Slovenia is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. It became independent in 1991 with the breakup of Yugoslavia. Although mostly inland, the country has a short coast on the Adriatic Sea and an important port, Kopur. The capital is Ljubljana, and the currency is Euros. Slovenia forms the transition from Europe to the Balkan nations. Most of the country is mountainous, extensions of the Alps, with a moderate climate. The mountains can receive significant snowfall. Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy.

History

From ancient times the Slovenian region was settled by both Illyrians (Balkans) and Celts (Europeans). In the first century AD it was incorporated into the Roman Empire. Following this, in various forms the area was dominated by Germanic peoples: Bavarians, Franks, and the Hapsburgs of Austria-Hungary until 1918. At the end of WWI the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was established and later renamed Yugoslavia. The stormy political history of that nation under Tito’s Communist rule ended with the rebellion of several of the ethnic regions. Slovenia, under the nationalist Kucan, became independent in 1991.

Culture and Sightseeing

Slovenia has a rich cultural history with several significant international contributors. Laibach, the pivotal industrial rock music group has remained popular for nearly 30 years. In visual arts, architect and sculptor Marjetica Potrc was the winner of the 2000 Hugo Boss Prize in contemporary art, and her works were exhibited in a solo show at the New York Guggenheim Museum. The country offers 200 museums, most notably the National Museum in Ljubljana. Eco-tourists can explore a country with one of the highest levels of biodiversity in Europe. There are 44 protected areas, including one National Park. Architectural marvels and sacred sites are also popular.

Eat & Drink

Native Slovenian cuisine is centered around beans, cabbage and potatoes. Many traditional dishes are popular with tourists, and each region is noted for its own type of bread. Various pastries, often made with buckwheat, are offered. Potica is a Slovenian specialty. Pastry is rolled paper thin and spread with such things as nuts, poppy seeds, fruits, herbs, cottage cheese, honey, etc. It is then rolled into a spiral and baked. Fish is featured in traditional dishes as well. Many of the hills are covered with vineyards, and specialty and local wines are found throughout the country. For those who are less adventurous, most restaurants offer foods more familiar to international palates.