The 4 countries still yet to recognise Croatia today

On 15 January 1992, Croatia was recognised by the members of the then European Community. International recognition of Croatia gradually followed after the declaration of independence of the Republic of Croatia on 25 June 1991.

On the same day, Slovenia also declared its independence, and the two countries recognised each other the next day.

At the same time, the dissolution of the Soviet Union was underway, led by the Baltic states and Ukraine, which recognised Croatia during 1991, with Lithuania being the first.

The countries that led diplomatic efforts for the international recognition of Croatia were notably the Vatican and Germany, writes Večernji list.

Of the universally recognised countries, Iceland was the first to recognise Croatia, on 19 December 1991.

On 15 January 1992, all 12 then members of the European Union, as well as Austria, Canada, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Malta, Norway, and Switzerland, recognised Croatia.

Russia recognised Croatia in February, Japan in March, the USA in April, and India in May.

By 31 December 1995, 124 countries had recognised Croatia.

However, to date, four countries have yet to recognise Croatia:

Bhutan

Liberia

Niger

Tonga

These countries are often politically insignificant and are generally not active in international affairs. There is no specific political reason for them not to recognise Croatia; it is more a matter of inertia or lack of awareness.

Croatia likely has not engaged these countries sufficiently to prompt their recognition.