The number of Croats living abroad is approximated due to incomplete statistical records and naturalization but estimates suggest that number is around 1.5 to 2.0 million. The largest emigrant groups are in western Europe: primarily Germany, where the emigrant community groups estimate around 450,000 people with direct Croatian ancestry. Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom etc follow.

Overseas, the Americas contain the largest Croatian emigration: the United States (409,458 in the 1990 census, mostly in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois and California) and Canada (southern Ontario), as well as smaller groups in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. There is also notable Croat population in Australia (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney) and New Zealand as well as South Africa.

The foremost organization of the Croatian diaspora is the Croatian Fraternal Union.