The Croatian flag is comprised of red, white and blue horizontal stripes, with the coat of arms in the center. However, the Croatian Constitution is based on the principle of the separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches. The Government is part of the executive branch, and is headed by the Prime Minister, currently Mr. Ivica Racan. President - The President of the Republic performs all functions bestowed to a Head of State, and is elected for a term of five years. In the direct presidential elections held in February of 2000, Mr. Stipe Mesic was elected President of the Republic of Croatia.
Representatives serve a four-year term.
The last election for the House of Representatives was held in January 2000, and for the House of Counties in April 1997. Currently, a coalition of the Social Democratic Party and the Croatian Social Liberal Party, along with a coalition of the Croatian Peasant Party, Croatian Populist Party, Liberal Party and the Istrian Democratic Assembly, holds the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, while Croatian Domocratic Party has a majority in the House of Counties. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the border between the Christian West and the Ottoman Empire. The fusion of these influences, however, often resulted in distinguishably original works of numerous artists, scientists and writers, who have given a valuable contribution to the treasury of European arts and sciences. Literature Croats have had documents and literature written in their native, Croatian, language for the past 1,000 years.