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|  | SLOVENIA COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | This compact and strategically important country is dominated by mountains, rivers and major north-south and east-west transit routes. Slovenia borders Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. One of the smallest countries in Europe, it lies in an enviable geographical position between the majestic Alps and the Mediterranean. The capital, Ljubljana, is situated in the heart of the country, along the banks of the Ljubljanca River, within a two-hour drive of all the state borders. The old part of the town is particularly delightful. Towering over the city are the twin towers of Ljubljana Cathedral (1708), which house some impressive frescoes. In the east, Slovenia's second largest city, Maribor, is only 10km (6 miles) from the Austrian border. The fashionable mountain resort of Bled is set on the idyllic Lake Bled, where skating and curling take place in winter, and swimming and rowing in summer. Slovenia's national cuisine shows an Austro-German influence with sauerkraut, grilled sausage and apple strudel often appearing on menus. Ljubljana has a good opera house and the symphony orchestra plays regularly in the Big Hall of the Culture and Congress Centre. The Slovene lands were part of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria until 1918 when the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. 182 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) and 11 urban municipalities* (mestne obcine , singular - mestna obcina ) Ajdovscina, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled, Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica, Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno, Cerkvenjak, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj, Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Horjul-Polhov Gradec, Dobrovnik-Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale, Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje, Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos-Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina, Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola-Isola, Jesenice, Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje, Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava-Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno, Ljutomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Maribor*, Markovci, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju, Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Moravce, Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje, Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica, Pesnica, Piran-Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*, Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogasovci, Rogaska Slatina, Rogatec, Ruse, Salovci, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sempeter-Vrtojba, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur pri Celju, Sevnica, Sezana, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Slovenj Gradec*, Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smartno ob Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sostanj, Starse, Store, Sveta Ana, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij, Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin, Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic, Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*, Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej, Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice, Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica, Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc, Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica, Zuzemberk, Zrece
Note: there may be 45 more municipalities. Slovenia, with its historical ties to Western Europe, enjoys a GDP per capita substantially higher than that of the other transitioning economies of Central Europe. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at the World Bank. Privatization of the economy proceeded at an accelerated pace in 2002-04. Despite lackluster performance in Europe in 2001-04, Slovenia maintained moderate growth. Structural reforms to improve the business environment have allowed for greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and have helped to lower unemployment. Further measures to curb inflation are still needed. Corruption and the high degree of coordination between government, business, and central bank policy were issues of concern in the run-up to Slovenia's 1 May 2004 accession to the European Union. In mid-2004 Slovenia agreed to adopt the euro by 2007 and, therefore, must keep its debt levels, budget deficits, interest rates, and inflation levels within the EU's Maastrict criteria. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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|  | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | One of the smallest countries in Europe, Slovenia lies in an enviable geographical position between the majestic Alps and the Mediterranean; visitors can thus travel between ski slopes and beach resorts within a matter of hours.
Ljubljana
The Slovene capital is the starting point for a wide range of excursions. Situated in the heart of Slovenia, along the banks of the Ljubljanca River, the capital is within a two-hour drive of all the state borders. The old part of the town is particularly delightful. There are three bridges crossing the river, one leading directly to the Town Hall (1718) with its Baroque fountain and two open courtyards. Towering over the city are the twin towers of Ljubljana Cathedral (1708), which house some impressive frescoes. The Castle, situated on a hill, overlooks the river. The Castle is currently undergoing repairs and only part of it is open to the public. The tower offers a splendid view of the city. On the eastern bank of the river is the Town Museum with an extensive collection of Roman artefacts. Near to the University is the Ursuline Church (1726) with an altar by Robba. The National Museum, the National Gallery, the Municipal Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery with the quiet Tivoli Gardens are all interesting.
The East
Maribor, in the east of the country, is Slovenia's second largest city (population approximately 200,000). It lies only 16km (10 miles) from the Austrian border and is a three-hour journey by car from Vienna or Trieste. Maribor is a lively cultural, scientific and commercial centre with a University and numerous art galleries, museums and theatres. The city is a good starting point for visiting the nearby Alpine region of Pohorje, one of Slovenia's main skiing resorts and which hosts major international competitions. Also worth visiting are the nearby winegrowing hills of Slovenske Gorice, where a number of Slovenia's excellent white wines are produced. To the south or Maribor, Ptuj contains Roman remains, a medieval centre and is the scene of traditional carnivals.
The Julian Alps
The Julian Alps are a popular skiing area in the winter, particularly the resorts of Kranjska Gora and Bovec. Triglav National Park encompasses the splendour of these mountains, as well as the grassy slopes of the surrounding valleys. It is a great place for keen trekkers and visitors are attracted by the unusual tower on Mount Triglav. Podkoren is situated in the mountains near the Austrian border. The fashionable mountain resort of Bled, near the Austrian and Italian borders, is set on the idyllic Lake Bled, where skating and curling take place in winter, and swimming and rowing in summer. The trout and carp fishing is also very good. Sights include the neo-Gothic Parish Church (1904) with its interesting frescoes and Bled Castle, the former seat of the bishops of Brixen. Perching above a 100m (328ft) drop, the castle offers magnificent views over the city and lake. Another popular skiing resort is the Zgornjesavska valley, which borders Austria and Italy in the northwest. Situated between the Julian Alps and the Karavanke, the valley is surrounded by mountain peaks and a number of international skiing and ski jumping competitions take place there every year.
The Coast
Portoroz is Slovenia's most popular seaside resort, with numerous hotels and pavement cafés. The spectacular 20km cave of Postojna, only an hour's drive from the coast, has been deemed one of the greatest sights of natural beauty, and features gigantic stalagmites and a cavernous hall which can hold over 10,000 people.
The port of Koper still retains an Italian atmosphere. The old town, entered through Muda Gate, is worth exploring. Passing the Bridge Fountain, the street widens onto the city's central square. In general, the sights are clustered around the Town Tower (1480), which dominates the skyline. Fine examples of the Venetian Gothic style are the 15th-century Cathedral, the loggia and the Praetor's Palace; also of interest is the Romanesque Carmin Rotunda (1317). Well worth a visit is the excellent Provincial Museum, which houses old maps of the area.
Spas
Slovenia's natural spas are scattered throughout the country and include the Radenci Health Resort (close to the Austrian border) and the Rogaska Health Resort, where legend claims that the winged horse Pegasus created curative mineral waters with a magic blow of his hooves. | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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