SOUTH EASTERN EUROPE 415Few countries in South Eastern
Europe pack as much variety into
such a small geographical area as
Slovenia. The landscape changes
swiftly between the Alps and
limestone plateaus, dense forests and
Mediterranean coastline, all within a
very short distance of each other. At
the heart of the country is Ljubljana,
a city combining graceful architecture
with an exuberant life style.
The population is relatively
homogenous with 83 per cent of its
two million inhabitants ethnically
Slovene. Small but signifi cant
minorities include Albanians,
Bosnians, Croats and Serbs, who
came to live and work in Slovenia
during the Yugoslav period.HISTORY
The Slovene nation has its origins
in the great migrations of the
6th century, when Slav tribes from
the Carpathian basin settled in the
Drava and Sava valleys. A Slav tribal
state known as Carantania came
into existence in the territory of
present-day Slovenia and southern
Austria, but this soon came under
the control of more powerful
German-speaking rulers.
In the medieval period, the
country was governed by feu-
dal landowners, including the
Babenbergs, the Spannheims and the
Counts of Celje. Ultimate authority
was also wielded at various times by
Hungarian kings, German emperorsSLOVENIA
D
espite being one of Europe’s smallest nations, Slovenia
offers magnificently varied scenery and splendid
architecture. Since 1991, it has re-established itself as a
major holiday destination for outdoor pursuits, high-quality health
spas and ski resorts. Economic growth has helped sustain tourism,
and the lively people make Slovenia a welcoming place to visit.
The exquisite Church of the Assumption, Lake Bled
Pavement café on Old Square, Ljubljana’s oldest medieval square