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
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