Croatian Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Croatia lies on the Adriatic Sea, with a coastline of more than a thousand islands and historic cities such as Dubrovnik and Split. It joined the European Union in 2013. Croatians in Birmingham include professionals, students, workers and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 149 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Croatian; and 250 people living in the city had been born in Croatia.

Working for Birmingham

Croatian residents work in construction, hospitality, healthcare, engineering and business, and Croatian professionals in IT and finance contribute to the city's growing economy. Croatian students study at Birmingham's universities.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Croatian community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

Croatia gave the world the necktie, which takes its name from the cravat worn by Croatian soldiers in the 17th century. Klapa singing, recognised by UNESCO, is a proud tradition, football is a national passion, and dishes such as peka and black risotto are favourites.

The story of the Croatian community in Birmingham is still being written, by students, workers, parents and pensioners who call the city home. It is a story of hard work, friendship and quiet pride, and Birmingham is richer for it.