38____General <strong>info</strong>rmation 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 <strong>info</strong>rmation on <strong>www</strong>.ukom.gov.si, <strong>www</strong>.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 <strong>www</strong>.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 <strong>info</strong> on <strong>www</strong>.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 <strong>info</strong> on <strong>www</strong>.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
Ljubljana 3 - 6 June <strong>2010</strong> <strong>www</strong>.<strong>slovenia</strong>.<strong>info</strong>/siw Ljubljana host to SIW <strong>2010</strong> Come and take closer look: Ljubljana.
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