Industries: Broadband Connections (Q2 2024)
Investments
| |
Amount |
|
Foreign Direct Investments
million EUR
|
434 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Foreign Direct Investment by Activitymil. EUR
| Activity |
Amount |
|
Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products
|
186,24 |
|
Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
|
44,04 |
|
Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
36,09 |
|
Manufacture of paper and paper products
|
28,63 |
|
Accommodation
|
21,51 |
|
Other
|
117,37 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Foreign Direct Investment by Countrymil. EUR
| Country |
Amount |
|
Switzerland
|
182,27 |
|
Austria
|
77,92 |
|
Belgium
|
46,82 |
|
Slovenia
|
32,99 |
|
Hungary
|
22,95 |
|
Other
|
70,90 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Gross Investment in new Fixed Assets, by Location of Investment Constructions and Types of Assets
| Asset type |
Amount (EUR, 000) |
| Buildings, spaces and structures |
158.101 |
| Machinery and equipment with fittings |
102.285 |
| Transport equipment |
15.405 |
| Cultivated biological resources |
691 |
| Intellectual property products |
3.246 |
|
Total
|
286.028
|
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
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 |
| 50% |
60% |
70% |
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
|
4.378 |
|
Basic Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
8.753 |
|
Upper Secondary Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
4.559 |
|
Students Enrolled on Professional and University Study, According to Place of Permanent Residence
|
2.636 |
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 |
|
Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and metallurgy
|
4 |
572 |
|
Health and social work
|
2 |
555 |
|
Economics, trade and business administration
|
4 |
543 |
|
Electrical engineering and computing
|
3 |
513 |
|
Tourism and catering
|
4 |
434 |
|
Construction and geodesy
|
1 |
261 |
|
Graphic technology and audio-visual design
|
1 |
253 |
|
Transport and logisitics
|
2 |
132 |
|
Personal, security and other services
|
3 |
120 |
|
Agriculture, food and veterinary
|
2 |
70 |
|
Forestry and wood processing
|
1 |
29 |
|
Textiles and leather
|
1 |
2 |
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
Institutions of Higher Education and Graduated Students
| Name |
Students who graduated from or completed university or professional study |
|
Polytechnic Hrvatsko Zagorje in Krapina
|
20 |
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
|
64 |
158 |
1.466 |
|
Mining and quarrying
|
8 |
153 |
1.831 |
|
Manufacturing
|
577 |
10.074 |
1.665 |
|
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
|
22 |
327 |
2.148 |
|
Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
|
22 |
791 |
1.593 |
|
Construction
|
714 |
2.823 |
1.430 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
540 |
3.891 |
1.481 |
|
Transportation and storage
|
177 |
1.316 |
1.582 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities
|
192 |
765 |
1.342 |
|
Information and communication
|
142 |
319 |
2.332 |
|
Financial and insurance activities
|
18 |
323 |
2.147 |
|
Real estate activities
|
71 |
82 |
1.828 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities
|
322 |
750 |
1.851 |
|
Administrative and support service activities
|
88 |
337 |
1.327 |
|
Public administration and defence, compulsory social security
|
65 |
1.459 |
2.281 |
|
Education
|
105 |
3.339 |
1.931 |
|
Human health and social work activities
|
132 |
3.575 |
2.064 |
|
Arts, entertainment and recreation
|
516 |
283 |
1.665 |
|
Other service activities
|
1.183 |
282 |
1.363 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Unemployed
| |
Rate |
|
Unemployment Rate
|
4,70% |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Unemployed by Activity
| Activity |
Number |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
28 |
| Mining and quarrying |
3 |
| Manufacturing |
476 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
2 |
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
19 |
| Construction |
195 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
157 |
| Transportation and storage |
36 |
| Accommodation and food service activities |
109 |
| Information and communication |
18 |
| Financial and insurance activities |
23 |
| Real estate activities |
10 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities |
42 |
| Administrative and support service activities |
50 |
| Public administration and defence, compulsory social security |
73 |
| Education |
82 |
| Human health and social work activities |
122 |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation |
11 |
| Other service activities |
65 |
| Not classified |
254 |
| Total |
1.775 |
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2024
Registered unemployed by occupation
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2024
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