Split has around 200000 people.
Split is situated on a peninsula between the eastern part of the Gulf of Ka�tela and the Split Channel. A hill, Marjan (178 m), rises in the western part of the peninsula. The ridges Kozjak (780 m) and Mosor (1,330 m) protect the city from the north and northeast, and separate it from the hinterland.
Split has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers (maximum air temperature in July reaches 36�C) and warm, wet winters (average annual rainfall is 900 mm). Split is one of the sunniest places in Europe.
Split is also known as one of the centres of Croatian culture.
Its literary tradition can be traced to medieval times, and includes names like Marko Maruli�, while in more modern times Split excelled by authors famous for their sense of humour. Among them the most notable is Miljenko Smoje.
Split's most famous resident is the former tennis star Goran Ivani�evi�. Another successful tennis star is Mario An�i� , also from Split. The local football team is Hajduk Split. Basketball is also popular. The basketball club KK Split (Jugoplastika) is keeping the absolute record of winning Euroleague three consecutive times (1989-1991) with notable players like Toni Kuko� and Dino Ra�a, both of whom are Split natives. Members of the local rowing club Gusar won numerous Olympic and world championship medals. Other popular sports are: swimming, handball and sailing.
