• Population ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- approx 2 million inhabitants
• Size ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- approx 20,300 sq km (about the same size as Wales)
• Capital -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ljubljana, population approx 330,000
• Language -------------------------------------------------------- Slovene (though many people speak good English language)
• Religion --------------------------------------------------------------- predominantly Roman Catholic (approx 85% of population)
• Currency --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Euro
• Banking hours ----------------------------------- vary but typically 09.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 16.00 Monday to Friday
• Climate ------------------------------------------------- Alpine, Central European and Meditteranean (depending on region)
• Time zone --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Central European, GMT +1
• Highest mountain ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mount Triglav, 2864m
• Drinking water ---------------------- the tap water is typically safe and pleasant to drink but please check locally
• Speed limits ---------------------- 130kph on motorways, 90 kph on other roads, reduced speed limits in built up   areas or to suit road conditions.
• Emergency numbers ------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- 112 Fire, 113 Police, 114 Ambulance
• International dialling code --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00386

Geography:

For such a small country, the diversity of geography and climate in Slovenia is quite remarkable. In Slovenia we have mountains, rolling hills, flat plains and a coast line on the Adriatic sea. From the centre of Slovenia, which is practically at the point where the capital city, Ljubljana, is located, you can reach any part of Slovenia within a couple of hours.

Slovenia is bordered by four different countries, Austria to the north, Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, and Hungary to the north-east.

The alpine areas of Slovenia which are located in the north of the country include the Julian Alps, Karavanke range, Kamnik Alps, Savinjske alps and Pohorje.
The Julian Alps are home to the highest mountain, Mt Triglav, the biggest national park, and the largest lake in Slovenia. The Julian Alps and the surrounding region is reknowned as an area of outstanding natural beauty and the three resorts of Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj and Kranjska Gora are all located here. The climate is typically characterised by cold snowy winters and pleasantly warm summers. Springtime and the Autumn can also provide lots of warm sunny days but you can also expect the most rainfall during these seasons.

The more central and eastern regions which include Ljubljana and the Dolenjska Spa areas have landscapes which are dominated by rolling hills of dense forest and wide, fertile river valleys. In fact, Slovenia can claim to be one of the most green countries in Europe with over 60% of its land covered by trees. In the more isolated parts of the forests in the south east, brown bears still roam in the wild. The climate here can be described as central european, with temperatures quite similar to the UK but with slightly colder winters and slightly warmer summers.

The coastal area in the south-west of Slovenia has a mediterranean climate, so you can expect hot and sunny summers and respectable temperatures in both the Spring and Autumn time. Winters tend to be warmer compared to the rest of Slovenia but on windy days the temperatures can become quite chilly. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills covered by vineyards, olive groves and cyprus trees, and is comparable to regions of Italy such as Tuscany. The Slovenian coast is quite small, just 46km in length and is home to the popular seaside resort of Portorož. There are several small old towns along the coast, including Piran and Izola for example, where the influence of neighbouring Italy is evident in the Venetian style of archtecture.

History:

Slovenia is one of the youngest countries in Europe, becoming an independent state in 1991. We have a very interesting past, since over the centuries our lands have been part of various different territories.
We will not go into to much detail here so below is a brief chronological summary of Slovene history.

• 6th century ----------------Slav settlements known to have existed in the Sava, Drava and Mura river valleys.
• 7th century--------------------- an alliance was formed with the Slavic Duchy of Carantania, which became part    of the Frankish empire.
• 14th --------------------------------------------16th century – Habsburg monarch included Slovene regions in its empire.
• 19th and early 20th century ---------------------------------------------------------- Slovenia part of Austro-Hungarian empire.
• 20th century (between the wars)---------------Slovenia joined with Croats and Serbs to form the SHS Kingdom    which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
• 20th century (after second world war)------------------------- Republic of Yugoslavia formed under the leadership    of President Tito.
• 1990 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- referrendum in favour of Slovene independance.
• 1991----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Republic of Slovenia gains its independance.
• 2004 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Slovenia becomes a member of the European Union.
• 2007 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Slovenia adopts the Euro currency.

Unsurprisingly, because of history, Slovenia has a mixture of different cultures with some noticeable influences from its neighbouring countries such as Austria, Italy, Hungary and the Balkan states. Slovenes do have a proud, distinct and rich culture of their own which perhaps can be seen most visibly in the traditional folklore music and national costumes still celebrated today. Perhaps the two most famous and revered Slovenes from history are the archtect Jože Plečnik and the poet France Prešeren.

Food and Drink:

In describing food and drink, the expression ″to die for″ could have been invented for Slovenia. The food is fabulous and for many visitors to Slovenia, particulary from neighbouring Austria and Italy, this is a key reason why they come.

• In the alpine and inland areas of Slovenia, the most traditional dishes are dominated by meat, potatoes and locally produced vegetables.
• The most popular meats are pork, turkey, beef and various types of sausage. Commonly found side dishes include a type of cheese dumpling called Štruklji, Žganci (a type of buckwheat dish) and various salads.
• Vegetarians are well catered for with lots of different pasta dishes and it would be criminal not to mention the fantastic soups and pizzas which can be found all over Slovenia.

• The specialities of the coastal region include cold cuts, especially the air dried ham (pršut) and of course fresh sea food. Slovenia caters particularly well for those with a sweet tooth.

• Practically every region of the country produces its own speciality cakes and pastries which are mouthwatering.

• Slovenia produces some excellent wines, beers and schnapps. There are broadly speaking three main wine regions, one in the north-east (Podravje), one in the south-east (Posavje) and one in the south-west (Primorje).

• In the north-east mainly white wine is produced including the drier varieties Haložan and Chardonnay, and the sweeter varieties Laški Rizling and Traminec. In the south-east the speciality wine is a dry rose wine called Cviček.

• In the south-west, by the coast and inland adjacent to the Italian border, a lot of different red and white wines are produced including the familiar grape varieties of Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon and the less known Refošk and Teran which are unique to Slovenia. Therefore, Slovenia produces a diverse range of wines to suit all pallets.

• Slovenia has two main brands of beer, Union and Laško, producing both light and dark beers. Also there are several independent micro-breweries producing beer that is typically only sold on site in a bar or restaurant.

• The alpine regions of Slovenia, particularly in the north west, are reknowned for producing several different types of schnapps. This is normally made from a base of fermented pears or plums and other different fruits, flowers, herbs and even honey can be added to produce lots of delicious types of Schnapps. Perhaps the most common fruity variety to be found is Blueberry Schnapps, which you will find served in most bars and restaurants. However, to experience a good range of Schnapps in an authentic setting, we would recommend visiting one of the old farmhouses that offers a schnapps tasting evening.