Slovenia is the hidden pearl or Europe that many have either overlooked or have never heard of before.

Slovenia border Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy. Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country.

This small country covers a mere 20 273 square kilometres of land. 36% of the territory is protected by National Parks, including the famous Triglav National Park, 3 regional parks and 40 historical sites of importance. 

In Slovenia the predominant colour is green. Forests cover almost 60% of the territory, and there are even remnants of virgin forest in the south of the country. The sunny slopes of many hills in the winegrowing districts are planted with vines . Meadows can still be found in the valleys, although most fertile areas are used for agriculture.

Slovenia is not a very urbanised country, with the proportion of the population living in towns and urban settlements barely exceeding 50%.  The country's love of its nature provides the driving force behind its sustainable development policies and protection of its environment, flora and fauna.

The official language is Sloenian, although in the south of the country Italian is recognised as the second official language. Notwithstanding this, English is spoken widely throughout the country. 

Since 2004, Slovenia is a member of the European Union and in 2007, it became a member of the Schengen Zone. The Euro is the official currency. The country has adopted a parliamentary system of democratic government.

Intereting facts about Slovenia:

• Slovenia is a member of the European Union and the Schenge Zone.
• GDP per capital is around 20.000 евро.
• Life expectancy: Men 73 and Women 81. 
• Slovenia is one of the saftest countries in the world. 
• Education is free of charge in Slovenia. 
• The country has a well developed Social System. 
• Slovenia ranks second in Europe in terms of forest cover; 58% of the country is covered by forest and Slovenia is home to several special of bears, wolves and lynx.
• Slovenia has 27 000km of rivers and streams as well as an abundance of natural mineral and thermal sources. 
• 216 square kilometres of land are covered by vineyards. 
• Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst.