By the provisions of the constitutional amendment, on 29 February 1972 the song "Lijepa naša" (Our Beautiful Homeland) became the national anthem of the Socialist Republic of Croatia. The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia from 1990 officially made the song the national anthem of independent Croatia. A special law on national symbols enacted the same year stipulates the lyrics and the music.

The verses of today’s national hymn are based on the verses of Antun Mihanović’s poem published in the literary magazine Danica on 14 March 1835 under the heading "Horvatska domovina" (Croatian Homeland). Josip Runjanin, famous composer, set the first four stanzas to music in 1848. The chant called “Our beautiful Homeland” is mentioned for the first time in 1864, and this name completely replaced the original title of the poem only by the end of the 19th century.

During the 19th century “Our Beautiful Homeland” was sung at celebrations and festivities as one of the many popular chants. Due to its immense popularity, in 1907 the Association of Croatian Choir Societies presented to the then Parliament their initiative to proclaim “Our Beautiful Homeland” the national anthem. Although this initiative failed, “Our Beautiful Homeland” was the unofficial Croatian anthem performed at celebrations before, between and after the two world wars, symbolizing Croatian political tradition and identity. (Internet Editorial Staff)