Slovenia is a European country that borders Italy, Adriatic Sea, Croatia, Hungary and Austria. Explore some fun and interesting facts about Slovenia.

Facts About Slovenia

Slovenia is a country situated in southern Central Europe. It stands bordered by Italy in the west, the Adriatic Sea in the southwest, Croatia in the south and east, Hungary in the northeast, and Austria in the north. The history of Slovenia has seen many occupations, including those by Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Republic of Venice, Duchy of Carantania, Holy Roman Empire, Habsburg Monarchy, Austrian Empire, State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Today, it is an independent country, boasting of high rates of growth and progress. Read on to get more information on Slovenia.
Image: Christopher.Michel@flickr
 
Fun & Interesting Facts about Slovenia 
  • The official name of Slovenia is ‘Republic of Slovenia’.
  • The official language of Slovenia is Slovene. However, Italian and Hungarian are also widely spoken there.
  • Majority of the people in Slovenia are Roman Catholics, followed by Muslims, Orthodox and other Christians.
  • The currency of Slovenia is Euro.
  • The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana.
  • Slovenia follows the system of ‘Parliamentary Republic’.
  • Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia on 25th June 1991.
  • Slovenia is the only former communist state to be a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, the Schengen area, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe and NATO at, the same time.
  • Mt. Triglav, towering to a height of 2863 m, forms the highest peak in the Slovenian Alps. It is also represented on Slovenia's national coat of arms.
  • Slovenia's Skocjan Caves are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List. They are also one of the famous systems of limestone (karstic) caves in the world.
  • The largest lake in Slovenia is Lake Bohinj.
  • Slovenia is home to as many as 260 waterfalls, out of which Boka is the highest one.
  • A cave near Reka was found to contain the bone of a cave bear, with artificially made holes. It is believed to be the oldest musical instrument in Europe.
  • Lipizzaner horses, known throughout the world, originate from Lipica in Slovenia.
  • Ptuj, the oldest town of Slovenia, was built on Roman foundations and claims the distinction of being a museum town.
  • The town of Kamnik, Kranj, Ljubljana, Maribor, Piran, Ptuj and Skofja Loka were made chartered towns, in the 13th century.
  • Slovenian craftsmen formed Guilds in the 13th century. These guilds were meant to protect the interest of members.
  • The vine seen growing in Maribor's old town is believed to the oldest vine in the world, as much as 400 years old.
  • The Triple Bridge is one of the main symbols of Ljubljana. It was designed by Joze Plecnik, in 1929.
  • The Crni Kal Viaduct is the longest motorway bridge as well as the tallest structure in Slovenia. It was designed by Marjan Pipenbaher.
  • The Republic of Slovenia adopted Euro on 1st January 2007, after joining the European Union in 2004.
  • University of Ljubljana, founded in 1918, is the main university in Slovenia.

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