www.slovenia.info Travel Agent´s Manual 2010

38____General information
GENERAL
INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Offi cial name: Republic of Slovenia
Political system: parliamentary republic
Area: 20,273 km 2
Forest: 10,124 km 2
Vineyards: 216 km 2
Slovenia’s international borders:
Austria (318 km) • Italy (280 km) •
Hungary (102 km) • Croatia (670 km)
Length of coast: 46.6 km
Capital: Ljubljana
Population: 2,047,214 (oktober 2009)
Ethnic origin of population:
Slovene (83.06%), Italian (0.11%),
Hungarian (0.32%), Others (16.51%)
Language: Slovene
Religion: Roman Catholic (60%, 2002 census)
Climate: Sub-Mediterranean on the coast,
Continental in the interior of the country,
Alpine in higher-lying areas
Average temperatures:
January -2 °C, July 21 °C
Time zone: Central European Time (GMT +1)
Economy: GDP per capita (2007) - EUR
17,076 imports (2007) - EUR 21.5 billion
exports (2007) - EUR 19.4 billion
Currency: EURO (EUR)
Education: Universities in Ljubljana,
Maribor, Nova Gorica and Primorska
114,391 students (2008/2009)
Culture: 19 professional and numerous
amateur theatres, 2 operas, 45 permanent
galleries, 121 museums, 6 professional
orchestras and a symphony orchestra
Media: 9 daily newspapers, 45 weeklies,
state television, private television, state
radio station, local radio stations
More statistical information on
www.ukom.gov.si, www.stat.si
»God’s blessing on all nations, Who long and work for that bright
day, When o'er earth's habitations, No war, no strife shall hold its
sway, Who long to see, Th at all men free, No more shall foes, but
neighbours be!«
(F. Prešeren, Zdravljica - National anthem of the Republic of Slovenia)
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
1 and 2 January, New Year / 8 February,
Prešeren Day / 27 April, National Resistance
Day / 1 and 2 May, Labour Holiday / 25 June,
National Day / 15 August, Feast of the Assumption
/ 31 October, Reformation Day / 1
November, Day of the Dead / 25 December,
Christmas / 26 December, Independence Day
BANKS
Banks exchange foreign currency and travellers
checks, open accounts and it is possible
to send money orders and transfer payments.
Opening hours on weekdays are from 8:30 to
12:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00. It is also possible
to change money at exchange offi ces in
some hotels, petrol stations, tourist agencies,
supermarkets and at numerous small exchange
offi ces throughout Slovenia.Th e latest
exchange rates are available on the website of
the Bank of Slovenia www.bsi.si/en/
STORES
Shops are generally open non-stop on weekdays
from 8:00 to 19:00, on Saturdays from
8:00 to 13:00 (some stores until 21.00), and
some stores also open on Sundays and holidays.
Payment is in euro. Most stores accept
American Express, Diners, Master Card - Euro
Card and Visa credit cards.
POST OFFICE
Opening hours on weekdays are 8:00 to 18:00,
and on Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00. Only
main post offi ces in larger centres are open
in the evenings and on Sundays. Public telephones
operate on magnetic cards which can
be bought at post offi ces or newsstands. More
info on www.posta.si
Th e international outgoing call prefi x is 00
and the prefi x for international calls to Slovenia
is 386.
Th e country is almost entirely covered by the
mobile phone network and operators have
contracts with larger European and international
operators.
More info on www.telekom.si/en
ACCESS TO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
As a member of the European Union, Slovenia
is part of the European health insurance
system. Th e European health-insurance card
gives citizens of the 27 EU Member States,
Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
easy access to healthcare during stays in
Slovenia. You can receive medical assistance
in health centres throughout Slovenia and at
hospitals in major towns.
BORDER FORMALITIES
Slovenia is a member of the EU, so entry from
EU Member States is rapid and easy under the
Schengen Agreement.
BRINGING IN ITEMS
Th e fl ow of goods between Member States of
the EU is tax-free, and regulations are uniform
in all Member States of the Union. Restrictions
apply only to the transport of tobacco
products and alcoholic beverages, where the
amount not subject to excise tax is limited.
http://carina.gov.si/angl/index.htm
DDV (VAT) TAX REFUNDS
As a member of the single European market,
Slovenia has removed the possibility of tax
refunds at border crossings since this form of
tax relief no longer exists among the Member
States of the EU. Visitors from countries that
are not members of the European Union must
have special forms for purchased goods fi lled
in by sellers. Th e form must be stamped by
the customs offi ce at the border crossing upon
leaving a Member State of the EU. Th e tax will
be returned by the institutions listed on the
form for tax-free purchases.
WATER
Tap water is suitable for drinking throughout
the country.
ELECTRICITY
220 V, 50 Hz
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
Police 113 / Fire 112 / Ambulance 112 /
AMZS (Automobile Association) 1987