Croat are closely related to other European people groups, especially Slavic peoples. Pittsburgh is the seat of Croatian Fraternal Union, the oldest and largest fraternal benefit society of the Croat diaspora.

The Croatian Diaspora in North America is one of the largest in the world. It is estimated that over 1.2 million Croat and their descendants live in North America. Croat immigration started at the beginning of the 19th century.

North America is home to many Croat institutions and associations, as well as many heritage and sport societies. Moreover, there are numerous music and dance folklore groups.

Croat are predominantly of Roman Catholic faith. Culturally, they are known for the special way in which they celebrate Easter. Pogaca is an Easter bread that is braided and decorated with painted eggs. Food is blessed in the Roman Catholic church and then sometimes broken egg shells are scattered throughout the household.