Zagreb
Zagreb (/ˈzɑːɡrɛb,ˈzæɡrɛb,zɑːˈɡrɛb/ ZAH-greb, ZAG-reb, zah-GREB,[8] Croatian: [zǎːɡreb] (listen)
)[9] is the capital and largest city of Croatia.[10] It is in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately 122 m (400 ft) above sea level.[11] The estimated population of the city in 2018 was 804,507.[6] The population of the Zagreb urban agglomeration is 1,153,255,[2] approximately a quarter of the total population of Croatia.
Zagreb is a city with a rich history dating from Roman times. The oldest settlement in the vicinity of the city was the Roman Andautonia, in today's Ščitarjevo.[12] The name "Zagreb" is recorded in 1134, in reference to the foundation of the settlement at Kaptol in 1094. Zagreb became a free royal city in 1242.[13] In 1851, Zagreb had its first mayor,[14] Janko Kamauf.
Zagreb has special status as a Croatian administrative division and is a consolidated city-county (but separated from Zagreb County),[15] and is administratively subdivided into 17 city districts.[16] Most of them are at a low elevation along the river Sava valley, whereas northern and northeastern city districts, such as Podsljeme[17] and Sesvete[18] districts are situated in the foothills of the Medvednica mountain,[19] making the city's geographical image rather diverse. The city extends over 30 kilometres (19 miles) east-west and around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north-south.[20][21]
Zagreb is considered a global city with a Beta-rating from the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.[22]
The transport connections, concentration of industry, scientific, and research institutions and industrial tradition underlie its leading economic position in Croatia.[23][24][25] Zagreb is the seat of the central government, administrative bodies, and almost all government ministries.[26][27][28] Almost all of the largest Croatian companies, media, and scientific institutions have their headquarters in the city. Zagreb is the most important transport hub in Croatia where Central Europe, the Mediterranean and Southeast Europe meet, making the Zagreb area the centre of the road, rail and air networks of Croatia. It is a city known for its diverse economy, high quality of living, museums, sporting, and entertainment events. Its main branches of economy are high-tech industries and the service sector.
The etymology of the name Zagreb is unclear. It was used for the united city only from 1852, but it had been in use as the name of the Zagreb Diocese since the 12th century and was increasingly used for the city in the 17th century.[29]The name is first recorded in a charter by archbishop of Esztergom Felician, dated 1134, mentioned as Zagrabiensem episcopatum.[30]