part of the Lika-Krbava County of the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia. During World War II, the town was occupied by Axis troops and was included into the Pavelić's Independent State of Croatia (NDH). The fascist Ustashe regime committed the Genocide of the Serbs and the Holocaust. On 6 August 1941, the Ustashe killed and burned more than 280 Serbs in Mlakva near Perušić, including 191 children. After 1945, the forests became general state assets, administered by the District Councils. The Forestry Building in Perušić was erected in 1970. During the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995), Perušić was near the front lines. It was not safe even after the stabilization of the battlefield and the international recognition of Croatia as part of the European Community. In addition to artillery attacks, Serbia launched an infantry attack on 19 January 1992 which was repulsed by Croatian troops. Population The 18 settlements (naselja) which make up the municipality of Perušić, with their populations, are as follows: Bakovac Kosinjski – 126 Bukovac Perušićki – 91 Donji Kosinj – 494 Gornji Kosinj – 132 Kaluđerovac – 24 Klenovac – 32 Konjsko Brdo – 118 Kosa Janjačka – 98 Krš – 32 Kvarte – 193 Lipovo Polje – 122 Malo Polje – 74 Mezinovac – 24 Mlakva – 51 Perušić – 852 Prvan Selo – 97 Selo Sveti Marko – 34 Studenci – 44 These settlements tend to be built on hillsides due to flooding of the Perušić field. According to the 2011 census, the municipality was primarily Croat (90.22%) and Serb (8.49%). The population of the Municipality has fallen by more than a third between 1991 and 2011. Reasons for this include the emigration of population to more developed areas, attacks during the War of Independence, the aging population, and frequent flooding. Climate The Lika region has a temperate oceanic climate with Köppen climate classification Cfb, moderately humid with a warm summer. The Velebit mountain range restricts the thermal influence of the Adriatic Sea, but allows moist air to reach the interior resulting in high precipitation (particularly in winter and autumn). The growing season is 210–250 days, and there are 140–180 days with temperatures above . Economy Farming and agricultural industries are the main occupation. The nearby highway brought rapid economic development, though Perušić remains one of the poorest inhabited municipalities in Croatia. Culture Literature According to historical documents, Perušić can be called the cradle of Croatian