The Vukovar-Ilok area is the
easternmost part of the Republic of Croatia.
This is a narrow and elongated area extending along the Danube from the
north-west towards the south-east.
The town of Vukovar is situated at 45 20' 53'' north latitude and 16 40' 26'' east longitude.
This area is characterized by loessial heights and alluvial lowlands.
A large part of the area consists of the Vukovar plateau, borderd on the east
by the foothills of Fruska gora. The highest point in Vukovar is 108 m above
sea level.
The northwestern part of the Vukovar area consists of the valley of the river
Vuka.
The Danube, as it flows by Vukovar, is very wide, and the river Vuka, which flows through the centre of the town, dividing it into two parts, flows into the Danube at this point.
The soil here is very rich, especially the black earth-soil covering the whole of the Vukovar plateau. The landscape is dominated by plough-fields and gardens, vineyards, orchards and woodlands.
The climate is continental. The average precipitation is not high, but in
general there is sufficient moisture in the vegetation period.
The average annual temperature is 12 C.
Vukovar is situated on a very important spot along the Danube.
Its location on the routes running, since ancient times, along the Danube and
from Vukovar towards the south gives it a special significance. Vukovar is the
largest river port in the Republic of Croatia, where goods brought along the
river are reloaded onto railcars or trucks.
The Osijek-Klisa Airport, 20 km away from Vukovar, provides the town with
air transport.
Due to these highly favourable geographic and natural conditions, Vukovar is a very attractive spot for human habitation, as is witnessed by traces of curtural strata since prehistoric times.