Here are some facts about Slovenia.
- Slovenia is one of the European countries formed in 1991 when Yugoslavia split up. It covers about 20,273 square km and is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.
- It has been part of the Roman Empire, the Republic of Venice and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- During World War II, the country came under the control of Nazi Germany.
- After the war, Slovenia became a part of Yugoslavia. It became independent in 1991, was recognized as an independent country the following year, and became a member of the European Union in 2004.
- Ljubljana is the capital and largest city, with about 283,000 residents.
- The city’s symbol is a dragon, which appears on the Dragon Bridge and symbolizes power and strength.
- An earthquake on Easter Sunday in 1895 destroyed much of the city. It was rebuilt in the architectural style of the time, alongside the surviving Baroque buildings.
- Slovenia has over 250 waterfalls, of which the Boka falls are one of the highest, at 106 metres.
- The country’s highest mountain is the 2863 metre high Mt. Triglav in the Slovenian Alps.
- The spectacular Skocjan limestone caves are a World Heritage site. A bear bone with holes in it was found in a cave near Reka, thought to be the world’s oldest musical instrument.
- Lake Bled and the coastal city of Piran are popular tourist destinations.
- Slovenia has the most casinos per 1,000 residents, of any European Union country.
- The famous Lipizzan horses originate from the town of Lipica, where one of the first stud farms was established. The Lipizzan horses at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School are trained using centuries old methods.
- For a small country, Slovenia has a lot of distinct regional cuisines – over 40.
- Every year the country hosts a Festival of Roast Potatoes, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
