Hrvati, or Croats, are a South Slavic ethnic group primarily associated with the country of Croatia. They speak the Croatian language, which is a standardized variety of the Serbo-Croatian language. The majority of Hrvati are Roman Catholic, and their culture is influenced by a mix of Mediterranean, Central European, and Balkan traditions. The history of the Hrvati dates back to the early medieval period when they settled in the region. Today, they form the majority population in Croatia and have a significant presence in neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Hrvati have contributed to various fields, including literature, art, and sports.