ABOUT SLOVENIA

Slovenia is a relatively small country in area, half of the size of Switzerland for example, tucked into a mountainous corner between Austria, Italy, Hungary, and the Adriatic Sea. Everything in Slovenia is in abundance: the majestic Alps with their glacial valleys, rivers and lakes, plenty of forests, mysterious karst caves, the warm Adriatic. From the steep slopes of the Alps you can reach the world of olives and vineyards in less then three hours. From Maribor it takes about an hour to reach the lovely Pannonian plain and primeval forests in the south are only two hours away. Slovenia's natural features and cultural and historical sites offer plenty of variety for a holiday.

 

You can explore the underground world of grottoes, walk in the clean mountain air of Triglav National Park, climb the peaks of the Julian Alps, admire medieval treasures of old cities and towns and enjoy their museums, concerts, international festivals, fairs, and events, or play on spectacular golf courses. Try your luck in casinos, enjoy the culinary arts and wines of Slovenia.

 

The contrast of Slovenia's landscape surprises first time visitors, all within the country's little more then 20,000 km2. About fifty kilometers from the capital, Ljubljana, are the Julian Alps, where fairy tale Lake Bled glistens, the Postojna Caves, the largest in Europe, are 35 minute's drive from the capital; and Portorož, a sunny seaside resort just over 100 kilometers from Ljubljana. You can also take an excursion to Lipica, the original home of the famous white Lippizaner horses, to the vineyard country where wines have been produced since Roman times. In winter, skiing is only a five minutes drive from the city of Maribor.

This year Slovenia was rated No. 5 top world destination in "Places Rated" Destination Stewardship survey conducted by National Geographic Traveler. link

Area:	20,256 km2
Population:	2 million
Capital:	Ljubljana
Language:	Slovenian (Slovene), Hungarian and Italian are minority languages
Climate:	Alpine, Continental, Mediterranean
Electricity:	220V, 50Hz, euro plugor schuko
Time zone:	Central European Time (GMT+1, summertime: GMT+2)
Currency:	Euro €
Exchange rate:	1€ = $1,29, 1€ = 126 Yen, subject to change
GDP:	$27,148.642 = 19,508.285€ per capital (2008)