Žirje (island)

Žirje (Italian: "Ziri") is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. It is situated in the Šibenik archipelago, about 22 km southwest of Šibenik, which makes it the most distant permanently inhabited island in the Šibenik archipelago. [http://www.adriagate.com/croatia/destination_details.aspx?DESTINATIONID=145 Žirje on adriagate.com] ] The island is composed of two limestone ridges between which is a fertile valley.hr icon GE-YLZ|8|Žirje] Its area is 15.06 km², and it has population of 124 (as of 2001). [http://www.dzs.hr/Hrv_Eng/ljetopis/2005/00-sadrzaj.pdf Statistical yearbook for 2006 of Central bureau of statistics of Republic of Croatia] ] Its population is steadily decreasing (720 residents in 1953, and 207 residents in 1981). The only settlement on the island is also named Žirje. Vegetation of the island is mainly composed of maquis shrubland.hr icon [http://peljar.cvs.hr/show_place_info.php?id=125 First Croatian online peljar] ] Main industries are agriculture (grapes, olives, plums, figs and sour cherries) and fishing. The sea around Žirje is rich with fish. [ [http://www.croatiatouristcenter.com/zirje.htm Žirje on croatiatouristcenter.com] ] In 12th and 13th century the island was encircled by fortresses and walls and are a reminder of the Byzantine fortress from 6th century are situated at island. [ [http://www.adriatic-croatian.com/region/place_gb.asp?region=3&content=document&ID=227 Žirje on adriatic-croatian.com] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.infoadriatic.com/zirje/index.shtml Žirje on infoadriatic.com]
* [http://www.otok-zirje.hr/eng/ Official pages of Island of Žirje]