Country info

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.

Economy
Using quality of life and social standards as criteria, Slovenia approaches, or even exceeds, the European average. Slovenia is directed towards development and a market economy.

Geography
You can recognise Slovenia through images of the Alps and the Adriatic, the famous Karst and the Pannonian Plain; you can recognise it by the varied landscapes of its regions, which are all accessible to the visitor in a single day! Read an introduction to the main physical and climatic characteristics of our environment.

History
Slovenia has been populated since the Stone Age. This is an overview of the last 1500 years - since our Slavic ancestors arrived in this territory.

Sport
Achievements in the world of sports by Slovene sportsmen and women.

State
Under the Constitution, Slovenia is a democratic republic and a social state governed by law. The state's authority is based on the principle of the separation of legislative, executive and judicial powers, with a parliamentary system of government. See the structure and dynamics of Slovene political system.

Tourism
In Slovenia, you can experience amazing contrasts in the same day: a morning swim in the Adriatic, followed two hours later by skiing below Alpine peaks, then an adventurous discovery of Karst subterranean phenomena and an invigorating bath in a thermal spring; an encounter with history in a lively mediaeval city and, not far away, a more solitary stroll through primeval forests or undulating, winegrowing hills.