Brač is the largest Dalmatian island. It has been inhabited by prehistoric period. Favorable geographical location, pleasant climate and fertile soil focused development of farming in the island's interior. Pirate threat in the Middle Ages prevented the colonization of the shore of the island and both fisheries and maritime affairs were poorly developed until the beginning of the Venetian rule. Then maritime trade and craft-based stone masonry begin developing. There were on the island numerous quarries that manufacture high quality stone that was an important export product Brač throughout history. The population of the island of Brač grew slowly until the 19th century when there was an economic upswing due to the strengthening of viticulture and development of maritime trade in the Mediterranean. At the end of the century due to the crisis viticulture the great economic crisis started. This caused emigration of inhabitants of Brač that has been extensive until the mid-20th century when it began to decline. This was the time when tourism assumed an important role in economic development of Brač which provided inhabitants with significant income. It is expected that tourism on Brač will continue to develop in the future.