Education, Personnel and Labor Market
Primary education in Croatia starts at the age of six resp. seven and consists of eight grades. Secondary education is provided by secondary schools and vocational schools.
The Croatian higher education system comprises six universities, with some eighty faculties, art academies, and schools of professional higher education; five polytechnics; six independent schools of professional higher education and nine private accredited schools of professional higher education. The mission of universities is scientific, artistic and developmental research, especially the implementation of scientific research program that are of strategic interest to Croatia; artistic endeavor and professional work, as well as the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate education upon which this is based. The mission of polytechnics and schools of professional higher education is professional higher education and artistic and professional activities in accordance with the needs of their local community.
Recently conducted research shows that 25 % of the respondents can actively speak and write English, for German the figure is 14 %. As much as 57 % do not know even one foreign language. In a survey, 45 % replied that before accession to the EU it is necessary for the citizens of the Republic of Croatia to know two foreign languages, 96 % believe that every citizen needs to know at least one foreign language. 94 % of respondents considered English as the most important language in this context, followed by German (67 % of respondents), Italian (23 %) and French (18 %).
Labor availability in Croatia depends on the region. The NW region offers the most highly educated and skilled employees, while in Central and South Croatia companies may experience difficulties in finding the right employees.
During the first eight months of 2007, the average Croatian salary amounted to 715 Euro net/month; this represents an increase of 6.4% as compared to last year. The average monthly net salary in September 2008 amounted to 730 Euro net/month; in Zagreb 858 EUR net/month. Salary costs are thus relatively high with relation to the region, but in compensation the availability of well trained skilled workers, particularly in higher esteemed branches, is very large.
An additional contribution of 17.2% of the employee's salary has to be paid by the employer to cover health insurance, accident insurance and unemployment insurance. The employee is charged 20% of his or her monthly salary in old age insurance contributions. The total cost for the employer, including taxes, insurance and further charges, is - depending on the salary level - up to 100% of the net salary.
There are 8 holidays and 6 bank holidays in Croatia. According to the labour law the minimum paid leave is 18 days.
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