Mass emigration from China to countries across the globe, from the US, Australia to European countries, started during the eighties at the same time as key political changes in the country and the four-pronged modernization of the Chinese state. These changes included stimulated private enterprises and private ownership, freedom of movement within the country as well as to foreign ones.

The first immigrants from Chine arrived in Croatia in the early eighties in small numbers. With the democratic changes of the early nineties, the influx continued to grow yearly. In all, some 2,000 immigrants from China now live in Croatia, 400 to 500 of which in Zagreb. The majority have a high-school education, while the number of those without a degree and those with a college degree or higher is about equal. There is no gender difference in the degree of education.

In the period from 2005 to 2009, the Central Bureau of Census Statistics noted continued immigration growth. Demographically, the 25-39 year-old age group is the most numerous and the over-49 group is least represented and was first recorded in 2008 when four persons aged 55-59 immigrated. The following year noted the oldest immigrants, two persons aged 60-64.

Over the past 20 years, Croatia welcomed mostly younger Chinese immigrants who are an active part of the Croatian populace.

Meanwhile, Zagreb’s graveyards report that no persons from China have yet been buried in Zagreb. The only case was that of the exhumation and transport of an urn. The Zagreb Airport reports that the remains of Chinese nationals have not been transported during this past or any previous years.

Over the past year, the Association of Chinese – Croatian Friendship has intensified its efforts on brining the two cultures closer together. Endeavors include teaching Chinese and the ancient Croatian culture and civilization.