Slovenia is a small and still little-known country. It is located in the heart of Europe, at the crossroads of Mediterranean and Central European influences. Its territory covers 20,273 squares kilometers. It has land borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Slovenia also has a 40 kilometres coastline and maritime borders with Italy and Croatia.

Slovenia at a glance

Official name: Slovenija
Capital: Ljubljana
Official language: Slovenian
Political system: Parliamentary system
Currency: Euro
European Union Membership: Yes
Schengen area: Yes
Euro zone: Yes

Facts and numbers

  • Area: 20,273 square kilometers
  • Population: 2 million inhabitants
  • Main religions: Catholics (73.4%), Muslims (3.7%), Orthodox (3.7%)
  • 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • 1 national park
  • 1 island

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In Slovenia, there are 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 2 cultural and 2 natural sites.

Cultural sites : 

  • Heritage of Mercury. Idrija (2012)
  • Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (2011)

Natural sites :

  • Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe (2007, 2011, 2017)
  • Skocjan Caves (1986)

Famous artists and personalities

Slovenian culture is not the most easily accessible, but you should definitely get to know its most famous architect and poet before you visit Slovenia to appreciate their importance to the country’s culture.

If you pass through Ljubljana, you will surely be amazed by its unique architecture. This is largely due to Joze Plečnik (1872-1957), the country’s most famous architect. Nobody has had such an impact on the city and the country. His influence is comparable to that of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. Most of his creations can be found in the Slovenian capital, such as the famous Triple Bridge for pedestrians in the heart of the city, the National and University Library, the covered markets along the Ljubljanica River or the Zale Cemetery.

The poet France Preseren was born near Bled in 1800. Although he published only one collection of poems, his moving and fervent poetry made him the best representative of Slovenian Romanticism. The date of his death, 8 February 1849, became the Slovenian Culture Festival, or Preseren Festival, a public holiday. This is a testament to the unparalleled central place he occupies in Slovenian culture today.

The national anthem is also taken from one of his poems. Entitled Zdravljica (which could be translated as ‘I raise my glass’ or ‘a toast’), like the poem, it officially became the national anthem on 27 September 1989.

More about Slovenia

Book your Trip to Slovenia

Check out our customizable trips and book your tailor-made trip to Slovenia.