Croatia, Umag

Umag is a coastal city in Istria, Croatia. The city hosts the yearly Croatia Open ATP tennis tournament on clay courts.

Geography

It is the westernmost city of Croatia and municipality includes Savudrija which is westernmost point of Croatia.

Demographics

Umag has a population of 7,769 (2001), total municipality population 12,901 (2001). Umag also has diverse ethnic structure like many other towns in Istria. Croats comprise 59.6%, Italians 18.3%, Serbs 3.8%, Slovenes 2.2%, Bosniaks 1.7%, Albanians 1.3% and those regionally declared (as Istrians) make up the final 1.57%. Although the majority of the population has declared themselves Croatian, most of them also speak Italian.

History

Umag was mentioned for the first time in the 7th century by an anonymous citizen from Ravenna, but had already existed in Roman times. Proof of that is found in the numerous remains of Roman retreats, the so-called villa rustica uncovered all along the coast.

From 6th to 8th centuries it fell under Byzantine dominion, followed by the rule of the Francs. The period to come was marked by insecurity and frequent changes of government from the Patriarchs of Grado and Aquileia to the Bishops of Trieste.

Century old clashes with Genova brought about more destruction and looting. In 1370 the Genovese navy attacked Umag destroying the town’s archive. The outbreaks of plague that decimated the dwellers forced the Venetian authorities to consider colonising the area with new settlers, mainly from the territories threatened by Turkish invasions.

With the fall of the Venitian Republic, Umag, like the entire eastern Adriatic coast came under the rule of France until 1815 when it passed over to Austria until 1918.

In 1993 with the establishment of the new local rule Umag became an independent commune, and in 1997 was awarded the status of town.

Economy

The natural features of the area have considerably influenced the development of the economy as a whole. The geographical location of Umag, in particular, has ensured an intensive and dynamic growth of the tourist industry after World War II, which has been expanding rapidly ever since.

The economic growth of Umag is based on the stimulation and support of small and medium- sized firms and the establishment of business zones.