Where?
Slovenia is situated in Central Europe! About the size of New Jersey, with a population of around 2 million, Slovenia borders with Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy and has a coastline just 46 km (28 miles) long.

The capital?
The capital - Ljubljana, is a medium-sized, pleasant European town. Ljubljana is not only a venue for Slovene and foreign business but also the country's cultural centre. The geographical position of Ljubljana makes it possible for tourists to visit the whole of Slovenia in day excursions.

Safety?
Slovenia is safe. The capital city Ljubljana has a population of about 300,000 and the streets are safe with a low rate of street crime. Slovenia was involved for just 10 days in the conflict involving the former Yugoslavia after it declared independence in 1991.

Arriving?
Daily flights from/to London, Paris, Vienna, Frankfurt, Zurich, Munich are the most frequently used connections from US to Ljubljana airport.
Rail roads are connected with Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and buses with neighbouring countries. Most worlds wide Rent a Car Companies have representative offices in Slovenia.

		Bohinj Lake

Driving in Slovenia?
Most of the country is linked by motorway and other roads are good. There is rarely heavy traffic outside Ljubljana. Get a Green Card from your Insurer. Headlights must be on even during daylight hours.

Food and wine?
Food is excellent with both Austrian and Italian influences. Wild mushrooms, plaited breads, sauerkraut, sausage, štruklji (made with cheese or meat), game and fresh vegetables - much of it organically produced. On the coast excellent fish including shellfish and Adriatic Blue, Dentex etc. There is a "food movement" trend started recently in Slovenia called the slow food dinner. This can take place in a restaurant or at a private house and is for a group of good friends/family. There are normally eight or more courses with the emphasis on using local produce with old style recipes and taking time over the meal, different wine with each course. Wines are good and are winning awards in Europe. Many farms produce their own version of chardonnay. Slovenia has traditional gostlinas (country inns) where you may still see the occasional black kitchen plus some very smart restaurants.

Vegetarian ?
If you are a vegetarian and/or do not eat fish... With the amount of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, cheese (the one from Bohinj is excellent) and pasta, vegetarians will not have a terrible time in Slovenia.

		Ljubljana, River banks of Ljubljanica (c) Ljubljana Promotion Centre

Weather?
Due to the geographic diversity there are 3 types of climate:
North West alpine climate, moderately hot summers, cold in winter
Coast + West Mediterranean, warm and sunny much of the year with mild winters
East, hot summers and mild winters
Highest rainfall is usual in October and November. Temperatures range from 0° C (32° F) in January to a maximum usually of 24°C (77° F) in June, July, August.

Visas?
No visa is required for holders of passports from USA, EU (including GB), Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Language?
The language is Slovene and uses the Latin alphabet. Most Slovenes speak at least one other language, usually Italian or German. Lately, English is widely used as it has been learnt at schools as the first language.

Prices and currency?
The currency is the TOLAR (SIT), fully convertible, but usually only obtainable in Slovenia and in neighbouring countries. This is not a problem and other currencies are easily converted (current rate of exchange about 166.11 SIT = 1 USD) on arrival at banks, hotels, exchange office etc. Higher cost items are sometimes priced in German marks in Slovenia. Duty free shops at airports etc. accept most currencies. Travellers cheques and Eurocheques can be cashed at most exchange offices and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Slovenia offers good value for money to most foreign visitors. A good meal with wine can cost as little as 15 USD per person.

Accommodation?
A wide range of hotels from small, family run pensions, farmhouses with catering and self catering options, Alpine lodge type places, private accommodation and luxury establishments (like the Vila Bled - member of Relais et Chateaux) plus health spa hotels, castles and manors.

		Predjama Castle (foto: A. Hodalič)

Population?
Around 2 million in the country with around 300,000 in the capital Ljubljana.
Ethnic composition (census 1991): The vast majority of population are Slovenes (87,84%), Italians (0,16%) and Hungarians ( 0,43 %) are considered indigenous minorities with rights protected under the Constitutions. Other ethnic groups (11,6%) identify themselves as Croats, Serbs, Muslims, Yugoslavs, Macedonians, Montenegrins and Albanians.

Electricity?
220 volts and 50Hz - normal European two pin plugs used - need adapter.

Guide books?
Lonely Planet : Slovenija - most recent version, published September 1998
Slovenia - Tourist Guide , published in April 1999, Mladinska knjiga, Ljubljana
Ed Lenarčič - Slovenia (http://www.interlog.com/~ed/)

In focus?
Ţhis year Slovenia is competing with Austria and Italy for hosting the winter Olympic Games in 2006 under the slogan "Without borders!" - Brez meja, Senza confini, Ohne Grenzen!
More information: http://www.uvi.si/eng/calendar/events/winter-olympic-games/

Pope John Paul II will be visiting Maribor, Slovenia on 19 September 1999. This will be his second visit to Slovenia, the first was in June 1996. The purpose of Pope's visit is the beatification of archbishop Anton Martin Slomšek, who is to be declared blessed by Pope John Paul II.

And finally?
Slovenia is a bright little country offering lots of holiday ideas and full of surprises. Easy to get to in winter or summer - over 17 tour operators and travel agencies in USA feature it.

For further information please call, send a fax or e-mail:
Slovenian Tourist Office New York
345 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10003

Tel. 212-358-9686, fax: 212-358-9025
E-mail: slotouristboard@sloveniatravel.com

Slovenian Tourist Board