The Croatian capital is Zagreb, a city of approximately 800, 000 people located in the northwest of the country. It is the largest city in Croatia and the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. Zagreb is also the seat of the government and home to numerous universities, museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions. The city has a long history, having been founded in the 11th century. It has been an important trading center since the Middle Ages and was the capital of the Kingdom of Croatia from 1557 to 1918. Today, Zagreb is a vibrant and modern city, with a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage.