Area: 20,273 km2
Population: 1,964,036 (2002 census)
Capital city: Ljubljana
Language: Slovene; in nationally mixed areas, also Italian and Hungarian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Important dates:
Independence – 25 June 1991,
Member of EU – 1 May 2004
The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian plains and the mysterious Karst. To the north is Austria; to the east, Hungary; to the south, Croatia; and to the west, Italy.
Slovenia became an independent state in 1991 and a member of the EU on May 1, 2004.
Arts and Culture
Situated at a cultural crossroads, Slovenia has always been a place of high artistic achievements. Arts and culture have had a special position in the history of the Slovenian nation and have compensated for the lack of its own state and political institutions in the past. A rich cultural life and far-reaching institutions, organisations, and cultural societies are comparable to the most developed European countries.
Country and its People
Find out more about its location, statistics on population, minorities, religion, and the language. You will also learn about the historical and religious holidays celebrated in Slovenia and about “what’s cooking” all over the country, and all about our wines.
Slovenia has been dubbed a lot of things since independence in 1991 – ‘Europe in Miniature’, ‘The Sunny Side of the Alps’, ‘The Green Piece of Europe’ – and, though they may sound like tourist-brochure blurbs, they’re all true. From beaches, snow-capped mountains, hills awash in grapevines and wide plains blanketed in sunflowers, to Gothic churches, baroque palaces, historic castles and art nouveau civic buildings, Slovenia offers more diversity than countries many times its size. Its incredible mixture of climates brings warm Mediterranean breezes up to the foothills of the Alps, where it can even snow in summer. With more than half of its total area covered in forest, Slovenia truly is one of the greenest countries in the world – and in recent years it has also become Europe’s activities playground.
More than 1200 national dishes demonstrate the impressive variety of culinary traditions. Slovenian tradional dishes differ greatly from region to region. It’s however not easy to find a traditional slovene food like mlinci or ajdovi zganci.
Strong influenced by its neighbours
The ravioli like zlinkrofi are typical italian.
Austria has contributed zavitek (Strudel), Dunajski zrezek (Wiener Schnitzel) and klobase (sausages).
From Hungary there is golaz (goulash), palacinke (thin pancakes) and paprikas (beef or chicken stew).
And not to forget Cevapcici or Cevapi that comes from the Balkans (see picture below).
These are all examples of a national cuisine that wholeheartedly embraces italian, hungarian, austrian and croatian influences.
And this is usually combined with an overwhelming genuine Slovenian hospitality – what a great holiday experience!
Soup on!
