Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21861/HGG.2015.77.02.06
The causes and consequences of Eastern Croatia lagging behind in Croatian regional development
Mislav Matišić
orcid.org/0000-0003-4584-7259
; Belišće, Croatia
Dane Pejnović
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Eastern Croatia has recently proven to be the greatest problem area of Croatia. The region lags behind as a consequence of the interdependent influences of multiple factors, from the Croatian War of Independence (hereafter referred to as the Homeland War) and the defective (mistaken) model of ownership transformation and privatization during the transition period, to the consequential worsening of the sectoral structure. The effects of the war and the reduction in employment due to de-industrialization resulted in emigration, which has left deep and long-term marks in demographic
development. This is visible in the deteriorated age structure, quickened aging process, negative natural change, i.e. overall depopulation, and a trend of demographic extinction. Unfavourable economic and demographic processes are reflected in the changes of regional identity, which is in turn have reflected in the attitudes of youths (students) from Eastern Croatia, who show, in ever greater numbers, the intent to live and work outside of this area.
Keywords
regional development; demographic aging; depopulation; regional identity; Eastern Croatia
Hrčak ID:
152511
URI
Publication date:
8.2.2016.
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