Slovenia Overview Country Overview This compact and strategically important country is dominated by mountains, rivers and major north–south and east–west transit routes. Slovenia borders Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. One of the smallest countries in Europe, it lies in an enviable geographical position between the majestic Alps and the Mediterranean. The capital, Ljubljana, is situated in the heart of the country, along the banks of the Ljubljanca River, within a two-hour drive of all the state borders. The old part of the town is particularly delightful. Towering over the city are the twin towers of Ljubljana Cathedral (1708), which house some impressive frescoes. In the east, Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor, is only 10km (6 miles) from the Austrian border. The fashionable mountain resort of Bled is set on the idyllic Lake Bled, where skating and curling take place in winter, and swimming and rowing in summer. Slovenia's national cuisine shows an Austro-German influence with sauerkraut, grilled sausage and apple strudel often appearing on menus. Ljubljana has a good opera house and the symphony orchestra plays regularly in the Big Hall of the Culture and Congress Centre. General Information Area: 20,253 sq km (7820 sq miles). Population: 1,930,132 (2001). Population Density: 95.3 per sq km. Capital: Ljubljana. Population: 321,235 (2002). GEOGRAPHY: This compact and strategically important country is dominated by mountains, rivers and major north–south and east–west transit routes. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast and Croatia to the southeast, with a 47km (30-mile) Adriatic Sea coastline, where the main port is Koper. Government: Republic since 1991. Gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1992. Head of State: President Janes Drnovsek since 2003. Head of Government: Prime Minister Anton Rop since 2003. . Language: Slovene, which is closely related to Croat and Czech. Most Slovenes speak German, Hungarian or Italian, with English as a second language. Religion: Most of the population is Roman Catholic, with small communities of other Christians including Eastern Orthodox; there are Muslim and Jewish minorities. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 386. Outgoing international code: 00. Calls can be made with magnetic phonecards. For emergencies, dial 112 (ambulance service and fire brigade) or 113 (police). Mobile telephone GSM 1800/900 networks cover nearly the whole country. Main network operators include Mobitel (website: www.mobitel.si), SIMobil (website: www.simobil.si) and Vega (website: www.ww-int.si). Fax Available to and from countries worldwide. Internet ISPs include Boter (website: www.boter.net). There are Internet cafes. Telegram Facilities are limited. Post Reasonable internal service. Stamps can be bought at bookstalls. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0800-1200. The post office at Cigaletova 5, Ljubljana is open 24 hours. Press The main local newspaper is Delo (Ljubljana). The state news agency, STA, produces material in English for international distribution on a daily basis. English-language publications include Ars Vivendi, Slovenian Business Report, Slovenija and Slovenia Weekly. The state TV and radio station RTS produces regular news and other broadcasts in English and other West European languages during the tourist season. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 17.64 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No No Australian Yes No No Canadian Yes No No USA Yes No No OtherEU 1 No No Japanese Yes No No PASSPORTS: Passport valid for duration of stay required by all except: (a) 1. nationals of EU countries with a valid national ID card; (b) nationals of Croatia and Hungary with a valid national ID card. VISAS: Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for up to 90 days; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Gibraltar, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau (SAR), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela for up to 90 days; (c) nationals of Malaysia for 30 days; (d) nationals of Singapore for 14 days; (e) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Note: Nationals of the following countries can enter Slovenia without a visa for transit purposes or for stays of maximum 90 days, provided they are in possession of an EU/EFTA residents or work permit that is valid for three months from the date of entry into Slovenia or a Schengen visa (issued by one of the Schengen Member States) that is valid for at least one month beyond their stay in Slovenia: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Russian Federation and Turkey. Types of visa and cost: Visitor: £22 (30-day single- and multiple-entry); £26 (90-day single-entry); £30 (90-day multiple-entry). £44 (180-day single- and multiple-entry). Children aged under 14 pay half price. Transit: £10. Validity: Up to three months. Application to: Consulate (or Consulate section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: (a) Passport valid for at least three months from the date of entry into Slovenia. (b) Application form. (c) One passport-sized photo. (d) Fee, payable by cash, cheque or postal order. (e) Applicants may also be required to provide information on the following: next of kin; friends or business associates in Slovenia; accommodation plans; onward travel itinerary and return tickets; evidence of right of entry into another country on departure from Slovenia and proof of sufficient funds to cover stay. Working days required: Depends on nationality. Anything between ten and 14 days. Temporary residence: Enquire at Consulate (or Consulate section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Money Currency: Slovene Tolar (SIT) = 100 stotins. Notes are in denominations of SIT10,000, 5000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of SIT10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 stotins. Currency exchange: The Tolar is fully convertible within Slovenia, but visitors are advised to exchange surplus amounts to the currency of their choice before leaving Slovenia, as it is not generally exchangeable elsewhere. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and some hotels, supermarkets, petrol stations, tourist agencies and exchange bureaux. Credit & debit cards: American Express, MasterCard, EuroCard and Visa are accepted at upmarket establishments; elsewhere cash is preferred. Credit cards can be used to get cash advances from banks. Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to the equivalent of SIT500,000 (unless permission is obtained from the Bank of Slovenia). There is unrestricted import and export of foreign currency, although amounts in excess of SIT3,000,000 must be declared with a bank certificate. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the exchange rate of the Tolar against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 355.99 354.92 363.54 340.99 $1.00= 244.28 233.36 229.89 214.16 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1230 and 1400-1700. Some branches open Sat 0830-1200 for payments and withdrawals. Duty Free The following goods can be imported into Slovenia without incurring customs duty, as long as they are worth no more than €80 each: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 2l of wine; 1l of spirits; 50g perfume; 250ml of eau de toilette. Note: An export licence is required for articles of archaeological, artistic, scientific or cultural value; or for articles over 100 years old. Public Holidays Jan 1-2 2003 New Year. Feb 8 Preseren Day (Slovenian Cultural Holiday). Apr 21 Easter Monday. Apr 27 Resistance Day. May 1-2 Labour Day Holiday. Jun 25 National Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 31 Reformation Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Independence Day. Jan 1-2 2004 New Year. Feb 8 Preseren Day (Slovenian Cultural Holiday). Apr 12 Easter Monday. Apr 27 Resistance Day. May 1-2 Labour Day Holiday. Jun 25 National Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 31 Reformation Day. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Independence Day. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio 1 N/A Malaria No N/A 1: Vaccination against typhoid is advised. Food & drink: Mains water is considered safe and drinkable. However, bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Hepatitis A occurs. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas. Walkers and campers should take precautions against tick bites by wearing long trousers. Vaccination is advisable. Immunisation against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care: There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, allowing free hospital and other medical treatment and some free dental treatment to those presenting a UK passport. Prescribed medicines must be paid for. Travel - International AIR: The national airline, Adria Airways (JP), operates direct flights from London to Ljubljana. Other airlines serving Slovenia include Aeroflot (SU), Air France (AF), Austrian Airlines (OS), Lufthansa (LH) and Swiss (SR). Approximate flight times: From Ljubljana to London is 2 hour 30 minutes. International airports: Ljubljana (LJU) (Brnik) is 26km (16 miles) northwest of the city. Airport facilities include bank, post office (Mon-Fri 0700-1800, Sat 0700-1200), duty-free shop (0700-2000 and according to air traffic density), restaurant (1000-2100), snack bar (0600-2200), shops (0700-1900) and car hire (Hertz, Avis and Budget). Buses are available to Kranj (travel time – 15 minutes) and to Ljubljana (travel time – 45 minutes). Taxis are also available (travel time – 20 minutes). Maribor (MBX) and Portoroz (POW) also have some international connections. Departure tax: None. SEA: There are regularly scheduled trips across the Adriatic on the Prince of Venice catamaran, which runs between Venice and Izola. There are three marinas (Koper, Portoroz and Izola) to choose from for visitors arriving on private vessels. RAIL: Connections and through coaches are available from principal Eastern and Western European cities. The Eurocity Mimara train connects Zagreb, Ljubljana, Salzburg and Munich. There are direct trains to Slovenia from Italy (Rome, Milan, Venice and Trieste), Austria (Vienna and Villach), Hungary (Budapest), Croatia (Zagreb) Bosnia and Macedonia. International trains have couchette coaches as well as bar and dining cars. On some lines transport for cars is provided. ROAD: The following are among the frontier posts open for road traffic: From Italy: San Bartolomeo–Lazaret; Albaro Veskova–Skofije; Pesse–Kozina; Fernetti–Fernetici (Sezana); Gorizia–Nova Gorica; Stupizza–Robic; Uccea–Uceja; Passo del Predil–Predel; and Fusine Laghi–Ratece. From Austria: Wurzenpass (Villach)–Korensko Sedlo; Loibltunnel–Ljubelj; Seebergsattel–Jezersko; Grablach–Holmec; Rabenstein–Vic; Eibiswald–Radlji od Dravi; Langegg–Jurij; Spielfeld–Sentilj; Mureck– Trate; Sicheldorf–Gederovci; Radkersburg–Gornja Radgona; and Bonisdorf–Kuzma. From Hungary: Bajansenye–Hodos. From Croatia: Jelsane–Rupa. Nearly all the border crossings mentioned above are open 24 hours a day and are served by buses. For information regarding documentation and traffic regulations see Travel – Internal section. Travel - Internal AIR: There are domestic airports at Maribor (MBX) in the east of the country and on the Adriatic Coast at Portoroz (POW). SEA: Slovenia has ports at Koper, Izola, Piran and Portoroz. RAIL: There are efficient Intercity and stopping services. Train travel is generally inexpensive. ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. There is a good network of high-quality roads in Slovenia. For further information, contact the national automobile club Auto-Moto Zveza Slovenjie (AMZS), Dunajska cesta 128, SI-1000 Ljubljana (tel: (61) 530 5300; fax: (1) 568 5317; e-mail: info@center@amzs.si; website: www.amzs.si). There is a good bus network. The emergency roadside help and information service of AMZS is well organised and can be reached by dialling 1 987. Traffic regulations: Speed limits are 130kph (80mph) on motorways, 100kph (62mph) on roads reserved to motor traffic and 90kph (56mph) on roads outside residential areas. In cities it is 50kph (31mph). School buses cannot be overtaken. The alcohol limit is 0.05 per cent. Safety belts are compulsory (even in the back, if provided). Dimmed headlights must be turned on at all times while driving (even during the day). Documentation: Full national driving licences with a photograph are accepted. An International Green Card for non-EU members can be purchased at the border. International car insurance is mandatory. URBAN: Ljubljana has bus services and taxis are widely available. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times from Ljubljana (in hours and minutes) to other major cities/towns in Slovenia. Road Rail Portoroz 1.30 2.30 Maribor 2.00 2.30 Lipica 1.00 - Bled 0.45 1.15 Murska Sobota 3.00 3.30 Postojna 0.45 1.00 Novo Mesto 1.00 1.30 Accommodation HOTELS: Slovenia has over 190 hotels with 30,000 beds throughout the country. The hotel categories are one to five stars. For instance the stunning Otocec Castle located on an island in the Krka River is just one of many magnificent castle hotels open to visitors. For information about accommodation throughout Slovenia, contact the Hotel Association of Slovenia, Vošnjakova 5, SI-1000, Ljubljana (tel: (1) 430 7820; fax: (1) 433 8659; e-mail: slohotels@ntz-nta.si; website: www.ntz-nta.si/slohotels); or the Slovenian Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). PRIVATE ROOMS: These can be rented throughout Slovenia through local tourist offices. There are three categories: I (en suite), II (some en suite facilities – usually shower only) and III (shared facilities only). The Slovenian Tourist Board can provide more information (see Contact Addresses section). FARMHOUSES: Visitors can choose between over 270 local farmhouses for an informal and welcoming stay close to nature. For further information contact the Association of Tourist Farms of Slovenia, Trnoveljska 1, SI-3000 Celje (tel: (3) 491 6481; fax: (3) 491 6480; e-mail: ztks@siol.net). YOUTH HOSTELS: There are 12 hostels in the country. For details, contact Pocitniska Zveza Slovenije (Hostelling International Slovenia), Gosposvetska 84, SI-2000 Maribor (tel: (2) 234 2137; fax: (2) 234 2136; e-mail: igor.jurisic@soum.si; website: www.gaudeamus.si/hostelling). The Youth Hostel International in Ljubljana is open from end of June to end of August and is located at Dijafki Pom Tabor, Vidovdanska 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana (tel: (1) 234 8840; fax: (1) 234 8855; e-mail: ssljddta1s@guest.arnes.si; website: www.2.arnes.si). There is also a youth hostel in Maribor. CAMPING: There are sites throughout the country. Most campsites are small but well equipped, with sports facilities and children’s playgrounds. Contact the Slovenian Tourist Board for brochures and price lists (see Contact Addresses section). Camping is not permitted outside campsites. Introduction One of the smallest countries in Europe, Slovenia lies in an enviable geographical position between the majestic Alps and the Mediterranean; visitors can thus travel between ski slopes and beach resorts within a matter of hours. LJUBLJANA: The Slovene capital is the starting point for a wide range of excursions. Situated in the heart of Slovenia, along the banks of the Ljubljanca River, the capital is within a two-hour drive of all the state borders. The old part of the town is particularly delightful. There are three bridges crossing the river, one leading directly to the Town Hall (1718) with its Baroque fountain and two open courtyards. Towering over the city are the twin towers of Ljubljana Cathedral (1708), which house some impressive frescoes. The Castle, situated on a hill, overlooks the river. The Castle is currently undergoing repairs and only part of it is open to the public. The tower offers a splendid view of the city. On the eastern bank of the river is the Town Museum with an extensive collection of Roman artefacts. Near to the University is the Ursuline Church (1726) with an altar by Robba. The National Museum, the National Gallery, the Municipal Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery with the quiet Tivoli Gardens are all interesting. THE EAST: Maribor, in the east of the country, is Slovenia’s second largest city (population approximately 100,000). It lies only 16km (10 miles) from the Austrian border and is a three-hour journey by car from Vienna or Trieste. Maribor is a lively cultural, scientific and commercial centre with a University and numerous art galleries, museums and theatres. The city is a good starting point for visiting the nearby Alpine region of Pohorje, one of Slovenia’s main skiing resorts, which hosts major international competitions. Also worth visiting are the nearby winegrowing hills of Slovenske Gorice, where a number of Slovenia’s excellent white wines are produced. To the south or Maribor, Ptuj contains Roman remains, a medieval centre and is the scene of traditional carnivals. THE JULIAN ALPS: The Julian Alps are a popular skiing area in the winter, particularly the resorts of Kranjska Gora and Bovec. Triglav National Park encompasses the splendour of these mountains, as well as the grassy slopes of the surrounding valleys. It is a great place for keen trekkers and visitors are attracted by the unusual tower on Mount Triglav. Podkoren is situated in the mountains near the Austrian border. The fashionable mountain resort of Bled, near the Austrian and Italian borders, is set on the idyllic Lake Bled, where skating and curling take place in winter, and swimming and rowing in summer. The trout and carp fishing are also very good. Sights include the neo-Gothic Parish Church (1904) with its interesting frescoes and Bled Castle, the former seat of the bishops of Brixen. Perching above a 100m (328ft) drop, the castle offers magnificent views over the city and lake. Another popular skiing resort is the Zgornjesavska valley, which borders Austria and Italy in the northwest. Situated between the Julian Alps and the Karavanke, the valley is surrounded by mountain peaks and a number of international skiing and ski jumping competitions take place there every year. THE COAST: Portoroz is Slovenia’s most popular seaside resort, with numerous hotels and pavement cafes. The spectacular 20km cave of Postojna, only an hour’s drive from the coast, has been deemed one of the greatest sights of natural beauty, and features gigantic stalagmites and a cavernous hall which can hold over 10,000 people. The port of Koper still retains an Italian atmosphere. The old town, entered through Muda Gate, is worth exploring. Passing the Bridge Fountain, the street widens onto the city’s central square. In general, the sights are clustered around the Town Tower (1480), which dominates the skyline. Fine examples of the Venetian Gothic style are the 15th-century Cathedral, the loggia and the Praetor’s Palace; also of interest is the Romanesque Carmin Rotunda (1317). Well worth a visit is the excellent Provincial Museum, which houses old maps of the area. SPAS: Slovenia’s natural spas are scattered throughout the country and include the Radenci Health Resort (close to the Austrian border) and the Rogaska Health Resort, where legend claims that the winged horse Pegasus created curative mineral waters with a magic blow of his hooves. Sport & Activities There is a wide range of good skiing resorts including those in Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Krvavec, Cerkno, Rogla, Bovec Pohorje and Vogel. Health gurus tend to flock to some of Slovenia’s 15 natural spas. In particular Radenci spa is reknowned for its ‘three hearts’ mineral water, said to have been served at the imperial court in Vienna and the papal court in the Vatican. Mountaineering is a traditional Slovene sport – the Julian and Kamnik Alps are particularly popular. The Slovene Mountaineering Association organises adventure holidays (tel: (1) 231 2553; fax: (1) 432 2140; e-mail: info@pzs.si; website: www.pzs.si). Slovenia’s location south of the Alps means sport parachuting, paragliding and ballooning are popular. Hunting is available. Sailing is popular along the coast. Berths and boats can be hired at all ports. Permits are needed for boats brought into the country. The Soca, Idrijca, Kolpa, Sava Bohinjka and Dolinka, Savinja and Sava rivers are all ideal for kayaking, canoeing and rafting. Several specialist agencies can make arrangements and provide equipment. Contact the Slovenian Tourist Board for a list of addresses. Cycling along bicycle trails, in special mountain bike parks, along the alps and through the spa regions is becoming an increasingly popular and exciting way of seeing the country. Tours and routes for trekking in these regions are also widely available: there are around 7000km of marked trails. For more details contact the Slovenian Tourist Board. Fishing permits are available from hotels or local authorities. Fishing on the Adriatic coast is unrestricted, but freshwater angling and fishing with equipment require a permit. ‘Fish-linking’ with a local small craft owner is popular. Basketball is very popular. Golf: There are ten golf clubs in Slovenia. Membership is sometimes open to visitors. For further information, contact the Golf Association of Slovenia, Dunajska 51, 51-1000, Ljubljana (tel: (1) 236 1189; fax: (1) 236 1191). Thoroughbred horses: Lipica in the west of Slovenia is home to the lippizaner horse, bred by the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy of the 18th century. There are currently only 3000 of these horses left in the world. Visitors can take tours of the stud farm, watch performances of classical riding or even ride the horses themselves. Wine trails: These popular routes for the dedicated connoisseur pass through the three wine regions of Slovenia, where various award-winning wines can be sampled. Contact the Slovenian Tourist Board for further information (see Contact Addresses section). Social Profile Food & Drink: Slovenia’s national cuisine shows an Austro-German influence with sauerkraut, grilled sausage and apple strudel often appearing on menus. The best-known Slovene foods are the breads made for special occasions which appear in the form of braided loaves or wreathes, the struklji stuffed with sweet fillings, meat or vegetables. Another Slovene speciality is potica, a dessert prepared with a wide variety of fillings. The western and northeastern parts of Slovenia are known for their outstanding white wines (Laski, Renski Rizling and many others). The south is the homeland of the light, russet-coloured cvicek wine. The Adriatic Coast and the Karst region have mainly red karstteran wine. Shopping: Attractive local gifts include bobbin lace, crystal glass and speciality wines. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat 0800-1500. Nightlife: There is a wide selection of theatres, cinemas, casinos and nightclubs in the larger towns. Ljubljana also has a good opera house and the symphony orchestra plays regularly in the Big Hall of the Cultural and Congress Centre. Special Events: For a full list of festivals and special events contact the Slovenian Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of events held in Slovenia during 2003: Jan World Cup Women’s Slalom Races, Maribor; International Dog Sled Race, Krenjska Gora. Feb-Mar Kurenti Festival (Mardi Gras and Easter fair), Ptuj; World Military Winter Games, Bled. Mar World Championship Sky Flying and Ski Jumping, Planica. Apr International Festival of Folk Dialect Choirs, Bled; VINO International Wine Fair, Ljubljana. Jun 44th International Jazz Festival, Ljubljana. Jun-Jul LENT 2003; International Summer Festival, Maribor. Jun-Sep World Cup International Dressage Competition. Jul Folkart 2003: 15th International Folklore Festival, Maribor; Bled Days & Bled Nights (fireworks and lighting displays on Lake Bled). Jul-Aug International Youth Music Festival, Postojna. Aug Trnfest Festival (musical evenings, theatre, dance performances and art exhibitions), Ljubljana. Oct Lipica Stud Days; City of Women – International Festival of Contemporary Female Arts, Ljubljana. Oct-Nov Chess Olympics, Bled. Nov Ljubljana International Film Festival. Social Conventions: Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Usual European social conventions apply and informal dress is widely acceptable. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, in cinemas, theatres, public offices and in waiting rooms. Tipping: Ten per cent is generally expected in hotels, restaurants and for taxis. Business Profile Economy: Before the disintegration of Yugoslavia that began in 1991, Slovenia was its richest and most industrialised republic. With few natural resources, Slovenia was initially seriously affected by the civil war and the collapse of the Yugoslav federal market. However, careful economic management enabled a solid recovery. The agricultural sector is fairly small, growing cereals, sugar beet and potatoes but the large areas of forest, covering about half the country, are an important natural resource. The mining industry is mostly concentrated on coal, but zinc and lead are also extracted along with small quantities of oil, gas and uranium. The manufacturing industry, which accounts for about 30 per cent of GDP, produces electrical equipment, textiles, wood-based products (including paper), chemicals and processed foods. The service sector is dominated by tourism and financial services. The tourism industry was almost annihilated during the early stages of the Yugoslav civil war when Slovenia was most heavily involved; it has since re-emerged and is now worth about US$1 billion annually. Financial services are well developed, especially banking and insurance. Successive governments have moved cautiously to reform the economy, introducing market-oriented reforms gradually and largely successfully. Inflation and unemployment are both currently around seven per cent respectively, while the economy is growing moderately at three per cent annually. Slovenia has joined the IMF, World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and became a full member of the World Trade Organisation in July 1995. It also has an association agreement with the EU and is in the ‘first wave’ of countries seeking to join the EU: membership is likely to be attained around 2003/4. Germany, Italy, France and Austria are particularly important trade partners; outside the EU, Croatia is most valuable to Slovenian trade. Business: Smart dress is advised. Appointments are usual and visitors should be punctual. Visiting cards are essential. Slovenia is the most efficient and reliable of the ex-Yugoslav republics, being in many respects comparable to Austria and Germany. Executives will generally have a good knowledge of German, English and sometimes Italian. There is a well-developed network of local agents, advisers, consultants and lawyers willing to act for foreign companies. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600. Commercial Information: The following organisation can advise on specific trading organisations: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, Dimiceva 13, 1504 Ljubljana (tel: (1) 589 8000; fax: (1) 589 8100 or 589 8200; e-mail: infolink@gzs.si; website: www.gzs.si). Conferences/Conventions: Slovenia’s tradition as a meeting place goes back to 1821, when it played host to the Congress of the Holy Alliance. The main conference locations are Ljubljana, Bled, Portoroz, Radenci and Rogaska Slatina, where there are meeting facilities for up to 2000 participants. For more information, contact Conferences and Conventions Department of the Slovenian Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section); or Cankarjev dom, Culture and Congress Centre, Presernova 10, 1000 Ljubljana (tel: (1) 241 7100; fax: (1) 241 7298; e-mail: cankarjev.dom@cd-cc.si; website: www.cd-cc.si). Climate Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters (snowfalls in the Alps). Mediterranean climate on the coast. Required clothing: Mediumweight clothing and heavy overcoats in winter; lightweight clothing and raincoats for the summer, particularly for the higher Alpine north. History and Government History: Settled in four distinct areas (Styria, Carniola, Carinthia and Gorizia) since the fifth century, Slovenia was later variously dominated by the Bavarians, the Frankish Empire of the Carolingians, and the largely Germanic Holy Roman Empire, which lasted in one form or another from the ninth to the 19th century. The Slovenes themselves were a Slavic people, converted to Roman Catholicism. In the 14th century, the Slovene territories became hereditary possessions of the House of Habsburg. After 1867, when the Habsburg realm became the Dual Monarchy of Austria and Hungary, the Slovenes fell under the jurisdiction of the Austrian Crown. Despite considerable socio-economic progress locally thereafter, the ancient threat posed to Slovene survival and cultural identity by Germanisation pushed local political sentiment towards supporting the growing south Slav movement of the Croats and Serbs. Thus, following the destruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I, Slovenia became a part of the new ‘Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes’ in 1918 (renamed ‘Yugoslavia’ in 1929). In 1941, when the Axis powers dismembered Yugoslavia, Slovenia was carved up between Germany, Italy and Hungary. Local resistance, initially from non-communist nationalists, was hijacked by the Yugoslav Communist Party led by Josip Broz Tito, himself partly of Slovene origin. In 1945, after the communists emerged as victors, Slovenia became a constituent republic of the new Yugoslav federation. The ruling League of Communists of Slovenia (LCS) supported the Croats in the demand for an effectively confederal Yugoslavia during the 1960s and 1970s, although never to the point of provoking Tito into repression, as took place in Croatia in 1971. Among other things, this caution made a relatively liberal political atmosphere in Slovenia possible, culminating in a pluralist ‘Slovene Spring’ after Milan Kucan became LCS leader in 1986. The nationalist Kucan steered Slovenia towards independence following multi-party National Assembly elections in April 1990 which brought to power a six-party centre-right coalition, calling itself DEMOS, led by Premier Lozle Peterle. After 14 months, during which both Slovenia and Croatia became increasingly alienated from Belgrade, Slovenia declared independence. The central Government immediately sent in armoured convoys to take control of federal border posts and key installations in the capital Ljubljana. The army was clearly not expecting the resistance put up by well-prepared Slovene irregulars and after a few weeks of sporadic and largely inconclusive fighting, a ceasefire was reached. By October 1991, all federal military forces had left the republic, and Slovenia proclaimed its independence on 8 October. Full international recognition followed in January 1992, after which the DEMOS Government collapsed, having achieved its sole objective of securing international recognition. Slovenia was admitted to the United Nations in May 1992. A non-party government of technocrats took over pending new elections. Slovenia is the only one of the ex-Yugoslav republics to have a substantial, as opposed to a merely nominal, multi-party democracy, although it is on the road to permanent coalition politics with three parties (the customary European mix of centre-right, centre-left and liberal) as the main contestants. The present government, which took office in October 2000, is typical of this pattern, consisting of a four-party coalition led by the Slovenian Liberal Democratic party, the centrist grouping which has consistently been the largest party in the national assembly. The result was similar to those of 1992 and January 1996. One constant presence, until his recent retirement, was Milan Kucan, who completed his second and final presidential term in 2002. Another has been Janes Drnovsek, who first took over as premier in 1992 and remained at the helm for the next ten years. In 2002, following the most recent presidential poll, Drnovsek replaced Kucan as president. Anton Rop took over as premier. Slovenian foreign policy has focused on improving links with Western Europe, with the eventual aim of joining the EU. The EU began membership negotiations with Slovenia in early 1998. By and large, these proceeded smoothly: the only real obstacle was a series of interrelated disputes with Italy over territory and property acquired by Yugoslavia after the 1947 post-war settlement in the region. Slovenia will be the first of the former Yugoslav republics to join the EU. This is very likely to be with the next batch of ten new members scheduled to join in 2004. Government: The constitution promulgated in December 1991 allows for the election of a new bicameral legislature. The first chamber is the 90-seat Drzavni Zbor (National Assembly) in which 50 seats are indirectly elected, 38 directly elected and two reserved for Slovenia’s Italian and Hungarian ethnic minorities. The upper house, known as the Drzavni Svet (National Council) has 22 directly elected members and 18 members chosen by an electoral college. The upper house has a mainly advisory role but retains powers of veto over decisions of the Drzavni Zbor. All those elected serve a four-year term. The State President, a largely ceremonial figure, is also elected, but for a five-year term. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.