Written documents first mention Zagreb in 1094, with finding of Diocese.
In 1242, Zagreb (then Gradec) was proclaimed Free Town of the Kingdom by the Golden Bull of Croatian-Hungarian King Bela IV.
In 1557, Zagreb was for the first time mentioned as the capital.
In 1669, Jesuits find first Academy. The year is taken as the year of establishment of the University of Zagreb.
In 1776, Croatian Government moves from Varaždin to Zagreb.
On June 25, 1991, Croatian Parliament proclaims independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia. Zagreb becomes the capital.City Administration

The City of Zagreb, capital of the Republic of Croatia, is a unit of local administration and at the same time of regional administration at county level – The City’s organization and scope of activities are regulated by the Act of the City of Zagreb – The City of Zagreb is a legal entity represented by the mayor – The City performs duties within its sphere of powers as both city and county, and other duties in compliance with the law – Duties of the State Administration within the scope of the Office in the unit of regional administration, and other duties of the State Administration regulated by pertinent law in the City are performed, pursuant to law, by administrative bodies of the City – The City is independent in decision-making within its sphere of powers pursuant to the Constitution, the law and this Statute – The City of Zagreb reserves powers and duties as both city and county

City Administration bodies:

- the City Assembly as representative body

- the Mayor as executive body
Members of the City Assembly are elected on direct elections.  Mayor and his two deputies are elected on direct elections.
Organization of city administrative bodies is composed of 12 City Offices, 1 City Bureau and 3 City Services. They are responsible to the Mayor and to the City Government.
Local self-government is organized in 17 City Districts represented by City Districts Councils. Residents of districts elect members of Councils.  On another level, in the post, was established in 218 local councils.
City districts and local boards are legal entities.

Economy

Quality land, favorable transit location and total municipal infrastructure, qualified labour force, scientific, expert, educational, health, financial, banking and other institutions, tradition in performing various services, size and quality of economy present essential potentials in Zagreb developing strategy.
Most important branches of industry are: production of electric machines and devices, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, food and drink processing. Zagreb is important international trade and business center, and transports crossroad of Central and East Europe.
Science and University

University

University of Zagreb is the oldest in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1669 Till present more than 200,000 students have graduated, more than 18 000 took Master’s Degree, more than 8,000 took Doctor’s Degree. Scientific – teaching – art work is performed at 28 faculties, 3 art academies, expert Teacher Academy and on Croatian Studies.

Scientific Institutions

There are 22 institutes in areas of social and natural sciences. Zagreb is the seat of HAZU – Croatian Academy of Sciences and Art.

Culture

City of Zagreb is responsible for 38 cultural institutions which include 10 city museums, most significant of which are Zagreb Municipal Museum, Museum for Arts and Crafts and Museum of Contemporary Art.
City of Zagreb administration is responsible for 14 centers of culture.
City of Zagreb is the owner of 7 city theaters and is in 50% owner of HNK – Croatian National Theatre.
City of Zagreb is the owner of Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall and Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.

Health

City of Zagreb is the owner of Sveti Duh General Hospital, Ambulance, 7 specialized polyclinics and 13 medical centers.