The top-level domain (TLD) “.hr” is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Croatia. Top-level domains, which are the letters or words that come after the “dot” in a web address, are classified into ccTLD and generic top-level domains (gTLD), with ccTLDs being directly associated with a specific country or territory (Wikipedia).
According to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), .hr domain is sponsored by the University Computing Centre (Srce) at the University of Zagreb (CARNet), Croatia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). This institution is responsible for managing the .hr domain, including the coordination and implementation of policies related to its use, reported in the delegation record for .hr (IANA).
The “.hr” domain was first registered in 1993, and by the end of 2004, over 10,000 domains had been registered under this TLD, indicating a steady growth in usage. The domain is generally used by entities connected with Croatia, such as businesses, organizations, and individuals residing in or associated with the country.
The .hr domain is used in a variety of ways. For instance, Croatian businesses often use it to emphasize their geographic location and to give assurance about the reliability and authenticity of their services. The .hr domain is also used by government and educational institutions in the country. The websites of the Croatian Government (vlada.hr), University of Zagreb (unizg.hr) and Croatian National Bank (hnb.hr) provide notable examples.
There are also limitations on the use of the .hr domain. According to the Domain Name Registration Regulations, the applicant for the registration of a .hr domain must be either a Croatian citizen, a legal person registered in Croatia, a foreign legal entity with a registered branch in Croatia, or own a trademark valid in Croatia. Additionally, there is a maximum limit of 10 domain names that can be registered by a single applicant (CARNet).
In conclusion, the .hr domain offers several benefits for entities associated with Croatia, as it allows them to assert their connection with the country and potentially improve their visibility within Croatian communities online. The “.hr” TLD can, therefore, serve as a valuable asset for businesses, organizations, and individuals wishing to establish a strong online presence in Croatia.
Sources:
1. IANA’s database (https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt)
2. Domain Name Registration Regulations (CARNet) (https://www.carnet.hr/arhiva/925)
3. Wikipedia: .hr (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.hr)
4.http://www.domene.hr/portal/home/publications-portal/011103.html#3.6
