Croatia — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Hrvatska pošta (Croatian Post) is Croatia’s national postal operator, a state-owned company. Croatia’s stamp-issuing history has two distinct phases: the Independent State of Croatia (Nezavisna Država Hrvatska, NDH, 1941–1945) — a fascist puppet state — and the independent democratic Republic of Croatia from 1991. Between these periods, Croatian territory was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918–1941) and Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1991). Croatia joined the European Union in 2013.

Notable Stamp Issues

The NDH stamps of 1941–1945 were issued by the Ustaše-controlled puppet state and feature Croatian nationalist imagery alongside politically charged content — they are historically significant but controversial. Post-independence Croatian stamps from 1991 opened with the Croatian coat of arms. Croatia has since produced distinguished stamps featuring Dubrovnik’s UNESCO heritage, Plitvice Lakes, the Croat tie (cravat) as a Croatian invention, and great Croatian scientists and artists. The 1992 Europa stamps were Croatia’s first participation in the EUROPA programme.

Collecting Tips

NDH stamps (1941–1945) require careful study — many forgeries exist due to the historical and collector interest. Yugoslav stamps used in Croatian territory are a major area of postal history. Post-1991 Croatian stamps are readily available through Hrvatska pošta’s philatelic service. Croatia’s Glagolitic script stamps are unique thematic items. The Michel Eastern Europe catalogue covers Croatian issues. Dubrovnik and Diocletian’s Palace are popular architectural themes.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.