Croatia, officially known as the Republic of Croatia, is situated in Central and Southeast Europe. It shares a maritime border with Italy to the west and borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. With twenty counties, the capital and largest city, Zagreb, serves as a significant administrative division. The nation covers an area of 56,594 square kilometers (21,851 square miles) and is home to approximately 3.9 million people. Croatia has emerged as a top destination among students, offering high-quality education. Its universities boast excellent teaching faculties and superior infrastructure. With over 130 higher education institutes, Croatia, despite its relatively small size, fosters a close-knit community. According to a survey by the European Commission in 2005, 49% of Croatians are proficient in English. The University of Zagreb, Croatia's largest university, holds the distinction of being the oldest and most renowned institution, established in 1669. It ranks first in the country and 573rd globally. Moreover, prospective students who do not speak Croatian can benefit from a diverse range of degree and exchange programs offered by higher education institutions across Croatia. Many Croatian universities provide English-taught degree programs and courses tailored for international students.