Osijek-Baranja County is situated in the northeast of the Republic of Croatia, in a predominantly flat area around the lower course of the Drava River to its confluence with the Danube. The county extends from Donji Miholjac and Našice in the west to Erdut in the east, and from the Croatian-Hungarian border in the north to Brod-Posavina County and Vukovar-Srijem County in the south. It covers a few large regions – Baranja in the northeast, Podravina and the Našice region in the west and the Đakovo region in the south.
The county covers an area of 4,155 km2 and has 262 settlements with a total population of 258,026. In terms of legal status, it is a regional self-government unit, administratively divided into seven cities/towns and 35 municipalities. The City of Osijek is the county’s industrial, administrative, academic, legal, health, sports and cultural center, the largest city in Slavonia and the fourth largest city in Croatia.
Osijek-Baranja County has an extremely favorable position in terms of geostrategy and traffic, with a well-developed road and railway infrastructure (1,700 km of roads and 180 km of railways) and transport corridors. The Pan-European Corridor Vc connects Central Europe with the Adriatic Sea, while the A5 motorway – linked directly to the A3 – connects the county with Zagreb, the Croatian capital. The Danube, the Drava and ports in Osijek, Batina and Aljmaš are part of the network of European rivers. Osijek Airport is an international regional airport, located 20 km away from Osijek. The excellent road and railway infrastructure as well as the vicinity of the Drava, the Danube and river ports give the Osijek Airport enormous potential for the transport of goods and services. Osijek’s exceptional geostrategic position is due to its spatial proximity and traffic connection with the capitals of four countries, located on four sides of the world – Zagreb, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Budapest.
Rich and well-preserved natural resources, high-quality soil (260,778 hectares of arable land), water supplies and a moderate continental climate make this area very suitable for agriculture and agricultural production. Farming and livestock breeding, vegetable farming, fruit farming and viticulture are well-developed. Osijek-Baranja County is rich in thermal waters and various types of wood, including oak, ash, beech, poplar and other. Numerous irrigation systems are being developed in the county, taking up a total area of about 14,000 ha. In addition to several smaller ULO cold storage facilities, the Osijek-Baranja County Regional Distribution Center for Fruit and Vegetables has been operating since 2023, with a total cold storage capacity of 3,228 tons, i.e. the infrastructure required for receiving and trading in agricultural products intended particularly for small farmers.
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, founded in 1975, is the third oldest and largest Croatian university, comprised of 14 faculties, an Academy of Arts and Culture and three university departments. The University implements functional integration based on the unified and coordinated operation of all scientific and artistic components and infrastructure institutions and is strongly focused on inclusion in modern European systems of higher education and science, of course while preserving its own uniqueness and identity. An excellent educational structure, the availability of formal education, as well as networking with scientific and research institutions and the economy are the comparative advantages of this area. There are also 76 primary and 30 secondary schools operating in the Osijek-Baranja County, most of which were founded by the County itself, which, through a comprehensive approach, strives to achieve optimal results through the education system.
Agriculture and the food industry are the most important economic sectors leading to the development of Osijek-Baranja County. The economy of Osijek-Baranja County is dominated by the processing industry, especially the food processing industry, characterized by the availability of raw materials and processing capacities as well as a long-standing tradition of production. The metal, chemical, wood and paper industry are also well-developed, just like agriculture, civil engineering, trade and tourism. The ICT industry is thriving particularly in Osijek, which has positioned itself as the center of this industry beyond the Croatian borders. The county’s economic activity is dominated by micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises. Crafts also have a long and rich tradition, and in recent years they have recorded continuous growth and development, starting from the number of active crafts to quality production programs.
Entrepreneurial zones are the core of economic growth and development. In about 30 zones across the county, which are equipped with the necessary infrastructure, entrepreneurs can be given favorable business conditions, such as free or subsidized land, reduced municipal contribution or even full exemption from paying municipal contribution. The catalog of entrepreneurial zones provides an overview of all necessary data on entrepreneurial zones. The county has also developed a network of business support institutions, particularly business centers, incubators and accelerators. A special impetus to development was brought about by the construction of the Economic Center of Osijek-Baranja County in Osijek, whose modern infrastructure and facilities, along with facilities for events, fairs and conferences, open new opportunities and potential for the development of a number of economic activities.
Osijek-Baranja County is the capital of continental tourism in Croatia. Its unique tourist offers give visitors an opportunity to enjoy cultural, active, gastronomy and ethnic, religious, medical and cycling tourism. It has a perfect combination of nature, intangible cultural heritage, rural lifestyle and memorable food and ethnic experiences, blending into a unique tourist product that all visitors appreciate, recognize and keep returning to. Kopački Rit Nature Park, a world-renowned nature reserve and a wetland home to over 2,300 biological and 300 bird species, is a true pearl of eastern Croatia’s natural heritage.
Osijek-Baranja County is a favorable location for domestic and foreign investment, which was confirmed by the arrival of large investors such as the American company Jabil. The County administration is competent for providing expert and administrative support to all potential investors. It can also ensure cooperation and networking with all competent institutions, making it possible for investments to be realized more efficiently and quickly. The creation of a stimulating business environment via regional and state support measures increases the competitiveness of this area and builds an excellent foundation for sustainable growth and development.
Rich natural resources, excellent location and transport connections, developed economy, long tradition and qualified workforce, agriculture and tourism, entrepreneurial zones and entrepreneurial infrastructure, incentive measures and support from the regional administration are some of the benefits offered by Osijek-Baranja County, and its employees are ready to support every new initiative, facilitate investment and develop a partnership with every investor.
Today, Osijek-Baranja County has a stable, responsible and systematically organized approach in all segments of its activities, it is focused on the future, and it always strives to overcome the consequences of past war events, economic and other crises as a challenge and a different opportunity for development.
In order to continue positive trends in the development of the economy and the overall standard of living for its citizens, Osijek-Baranja County adopted a Development Plan up to 2027. The detailed document contains an analysis of the current situation, lists specific development opportunities and plans, as well as a program for the implementation of 40 strategic projects worth a total of 2.2 billion euro, which are priorities for the balanced growth and development of the entire county. The projects cover all spheres of life, from healthcare, education, culture and sports, economy, municipal, transport, social and other infrastructure to other areas essential for the life and development in a community. In addition to the financially, technologically and significantly large projects, which were already completed, such as the construction of the Economic Center of Osijek-Baranja County, the Regional Distribution Center of Osijek-Baranja County for Fruits and Vegetables, the irrigation system, the underpass in St. L. B. Mandić Street in Osijek, there are a number of capital projects such as the road Corridor Vc and several agglomerations with wastewater treatment plants that have been completed or are in an advanced stage of implementation. For individual projects (such as the construction of the Regional Center for Waste Management Orlovnjak, the new Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, and the revitalization of the area of the former OLT company), project-technical and other documentation is being prepared, sources of financing secured and other preparations for their implementation finalized. The Plan also serves as the basis for new future projects, which their lead institutions can refer to when applying for European, national and other sources of financing. It is also aligned with the Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia up to 2030 and important planning documents of the European Union.
Agricultural production and the food industry are the most important sectors of the economy and the drivers of development in Osijek-Baranja County, and in recent years, the tourism sector, whose potential is extremely large, has received great attention and accelerated growth. Special emphasis in the development of Osijek-Baranja County is placed on green transition and digital transformation, maximum reduction of harmful impacts on the environment and mitigation of the consequences of climate change, and the implementation of new technological solutions in all spheres of social and business life.
In Osijek-Baranja County, numerous projects are underway in all areas under the jurisdiction of the regional government, as well as capital investments, including those that exceed the financial capacity of the county. In doing so, the county’s own funds are used as initial funds, while the largest investments are realized largely thanks to European and national funds.
In the upcoming planning period, Osijek-Baranja County wants to further strengthen its status as a modern, open, high-quality and more recognizable Croatian and European destination with a diversified economy, an environment where entrepreneurship, tourism and organic agriculture are based on innovation, knowledge and creativity. By caring about the protection of the environment and nature, clear and encouraging conditions, a high level of infrastructure equipment, and friendly and professional services from county services, it aims to attract guests, business partners and investors.
[Source: Public Institution Development Agency of Osijek – Baranja County, April 2025]
| GDP EUR | 3.484.953.994 |
| Population | 250.767 |
| Men | 121.366 |
| Women | 129.401 |
| Age 0-14 | 34.150 |
| Age 15+ | 216.617 |
| GDP Per Capita EUR | 13.650,00 |
| Area Size km² | 4.155 |
| Motorways km | 67 |
| Broadband Connections number and density | 62.114 / 63% |
| Number of issued building permits | 598 |
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Foreign Direct Investments million EUR | 514 |
| Activity | Amount |
|---|---|
| Manufacture of paper and paper products | 113,81 |
| Forestry and logging | 73,73 |
| Construction of civil engineering buildings | 72,63 |
| Manufacture of machines and devices | 68,85 |
| Production of chemicals and chemical products | 51,07 |
| Other | 133,42 |
| Country | Amount |
|---|---|
| Austria | 226,73 |
| Germany | 141,32 |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 54,45 |
| Netherlands | 51,46 |
| Hungary | 45,72 |
| Other | -6,16 |
| Asset type | Amount (EUR, 000) |
|---|---|
| Buildings, spaces and structures | 297.050 |
| Machinery and equipment with fittings | 170.641 |
| Transport equipment | 29.966 |
| Cultivated biological resources | 11.225 |
| Intellectual property products | 3.974 |
| Total | 521.444 |
| Company | Activity | Website |
|---|---|---|
| VODOVOD-OSIJEK d.o.o. | WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE; WASTE MANAGMENT AND REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES | http://www.vodovod.com |
| Mesna industrija RAVLIĆ d.o.o. | MANUFACTURING | http://www.ravlic.hr |
| GPP d.o.o. | TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE | http://www.gpp-osijek.com |
| ŽITO d.d. | AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES | http://- |
| NEXE d.d. | MANUFACTURING | http://www.nexe.hr |
| BELJE plus d.o.o. | BUSINESS ENTITY WITHOUT ACTIVITY IDENTIFICATION | http://www.belje.hr |
| DRAVA INTERNATIONAL d.o.o. | WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE; WASTE MANAGMENT AND REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES | http://- |
| LUKENDA TRANSPORT d.o.o. | TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE | http://- |
| NOVI AGRAR d.o.o. | BUSINESS ENTITY WITHOUT ACTIVITY IDENTIFICATION | http://- |
| Saponia d.d. | MANUFACTURING | http://www.saponia.hr |
| Large enterprises | Medium enterprises | Small and micro-enterprises |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 60% | 70% |
| Eduction level | Number of pupils |
|---|---|
| Kindergartens and Other Legal Entities Implementing Preschool Education Programmes | 8.024 |
| Basic Schools, Beginning of School Year | 19.186 |
| Upper Secondary Schools, Beginning of School Year | 9.970 |
| Students Enrolled on Professional and University Study, According to Place of Permanent Residence | 6.705 |
| Educational Sector | Number of Institutions | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| Economics, trade and business administration | 8 | 1.193 |
| Electrical engineering and computing | 5 | 1.056 |
| Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and metallurgy | 9 | 996 |
| Tourism and catering | 7 | 887 |
| Health and social work | 2 | 639 |
| Agriculture, food and veterinary | 8 | 594 |
| Personal, security and other services | 7 | 416 |
| Construction and geodesy | 2 | 405 |
| Transport and logistics | 2 | 226 |
| Graphic technology and audio-visual design | 2 | 173 |
| Forestry, wood processing and wood processing | 2 | 73 |
| Geology, mining, petroleum and chemical technology | 1 | 36 |
| Textiles and leather | 1 | 20 |
| Name | Students who graduated from or completed university or professional study |
|---|---|
| Evangelical Theological Seminary, Osijek | 4 |
| Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Osijek | 161 |
| Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Osijek | 384 |
| Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Osijek | 241 |
| Faculty of Economics, Osijek | 532 |
| Faculty of Law, Osijek | 363 |
| Department of Biology of University of Osijek | 66 |
| Department of Mathematics of University of Osijek | 92 |
| Department of Physics of University of Osijek | 11 |
| Department of Chemistry of University of Osijek | 52 |
| Faculty of Medicine, Osijek | 121 |
| Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Osijek | 414 |
| Faculty of Food Technology, Osijek | 148 |
| Faculty of Educational Sciences, Osijek | 170 |
| Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Osijek | 357 |
| Catholic Theological Faculty, Đakovo | 19 |
| Academy of Arts and Culture, Osijek | 171 |
| Activity | Number of Business Entities | Number of Persons Employed | Average Monthly Gross Earnings per Person in Paid Employment (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 338 | 5.093 | 1.504 |
| Mining and quarrying | 4 | 62 | 2.050 |
| Manufacturing | 761 | 11.736 | 1.406 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 131 | 1.059 | 2.066 |
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 54 | 1.874 | 1.442 |
| Construction | 1.125 | 6.267 | 1.398 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles | 1.304 | 9.471 | 1.378 |
| Transportation and storage | 400 | 3.726 | 1.351 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 604 | 2.444 | 1.221 |
| Information and communication | 476 | 2.604 | 2.059 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 42 | 1.311 | 1.796 |
| Real estate activities | 149 | 246 | 1.395 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 1.005 | 3.757 | 1.697 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 252 | 1.741 | 1.207 |
| Public administration and defence, compulsory social security | 174 | 6.039 | 2.108 |
| Education | 240 | 9.159 | 2.137 |
| Human health and social work activities | 336 | 6.636 | 2.506 |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 1.686 | 1.376 | 1.533 |
| Other service activities | 3.617 | 1.252 | 1.202 |
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 13,60% |
| Activity | Number |
|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 717 |
| Mining and quarrying | 3 |
| Manufacturing | 1.538 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply | 11 |
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities | 175 |
| Construction | 768 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles | 1.144 |
| Transportation and storage | 253 |
| Accommodation and food service activities | 1.188 |
| Information and communication | 138 |
| Financial and insurance activities | 69 |
| Real estate activities | 31 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities | 383 |
| Administrative and support service activities | 583 |
| Public administration and defence, compulsory social security | 1.473 |
| Education | 428 |
| Human health and social work activities | 404 |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation | 111 |
| Other service activities | 723 |
| Not classified | 2.300 |
| Total | 12.440 |
