On The Sunny Side Of The Alps Lies Slovenia

DISCOVER SLOVENIA
Slovenia is a relatively mall country in area, half the size of Switzerland for example, tucked into a mountainous corner between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Adriatic sea. Everything in Slovenia seems in abundance, the majestic Alps with their glasical valleys, rivers, and lakes, plenty of forests, mysterious karst, caves, the warm Adriatic sea. Lying as it does along the foothills of the eastern end of the chain of Alps, at the very tip of the most northerly Mediterranean bay, open towards Hungary – and the south. It is a natural hub of European routes and melting of the Alpine, Panonian, Dinaric and Mediterranean worlds, each leaving its own mark, creating a countryside, which is for the most green. Slovenia is a largely mountainous country, almost half of it covered with forests. Cultivated areas with pastures, fields, vineyards and orchards amount over 43 percent.

More than half of the population lives in towns, most of which date from Roman times. The mountain tops rise above 2500, but the south eastern parts slowly changes into wide plateaus. The contrast of Slovenia’s landscape surprises first time visitors, all within 20.273 square kilometers. The Julian Alps are the first mountain barrier separating the Mediterranean from continental Central Europe. As result there is no lack of rains and snow in this region and water can be found in all its forms. Slovenia is one of the most densely forested countries in Europe, a good million hectares are covered with forests.

Peaceful and quiet, Slovenes are an integrated society. As one of the oldest and most diverse nations in Europe, it is a modern, progressive democracy. Nearly 90 percent are Slovenes and about 10 percent Italians, Hungarians or others. Most Slovenes speak English, German or Italian as their second language. A population of 2 Million and GNP amounting to 12.000 USD, it generates a GNP of USD 18.5 billion annually and conducts foreign trade worth more than 25 billion USD. Slovenia holds the strategic Adriatic seaport of Koper and a free trade zone that operates terminals and logistics distribution center. The port of Koper maintains intensive shipping and other logistical and transport link in the Mediterranean and the Middle east.

LJUBLJANA COSMOPOLITAN CAPITAL CITY
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s attractive medieval capital is very cosmopolitan. It geographical position has governed its colorful past. A brisk migration of nations followed through the Ljubljana gateway, part of the natural entrance from Central Europe to the Mediterranean, the Balkans and onwards. The city is dominated by an ancient castle and adorned with baroque buildings, architectural master pieces, and atmospheric open market and Art nuveau mansions. The city has a live artistic life, especially in performing arts. Toda this vibrant city continues to assert its new role as an European capital. It is city with a soul, featured by the medieval Old town which sits comfortable in the shadow of an ancient hilltop castle. It lies on the bank of the Ljubljanica River and is scattered with bridges, parks and greeneries. As a contact to heritage of the past, modern Ljubljana breathes a dynamic flair. The Ljubljana University with 43.000 students and 41 research and educational institutes generates an outstanding research potential. While the World Trade Center and the Ljubljana Fair & Exhibition grounds represent the key establishments in the city business life.

MOUNT TRIGLAV REIGNS
Above the Slovene Alps, one mountain visible from far around reigns supreme. In the classic period of Alpine climbing conquests some two hundred years ago, this mountain was celebrated as Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn or Grossglockner, even though it reaches "only" 2.864 meters above sea level. It is the eternally regal and powerful Mount Triglav. The famous English traveler Longstaff claimed that this mountain rules over a dream world and therefore has no equal. Slovenes consider it sacred and believe that every Slovene should climb Mount Triglav at least once in his or her lifetime. The name of the mountain literally means "three heads" one to rule the sky, the second the earth, and third the underworld.

GEO STRATEGIC POSITION
Slovenia enjoys an extremely favorable geo-strategic position. It has enjoyed steady and sustained economic development, a growth mostly stimulated by foreign demand. Over 60 percent of Slovenia GDP is generated by the services sector during 2002, and manufacturing which is still of major importance. As an export oriented economy it increases its international trade both in terms of quantity and value. Its main trading partners are Germany, followed by Italy, Croatia, Austria, France, Russia and United Kingdom. During last year, the attention was focused on the markets of Russia and South eastern Europe.

THE SLOVENE LANGUAGE
Played the key role at all critical junctions of Slovene history. But the distillation of a modern Slovene consciousness during the Nineteen century was made possible by the work of France Preseren. When Slovenes were able to form a nation, it was Preserens poetry as their touchstone. And again Slovenes turned to Preseren for their national anthem and sung

Gods blessing that every nation will live to see that bright days
Brith when neat the sun rotation dissent is banished from the earth All will be kinfolk free with neighbors none in enmity.
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SLOVENIA IN BRIEF
Independent state since 1991
Area: 20.256 km2
Population 1.990.000 (90 percent ethnic Slovenes)
Capital: Ljubjana 261.826 inhabitants
Major towns: Maribor, Kranj, Velenje, Novo mesto
Major port: Koper and free trade zone 4.743.000 m2
Averate rate of GDP growth 4.1 percent

FURTHER READING
Dr. France Preseren, Poems