One of the smallest countries in Europe; Slovenia is a coastal Alpine country in southern Central Europe bordering Italy to the west, the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north.

In 1848 a strong programme for a united Slovenia emerged as part of the "Spring of Nations" movement within Austria. With the collapse of the Austro - Hungarian monarchy in 1918, Slovenians initially formed part of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, which shortly joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed (1929) the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Following the re-establishment of Yugoslavia at the end of World War II, Slovenia became a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, officially declared on 29 November 1945. Present-day Slovenia was formed on 25 June 1991 upon its independence from Yugoslavia. Slovenia joined NATO on 29 March 2004 and the European Union on 1 May 2004.

	Location:	Central Europe
	Size:	7,827 sq miles
	Population:	2,011,070
	Capital City:	Ljubljana
	Language:	Slovenian, Italian
	Currency:	Slovenski Tolar (SIT)
	Country Code:	+386
	Time Zone:	GMT+1
	Electricity:	220 volts AC, 50Hz.
	Ferry Ports:	Piran
	Airports:	Ljubljana, Maribor, Portoroz
	Dept. of Tourism:	www.slovenia-tourism.si

By Car Traffic drives on the right. There is a good network of high-quality roads in Slovenia. Speed limits are 130kph (80mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on roads reserved to motor traffic and 90kph (56mph) on roads outside residential areas. In cities it is 50kph (31mph).

By Bus There is a good bus network. International bus transport is well organized and relatively inexpensive. The timetables and other information can be found on the Slovenian tiurism web site.

By Rail There are efficient Intercity and stopping services. Train travel is generally inexpensive. Connections and through coaches are available from principal Eastern and Western European cities. The Eurocity Mimara train connects Ljubljana, Munich, Salzburg and Zagreb. There are direct trains to Slovenia from Austria (Vienna and Villach), Bulgaria, Croatia (Zagreb), Greece, Hungary (Budapest), Italy (Trieste and Venice), Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Serbia and Montenegro and Switzerland.

By Ferry There is a one crossing a week to Venice from the port of Piran with Venezia Lines with a sailing duration from 2 1/2 hours.

By Air Ljubljana (LJU) Airport is 26km (16 miles) northwest of the city. Buses are available to Kranj (travel time – 15 minutes) and to Ljubljana (travel time – 45 minutes) every 60 minutes Sat-Sun. Taxis are also available (travel time – 20 minutes). Facilities include a bank, post office, duty free shop, restaurant, snack bar, shops and internet cafes.

Ljubljana Cathedral

Towering over the city of Ljubljana are the twin towers of Ljubljana Cathedral (built in 1708), which house some impressive frescoes.

Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave in western Slovenia is a 12-mile labyrinth of subterranean passages, filled with fantastical stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations.

Lipica Stud Farm

Lipica Stud Farm is the home of one of the world’s most famous breed of horses, the Lippizaner. Founded by Archduke Charles of Austria in 1580, the farm has continuously bred the sturdy white horses for over four centuries

Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle is situated on a hill above the city. It offers splendid views of Ljubljana which can be seen from the main tower.

The nation's capital, Ljubljana, proudly shows its Baroque and Art Nouveau influence. Other attractions include the Julian Alps with the picturesque Lake Bled in Bled and Soca Valley, as well as the nation's highest peak, Mount Triglav. Perhaps even more famous is Slovenia's karst named after the Karst plateau in southwestern Slovenia. More than 28 million visitors have visited Postojna Cave, while a 15-minute ride from it are Škocjan caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Further in the same direction is the coast of the Adriatic sea, with a jewel of Venetian style Gothic architecture, Piran. The hills around the nation's second-largest city, Maribor, are renowned for their wine-making. Even though Slovenes tend to consume most of the wine they produce, some brands like Lutomer have made their appearance abroad. Geology has made the northeastern part of the country rich with spas, with Rogaška Slatina being perhaps its most prominent site.