Dalmácii

Dalmácii is the demonym for inhabitants of Dalmatia, a historic and geographic region along the eastern Adriatic coast. In contemporary terms its core is in Croatia, stretching along the coast from Zadar in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, and including numerous islands such as Cres, Brač, Hvar, and Korčula. The region is known for its maritime economy, rugged coastline, and a string of historic coastal towns.

Historically, Dalmatia was inhabited by Illyrian tribes, became a Roman province named Dalmatia, and later experienced Byzantine and Venetian influence before coming under Habsburg rule. In the 19th and early 20th centuries it was part of Austria-Hungary, then of Yugoslavia, and since 1991 largely part of Croatia.

The Dalmácii have a coastal cultural identity shaped by Mediterranean and Central European influences. The dominant language is Croatian, with regional dialects. The region has Catholic traditions, a distinctive musical form known as klapa, and a cuisine featuring seafood, olive oil, and wine. Architecturally, Dalmatia showcases Romanesque churches, medieval walled towns, and Venetian-influenced urban cores. The Dalmatian language, a Romance language once spoken there, is now extinct.

Today Dalmatia remains a major tourist region and an important part of Croatia's Adriatic economy. The population is predominantly Croatian, with historical Italian communities in coastal towns and Serb minorities in some inland areas. The identity of Dalmácii overlaps with broader Croatian regional identities and the shared coastal heritage.

Note: the term should not be confused with the Dalmatian dog breed, which also derives its name from the same region.