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General information


Population : 2 milion people (144th in the World,37th in Europe)
Total Area : 20,273 km^2 (150th in the World,40th in Europe)
Official languages : Slovene
Official currency : Euro(EUR)
Capital : Ljubljana
Population density : 102 people/km^2 (106th in the World,34th in Europe)
Top 5 biggest cities : Ljubljana,Maribor,Celje,Kranj,Velenje

Slovenia is a parliamentary democracy republic with a multi-party system. The head of state is the president,the head of government is the prime minister, with legislative power being held primarily by the National Assembly(Državni zbor), and in minor part by the National Council(Državni svet).

Slovenia has historically been the crossroads of West Slavic, South Slavic, Germanic, Romance, and Hungarian languages and culture. Although the population is not homogeneous, the majority is Slovene.It is a largely secularized country, but its culture and identity have been significantly influenced by Catholicism as well as Lutheranism.

Officially, Slovenia is subdivided into 211 municipalities (eleven of which have the status of urban municipalities).

Unofficially, we can divide Slovenia by traditional regions. These were based on the former Habsburg crown lands that included Carniola, Carinthia, Styria, and the Littoral. Stronger than with either the Carniola as a whole, or with Slovenia as the state, Slovenes historically tend to identify themselves with the traditional regions of Slovene Littoral, Prekmurje, and even traditional (sub)regions, such as Upper, Lower and, to a lesser extent, Inner Carniola.(2nd image)

To this ,we can also add statistical regions.(3rd image)




National sport : Skiing


National animals : European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris)


National plant: Lime tree (Linden)(Tilia sp.)




National instrument: Accordion





The significance of the 26th of December


26 December, known as Independence and Unity Day, commemorates the official proclamation of independence from Yugoslavia, as a result of a national referendum. The referendum took place on 23 December that year. In it, 95% of the voters favoured the establishment of an independent and sovereign nation. Between 1991 and 2005, the holiday used to be known simply as Independence Day.In other words, this holiday celebrates the official decision for independence.

Independence and Unity Day is not to be confused with Slovenia's Statehood Day, which is celebrated each year on June 25, in honour of the declaration of Slovenian independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.This holiday celebrates the literal separation and formation of the new sovereign state.









Time to speak about a mythological figure:



According to the local legend, King Matjaž was a capable ruler who was popular among his subjects. Because of his popularity, rival rulers conspired against him. They sent their armies to crush Matjaž, but he was swallowed up by Peca, a nearby mountain. He fell asleep in the bowels of the mountain, where he remains to this day. The legend states that the king will one day reawaken, heralding a new era of prosperity and happiness for Slovenia. Before that happens, however, his beard will have to encircle his table in depth of the mountain seven times.




Other variations of the King Matjaž story exist elsewhere in Slovenia in the form of folk tales and poems. Some of them have him facing the wrath of advancing Turkish armies. In one well-known retelling, his wife is kidnapped by the Ottomans, and Matjaž saves her by attending the Sultan’s dance in disguise.
Some stories about the popular king probably date back to pre-Christian mythology. Other aspects are based on the life of Matthias Corvinus of Hungary, who was beloved by his subjects and also features prominently in Hungarian mythology.




Despite the multitude of stories about the good King Matjaž, his legend is most closely associated with Peca and the surrounding area. Today, his name lives not just in literature, but also in a number of events – from art shows to snow castle competitions – that commemorate the king who brought happiness to his subjects and whose reawakening will one day begin a new era of prosperity.









Top 5 visited places by tourists


Triglav National Park








If you want to get outdoors and explore some of the amazing natural scenery in Slovenia, then Triglav National Park is the ideal spot to visit. Most of the park is made up of the Julian Alps, with highlights in the region including the towering peak of Mount Triglav itself as well as the calm waters of Lake Bohinj. For spectacular views, you can attempt to hike Mount Triglav, or you can take the easy route and ride on the Vogel Cable Car Ride. The adventurous can also cross the Vintgar Gorge on a wooden footbridge from the 19th century or climb a steep staircase to see the rushing waters of the Savica Waterfall. Rafting on the Soca River is also a popular activity.




Lake Bled





Serving as a gateway to the Triglav National park is Lake Bled, a scenic body of water surrounded by the Julian Alps. The emerald green lake isn’t large, and it is possible to walk the perimeter in a single afternoon. What makes the destination so appealing is the small island in the middle of the lake, which is home to a 17th century church. You might also want to ride horses on the shores of the lake, rent a rowboat to explore the water or climb 15 minutes to reach Bled Castle, which dates back to the 17th century and boasts magnificent views over the lake below.



Ljubljana






One of the best places to visit in Slovenia is its capital, Ljubljana. Although Ljubljana is much smaller than most European capitals, it has a unique charm that makes it worth a visit. A major attraction in the city is Tromostovje, also known as the Triple Bridge, where three picturesque bridges span the river right next to one another. You can also spot castles and medieval squares in the Old Town, see the original Roman city walls or relax in the popular Tivoli Park. As the capital, Ljubljana is also home to fantastic art and architecture museums, an impressive zoo, the Slovenian Philharmonic and the Slovene National Theater.


Postojna







Postojna is a relatively small town in Southwest Slovenia, but it is a must-see destination for travelers drawn to unique attractions and natural scenery. Postojna is known for its extensive cave system, which boasts a staggering 20 km (13 miles) of chambers, hallways and galleries, some of which have ceilings nearly 50 meters (150 feet) high. There is even a train tour that takes you through parts of the cave system, and then you can walk through some of the more interesting sections of the underground environment. North of Postojna is a medieval castle that is built into the side of a cave, creating a spectacular display of engineering that you have to see to believe.


Piran


On the tip of Southwestern Slovenia, and on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is the resort hotspot called Piran. The destination is reminiscent of Italy, which makes sense since it was actually part of the Venetian Empire for more than five centuries. Piran is small in size, but it is quaint, historic and scenic. History buffs might want to explore landmarks like the main square called Tartinijev trg, the oldest building in the city called the Venetian House and the Church of St. George. You can also walk right on top of the city walls or hop off one of the piers for a refreshing swim in the Adriatic.








Top 3 locations suggested by the locals

Nadiža valley





This valley contains the mountain stream that acts as the first source of the Sava Dolinka River.It is located near the town of Kranjska Gora.



Velika Planina






High-altitude village of herders on the karst Big Pasture Plateau in the Kamnik Alps.

Logar Valley






Situated in the Kamnik Alps, this valley received a protected status in 1987 as a landscape park.






Inventions Slovenia gave to the world!

*Pocket calculator! - by France Rode,leading engineer at Hewlett&Packard



*Perfume atomiser!



*Puch automobiles! - Johann Puch, the inventor and mechanic, was Slovene, the brand is Austrian



*Magnetic core with a changeable air gap!



*Electronic long-distance speedometer!







Famous people from Slovenia

Martin Strel - Slovenian long-distance swimmer, one of the most elite endurance athletes best known for swimming the entire length of various rivers. Strel holds successive Guinness World Records for swimming the Danube river, the Mississippi River, the Yangtze River, and the Amazon River.His motto is "swimming for peace, friendship and clean waters."
(born 1954)

Tina Maze - retired Slovenian World Cup alpine ski racer.
Maze is the most successful Slovenian ski racer in history with a career that culminated with two gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics. She was awarded the title of the Slovenian Sportswoman of the Year in 2005, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and with her four medals she is the most decorated Slovenian athlete at the Winter Olympics.
(born 1983)

Slavoj Žižek - continental philosopher and senior researcher at the Institute for Sociology and Philosophy at the University of Ljubljana, Global Distinguished Professor of German at New York University,and international director of the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities of the University of London. He works in subjects including continental philosophy, political theory, cultural studies, psychoanalysis, film criticism, Marxism, Hegelianism and theology.
(born 1949)

Ivan Cankar - Slovene writer, playwright, essayist, poet and political activist. Together with Oton Župančič, Dragotin Kette, and Josip Murn, he is considered as the beginner of modernism in Slovene literature. He is regarded as the greatest writer in the Slovene language, and has sometimes been compared to Franz Kafka and James Joyce.
(1876-1918)

Melania Trump - current First Lady of the United States and wife of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.She worked as a fashion model for agencies in Milan and Paris, later moving to New York City in 1996.She is the first naturalized U.S. citizen to become First Lady of the United States.
(born 1970)








Traditional food


Beef soup with noodles



You can guess from what is it made… beef soup with noodles.

Cooked beef, roasted potatoes and horseradish




Another easy thing to understand how it is made and so delicious.


Bosman




This is a type of bread which looks seriously impressive, and is given at times of celebration, such as weddings, birth of a child, or christenings, but is also available in bakeries.


Kranjska Klobasa



Alos known as Carniolan Sausage, this sausage simplicity at its best. It’s made from pork, bacon, garlic, salt, pepper and is smoked.

Bleki



This versatile hand made square shaped pasta is used both as in typical pasta dishes like prosciutto in butter and in meat and vegetable stews. This is Slovenia’s most popular type of pasta and historically was reserved for celebrations.

Jota



Generally made with sauerkraut, kidney beans, potatoes, pepper, garlic, and dripping, this is a soup of thick consistency and is typically eaten during the cold winter months.

Bograc



Famous dish, which can be loosely compared to a stew. The ingredients can differ, but the most traditional type contains potatoes, pork fat, peppers, spices, and a little wine, as well as four different varieties of meat, which are generally wild boar, beef, pork, and venison.

Idrijski žlikrofi



Traditional Slovenian dumplings that originate from Idrija. They are made from dough with potato filling and are often served either as a side dish to meat or on their own.


Traditional deserts

Štruklji



This is a dish you will see across all of Slovenia. You will see many varieties of štruklji as they can be made from different types of dough and have numerous fillings both sweet and savory.


Bled Cream Cake



This is a cream slice, which is made of dough, and packed with a layer of vanilla/custard, and a thick layer of cream.


Prekmurska Gibanica



This is a dough-like pastry which is stuffed on the inside with various fillings, but most commonly poppy seeds, cottage cheese, apple, or walnut.

Potica



Potica is a typical Slovenian festive dish. Best known is the potica with nut filling; others are made with poppyseed, cottage cheese, hazelnut, chocolate, tarragon, leek, honey or carob fillings.It is used for festive occasions like Christmas or Easter or when people are getting married.

Strudel



It's not really what Slovenians eat every Sunday, but it's kind of a myth that we do.

Traditional drinks

Good beer and wonderfull wine.. that is all I can say here.







Interesting facts about Slovenia


1.In 1995, archaeologists dug up the Divje Babe Flute, which is a flute made of the femur of a bear. Yes, that’s how passionate the early Slovenians were for music. It is believed to be 55,000 years old.
2.Slovenia is the only modern day European country that was occupied by both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
3.The oldest wheel ever excavated, Ljubljana Marshes Wheel belongs to Slovenia. Radiocarbon dating shows it to be 5000+ years old.
4.The pen is mightier than the sword. In 1987, a group of liberal-minded people forced the Communist leadership of the country to adopt democracy, through just one article published by the Nova revija, a popular newspaper.
5.The oldest linden tree is in Slovenia is actually older than Modern Europe itself. The Najevnik Linden tree in the Slovenia’s Koroška region is 700 years old and has a circumference of 10 meters (over 30 feet).
6.The country’s capital city’s (Ljubljana) name translates as “the loved one”.
7.Postojna is the biggest at 20,570 m long and the best-known cave system in the world.
8.Slovenia by some estimate has a winery for every 70 people.
9.The Old Vine in Maribor, Slovenia is at least 400 years old and it is believed to be the oldest vine in the world.
10.Slovenia also has one of the oldest stud farm in the world – the Lipica stud farm.






My 5 words when I hear about Slovenia:
#NotSlovakia,#Triglav,#Forests,#Ljubljana,#Maribor

What are your 5?






Special thanks to Colonel bruce and the slovenian community,:





Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!



Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 32/74!










P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !