ABOUT LJUBLJANA, the "beloved"
ESSENTIAL FACTS
- Status: The capital of the Republic of Slovenia
- Area: 273 km2
- Population: 276,000
- Average temperature in January: - 0.3 °C
- Average temperature in June: 20.7 °C
- Altitude: 298 m above sea level
POSITION
Situated on a natural passage between Central Europe & Mediterranean toward the East - trade routes and waves of migration have passed through here for centuries.
Distances between places in Slovenia are short, which makes Ljubljana a perfect base for exploring the country's diverse beauty. Within a single day you can visit the Slovenian coast and high mountainous regions, and experience the Mediterranean, Alpine and continental climate.
ECONOMY
The transit character of this area has stimulated the constant growth of economic and cultural ties with other cities and nations. Ljubljana’s economy has always been quite heterogeneous, enabling it to adapt rapidly to the ever-changing environment of the world economy. Ljubljana produces about 25% of Slovenia’s Gross Domestic Product.
Industry is the most important employer in the city (pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food-processing), and Ljubljana’s industrial companies are among the major Slovene exporters. Further major employers are retailing, financial and business services, transport and communication, construction, skilled trades and services, tourism and catering. In the public sector: education and culture, health care and social security, social organizations, local administration.
LIFESTYLE
Ljubljana is famed for its historical heritage and tradition, but on the other hand, it is a relatively young city with a modern lifestyle whose residents' average age is only slightly above 30.
both the Central European and the Mediterranean spirit have influenced the temperament of its residents.
Classified as a mid-sized European city, has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere while providing all the facilities of a modern capital a city with a high quality of life - greenery, city centre occupied by parks and forests.
Ljubljana’s appearance and flair has charmed many visitors. The traveler will find here a unique combination of a tranquil capital city bubbling with the spiritual energy of the nation.
ARCHITECTURE
Uniqueness wherever you turn, preserved evidence of a five thousand year history including the remains of the Roman city of Emona.
The old city centre with its medieval castle, Baroque façades, decorative portals and uneven roofs, picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica river and the vast Tivoli park.
Ljubljana's present appearance is partly due to the Italian Baroque and partly to Art Nouveau, which found expression in numerous buildings constructed after the earthquake of 1895.
In the second half of the 20th century, world famous architect Jože Plečnik put a personal stamp on his native Ljubljana (market place, Križanke open air theatre, national library…).
CULTURE
Culture in Ljubljana is truly a way of life. Ljubljana each year hosts over 10,000 cultural events, from prestigious musical, theatre and art events to alternative and avant-garde events, including 14 international festivals. Ljubljana is also a seat one of the world's oldest philharmonic societies.
Ljubljana has big historic museum collections and is also a seat of all the others Slovenian major museums. If you are an art lover you won’t be disappointed since there are a number of art galleries which you can visit.
EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s biggest University City with over 60.000 students attending different faculties. Yearly visited by numerous scientist attracted by the international reputation of its university, Ljubljana represents one of the meeting points for the exchange of the new knowledge in this part of Europe. World renowned artists are fascinated by Ljubljana’s vibrant and creative spirit, businessmen are attending business meetings and trade exhibitions since the area is under a rapid economic development and international experts are more and more attracted by conferences held in the city.
MUST-SEES
- Ljubljana castle on foot or by cable car (funicular)
- Križanke open air theater
- Open Market
- Cathedral
- Old town
- Tromostovje (Triple bridge)
- Kongresni trg
- Museums
- Tivoli Park
- Ljubljanica River
SOUVENIRS
Souvenirs are available at tourist info centers. Also, check out the market for some traditional Slovenian products, souveniers and food, wines, spirits etc.
SHOPPING
- BTC City, Rudnik shopping area, city center
- Flea market every Sunday morning in the city center
- Ljubljana central market
MORE INFO & STUFF
ABOUT SLOVENIA
Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia, is a country in Central Europe bordering Italy to the west, the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north. The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana.
USEFUL INFO
- Drinking: Alcohol is only sold to people over 18, and after 21:00 it cannot be bought in stores.
- Electricity: 220 V AC, 50 HZ, European two-pin plugs.
- Smoking: No smooking in public places, cigarettes can’t be sold to people under 18.
- Tipping: It’s not traditional to tip in Slovenia, though a reward of about 10 per cent for good service in a restaurant or bar is always appreciated.
- Visas: Many foreigners simply need a passport or ID card to enter Slovenia. Those requiring a visa will be able to travel feely between the Schengen-agreement countries for a limited amount of time, usually 90 days.
- Vinjeta – a (new) ticket to ride: Slovenia requires all motor vehicles traveling Slovenian highways to be in possession of vinjeta (veen-yeh-tah) stickers. This system now exists instead of paying tolls, and the vinjeta can be easily obtained at nearly all gas stations and kiosks.
BASIC DATA
- Population: Slovenia 2,019,406 (2007); Ljubljana 266,845 (2004)
- Area: 20,273 km2
- Ethnic composition: Slovenian 83%, former Yugoslav minorities 5,3%, Hungarian, Albanian, Roman, Italian and others 2,8%. Official language: Slovenian.
- Time zone: Central European (GMT +1hr)
- Longest river: Sava, 221km in Slovenia
- Highest mountain: Triglav, 2864 m
- Borders: 1,370km in total; 318km with Austria; 280km with Italy; 102 with Hungary; 670 with Croatia.
- Calling Slovenia: +386
- Language: Slovenian, a Slavic language. locals speak English, German or Italian.
- Money: Euro
- Politics: parliamentary democracy
- Religion: mostly Roman Catholic
MORE INFO & STUFF
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