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 263 settlements with a total population of 259,481. 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 centre, the largest city in Slavonia and the fourth largest city in Croatia.
Osijek-Baranja County has an extremely favourable 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, connecting 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.
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. 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 and the construction of the Osijek-Baranja County Regional Fruit and Vegetable Distribution Centre is nearly completed, with the latter aiming to ensure 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. There are 17 components operating as part of the University, including the Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Faculty of Food Technology, Faculty of Law, Academy of Arts and Culture and others. Excellent structure of education, availability of formal education and networking with scientific and research institutions are the comparative advantages of this area.
Osijek-Baranja County is the capital of continental tourism in Croatia. Its unique tourist offer gives 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 life and memorable food and ethnic experiences, blending into a unique tourist product that all visitors appreciate, recognise 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.
Agriculture and the food industry are the most important economic sectors leading the development of Osijek-Baranja County. However, the tourist sector, which has enormous potential, has also received great attention and experienced accelerated growth in recent years. When it comes to the county’s development, special emphasis is placed on green transition and digital transformation, environmental impact minimisation, climate change mitigation and implementation of new technological systems in all parts of social and business life.
The economy of Osijek-Baranja County is dominated by the processing industry, especially the food processing industry, characterised 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. The county’s economic activity is dominated by micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises.
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 favourable business conditions, such as free or subsidised land, reduced municipal contribution or even full exemption from municipal contribution payment. The county has also developed a network of business support institutions, particularly business centres, incubators and accelerators. The construction of the Economic Centre in Osijek is almost complete as well and its goal is to develop a new business infrastructure and increase economic activities, with a focus on business events, fairs and conferences.
Osijek-Baranja County is a favourable location for domestic and foreign investment. 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 realised 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.
[Source: Public Institution Development Agency of Osijek – Baranja County, July 2022]
Main Indicators
GDP
EUR
|
2.694.504.000 |
Population
|
258.026 |
Men |
124.201 |
Women |
133.825 |
Age 0-14 |
35.416 |
Age 15+ |
222.610 |
GDP Per Capita
EUR
|
10.004,00 |
Area Size
km²
|
4.155 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: GDP (2020), Population (2021), Area size (2021)
Gross Value Added by ActivitiesEUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2020
Infrastructure
Motorways
km
|
42 |
Broadband Connections
number and density
|
66.483 / 60% |
Number of issued building permits
|
712 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: Motorways (2021), Building permits (2022), Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Industries: Broadband Connections (2021)
Investments
|
Amount |
Foreign Direct Investments
million EUR
|
500 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2022
Foreign Direct Investment by Activitymil. EUR
Activity |
Amount |
Manufacture of paper and paper products
|
117,20 |
Construction of civil engineering buildings
|
78,50 |
Forestry and logging
|
72,50 |
Manufacture of machines and devices
|
61,70 |
Computer programming, consulting and related activities
|
51,50 |
Other
|
188,50 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2022
Foreign Direct Investment by Countrymil. EUR
Country |
Amount |
Austria
|
231,10 |
Germany
|
124,30 |
United States
|
52,00 |
Netherlands
|
51,30 |
Hungary
|
41,50 |
Other
|
-0,40 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2022
Gross Investment in new Fixed Assets, by Location of Investment Constructions and Types of Assets
Asset type |
Amount (EUR, 000) |
Buildings, spaces and structures |
230.744 |
Machinery and equipment with fittings |
131.311 |
Transport equipment |
21.242 |
Cultivated biological resources |
9.675 |
Intellectual property products |
3.564 |
Total
|
402.061
|
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2021
Biggest Investors
Source: Financial Agency, data for 2022
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 2022
Import by Activity000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2022
Export by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2022
Import by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2022
Education
Eduction level |
Number of pupils |
Kindergartens and Other Legal Entities Implementing Preschool Education Programmes
|
7.591 |
Basic Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
19.799 |
Upper Secondary Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
10.070 |
Students Enrolled on Professional and University Study, According to Place of Permanent Residence
|
9.351 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2021/22
Number of High School Studends Who Have Completed Their Education
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2019/20
Number of Students and Institutions by Educational Sectors
Educational Sector |
Number of Institutions |
Number of Students |
Economics, trade and business administration
|
9 |
1.323 |
Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and metallurgy
|
9 |
1.003 |
Electrical engineering and computing
|
5 |
973 |
Tourism and catering
|
7 |
818 |
Health and social work
|
1 |
679 |
Agriculture, food and veterinary
|
8 |
617 |
Construction and geodesy
|
2 |
374 |
Personal, security and other services
|
6 |
357 |
Transport and logistics
|
2 |
211 |
Graphic technology and audio-visual design
|
2 |
132 |
Forestry, wood processing and wood processing
|
3 |
80 |
Geology, mining, petroleum and chemical technology
|
1 |
25 |
Textiles and leather
|
1 |
11 |
Source: Ministry of Science and Education, data for 2021/22
Students Who Graduated From University Study or Completed Professional Studys
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2021
Students Enrolled at Institutions of Higher Education, by Scientific and Artistic Fields of Study
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2021/2022
Institutions of Higher Education and Graduated Students
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 |
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
|
511 |
4.745 |
1.182 |
Mining and quarrying
|
6 |
63 |
1.715 |
Manufacturing
|
1.160 |
11.971 |
1.059 |
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
|
137 |
1.176 |
1.576 |
Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
|
82 |
1.600 |
1.147 |
Construction
|
1.337 |
5.185 |
1.069 |
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
2.419 |
8.895 |
1.067 |
Transportation and storage
|
654 |
3.270 |
1.060 |
Accommodation and food service activities
|
1.217 |
1.863 |
915 |
Information and communication
|
510 |
2.305 |
1.628 |
Financial and insurance activities
|
65 |
1.397 |
1.473 |
Real estate activities
|
158 |
222 |
1.109 |
Professional, scientific and technical activities
|
1.226 |
3.578 |
1.340 |
Administrative and support service activities
|
333 |
1.948 |
914 |
Public administration and defence, compulsory social security
|
193 |
6.589 |
1.462 |
Education
|
258 |
8.795 |
1.523 |
Human health and social work activities
|
344 |
6.620 |
1.719 |
Arts, entertainment and recreation
|
1.653 |
1.208 |
1.116 |
Other service activities
|
3.663 |
1.298 |
979 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2022
Unemployed
|
Rate |
Unemployment Rate
|
16,80% |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2021
Unemployed by Activity
Activity |
Number |
Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
809 |
Mining and quarrying |
11 |
Manufacturing |
1.768 |
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
14 |
Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
175 |
Construction |
827 |
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
1.415 |
Transportation and storage |
238 |
Accommodation and food service activities |
1.300 |
Information and communication |
148 |
Financial and insurance activities |
99 |
Real estate activities |
30 |
Professional, scientific and technical activities |
397 |
Administrative and support service activities |
631 |
Public administration and defence, compulsory social security |
2.184 |
Education |
419 |
Human health and social work activities |
546 |
Arts, entertainment and recreation |
147 |
Other service activities |
960 |
Not classified |
2.482 |
Total |
14.600 |
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2022
Registered unemployed by occupation
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2022
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