Republic of Slovenia: capital, population, currency, language

The Republic of Slovenia is a small cozy state located on the outskirts of Europe. In a small area, the proud Alps, the Adriatic Sea, dense forests and deep lakes peacefully coexist.

History of the country

The first settlers appeared on the territory of the modern state about 250,000 years ago. Illyrian and Celtic tribes lived here during the Iron Age, and the Slavs came only in the sixth century AD. In the seventh century, the country was called Karantia and became part of the Frankish Empire. In the 14th century, the state became part of the future Austro-Hungarian Empire, and during the Napoleonic wars - in the French Empire. After the First World War, part of the Slovenian lands went to Italy, and all the rest - to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. As part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia remained after the Second World War, but in 1990, most residents voted for independence. In 1991, it became an independent state, in 2004 it joined NATO and the European Union. The currency of Slovenia began to be called the euro, and residents began to actively participate in European standards.

The capital of Slovenia

For its beauty, the capital of the country Ljubljana received the affectionate name of "Little Prague". This not too large European-sized city is located at the foot of the Julian Alps, on the banks of the River Ljubljanica. It is believed that the best time in the capital is July or August, when the thermometer's column rises to 25 degrees. Walking around the city, the locals prefer to walk, and if they do not hurry, they can bypass it in just one day. In addition, in some areas of Ljubljana, motor vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering.

The capital of Slovenia is divided into old and new cities, each of which is good in its own way. One of the most famous places - the ancient castle Ljubljana castle, located on a hill. It is from here that a wonderful view of the whole city opens. The next landmark, which the residents of the capital are proud of - Presherna Square, named after the famous poet. Here everything is permeated with the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, thanks to the preserved architecture and layout of the buildings. Facts about the history of the country are carefully preserved in the museums of Ljubljana. In addition to the Historical Museum, there is even the Beer Museum and the Tobacco Museum. Capital youth does not like to miss and enjoy spending time in nightclubs, attending discos and concerts.

Maribor

The second largest city in Slovenia is known as the center of the historical region of Lower Styria. Officially it is believed that it was formed in the 13th century, although references to it in the annals are encountered earlier. Since then, the city has been actively developing and growing. Today it is one of the most important shopping centers of the country. In addition, in its surroundings are located one of the largest ski centers and famous medical and thermal centers. Among the famous landmarks of the city can be identified the main square, in the center of which in the 18th century a memorial column was erected in honor of the end of the plague. There is also the Church of St. Alloysia of the 18th century and the church of St. Barbara of the 17th century. The famous University of Maribor began its existence less than a hundred years ago, but has already become widely known in its country and beyond. More and more graduates of Slovenian schools choose its programs and continue to study within its walls.

Goal

The third largest city in Slovenia is the real gem of this country. First of all, it is famous for its magnificent Celje Castle, built in the 14th century. Every year, residents of the city arrange a cheerful, noisy carnival. Trying to recreate the medieval life, they dress in historical costumes, arrange balls and conduct knight tournaments. In addition to it, you can see the ruins of ancient Roman walls and an entire archaeological park in the open air.

Currency of Slovenia

Back in 2007, the state currency was the euro. Slovenia was no longer needed tolar, which in its time replaced the Yugoslavian dinar. Guests of the country boldly exchange money in banks, hotels, travel agencies, exchange offices and post offices.

Interesting Facts

• Time in Slovenia lags behind Moscow for one hour in summer and for two in winter. This should be considered by tourists.
• The population of Slovenia is about 1.9 million people.
• Sea resorts, spas and ski resorts are what attract small tourists to Slovenia.
• The language recognized by the state is Slovenian. Along the state borders, the status of official languages is also Hungarian and Italian.
• More than 75% of the local population consider themselves Catholics.
• Slovenia is a parliamentary state, headed by a president elected for five years.

Culture of Slovenia

Art and culture occupy a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants of this small country. The fact is that Slovenia too often went under the start of strong states and too often risked losing its identity. That is why, since childhood, Slovenes teach national songs and dances, folklore festivals are regularly held in the country and folk festivals are celebrated. Also, local residents are not indifferent to such religious holidays as Christmas and Easter.

Spirit of the Middle Ages

In the territory of this small country there are many ancient castles and palaces. For today museums and concert halls are located in them. Local people love holidays and honor the ancient traditions. Before Christmas they wear terrible costumes and walk from house to house, depicting the dead this year. It is believed that the observance of this tradition brings people happiness and success in business. At the carnival of fertility, people also dress up in folk costumes and wear terrible masks to scare off the bored winter. But the brightest and most spectacular festival is held at Maslenitsa, which in Slovenia is called Pust. The mummers bypass the houses, carnival processions are held everywhere and ceremonial weddings are played.

Cuisine of Slovenia

You can eat in this country at any time and in any place, since even in the smallest village you can find a restaurant or a cafe. Public catering establishments are divided into classes, which, unfortunately, do not always reflect the real state of affairs. Among the masterpieces of national cuisine, tourists usually distinguish pork sausages, "shtrukli" (balls of dough stuffed with minced meat) and dried ham "prsut". Among the famous Slovenian desserts are "chicken" (pies with nuts), "gibanitsa" (puff pastry with poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, apples and cottage cheese, sprinkled with butter or cream), as well as "cream-shnitt" (puff pastry cake with Air cream and vanilla cream).

Transport

The small state of Slovenia boasts well-established transport links. Anywhere in any city can be reached by bus. Tokens for travel to this inexpensive and very convenient mode of transport are sold in all newsstands, as well as directly at the conductor. Residents of cities often use unlimited travel, designed for one week. There is excellent rail service, and the train can be reached almost anywhere in the country by buying a ticket at the railway ticket office, tourist office or on the train itself. Those who prefer to travel by own transport can use their own cars or rent them at special points. For rent it is enough to present a credit card of any bank or deposit a deposit, which depends on the car brand. The following prerequisites are age over 21 and the availability of an international driving license issued at least one year ago.

sights

Despite its small size, Slovenia boasts a huge number of interesting and even unique places. Amazing nature, unique lakes, high mountains and a piece of the sea inspire the inhabitants of the country and its guests to return to these beautiful places again and again. The cities of Slovenia amaze travelers with its unusual architecture, ancient monasteries, temples and abbeys. Also you can not fail to mention the national park, the labyrinth of the Postojna cave stretching for as long as 23 kilometers, and the Karst cave of Postojna-Yam, famous for its quaint stalactites and stalagmites.

Ski resorts

The borders of Slovenia in the west end in the Julian Alps, which gave shelter to lovers of active winter recreation. So, Kranjska Gora includes three large ski centers: actually Kranjska Gora, Planica and Podkoren. This fashionable resort, located near the borders of Austria and Italy, is ideal for beginners and children. That is why often come here to rest whole families. Often you can meet and foreign neighbors. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can go on mountaineering, entertain yourself in the mountains or just admire the local natural attractions.

Fans of active winter holidays often come to Bovec, the country's highest mountain resort, and also to the very popular Maribor Pohorje, located 17 kilometers from the Austrian border. The territory of the last resort in the past belonged for a long time to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but was mostly inhabited by Slovenes. During the Second World War, this part of the country went to Germany and only then it became free. Today Maribor Pohorje is a cultural and regional center of Lower Styria.

Therapeutic and thermal centers of Slovenia

The Republic of Slovenia is famous for its health resorts. Aesthetic medicine is actively developing in the spa clinics of this country, which attracts clients from all over the world. Rogaška Slatina, located in the east of the country, offers its guests mineral water, balneotherapy and dietary meals. Every year crowds of tourists from all over the country, nearest neighbors from Austria and Italy, as well as many of our compatriots come to the most famous resort of the Slovenian Riviera Portorož. Here they are treated with sea curative muds, thermomineral waters, offer thalassotherapeutic treatment courses, various types of massage and programs for face and body care. The center of Slovenia is famous due to the resort of Lashko, located on the river Savene. It is in this cozy town, surrounded on all sides by high mountains, is the most modern complex of thermal pools in the country.

Bled

Lake Bled is fed by warm springs, and therefore covered with ice only in very severe frosts. Guests are attracted here not only luxurious natural beauty, but also a rare, unusual architecture of local cultural monuments, as well as unique thermal springs. In winter, the surroundings of the lake turn into a popular ski resort, suitable for middle-aged athletes and beginners. In summer, locals and their guests enjoy mountain bike trips, go to the beach, ride horses, visit the golf center and tennis court. On the lake they like to go fishing or go for a walk on pleasure boats. The main attraction of this place is the Bled castle of the 12th century, in which now there is a national restaurant and a historical museum.

Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is located in the heart of the Triglav National Park, not far from the symbol of Slovenia - Mount Triglav. In summer, guests who come to the lake prefer to swim and sunbathe on local beaches, go on mountain hikes and ride bicycles. Family lovers come here to relax in the lap of nature, as the local resort is an excellent alternative to the sea. Those who prefer to spend their vacation actively, rent the necessary sports equipment. Fans of extreme sports are engaged in mountaineering, rafting, canyoning, paragliding, paragliding and many other sports. In winter, there is a large ski center in Bochin, which unites several skiing areas. In addition, there is the best ski school in the country, there is a slope track and a place for snowboarding. Vacationers in their spare time visit the indoor pool, go to discos, visit restaurants and cafes, admire the frozen waterfall and taste the delicious local wines.

Conclusion

A small and cozy republic of Slovenia is a unique example of perseverance, diligence and dedication. Even in hard times, it preserved history and culture, could raise the economy and become a resplendent tourist center. The modern Republic of Slovenia is proud of its history and culture, revives traditions, actively develops science and sports directions.