Slovenia
Slovenia is a small country located in Central and Southeastern Europe, where the Alps, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Pannonian Plain meet. It borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and east. Although Slovenia has only about 47 kilometres of coastline along the Adriatic Sea, its geographical position provides access to both Central Europe and the Mediterranean. The capital and largest city is Ljubljana, which serves as the country's political, cultural, and economic centre.
Geographically, Slovenia is one of Europe's most diverse countries despite its small size. The north and northwest are dominated by the Julian Alps, Karawanks, and Kamnik–Savinja Alps, with Mount Triglav, at 2,864 metres, being the country's highest peak and a national symbol. The central region consists of hills, valleys, and extensive karst landscapes, giving Slovenia its international reputation for caves such as Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves. In the northeast, the landscape gradually changes into fertile plains suitable for agriculture, while the short Adriatic coastline has a Mediterranean climate. Slovenia's climate varies considerably, ranging from Alpine conditions in the mountains to continental conditions inland and Mediterranean conditions along the coast. Major rivers include the Sava, Drava, and Soča, which are important for hydroelectric power, irrigation, and tourism.
Slovenia has a long history influenced by its position at the crossroads of Europe. The region was first inhabited by prehistoric peoples before becoming part of the Roman Empire, where important settlements such as Emona (modern Ljubljana) were established. After the fall of Rome, Slavic peoples settled in the area during the 6th century. Throughout the Middle Ages, Slovenian territories came under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire and later the Habsburg Monarchy, remaining closely linked to Austria for centuries.
Following the collapse of Austria-Hungary after World War I, Slovenia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia. During World War II, the country was occupied by Germany, Italy, and Hungary before becoming one of the republics of socialist Yugoslavia under Josip Broz Tito. Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia on 25 June 1991 after a brief Ten-Day War. Since independence, the country has developed into a stable democratic republic. Slovenia joined the European Union and NATO in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2007, becoming the first former Yugoslav republic to do so.
Agriculture plays a relatively modest but important role in Slovenia's economy due to the country's mountainous terrain, which limits the amount of arable land. Farming is concentrated in the fertile northeastern plains and river valleys. Major crops include maize, wheat, barley, potatoes, hops, sugar beet, and various fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes. Slovenia is well known for its vineyards and high-quality wine production, particularly in the regions of Primorska, Podravje, and Posavje. Livestock farming is also important, especially dairy cattle, pigs, poultry, and sheep. Small-scale and family-owned farms remain common, with increasing emphasis on sustainable and organic agriculture.
Fishery is relatively limited because of Slovenia's short coastline. Marine fishing takes place in the Adriatic Sea, where species such as sardines, anchovies, sea bass, and shellfish are caught. Freshwater fisheries are more significant, with rivers and lakes supporting trout, carp, pike, and grayling. Aquaculture has expanded, particularly trout farming in mountain rivers and fish ponds. Sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems is an important priority for preserving biodiversity and maintaining water quality.
Forestry is one of Slovenia's most important natural resource sectors. Approximately 60% of the country's land area is covered by forests, making Slovenia one of the most heavily forested countries in Europe. The forests consist mainly of beech, fir, spruce, oak, and pine. Forestry contributes significantly to the economy through timber production, furniture manufacturing, paper production, and wood processing industries. Sustainable forest management has long been a national priority, balancing economic use with biodiversity conservation and climate protection. Slovenia's forests provide habitats for a rich variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, deer, and numerous bird species, making them valuable for both conservation and ecotourism.
Overall, Slovenia is a country of remarkable geographical diversity, combining Alpine mountains, fertile plains, karst landscapes, and a Mediterranean coastline within a relatively small area. Its history reflects centuries of Central European and Balkan influences, while its modern economy benefits from sustainable agriculture, productive forestry, limited but important fisheries, and a strong commitment to environmental conservation.
Yugoslavia 1980 that what was then under Tito still strictly Soviet-dependent. Entry was not that easy and Bakshish was common. The passage to Greece had to take place over the Autoput. The distance was much driven on and very ailing. On the first Tramptour Michael and I had to change more frequently the car. In Lubljana, Zagreb, at the Plitwitzer lakes, Belgrade, Skopje and in between we stopped. In total we spent one week there. Especially the Plitvice Lakes (where the Karl May movies were shot) fascinated me a lot. We slept in the most impossible places in concrete pipes at the street, in new houses or simply at the street. The return trip we made with a Rainbow bus, that
During the second transit with the train in 1983 we didn't notice much, because it went overnight. But we could (with Barbara, Sabine). The third tour with Gundi in 1988 was also one week long. We drove again to the Plitvice Lakes, to Split, Niz, Dubrovnik, through Belgrade.
After many wars in the 90's (the last war in Europe) Yugoslavia today merged into five other states: Slovenia (now a member of the EU25), Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro, Macedonia. Germany has military control in Bosnia.