“Croatia’s best-kept secret,” they whisper about Buići. This village sits quietly in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Today we’ll uncover its modest yet fascinating story.
Buići may be small but it holds a unique place in Croatian geography. Its coordinates are 42°38′00″N 18°11′23″E. These pinpoint its location precisely on the map. Buići falls under the municipality of Župa dubrovačka.
Buići covers a compact area of approximately 1.8 square kilometers. That is about 0.7 square miles. Despite its size, it is home to a close-knit community.
In 2021, the census recorded a population of 356 residents in Buići. The population density is about 200 people per square kilometer. Or 510 per square mile.
Administratively, Buići is part of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. It operates within the CET time zone. This means UTC+1 during standard time and UTC+2 during daylight saving time.
Interestingly, Buići became an independent settlement relatively recently. Before 2001, it was part of Dubrovnik. The decision to separate marked a new chapter for the village.
According to the 2011 census, Buići had 356 inhabitants. The population is predominantly Croat. Around 97% identify as such.
Buići lies at an elevation of 150 meters above sea level. Its neighbors include Makoše and Mandaljena. Petrača and Martinovići are also nearby. You will also find Čelopeci and Brašina not far away. Grbavac, Srebreno, Kupari and Čibača are in the vicinity.
The village has seen some population changes over the years. Historical records show varying numbers. In 1857, there were 179 residents. Numbers fluctuated throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There were 269 residents in 2001. In 2011, the population rose to 359. It slightly decreased to 356 in 2021.
Next time you think of Croatia, remember Buići. It is a small village with a big story. A story of community, change and resilience.