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What rules of behavior did people adopt?
The Croatian immigrants set up strong family units. Initially when they arrived they tended to live in large bands of men working in the gum fields, forestry etc. They then established family units around their work. This behavior encouraged the language to be retained and many of the traditional customs such as the dancing and food. In 1930 the Dalamatian society was established in Auckland to ensure people came together, shared their traditions and taught the next generation. This is how part of my history as a ½ Croatian is important to me but also makes up the variety of Kiwis that are New Zealanders.

How has the politics changed and effected the lives of the people in Croatia today?
People today feel very settled as they are now part of their own democratic country. The country has a parliament. The President is the head of state and the armed forces and is elected by popular vote every 5 years. Because the population is aging there is a very heavy burden on the economy. Tourism is one of the key ways of bringing money into the economy. There is a lot of rebuilding going on particularly where the bombings occurred.

How has education become more sophisticated in Croatia?
Education is really important and most young people have the opportunity for tertiary education. 98% of the population is literate and all young people learn a variety of languages. Croatia now belongs to the European Union so it is even more important that the education is strong. It will become even more important for young people to gain high level roles and become knowledge workers if they are going to compete with the rest of Europe for jobs or to attract outside workers if setting up industries etc. There are now 6 universities in Croatia. Families from rural backgrounds often follow in the family footsteps and carry on.