Iz is one of the islands of the Zadar archipelago, which is situated along the Adriatic Coastline of Croatia.  Iz is approximately eight miles in length.  Todays population numbers about 600. In the earlier part of the 20^th century, the population numbered 3,500.  Because of its popularity, during the summer months the number increases by several thousand due to the return of family members and the influx of tourists, from global Izani returning to their homeland Europeans who have discovered the beauty of this island.

The earliest known written records of inhabitants of Iz date back to the 14^th century. Although it is known to have been inhabited since before the 11^th century. The church of St. Peter and Paul on Veli Iz dates back seven centuries.  The church of Saint Mary on Mali Iz dates back from the 11^th century.  Recent refurbishments have restored much of the architectural authenticity to St. Peter and Paul church on Veli Iz.

The inhabitants of Iz made their livelihood from fishing and agriculture-specifically the processing of olive oil and seamanship.  Iz, of all the islands of the Zadar archipelago, was always advanced economically and culturally. During the Middle Ages, Zadar was the center of economic and political control for the region and the livelihood of the inhabitants of Iz was dependant on fishing and selling fish to Zadar. These commercial ties included the selling of fish and other goods to Venice. The tradition of seamanship, which started in the Middle Ages with Zadar and Venice, continued through the centuries to todays "Tankerska"- a shipping company started by Izani. One of todays sources of economic prosperity for the island of Iz is fish farming.

Centuries back, Iz had its own elected king who was in charge of making decisions regarding the future prosperity of the island.  One of his duties was to feed the whole village on the day he was crowned.  Each king reigned for a year. Everyone then shared his goods with the current king during the year that each king was in power. The tradition began in 1717 and came to an end in 1879 because the last king fell short of his obligation to feed the entire village.  In 1970, the island of Iz decided to reinstate the tradition of the crowning of a king at a yearly festival, which celebrates this and other island traditions.  This festival is held the last weekend in July.

There is a 120-room hotel, which was built in 1969 called "Hotel Korinjak" named after the islands highest peak. Still those seeking local color will prefer staying in private residences.  The island boasts of five restaurants and several cafes. The potters of Veli Iz were well known and the tradition continues to thrive through the talents of local artist Predrag Petrovic.  There is a marina, which can accommodate 70 yachts and ferry and passenger boats that makes daily trips from Zadar to the island.