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Split is the largest and most important city in Dalmatia, the administrative centre of Croatia's Split-Dalmatia County and is the second largest city in Croatia. It is situated on a small peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea.
According to the 2001 census, the city of Split has 188,694 citizens, while in 2007 Split has 221,456 residents. There are about 410,000 people in the Split metro area. Split has one of the largest demographic growths in Croatia. The entire Split-Dalmatia county has about 470,000 residents. Croats make up 95.15% of the population.
Culture
Split is also known as one of the centres of Croatian culture.
Its literary tradition can be traced to medieval times, and includes names like Marko Marulić, while in more modern times Split excelled by authors famous for their sense of humour. Among them the most notable is Miljenko Smoje. Also well known is Ivo Tijardović, and his famous operetta "Little Floramye". Both Smoje and Tijardović are thought to represent the old Split traditions that are slowly dying out due to the city being overwhelmed by large numbers of rural migrants from the undevealoped hinterland. The old Split families still desperately cling to Dalmatian values, often publicly stating their disgust at the ruralisation of the ancient city.
Split also houses two important archeological museums - one dedicated to antiquity, another to the early medieval period.
The most recognisable aspect of Split culture is popular music. Notable composers include Ivo Tijardović, Zdenko Runjić - some of the most influential musicians in former Yugoslavia.
There is great cultural activity during summers, when the prestigious Split Music Festival is held, followed by Split Summer (Splitsko ljeto) theatre festival.
Despite colourful settings and characters, as well as cinema tradition that could be traced to early 20th century and works of Josip Karaman, there were relatively few films shot in or around Split.
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