SLOVENIA

36
GENERAL
INFORMATION
»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, That all men free, No more shall foes, but neighbours be!«
(F. Prešeren, Zdravljica - National anthem of the Republic of Slovenia)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Official name: Republic of Slovenia
Political system: parliamentary republic
Area: 20,273 km 2
Forest: 11.854 km 2
Vineyards: 163,5 km 2
Slovenia’s international borders 1370 km:
Austria (318 km) • Italy (280 km) •
Hungary (102 km) • Croatia (670 km)
Length of coast: 46.6 km
Capital: Ljubljana
Population: 2,054.741 (2011)
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)
Currency: EURO (EUR)
Education: Universities in Ljubljana, Maribor, Nova Gorica
and Primorska
104.003 students (2011/12)
Culture: 19 professional and numerous amateur theatres,
2 operas, 45 permanent galleries, 121 museums, 6
professional orchestras and a symphony orchestra
Media: 12 daily newspapers, 44 weeklies, state television,
private television, state radio station, local radio stations
More statistical information on
www.ukom.gov.si, www.stat.si
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
January 1 New Year / 8 February, Prešeren Day / Easter
Sunday / Monday /27 April, Day of uprising against
the Occupation / 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 Day / 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
offices in some hotels, petrol stations, tourist agencies,
supermarkets and at numerous small exchange
offices throughout Slovenia.The 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. Public telephones
operate on magnetic cards which can be bought at
post offices or newsstands. More info on
www.posta.si
The international outgoing call prefix is 00 and the prefix
for international calls to Slovenia is 386.
The 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. The 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
By car or coach, enter Slovenia from Italy, Austria,
Hungary or Croatia. Slovenia is a member of the EU
and part of the Schengen Area. The borders with
Italy, Austria and Hungary have no border controls
and may be crossed anywhere and at any time. At the
border with Croatia, border checks are carried out in
accordance with Schengen standards, a simplified
procedure being in place for EU citizens.
BRINGING IN ITEMS
The flow 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 filled in by sellers. The form must be stamped
by the customs office at the border crossing upon
leaving a Member State of the EU. The 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