Slovenija
DISCOVER SLOVENIA
Slovenia is a small country that lies in the heart of Europe, nestled between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia along the outskirts of the Alps and on the north-eastern tip of the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its replete natural resources, it is one of the most landscape-diverse countries in the world, serving as the meeting point for four of Europe's major regional landscape
s.
Rising high above vast forested foothills, the high Alps extend into Slovenia from the west, their rocky terrain giving way to the densely forested Dinaric Alps towards the southwestern end.
The Pannonian basi
n spreads across the country's eastern edge, while the warm Adriatic Sea beckons swimmers on the west coast. This territory of 20273 km2 is home to a population of nearly 2.1 million. Although most of Slovenia's inhabitants live in urban centres, its countryside remains well populated. Only a small percentage of its inhabitants continue to engage in agriculture, with most people finding employment in the service and industrial sector.
Slovenia's capital is Ljubljana, a charming city that lies in the Ljubljana basin at the nation's very centre. Its second largest city of Maribor is located in the northeast and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Rising 2864m above sea level, Triglav is the Julian Alps' highest summit and Slovenia's highest peak.
The Republic of Slovenia is formally represented by a tricoloured, horizontally striped white-blue-red flag that serves as a background for its coat of arms, which is shaped much like a cosmogram.
At the
centre of the coat of arms is a symbol of Triglav in white colour against a blue background, and beneath it, two wavy lines depict the nation's sea and rivers. Above Mount Triglav are three six-pointed gold stars arranged in a downward-pointing triangle. The words of Slovenia's national anthem are taken from the seventh stanza of Zdravljica, a poem written by Slovenia's most acclaimed poet, France Prešern.
Slovenia has been a member state of the European Union since 2004, an achievement that also signified one of the nation's primary objectives following gaining its independence in 1991. The Euro was adopted as Slovenia's national currency in 2007.
Slovenia enjoys active trade links primarily with countries of western Europe, particularly Germany, Austria and Italy. It is generally recognized as a small but reliable business partner with economic methods of working and a highly skilled labour force. With nearly 60% of its territory covered by forest, Slovenia ranks as Europe’s third most forested country.
Over one third of 
its national territory is protected and included in the European Natura 2000 network, a programme designed to protect biodiversity. Home to 27 thousand kilometres of rivers, streams and other watercourses, Slovenia is also one of the water-richest countries in Europe. In addition to its network of water flows, it also has numerous thermal and mineral springs and many subterranean waters.
S
lovenia is actually one of the few countries in the world whose natural water is fit to drink. In this land of many flowing waters, it is therefore not surprising that its natural spas and wellness centres are particularly attractive for visitors. Slovenia's mineral springs were already familiar to the Romans in ancient times and have been praised by many other European courts since. Fifteen of its spas and tourist regions have been awarded the status of natural health resort.
The Postojna C
ave, which forms a part of the Slovenian karst, is the most frequently visited cave in Europe, boasting over 21km of underground tunnels, halls and galleries.
Slovenia's Škocjan Caves have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as Natural World Heritage. The Idrija mercury cave and prehistoric dwelling sites of the Ljubljana Marshes have been listed as Cultural World Heritage. About one hundred castles are preserved across the country and over 500 castle ruins dot its landscape.
Reaching the southern border, we find a coastline stretching over about 46km. A part of this coast is home to the Sečovlje Saltworks, which have been producing salt in the traditional manner for over 700 years and have enjoyed protection as a regional park since 2001. The Sečovlje Saltworks have found a place on the UNESCO list of Wetlands of International Importance.
Slovenia is also known for the renowned Lipica Stud Farm, famous for breeding Lipizzaners since its establishment in 1950. Due to their beautiful white coats, an almost uncanny ability to learn and master dance techniques, the Lipizzaners are a world renowned tourist attraction.
To represent and differentiate itself from among other countries across the world, Slovenia has used the emotionally stirring I Feel Slovenia brand since 2007.
Because two thirds of the country is covered by forest, the core of the I Feel Slovenia brand is green.This symbol speaks of pristine nature and a resolution to ensure this doesn't change over time.
Maja Marc, Mojca Kodrič