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Slovenia
- Accession to the EU: 2004
- Accession to the Council of Europe: 1993
- Surface area: 20 256 km2
- Population: 2.12 million inhabitants (2023)
- Capital city: Ljubljana (278,000 inhabitants)
- Official languages: Slovenian
- Listen to Slovenian
- Currency: Euro
- Political system: Republic
- Head of state:Natasa Pirc Musar was elected President of the Republic of Slovenia on 13 November 2022
- Head of government: Prime Minister Robert Golob since June 1st, 2022
- Internationale code: +386
- National holiday: June 25th
- The Slovenian members of the European Parliament
History
Ljubljana
Bled
Tomaz Lavric
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History
It was in the 6th century that Slavic people from the East made their home in what is today Slovenia. Annexed by the Habsburgs during the 13th century, Slovenia remained under the domination of the Austrian Empire until the 19th century, except for the period from 1809 to 1813, when the region was under Napoleonic administration. Despite this long period of Austrian control, Slovene culture and identity were proudly conserved. At the end of the 19th century a nationalist movement arose, with its main policy being to secede from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Robba Fountain, Ljubljana © Slovenian Embassy in France
- 1918-1920 Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after the First World War, Slovenes are able to carry out their long-held dream of unification with the southern Slavs. The kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes is created.
- 1929 This kingdom now becomes known as Yugoslavia.
- 1941 Slovenia is invaded by Hitler’s troops. Yugoslavia is broken up and the Slovene territory is divided.
- 1946 Following resistance against the Nazis, the communists take power and form the Federal Peoples’ Republic of Yugoslavia. Slovenia becomes one of the six Republics of Yugoslavia.
- 1980 During the 1980s, tensions mount between the federal Yugoslav authorities and Slovenia, which seeks more autonomy.
- 1991 Slovenia declares its independence. This leads to the intervention of troops from the federal army, who withdraw after around 10 days of fighting and a ceasefire agreement, recognising Slovenian independence.
- 1992 The international community recognises the Slovene State. Since its creation, the country enjoys continuity where its internal politics are concerned, being governed by the same center-left coalition.
- 2004 Slovenia joins NATO and the European Union.
- 2004 The center-right party wins the parliamentary election. The new Slovene parliament appoints Janez Janša as Prime Minister.
- 2007 Adoption of the Euro.
- 2008 The social-democrat Borut Pahor becomes Head of government.
Ljubljana
According to a legend, Ljubljana was founded by the Greek hero Jason. On the run after having stolen the Golden Fleece, Jason had to face a terrible monster: the dragon of Ljubljana, the symbol of the town. Since the Romans arrived during the third century BC in this town (which they named Emona), through the period of Austrian presence, all the way up to present-day Slovenian independence, Ljubljana has borne witness to a rich cultural past. Although visitors can see the statue of the Emona Citizen in Congress Square, the town is above all known for its baroque art monuments. The cathedral, founded by the Franciscans, and the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers, are the finest examples of this architecture. During the 19th century, the famous architect Joze Plecnik left his mark on the town with the construction of a number of monuments, including the national and university library. He was also responsible for the development of part of the banks along the river Ljubljanica, an area for walking and relaxation, which is very popular with the Slovenes.
Houses on the quay © Slovenian Embassy in France
Bled
Situated in the heart of a valley, close to the Austrian border, Bled is a mountain resort famous for its lake, considered one of the most romantic in the Alps. An island is located in the center of the lake, accessible by small boats, upon which a baroque 17th century church is built, with its bell tower lit up in the evenings. This spot was a holiday location for the Austrian and Hungarian aristocracy during the time of the Empire. Today, the many luxurious hotels found around the lake attract leading names in the field of politics. The golf course (the oldest in Slovenia) was built in 1937 for the diplomatic corps which came to stay in Bled. Golf lovers consider this course to be one of the finest in Europe. Bled is also a spa resort, famous for its hot water springs. All of these features make Bled a flagship tourist destination in Slovenia, attracting a clientele from both Europe and the United States.
Bled © Slovenian Embassy in France
Tomaz Lavric
Born in 1964 in Ljubljana, Tomaz Lavric (known as TBC) is an illustrator, caricaturist, and cartoonist. His work is particularly interesting for those looking to understand the various facets of the Slovenian mentality. Whether in his weekly satirical cartoon Diareja (published since 1988), in which he comments on the political situation during the time of Yugoslavia, or in his album The Red Alert (1996), tracing the history of young punks under the communist political system, Tomaz Lavric helps us understand how the Slovenes experienced the political events sweeping their country on a daily basis. He became famous in 1997 with the Fables of Bosnia, a series of short stories focusing on the war in Bosnia, and Ratman, a humorous parody of super heroes who solve the problems of the town of Ljubljana. Recognised and appreciated in Europe for his dry humour, he has been awarded numerous prizes including the “Grand Prix” at the Sierre Festival in Switzerland and the “Silver Lion” in Brussels in 1999. It was Tomaz Lavric who drew Le Serment, the fourth part of the Le Décalogueseries. With a predilection for topical issues, in 2001 he published The Modern Times, a series of short stories on the transition of the ex-communist States to capitalism.
Le Décalogue IV of Tomaz Lavric © Le serment, Giroud-TBC © Editions Glénat
Did you know?
The Kozolec
The “kozolec” (a wooden building used for the drying and storage of hay) is a rural architectural style found only in Slovenia.
The Mountains
- Made up of mountains and valleys, Slovenia is often referred to as the Green Treasure of Europe. Forests cover more than half of its territory.
- The resort of Planica has the world’s largest natural ski-jump. Many records have been set here. In 1936, the Austrian Sepp Bradl broke the mythical 100 metres barrier in ski jumping. In 2000, a record jump of 225 metres was achieved in Planica!
- Slovenia is a paradise for sports lovers: the vast diversity of landscapes makes it possible to enjoy skiing, hiking, rafting, canoeing, paragliding or golf. One Slovene in five is a member of a sports club!!
© Ambassade de Slovénie en France
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