“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign”
-- Robert Louis Stevenson====================================================================
(in the northwestern Balkans region of central Europe) The Republic of Slovenia is predominantly mountainous and wooded, with deep, fertile valleys and numerous rivers. It is one of the more prosperous regions of the Balkans. Its economy is based largely on services and manufacturing -- and forestry, livestock, and crops, including potatoes, grains, and fruits, are also important. The Slovenes settled the region in the 6th century CE. In the 8th century it was incorporated into the Frankish empire of Charlemagne, and in the 10th century it came under Germany as part of the medieval empire (later the Holy Roman Empire). Except for the period from 1809 to 1814, when Napoleon ruled the area, most of the lands belonged to Austria until the formation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in 1918. For most of the 20th century, Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia. After World War II, Slovenia came under communist rule as one of the six constituent republics of a newly formed Yugoslav federation. The federation eventually disintegrated in 1991–92. During that period, Slovenia established its independence and adopted a democratic constitution.
+ From the soaring peaks of the Julian Alps and the subterranean magic of Postojna and Škocjan caves, to the sparkling emerald-green lakes and rivers and the short but sweet coastline along the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia has much to offer its visitors. A mixture of climates brings warm Mediterranean breezes up to the foothills of the Alps, where it can snow even in summer. And with more than half of its total surface still covered in forest, Slovenia does more than simply claim it is "green," it really is one of the greenest countries on earth.
+ Indeed, Slovenia is first and foremost an outdoor destination. Local people favor active holidays, and you’ll be invited to join in. The list of activities on offer is long, with the most popular pursuits being skiing, walking and hiking in the mountains, and increasingly, cycling. Fast rivers like the Soča are great for rafting and there are many opportunities to try other activities like horseback riding, ballooning, caving, and canyoning. (One can also decamp to the Adriatic coast and sunbathe on the Adriatic.)
+ One might be forgiven for thinking that anything of beauty in this greenest of green lands is all natural. Yet, it isn't necessarily so. Where man intrudes is often to good effect, such as at Lake Bled (shown here), where a baroque chapel on a beautiful island, and a dramatic castle looming above, complete a harmonious whole. The architecture is wonderfully varied: from the Venetian harbor towns of the coast and the rustic Hungarian-style farmhouses of Prekmurje to the Gothic churches of the Julian Alps and the art nouveau splendors of Ljubljana. (The museums here are rich and the culture, quite vibrant.)
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