{{Infobox Country|
native_name = Republika Slovenija |
common_name = Slovenia |
image_flag = Flag of Slovenia.svg |
image_coat = Slovenia_coa.png |
image_map = SVN_highlighted_map.png |
national_motto = None |
national_anthem = Zdravljica |
official_languages = Slovenian, Italian1, Hungarian1 |
capital = Ljubljana |
latd=46|latm=03|latNS=N|longd=14|longm=30|longEW=E|
largest_city = Ljubljana |
government_type = Democratic Republic |
leader_titles = President
Prime Minister | leader_names = Janez_Drnovšek
Janez_Janša | area_rank = 151st | area_magnitude = 1_E10 | area=20,273 | percent_water = 0.6% | population_estimate = 2,001,114 | population_estimate_year = 2005 | population_estimate_rank = 142nd | population_census = 1,964,036 | population_census_year = 2002| population_density = 96 | population_density_rank = 100th | GDP_PPP_year=2005 | GDP_PPP = $43.26 billion | GDP_PPP_rank = 82nd | GDP_PPP_per_capita = $21,695 | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 33rd | HDI_year = 2003 | HDI = 0.904 | HDI_rank = 26th | HDI_category = high | sovereignty_type = Independence | established_events = • Declared
• Recognized | established_dates = From Yugoslavia
June_25, 1991
1992 | currency = Tolar | currency_code = SIT | time_zone= CET | utc_offset= +1 | time_zone_DST= CEST | utc_offset_DST= +2 | cctld= .si | calling_code = 386 | ISBN_code = 961, 86 | footnotes=1 In the residential municipalities of Italian or Hungarian national community. }} The '''Republic of Slovenia''' (Slovenian: ''Republika Slovenija'') is a coastal sub-Alpine country in southern Central Europe bordering Italy to the west, the Adriatic_Sea to the southwest, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north. Slovenia was part of: Kingdom of Yugoslavia until 1945, SFR of Yugoslavia from 1945 until gaining independence in 1991. It became a member of the European Union on 1_May 2004. It is also a member of the Council_of_Europe, NATO, and has observer status in La_Francophonie. == History == {{main|History of Slovenia}} It is believed that the Slavic ancestors of the present-day Slovenians settled in the area in the 6th_century. The Slavic Duchy of Carantania, the first proto-Slovenian state and the first stable Slavic state, was formed in the 7th_century. In 745, Carantania lost its independence, being largely subsumed into the Frankish empire. Many Slavs converted to Christianity. The Freising_manuscripts, the earliest surviving written documents in a Slovenian dialect and the first ever Slavic dialect documents in Latin script, were written around 1000. During the 14th_century, most of Slovenia's regions passed into ownership of the Habsburgs whose lands later formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with Slovenians inhabiting all or most of the provinces of Carniola, Gorizia and Gradisca, and parts of the provinces of Istria, Carinthia and Styria. In 1848 a strong programme for a united Slovenia emerged as part of the "Spring of Nations" movement within Austria. With the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918, Slovenians initially formed part of the State_of_Slovenes,_Croats_and_Serbs, which shortly joined the Kingdom_of_Serbs,_Croats_and_Slovenes, later renamed (1929) the Kingdom_of_Yugoslavia. Following the re-establishment of Yugoslavia at the end of World_War_II, Slovenia became a part of the Socialist_Federal_Republic_of_Yugoslavia, officially declared on 29_November 1945. Present-day Slovenia was formed on 25_June 1991 upon its independence from Yugoslavia. Slovenia joined NATO on 29_March 2004 and the European_Union on 1_May 2004. '''See also''' Timeline_of_Slovenian_history == Politics == {{main|Politics of Slovenia}} The Slovenian Head_of_state is the president, who is elected by popular vote every 5 years. The Executive_branch is headed by the Prime_minister and the council of ministers or cabinet, which are elected by the parliament. The Bicameral Slovenian Parliament consists of the National Assembly or Državni_zbor, and the Državni svet or National Council. The National Assembly has 90 seats, which are partially filled with directly elected representatives, and partially with proportionally elected representatives (two seats reserved for autochthonous Hungarian and Italian minorities). The National Council has 40 seats, and is made up of representatives of social, economic, professional and local interest groups. Parliamentary elections are held every four years, while National Council members are elected indirectly every 5 years. == Regions == Image:Slo_regions_marked3.jpg ===Historical Regions=== As given by Enciklopedija_Slovenije (Encyclopedia of Slovenia), traditional Slovenian Regions, based on the former division of Slovenia on three crown lands (Carniola, Styria and Goriška) and their parts, are: * Gorenjska (Upper_Carniola) (denoted on the map by U.C.) * Štajerska (Styria) (S) * Prekmurje (Transmuraland) (T) * Koroška (Carinthia) (C) * Notranjska (Inner_Carniola) (I.C.) * Dolenjska (Lower_Carniola) (L.C.) * Goriška (G) * Slovenska Istra (Slovenian Istria) (L) The last two are usually considered together as Primorska (the Littoral_Region). White_Carniola (Bela krajina), otherwise part of Lower Carniola, is usually considered a separate region, as is Zasavje, which is otherwise a part of Upper and Lower Carniola and Styria. ===Natural Regions=== The first regionalizations of Slovenia were made by geographers Anton_Melik (1935-1936) and Svetozar_Ilešič (1968). The newer regionalization by Ivan_Gams divides Slovenia in the following macroregions: * the Alps (visokogorske Alpe) * the Prealpine Hills (predalpsko hribovje) * the Ljubljana_basin (Ljubljanska kotlina) * Submediterranean (Littoral) Slovenia (submediteranska - primorska Slovenija) * the dinaric Karst of Inner_Slovenia (dinarski kras notranje Slovenije) * Subpannonian Slovenia (subpanononska Slovenija) According to a newer natural geographic regionalization, the country consists of four Macroregions. These are the Alpine world, the Mediterranean world, the Dinaric world and the Pannonian world. Macroregions are defined according to major relief units (the Alps, the Pannonian plain, the Dinaric mountains) and climate types (continental, alpine, mediterranean). These are often quite interwoven. Macroregions consist of multiple and very diverse Mesoregions. The main factor that defines them is the relief together with the geologic composition. Mesoregions in turn consist of numerous Microregions. ===Administrative Regions=== As of May 2005, only Statistical regions exist, and, as their name suggests, are only used for statistical purposes. There are 12 of these regions. The Statistical regions are: * Pomurska (1) * Podravska (2) * Koroška (3) * Savinjska (4) * Zasavska (5) * Spodnjeposavska (6) * Jugovzhodna Slovenija (7) * Osrednjeslovenska (8) * Gorenjska (9) * Notranjsko-kraška (10) * Goriška (11) * Obalno-kraška (12) The Government, however, is preparing a plan for new Administrative regions. The number of these regions is not yet defined, but is said to be around 10 to 12. The plan will, after being publicly unveiled, need to undergo parliamentary debate, and it is expected that Constitution changes will be needed before the regionalization can come into effect. If the scenario of 12 Administrative regions is selected, the regions will most likely be the same as the current Statistical regions. == Municipalities == {{main|Municipalities of Slovenia}} Slovenia is divided into 193 municipalities (''občine'', singular - ''občina''), of which 11 have urban status. == Geography == {{main|Geography of Slovenia}} Image:Si-map.png Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinarides, the Pannonian_plain, and the Mediterranean. Slovenia's highest peak is Triglav (2864 m); the country's average height above the sea level is 557 m. Around one half of the country (10,124 km²) is covered by Forests; this makes Slovenia the third most forested country in Europe, after Finland and Sweden. Remnants of primeval forests are still to be found, the largest in the Kočevje area. Grassland covers 5593 km² of the country and fields and gardens 2471 km². There are also 363 km² of orchards and 216 km² of Vineyards. Its Climate is Submediterranean on the coast, Alpine in the mountains and continental with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east. The average temperatures are -2°C in January and 21°C in July. The average rainfall is 1000 mm for the coast, up to 3500 mm for the Alps, 800 mm for south east and 1400 mm for central Slovenia. '''See also:''' National parks of Slovenia. == Economy == {{main|Economy of Slovenia}} Slovenia is a high-income economy which enjoys the highest GDP per capita (US$21,567 in 2005) of the newly joined EU countries. The country has a relatively high rate of Inflation (3.6% in 2004) when compared to the European_Union average, even though inflation is expected to decline in 2005 to 2.5%. Slovenia's economy grew impressively in 2004, by 4.6%, after relatively slow growth in 2003 (2.5%). Overall, the country is on a sound economic footing. However, much work remains to be done in the areas of Privatisation and Capital_market reform. During 2000, privatisations were seen in the Banking, Telecommunications, and public utility sectors. Restrictions on foreign Investment are slowly being dismantled, and Foreign_direct_investment (FDI) is expected to increase over the next two years. Slovenia can be considered one of the economic front-runners of the countries that joined the European Union in 2004. The Slovenian government currently intends to adopt the Euro as the country's currency from 1_January 2007. == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Slovenia}} Slovenia's ethnic groups are: Slovenians (89%); Croats, Serbs, Bosniaks and other nationalities of the former Yugoslavia (10%); and the ethnic Hungarian and Italian minorities (0.5%). Life expectancy in 2000 was 71.80 years for men and 79.50 years for women. As_of_2004, out of the approx. 18,000 ''erased'' people around 4,000 still do not regulate any status. With 95 inhabitants per km², Slovenia ranks low among the European countries in population density (compare with 320/km² for the Netherlands or 195/km² for Italy). Approximately 50% of the total population lives in urban areas, the rest in rural. The official language is Slovenian, which is a member of the South Slavic language group. Hungarian and Italian enjoy the status of official language in the nationally mixed regions along the Hungarian and Italian border. == Culture == {{main|Culture of Slovenia}} Slovenia got its first printed book with protestant reformer Primož_Trubar (1508-1586). It was actually two books, ''Catechismus'' (a Catechism) and Abecedarium, which was published in 1550 in Tübingen, Germany. Part of the country, namely Carniola (which existed until the 19th_century) was ethnographically and historically well described in the book The_Glory_of_the_Duchy_of_Carniola (Die Ehre des Herzogthums Crain), published in 1689 by Baron Janez_Vajkard_Valvasor (1641-1693). Slovenia's two greatest literates were poet Dr. France_Prešeren (1800-1849) and writer Ivan_Cankar (1876-1918). The most important Slovenian painters are Ivana_Kobilca and impressionist Rihard_Jakopič. The most important Slovenian architect is Jože_Plečnik. Slovenia is a homeland of numerous musicians and composers, including Renaissance composer Jacobus_Gallus (1550-1591). He influenced Central European classical music very much. In the 20th century, Bojan_Adamič was a renowned film music composer. Contemporary popular musicians have been Slavko_Avsenik, Laibach, Vlado_Kreslin, DJ_Umek, Valentino_Kanzyani, New_Swing_Quartet, Siddharta, Magnifico and most recently Atomik_Harmonik. Slovenia's learned men include Physicist Jožef Stefan, Linguist Franc_Miklošič and Mathematician Jurij_Vega. '''See also:''' * List_of_Slovenians * Holidays_in_Slovenia * Music_of_Slovenia * Slovenian literature == Biodiversity == Although Slovenia is a small country, different influences interact there. The Alps are in the north (namely, Julian_Alps, Karavanke, Kamnik_Alps), the Dinarides lie in the south, and there is also a small part of Pannonian plain and a Littoral_Region. It also has Karst - a very rich underground world. Diverse flora and fauna are found there. As mentioned above, half of the country (53%) is covered by Forest. Forests are an important natural resource, but their true value lies in this preserved natural diversity, their ecological (protection of the soil, water and air) and social (tourism and recreation) functions, and the beauty they lend to the Slovenian landscape. In the interior there are typical Central European forests (Oak and Beech, in the mountains Spruce, Fir and Pine). The Tree-line is at 1700-1800 m. Pine grows also on the Karst Plateau. The Karst and White_Carniola are well known for the mysterious proteus. Only one third of Kras is now covered by pine forest. It is said that most was cut long ago to make wooden pylons on which the city of Venice now stands. The lime (linden) tree, another common inhabitant of Slovenian forests, is also a national symbol. The national proverb says: "A true Slovenian must raise a child, write a book and plant a tree." In the Alps, the most beautiful flowers are spurge laurel (''Daphne_blagayana''), different Gentians (Clusius' gentian - ''Gentiana_clusii'', Froelich's gentian - ''Gentiana_froelichi''), avrikelj or lepi jeglič (''Primula_auricula''), edelweiss (''Leontopodium_alpinum'', the symbol of Slovenian mountaineering), lepi čeveljc (''Cypripedium_calceolus''), Močvirska logarica or marsh tulip (''Fritillaria_meleagris''), velikonočnica (''Pulsatilla_grandis''). Fauna include Marmot (introduced), steinbocks, and Chamois. There are numerous Deer, Roe_deer, Boar and Hares. The Loir or fat dormouse is often found in Slovenian beech forests. Hunting these animals is a long tradition and is well described in the book The_Glory_of_the_Duchy_of_Carniola (Slava Vojvodine Kranjske) (1689), written by Janez_Vajkard_Valvasor (1641-1693). Some important carnivores include the Eurasian_lynx (reintroduced to Kočevje area in 1973), European Wild_cat, Fox (especially the Red_fox), and Jackal. There are also hedgehogs, and different species of Marten, snakes (Viper, Grass_snake, etc.). As of March 2005, Slovenia also has a limited population of wolves and about 400 brown bears. There is a variety of birds: the Tawny_owl, Long-eared_owl and Eagle_Owl, Hawks, Short-toed_Eagle and other Birds_of_prey, but also other birds such as the Woodpecker (black and green woodpecker). The White_stork nests in Prekmurje. The autochthonous fish Soča trout is found in Slovenia. There are Dolphins in the Adriatic Sea, but also Whales can appear here, although very rarely. Domestic animals originating in Slovenia include the ''Carniolan_honeybee'', the autochthonous Karst_Sheepdog and the Lipizzan horse breed. == See also == * Bank_of_Slovenia * Communications_in_Slovenia * Foreign_relations_of_Slovenia * Military_of_Slovenia * Tourism_in_Slovenia * Transportation_in_Slovenia === Geographical sights === * Coast_of_Slovenia * Geometric_center_of_Slovenia (Geoss) * Klopotec === Institutions === * Anton_Melik_Geographical_Institute_of_Scientific_research_Centre_of_the_Slovenian_Academy_of_Sciences_and_Arts * ARNES * Jožef_Stefan_Institute == External links == ===General information on Slovenia=== * The Slovenia Times, The only general newspaper on Slovenian affairs in English * Moja Slovenija, interactive map with great '''3D photos''' of main tourist spots * Centreurope/Slovenia - general information on Slovenia and on tourism in Slovenia * Financial data for Slovenia * Guide to virtual Slovenia on Matkurja.com, the first Slovenian search engine * Slovenian tourism homepage * Weather forecast for Slovenia * GeaBios, interactive maps and aerial orthophoto, scale from 1:2.500.000 to 1:2.500 * Fast Addresses On this page you can find all the addresses in Slovenia * Sinfo - Slovenia Information On this page you can find information about Slovenia - tourism, business, etc. ===Institutions in Slovenia=== * Bank of Slovenia * Public Libraries * The Government * The Jožef Stefan Institute's - site of the leading Slovenian research organization and links to resources on Slovenia * The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia * The Republic of Slovenia * State Portal (e-Government) * Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia * University of Ljubljana * University of Maribor * University of Primorska ===Slovenian web search engines=== * Najdi.si - the first Slovenian search engine * www.matkurja.com - the first Slovenian web directory * Slowwwenia.com - Slovenian internet directory ===Currency=== *Slovenian Paper Money {{EU_countries}} {{Europe}} {{Mediterranean}} Category:European_Union_member_states Af:Slowenië Ar:سلوفينيا An:Eslobenia Ast:Eslovenia Bg:Словения Zh-min-nan:Slovenia Bs:Slovenija Ca:Eslovènia Cs:Slovinsko Cy:Slofenia Da:Slovenien De:Slowenien Et:Sloveenia El:Σλοβενία Als:Slowenien Es:Eslovenia Eo:Slovenio Fo:Slovenia Fr:Slovénie Fy:Sloveenje Fur:Slovenie Gl:Eslovenia_-_Slovenija Ko:슬로베니아 Hr:Slovenija Io:Slovenia Id:Slovenia Is:Slóvenía It:Slovenia He:סלובניה Ka:სლოვენია Kw:Sloveni La:Slovenia Lt:Slovėnija Li:Slovenië Hu:Szlovénia Mk:Словенија Mt:Slovenja Ms:Slovenia Nl:Slovenië Nds:Slowenien Ja:スロベニア No:Slovenia Nn:Slovenia Os:Словени Pl:Słowenia Pt:Eslovénia Ro:Slovenia Ru:Словения Sq:Sllovenia Sh:Slovenija Sk:Slovinsko Sl:Slovenija Sr:Словенија Fi:Slovenia Sv:Slovenien Tl:Slovenia Th:ประเทศสโลวีเนีย Tr:Slovenya Fiu-vro:Sloveeniä Zh:斯洛文尼亚
Prime Minister | leader_names = Janez_Drnovšek
Janez_Janša | area_rank = 151st | area_magnitude = 1_E10 | area=20,273 | percent_water = 0.6% | population_estimate = 2,001,114 | population_estimate_year = 2005 | population_estimate_rank = 142nd | population_census = 1,964,036 | population_census_year = 2002| population_density = 96 | population_density_rank = 100th | GDP_PPP_year=2005 | GDP_PPP = $43.26 billion | GDP_PPP_rank = 82nd | GDP_PPP_per_capita = $21,695 | GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 33rd | HDI_year = 2003 | HDI = 0.904 | HDI_rank = 26th | HDI_category = high | sovereignty_type = Independence | established_events = • Declared
• Recognized | established_dates = From Yugoslavia
June_25, 1991
1992 | currency = Tolar | currency_code = SIT | time_zone= CET | utc_offset= +1 | time_zone_DST= CEST | utc_offset_DST= +2 | cctld= .si | calling_code = 386 | ISBN_code = 961, 86 | footnotes=1 In the residential municipalities of Italian or Hungarian national community. }} The '''Republic of Slovenia''' (Slovenian: ''Republika Slovenija'') is a coastal sub-Alpine country in southern Central Europe bordering Italy to the west, the Adriatic_Sea to the southwest, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north. Slovenia was part of: Kingdom of Yugoslavia until 1945, SFR of Yugoslavia from 1945 until gaining independence in 1991. It became a member of the European Union on 1_May 2004. It is also a member of the Council_of_Europe, NATO, and has observer status in La_Francophonie. == History == {{main|History of Slovenia}} It is believed that the Slavic ancestors of the present-day Slovenians settled in the area in the 6th_century. The Slavic Duchy of Carantania, the first proto-Slovenian state and the first stable Slavic state, was formed in the 7th_century. In 745, Carantania lost its independence, being largely subsumed into the Frankish empire. Many Slavs converted to Christianity. The Freising_manuscripts, the earliest surviving written documents in a Slovenian dialect and the first ever Slavic dialect documents in Latin script, were written around 1000. During the 14th_century, most of Slovenia's regions passed into ownership of the Habsburgs whose lands later formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with Slovenians inhabiting all or most of the provinces of Carniola, Gorizia and Gradisca, and parts of the provinces of Istria, Carinthia and Styria. In 1848 a strong programme for a united Slovenia emerged as part of the "Spring of Nations" movement within Austria. With the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918, Slovenians initially formed part of the State_of_Slovenes,_Croats_and_Serbs, which shortly joined the Kingdom_of_Serbs,_Croats_and_Slovenes, later renamed (1929) the Kingdom_of_Yugoslavia. Following the re-establishment of Yugoslavia at the end of World_War_II, Slovenia became a part of the Socialist_Federal_Republic_of_Yugoslavia, officially declared on 29_November 1945. Present-day Slovenia was formed on 25_June 1991 upon its independence from Yugoslavia. Slovenia joined NATO on 29_March 2004 and the European_Union on 1_May 2004. '''See also''' Timeline_of_Slovenian_history == Politics == {{main|Politics of Slovenia}} The Slovenian Head_of_state is the president, who is elected by popular vote every 5 years. The Executive_branch is headed by the Prime_minister and the council of ministers or cabinet, which are elected by the parliament. The Bicameral Slovenian Parliament consists of the National Assembly or Državni_zbor, and the Državni svet or National Council. The National Assembly has 90 seats, which are partially filled with directly elected representatives, and partially with proportionally elected representatives (two seats reserved for autochthonous Hungarian and Italian minorities). The National Council has 40 seats, and is made up of representatives of social, economic, professional and local interest groups. Parliamentary elections are held every four years, while National Council members are elected indirectly every 5 years. == Regions == Image:Slo_regions_marked3.jpg ===Historical Regions=== As given by Enciklopedija_Slovenije (Encyclopedia of Slovenia), traditional Slovenian Regions, based on the former division of Slovenia on three crown lands (Carniola, Styria and Goriška) and their parts, are: * Gorenjska (Upper_Carniola) (denoted on the map by U.C.) * Štajerska (Styria) (S) * Prekmurje (Transmuraland) (T) * Koroška (Carinthia) (C) * Notranjska (Inner_Carniola) (I.C.) * Dolenjska (Lower_Carniola) (L.C.) * Goriška (G) * Slovenska Istra (Slovenian Istria) (L) The last two are usually considered together as Primorska (the Littoral_Region). White_Carniola (Bela krajina), otherwise part of Lower Carniola, is usually considered a separate region, as is Zasavje, which is otherwise a part of Upper and Lower Carniola and Styria. ===Natural Regions=== The first regionalizations of Slovenia were made by geographers Anton_Melik (1935-1936) and Svetozar_Ilešič (1968). The newer regionalization by Ivan_Gams divides Slovenia in the following macroregions: * the Alps (visokogorske Alpe) * the Prealpine Hills (predalpsko hribovje) * the Ljubljana_basin (Ljubljanska kotlina) * Submediterranean (Littoral) Slovenia (submediteranska - primorska Slovenija) * the dinaric Karst of Inner_Slovenia (dinarski kras notranje Slovenije) * Subpannonian Slovenia (subpanononska Slovenija) According to a newer natural geographic regionalization, the country consists of four Macroregions. These are the Alpine world, the Mediterranean world, the Dinaric world and the Pannonian world. Macroregions are defined according to major relief units (the Alps, the Pannonian plain, the Dinaric mountains) and climate types (continental, alpine, mediterranean). These are often quite interwoven. Macroregions consist of multiple and very diverse Mesoregions. The main factor that defines them is the relief together with the geologic composition. Mesoregions in turn consist of numerous Microregions. ===Administrative Regions=== As of May 2005, only Statistical regions exist, and, as their name suggests, are only used for statistical purposes. There are 12 of these regions. The Statistical regions are: * Pomurska (1) * Podravska (2) * Koroška (3) * Savinjska (4) * Zasavska (5) * Spodnjeposavska (6) * Jugovzhodna Slovenija (7) * Osrednjeslovenska (8) * Gorenjska (9) * Notranjsko-kraška (10) * Goriška (11) * Obalno-kraška (12) The Government, however, is preparing a plan for new Administrative regions. The number of these regions is not yet defined, but is said to be around 10 to 12. The plan will, after being publicly unveiled, need to undergo parliamentary debate, and it is expected that Constitution changes will be needed before the regionalization can come into effect. If the scenario of 12 Administrative regions is selected, the regions will most likely be the same as the current Statistical regions. == Municipalities == {{main|Municipalities of Slovenia}} Slovenia is divided into 193 municipalities (''občine'', singular - ''občina''), of which 11 have urban status. == Geography == {{main|Geography of Slovenia}} Image:Si-map.png Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinarides, the Pannonian_plain, and the Mediterranean. Slovenia's highest peak is Triglav (2864 m); the country's average height above the sea level is 557 m. Around one half of the country (10,124 km²) is covered by Forests; this makes Slovenia the third most forested country in Europe, after Finland and Sweden. Remnants of primeval forests are still to be found, the largest in the Kočevje area. Grassland covers 5593 km² of the country and fields and gardens 2471 km². There are also 363 km² of orchards and 216 km² of Vineyards. Its Climate is Submediterranean on the coast, Alpine in the mountains and continental with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east. The average temperatures are -2°C in January and 21°C in July. The average rainfall is 1000 mm for the coast, up to 3500 mm for the Alps, 800 mm for south east and 1400 mm for central Slovenia. '''See also:''' National parks of Slovenia. == Economy == {{main|Economy of Slovenia}} Slovenia is a high-income economy which enjoys the highest GDP per capita (US$21,567 in 2005) of the newly joined EU countries. The country has a relatively high rate of Inflation (3.6% in 2004) when compared to the European_Union average, even though inflation is expected to decline in 2005 to 2.5%. Slovenia's economy grew impressively in 2004, by 4.6%, after relatively slow growth in 2003 (2.5%). Overall, the country is on a sound economic footing. However, much work remains to be done in the areas of Privatisation and Capital_market reform. During 2000, privatisations were seen in the Banking, Telecommunications, and public utility sectors. Restrictions on foreign Investment are slowly being dismantled, and Foreign_direct_investment (FDI) is expected to increase over the next two years. Slovenia can be considered one of the economic front-runners of the countries that joined the European Union in 2004. The Slovenian government currently intends to adopt the Euro as the country's currency from 1_January 2007. == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Slovenia}} Slovenia's ethnic groups are: Slovenians (89%); Croats, Serbs, Bosniaks and other nationalities of the former Yugoslavia (10%); and the ethnic Hungarian and Italian minorities (0.5%). Life expectancy in 2000 was 71.80 years for men and 79.50 years for women. As_of_2004, out of the approx. 18,000 ''erased'' people around 4,000 still do not regulate any status. With 95 inhabitants per km², Slovenia ranks low among the European countries in population density (compare with 320/km² for the Netherlands or 195/km² for Italy). Approximately 50% of the total population lives in urban areas, the rest in rural. The official language is Slovenian, which is a member of the South Slavic language group. Hungarian and Italian enjoy the status of official language in the nationally mixed regions along the Hungarian and Italian border. == Culture == {{main|Culture of Slovenia}} Slovenia got its first printed book with protestant reformer Primož_Trubar (1508-1586). It was actually two books, ''Catechismus'' (a Catechism) and Abecedarium, which was published in 1550 in Tübingen, Germany. Part of the country, namely Carniola (which existed until the 19th_century) was ethnographically and historically well described in the book The_Glory_of_the_Duchy_of_Carniola (Die Ehre des Herzogthums Crain), published in 1689 by Baron Janez_Vajkard_Valvasor (1641-1693). Slovenia's two greatest literates were poet Dr. France_Prešeren (1800-1849) and writer Ivan_Cankar (1876-1918). The most important Slovenian painters are Ivana_Kobilca and impressionist Rihard_Jakopič. The most important Slovenian architect is Jože_Plečnik. Slovenia is a homeland of numerous musicians and composers, including Renaissance composer Jacobus_Gallus (1550-1591). He influenced Central European classical music very much. In the 20th century, Bojan_Adamič was a renowned film music composer. Contemporary popular musicians have been Slavko_Avsenik, Laibach, Vlado_Kreslin, DJ_Umek, Valentino_Kanzyani, New_Swing_Quartet, Siddharta, Magnifico and most recently Atomik_Harmonik. Slovenia's learned men include Physicist Jožef Stefan, Linguist Franc_Miklošič and Mathematician Jurij_Vega. '''See also:''' * List_of_Slovenians * Holidays_in_Slovenia * Music_of_Slovenia * Slovenian literature == Biodiversity == Although Slovenia is a small country, different influences interact there. The Alps are in the north (namely, Julian_Alps, Karavanke, Kamnik_Alps), the Dinarides lie in the south, and there is also a small part of Pannonian plain and a Littoral_Region. It also has Karst - a very rich underground world. Diverse flora and fauna are found there. As mentioned above, half of the country (53%) is covered by Forest. Forests are an important natural resource, but their true value lies in this preserved natural diversity, their ecological (protection of the soil, water and air) and social (tourism and recreation) functions, and the beauty they lend to the Slovenian landscape. In the interior there are typical Central European forests (Oak and Beech, in the mountains Spruce, Fir and Pine). The Tree-line is at 1700-1800 m. Pine grows also on the Karst Plateau. The Karst and White_Carniola are well known for the mysterious proteus. Only one third of Kras is now covered by pine forest. It is said that most was cut long ago to make wooden pylons on which the city of Venice now stands. The lime (linden) tree, another common inhabitant of Slovenian forests, is also a national symbol. The national proverb says: "A true Slovenian must raise a child, write a book and plant a tree." In the Alps, the most beautiful flowers are spurge laurel (''Daphne_blagayana''), different Gentians (Clusius' gentian - ''Gentiana_clusii'', Froelich's gentian - ''Gentiana_froelichi''), avrikelj or lepi jeglič (''Primula_auricula''), edelweiss (''Leontopodium_alpinum'', the symbol of Slovenian mountaineering), lepi čeveljc (''Cypripedium_calceolus''), Močvirska logarica or marsh tulip (''Fritillaria_meleagris''), velikonočnica (''Pulsatilla_grandis''). Fauna include Marmot (introduced), steinbocks, and Chamois. There are numerous Deer, Roe_deer, Boar and Hares. The Loir or fat dormouse is often found in Slovenian beech forests. Hunting these animals is a long tradition and is well described in the book The_Glory_of_the_Duchy_of_Carniola (Slava Vojvodine Kranjske) (1689), written by Janez_Vajkard_Valvasor (1641-1693). Some important carnivores include the Eurasian_lynx (reintroduced to Kočevje area in 1973), European Wild_cat, Fox (especially the Red_fox), and Jackal. There are also hedgehogs, and different species of Marten, snakes (Viper, Grass_snake, etc.). As of March 2005, Slovenia also has a limited population of wolves and about 400 brown bears. There is a variety of birds: the Tawny_owl, Long-eared_owl and Eagle_Owl, Hawks, Short-toed_Eagle and other Birds_of_prey, but also other birds such as the Woodpecker (black and green woodpecker). The White_stork nests in Prekmurje. The autochthonous fish Soča trout is found in Slovenia. There are Dolphins in the Adriatic Sea, but also Whales can appear here, although very rarely. Domestic animals originating in Slovenia include the ''Carniolan_honeybee'', the autochthonous Karst_Sheepdog and the Lipizzan horse breed. == See also == * Bank_of_Slovenia * Communications_in_Slovenia * Foreign_relations_of_Slovenia * Military_of_Slovenia * Tourism_in_Slovenia * Transportation_in_Slovenia === Geographical sights === * Coast_of_Slovenia * Geometric_center_of_Slovenia (Geoss) * Klopotec === Institutions === * Anton_Melik_Geographical_Institute_of_Scientific_research_Centre_of_the_Slovenian_Academy_of_Sciences_and_Arts * ARNES * Jožef_Stefan_Institute == External links == ===General information on Slovenia=== * The Slovenia Times, The only general newspaper on Slovenian affairs in English * Moja Slovenija, interactive map with great '''3D photos''' of main tourist spots * Centreurope/Slovenia - general information on Slovenia and on tourism in Slovenia * Financial data for Slovenia * Guide to virtual Slovenia on Matkurja.com, the first Slovenian search engine * Slovenian tourism homepage * Weather forecast for Slovenia * GeaBios, interactive maps and aerial orthophoto, scale from 1:2.500.000 to 1:2.500 * Fast Addresses On this page you can find all the addresses in Slovenia * Sinfo - Slovenia Information On this page you can find information about Slovenia - tourism, business, etc. ===Institutions in Slovenia=== * Bank of Slovenia * Public Libraries * The Government * The Jožef Stefan Institute's - site of the leading Slovenian research organization and links to resources on Slovenia * The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia * The Republic of Slovenia * State Portal (e-Government) * Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia * University of Ljubljana * University of Maribor * University of Primorska ===Slovenian web search engines=== * Najdi.si - the first Slovenian search engine * www.matkurja.com - the first Slovenian web directory * Slowwwenia.com - Slovenian internet directory ===Currency=== *Slovenian Paper Money {{EU_countries}} {{Europe}} {{Mediterranean}} Category:European_Union_member_states Af:Slowenië Ar:سلوفينيا An:Eslobenia Ast:Eslovenia Bg:Словения Zh-min-nan:Slovenia Bs:Slovenija Ca:Eslovènia Cs:Slovinsko Cy:Slofenia Da:Slovenien De:Slowenien Et:Sloveenia El:Σλοβενία Als:Slowenien Es:Eslovenia Eo:Slovenio Fo:Slovenia Fr:Slovénie Fy:Sloveenje Fur:Slovenie Gl:Eslovenia_-_Slovenija Ko:슬로베니아 Hr:Slovenija Io:Slovenia Id:Slovenia Is:Slóvenía It:Slovenia He:סלובניה Ka:სლოვენია Kw:Sloveni La:Slovenia Lt:Slovėnija Li:Slovenië Hu:Szlovénia Mk:Словенија Mt:Slovenja Ms:Slovenia Nl:Slovenië Nds:Slowenien Ja:スロベニア No:Slovenia Nn:Slovenia Os:Словени Pl:Słowenia Pt:Eslovénia Ro:Slovenia Ru:Словения Sq:Sllovenia Sh:Slovenija Sk:Slovinsko Sl:Slovenija Sr:Словенија Fi:Slovenia Sv:Slovenien Tl:Slovenia Th:ประเทศสโลวีเนีย Tr:Slovenya Fiu-vro:Sloveeniä Zh:斯洛文尼亚