Croatian Emblem Collection

The current version of the Croatian coat of arms was officially adopted on December 21, 1990, during the early days of Croatia's independence from Yugoslavia. It consists of several distinct elements: 1) The shield is the central element of the coat of arms. It is a red and white checkerboard pattern composed of 13 red and 12 white squares, arranged alternately in a 5x11 grid. This distinctive checkerboard design is one of the oldest heraldic symbols in Croatia and dates back to medieval times. It is known as "šahovnica," and it symbolizes the unity and rich history of the Croatian people. 2) Above the shield is a crown with five points, representing the historical regions of Croatia: Croatia proper, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Istria, and Dubrovnik. These regions have played significant roles in shaping the country's culture and history.