Slovenia is located in Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Austria and Croatia.
Land in Slovenia is a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east.
Slovenian land covers an area of 20273 square kilometers which is slightly smaller than New Jersey
As for the Slovenian climate; Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east.
Slovene(s) speak Slovenian 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4% (2002 census).
The Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the latter's dissolution at the end of World War I. In 1918, the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, which was named 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.
With its small transition economy and population of approximately two million, Slovenia is a model of economic success and stability for its neighbors in the former Yugoslavia. The country, which joined the EU in 2004, has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and an excellent central location. It enjoys a GDP per capita substantially higher than any 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. Slovenia plans to adopt the euro by 2007 and has met the EU's Maastricht criteria for inflation. Despite its economic success, Slovenia faces growing challenges. Much of the economy remains in state hands and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia is one of the lowest in the EU on a per capita basis. Taxes are relatively high, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in China, India, and elsewhere. The current center-right government, elected in October 2004, has pledged to accelerate privatization of a number of large state holdings and is interested in increasing FDI in Slovenia. In late 2005, the government's new Committee for Economic Reforms was elevated to cabinet-level status. The Committee's program includes plans for lowering the tax burden, privatizing state-controlled firms, improving the flexibility of the labor market, and increasing the government's efficiency.
Slovenian natural resources include lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver, hydropower, forests
despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe's major transit routes
Slovenian religion is Catholic 57.8%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9%, Muslim 2.4%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002 census).
Natural hazards in Slovenia include flooding and earthquakes.
SloveniaThis advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Road Safety section (driving in winter) and General section (currency). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
SUMMARY
- The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
- Around 91,000 British tourists visit Slovenia every year. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Slovenia is for replacing lost and stolen passports.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Crime
Sensible precautions should be taken when carrying money in busy tourist areas.
Political Situation
Slovenia Country Profile.
Road Safety
If you plan to drive, you will need a driving licence with a photo on it, which means that if you do not have the new style EU driving licence you will need an International Driving Permit.
If you are driving to Slovenia during the winter period, you should be aware that winter equipment is mandatory between 15 November and 15 March. This means that your car must be equipped with either winter tyres, or have snow chains and radial tyres with at least 4mm tread depth. You can be fined 125 Euros for not having this equipment, or 417 Euros if you cause a delay on the road for the same reason.
If you intend to hire a car and drive it into Slovenia you must declare this to the car hire company first, as you must have adequate car insurance cover.
Heavy on-the-spot fines are in place for traffic offences and jaywalking. A new Road Safety Act came into effect on 1 January 2005. This gives the police greater powers to stop drivers and levy on the spot fines, including greater penalties for speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and for using mobile phones without properly installed wireless headsets (bluetooth).
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You should carry a copy of your passport at all times as a form of identification.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You do not require a visa to visit Slovenia.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Slovenia Embassy in London, 10 Little College Street, London, SW1P 3SH, Tel: (020) 7222 5400 / 9711, Fax: (020) 7222 5277.
HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance
You can gain access to medical treatment in Slovenia. The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more information about how to obtain the EHIC please see: Europe and the EHIC.
If you intend to visit forested areas during the summer months should seek medical advice about immunisation for tick borne encephalitis, which is a serious health risk in that part of southern Europe.
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The Slovene Government confirmed on 12 February 2006, that the H5N1 form of Avian Influenza had been found in a swan in north east Slovenia. Tests are being done on eight other wild birds found dead in the same region. On 6 June 2006, the Slovene authorities announced that these tests were negative.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure that poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet, which gives more detailed advice and information.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Western Slovenia is on an earthquake fault line and is subject to occasional tremors. On 12 July, 2004 a shock measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale caused one death and extensive property damage.
GENERAL
If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help
EU Aviation Regulations
The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Slovenia. For more details about this please see: DfT - Airline Security Update
Ljubljana is a small capital city and an increasingly popular destination as its air services grow. Hotels are busy. We advise that you arrange accommodation before travelling.
If you are planning a skiing or mountaineering holiday, we advise you to contact the Slovenian Tourist Board in the UK (Tel: 0870 225 5305, E-mail: info@slovenian-tourism.co.uk for advice on weather and safety conditions before travelling. You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. You should follow all safety instructions meticulously, given the danger of avalanches in some areas.
The British Embassy in Ljubljana does not issue passports and so, before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages. The British Embassy in Ljubljana will accept applications for new passports for forwarding to the British Embassy in Vienna, but this can take two weeks or more. You will need to pay if a courier is used.
If you intend to stay in Slovenia for an extended period of time you should register your presence with the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Ljubljana.
Remember to reconfirm your return flight if your airline advises it.
Money
ATMs are widely available and major credit cards/travellers' cheques are widely accepted. Banks and bureaux de change will change travellers' cheques, sterling and other main currencies. Since 1 January 2007, Slovenia has adopted the Euro as its currency. The Tolar is no longer accepted in retail outlets, but can be exchanged at banks, free of charge until 30 June.
Information on the EU can be found at: Travelling and Living in the EU (pdf) and Britain in the EU.
