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Osijek is the fourth largest city in Croatia with a population of 114,616 in 2001. It is the largest city and the economic and cultural centre of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia, as well as the administrative center of Osijek-Baranja county.Osijek is located on the right bank of the river Drava, 25 kilometres (16 mi) upstream of its confluence with the Danube.Major institutions in the city include the University Josip Juraj Strossmayer (established in 1975), the Croatian National Theatre, the Museum of Slavonia (established in 1877), and the printing house dating to 1735. The city also has several gymnasiums, the oldest of which dates to 1729, a drawing school from the 19th century, a zoological garden, a centre for the promotion of livestock breeding, and an institute for sugar beet farming.

Osijek is a major industrial centre that manufactures a broad range of goods and products. The match factory Drava was established here in 1856 and the factory Saponia is an important chemical refinery. Other industries include production of synthetic materials, agricultural machinery, metal furniture), wood and timber, textiles, footwear, and silk, as well as metal processing and printing. The local agricultural economy is strong, based upon farming, livestock breeding and fishing, with mills, a sugar processing plant, and a brewery.The surroundings of Osijek provide excellent opportunities for hunting and angling on the Drava river and its backwaters. Hunting in the area known as Kopački Rit (in Baranja) is famous beyond the borders of Croatia.

The abundance of game and agriculture has made Osijek the country's semi-official gastronomical capital. Local dishes include traditional Slavonian-style specialities (kulen, paprika-flavoured sausage, other kinds of sausages, ham, bacon, dairy products), as well as venison and fish dishes such as the famous riblji paprikaš (fish stew made with paprika). The Osijek beer (Osječko pivo) and Baranja wines are offered in restaurants in the town and its surroundings.