 Slovenia |
Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country.
Slovenia has numerous sites of special natural interest, with features of all four main areas: the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain. It also has a wealth of diverse architecture and urban design.
Slovenia is a land of greenery, which offers great opportunities for activity holidays. It is perfect for a summer holiday, a winter break or a weekend away.
Slovenia is famed for its excellent food, accompanied by one of its fine wines.
The friendly, hospitable and attentive locals will guarantee you a pleasant stay. |
|
| |
Currency
The official currency in Slovenia is the EURO.
Currency Exchange: Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureau de change, hotel receptions, travel agents, petrol stations and large shopping centers.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs:
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept a range of credit and debit cards: MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, Cirrus and Visa Electron Plus. Slovenia is extremely well provided with ATMs. You can withdraw cash 24 hours a day from ATMs around the country.
Climate
There are three climatic influences in the country. Continental climate is in the northeast, Alpine climate in the mountain regions, and a sub-Mediterranean in the coastal region. Average temperature in the mountain region in January is below 0°C, in the interior from 0°C -2°C, and along the coast from 2°C -4°C; in July, average temperature in the interior is 20°C -22°C, along the coast 22°C -24°C.
Language
Slovenian 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4% (2002 census) Religion
Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002 census) |
|
Location
Slovenia is situated in Central Europe. It borders with Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary.
Time zone
GMT + 1
Basic Information
Government type: Parliamentary Republic
Capital: Ljubljana
Administrative divisions: Primorska, Gorenjska, Notranjska, Dolenjska, Koroška, Štajerska, Prekmurje
Executive Branch:
Chief of state: President
Head of government: Prime Minister
Cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly
Legal System: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Population: 2,005,692 (July 2009 est.)
Country comparison to the world: 145
Ethnic Origin: Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 census)
Area total: 20,273 sq km
Country comparison to the world: 154
Land: 20,151 sq km
Water: 122 sq km
Natural Resources:lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower, forests
Top three cities
*
Ljubljana: population 257,673
Ljubljana lies in a basin between the Karst and the alpine regions at 298 metres above sea level. It is a city with a soul, featured by the Baroque Old Town which is nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, the Art Nouveau mansions as well as some of the masterpieces of the world renowned architect Jože Plečnik.
Ljubljana became the heart of the political, economic, cultural and scientific life of the Slovene nation.
Ljubljana combines the compactness of a small city with the facilities of a metropolis and, compared with other European capitals, remains a city on a human scale.
Maribor: population 87,275
Maribor is, as the capital of Štajerska, the second largest city in the country.
The city streets all lead to one of the most beautiful town parks in Slovenia. Climb up Piramida and Kalvarija, the town's wine growing hills that have marvellous views. And go down in the wine underworld to one of the oldest and largest wine cellars in Europe.
The town core itself already places Maribor in a society of European towns that are known by their uniqueness, traditional and quality offers; its attractive location by the river Drava, between Pohorje and wine growing hills, topped with the lively hospitality of the Štajerska inhabitants additionally contribute to our guests satisfaction.
Celje: population 50,000
Celje is a city with a lively cultural and tourist beat, a highly developed social life, a commercial, trade and fair center, and attractive surroundings. |
|
Your guide to Business
|
| Passport/Visa |
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Note
Slovenia joined the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and on 29 March 2008 for airports.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements |
| |
| |
| Customs |
Slovenia is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. There are no longer any allowance restrictions on these tax-free items.
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Slovenia by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco.
• 2l of wine and 1l of spirits.
• 50g perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• Listed items to not exceed €175 in value.
Note: An export licence is required for articles of archaeological, ethnographic, artistic, scientific or cultural value; or for articles over 100 years old. |
| Health and safety |
There are no major health risks in Slovenia. Meat and poultry, water and milk are considered safe for consumption.
Slovenia is one of the safest countries in Europe, but travellers must maintain caution. Petty crimes like theft have been reported; travellers must avoid carrying valuables. it is not advisable to visit the park after dark. Discotheques and crowded bars are other places where travellers should be careful as the crowds can get a bit aggressive. |
|
