Vinkovci

Vinkovci
MirkoS18 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Vinkovci
Settlement type	City
Pushpin label position	bottom
Coordinates	45.29°N 18.80°E
Subdivision name	Croatia
Subdivision type1	County
Subdivision name1	Vukovar-Srijem County
Subdivision type2	Municipality
Subdivision name2	Vinkovci
Leader name	Ivan Bosančić
Area total km2	94.21
Population total	35,912
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	381.4
Elevation m	90
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	32100
Area code type	Phone code
Area code	032
Registration plate type	License plate
Registration plate	VK
Website	[http://www.vinkovci.hr/ www.vinkovci.hr]

Vinkovci is a city located in the eastern part of Croatia, in the Vukovar-Srijem County, near the Bosnia and Herzegovina border, and is situated on the Bosut river, a tributary of the Sava river, which flows into the Danube river. The city has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period, and has been influenced by various cultures, including the Ancient Romans, Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary. Vinkovci is also known for its cultural events, such as the Vinkovci Autumn Festival, which features performances by artists from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other countries, including Slovenia and Hungary. The city is also home to the Djakovo-Osijek Archdiocese, which is a part of the Roman Catholic Church in Croatia.

Geography

Vinkovci is situated in the Pannonian Plain, a region of lowlands and plains that stretches across Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, and Romania. The city is located near the Fruška Gora mountain, which is a part of the Dinaric Alps mountain range, and is close to the Sava river, which forms the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The climate in Vinkovci is characterized by cold winters and hot summers, with significant precipitation throughout the year, similar to the climate in nearby cities such as Osijek, Slavonski Brod, and Đakovo. The city is also close to the Kopački Rit nature reserve, which is a protected area and home to a variety of flora and fauna, including species found in the Danube Delta.

History

The history of Vinkovci dates back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of human habitation found in the form of archaeological artifacts, such as those discovered in the Starčevo culture and Vinča culture. The city was an important center during the Roman Empire, and was known as Cibalae, with Emperor Valentinian I and Emperor Valens born in the city, and was also an important stop on the Roman road that connected Aquincum to Singidunum. Vinkovci was also influenced by the Ottoman Empire, which conquered the city in the 16th century, and was later part of the Austria-Hungary empire, with the city playing an important role in the Croatian-Hungarian War. The city was also affected by World War I and World War II, with Vinkovci being occupied by the Axis powers and later liberated by the Partisans.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census, the population of Vinkovci is approximately 35,912 people, with the majority being Croats, followed by Serbs, Hungarians, and other ethnic groups, including Slovaks and Ruthenians. The city has a diverse population, with people from various parts of Croatia, as well as from neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovenia. The population of Vinkovci has been influenced by various historical events, including the Bosnian War and the Croatian War of Independence, which led to an influx of refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and other parts of Croatia.

Economy

The economy of Vinkovci is primarily based on agriculture, with the city being surrounded by fertile plains and being an important center for the production of wheat, corn, and other crops, similar to the economy of nearby cities such as Osijek and Slavonski Brod. The city is also home to several industrial companies, including those in the food processing and textile industries, with companies such as Končar and INA having operations in the city. Vinkovci is also an important transportation hub, with the city being located at the intersection of several major roads and railways, including the A3 highway and the Zagreb-Belgrade railway.

Culture

Vinkovci has a rich cultural scene, with several cultural institutions, including the Vinkovci City Museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the city, and the Vinkovci Theatre, which hosts performances by local and national artists, including those from Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city is also home to several festivals, including the Vinkovci Autumn Festival, which features music, dance, and theater performances, and the Vinkovci Summer Festival, which features outdoor concerts and events, similar to the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and the Split Summer Festival. Vinkovci is also known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as Ćevapi, Pljeskavica, and Gibanica, which are popular in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.

Transportation

Vinkovci is an important transportation hub, with the city being located at the intersection of several major roads and railways, including the A3 highway and the Zagreb-Belgrade railway. The city is connected to nearby cities such as Osijek, Slavonski Brod, and Đakovo by bus and train, with companies such as Croatia Bus and HŽPP operating services to and from the city. Vinkovci is also close to the Osijek Airport, which offers flights to destinations in Croatia and Europe, including Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. The city is also an important center for the transportation of goods, with the Vinkovci railway station being a major hub for the transportation of cargo, including goods from Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.