Where is Slovenia: A Country Profile!

Did you hear about the country of Slovenia but wondering where is Slovenia located?

I notice that some people confuse Slovenia with Slovakia and vice versa. Slovakia is a completely different country located in Central Europe. But then the question remains, where is Slovenia located?

I see Slovenia really as a hidden gem of Europe because it’s a beautiful country with green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and a fascinating past. This small country in the Balkans is full of surprises around every corner.

So, let’s dive in!

Where in the world is Slovenia?

Let’s answer the biggest question in this post, where do you find Slovenia? Well, Slovenia is a country in the Balkans that connects the eastern and western parts of the continent in a unique way.

Due to its strategic position at the crossroads of major cultural and trade routes in Europe, the country has had a lot of different influences and changes throughout its history.

Slovenia has a lot of different landscapes. In the north, you have the Alpine mountains, and in the south, there are Mediterranean-style beaches. In the eastern part of the country, there are flat plains and thick woods.

To me, Slovenia has a unique personality because of its mix of climate zones and landscapes. It is both a beautiful natural place and a major cultural crossroads in Europe.

Slovenia Bordering Countries

Slovenia borders with a number of countries:

• Italy: This country is known for having a long and rich past. It is a place where ancient ruins and modern cities coexist, and where art, fashion, and culture are part of everyday life.
  
  Italy has been a center for art, architecture, and food for hundreds of years, thanks to places like Rome, Florence, and Venice and the beautiful countryside of Tuscany.
  
  Sharing a border with Slovenia has made trade and cultural exchanges easier, especially when it comes to food and building. In the Slovenian coastal area, where Mediterranean flavors and Balkan traditions meet, you can see how each has affected the other.

• Austria: This arguably is the most beautiful place in the Alps. It has snow-capped peaks, stunning lakes, and thick forests. Austria is famous for its classical music, especially the works of Mozart and Strauss.
  
  It has also played a key role in European history, as it was once a part of the powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire. Slovenia shares a mostly alpine border with Austria, which has led to shared customs in mountain sports, winter sports, music, and (folk) dance.

• Hungary: This is a country on the Great Hungarian Plain with thermal spas, folk music, and a long history of good food. Its capital city, Budapest, is known as the Pearl of the Danube because of its beautiful architecture and interesting culture.
  
  From the Romans to the Ottomans, Hungary has been at the center of many different cultures, and each one has left its mark on its culture and buildings.
  
  The border with Slovenia has made it possible for many cultural and business exchanges to happen over the years.

• Croatia: This country has a beautiful coastline along the Adriatic, with ancient port towns, clear blue water, and a lot of islands. Its long past includes the Roman, Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires, all of which left their mark on its architecture and culture.
  
  Croatia has a diverse natural environment, with dense forests, rolling hills, and beautiful rivers beyond its coast. The border with Slovenia has always been important for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
  
  This has led to many traditions and memories that both countries share.

As you can, Slovenia borders with four beautiful countries and that are also well-worth a visit!

Was Slovenia part of the Soviet Union?

Nope, the Soviet Union did not include Slovenia. Instead, after World War II, Slovenia joined the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as one of its six states.

This federation, which was led for a long time by Josip Broz Tito, kept its own character and a certain amount of independence from the Soviet Union-led Eastern Bloc. In the early years after World War II, Tito’s Yugoslavia was more linked with the USSR.

However, by 1948, differences in political views and national interests led to a split between Tito and Stalin. From then on, Yugoslavia tried to keep a balance between the capitalist countries of the West and the communism countries of the East.

Slovenia, which was the most developed and westernised of the Yugoslav republics, was very important to the economy and society of the country.

After the short Ten-Day War in 1991, Slovenia finally broke away from Yugoslavia and set out on its own as an independent country.

What are Slovenians known for?

Slovenians have made a name for themselves in many different areas and are known for a number of unique things:

• Cultural Traditions: Slovenians are very close to their roots and have kept many old customs and traditions alive over the years. For example, at the yearly Kurentovanje festival in Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia, people wear traditional masks and costumes to scare away winter and welcome spring.
  
  This festival and many others like it show how deeply Slovenia is connected to the changing seasons, folklore, and pagan customs. Such traditions are not only a way to celebrate, but also a way to bring people together and pass on stories and ways of living from one family to the next.

• Natural Beauty: Slovenia has a lot of natural beauty, from the Alpine mountains to a short stretch of Adriatic coast. This makes it a great place if you love nature.
  
  Slovenia is one of the greenest countries in the world because woods cover more than half of the country! Mount Triglav, the highest point in Slovenia, is in the Triglav National Park.
  
  This shows how much Slovenia cares about protecting its natural spaces. Because the country cares about sustainability and the environment, it has become a popular place for eco-tourism and other activities that involve nature.

• Warm Hospitality: Slovenians often live by the saying, Love comes through the stomach, which shows that they think food is a great way to show warmth and welcome. And they are right!
  
  When you go to a Slovenian home or a local tavern, you will often be served hearty, home-cooked meals made with foods from the area. This natural sense of kindness makes sure that you, as a visitor, feel welcome and valued.

• Wines: Slovenia is a small country, but it has a long and rich history of making wine. Some of the places that make wine, like the Vipava Valley, make a wide range of wines, from strong reds to crisp whites.
  
  Slovenian wine, especially native types like Orange wine, has been getting a lot of attention and praise from people all over the world!
  
  Many of these wines come from family-run vineyards where customs have been passed down from generation to generation. This means that each bottle contains a piece of Slovenian history and culture.

You could say that Slovenia’s spirit is mostly made up of history, nature, friendliness, and craftsmanship.

Slovenians have a unique way of leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of on you, whether it’s through their culture festivals, untouched landscapes, friendly people, or age-old winemaking techniques.

Slovenia Population

Slovenia is a small Balkan country. The country has a population of just over 2 million. It’s a unique mix of busy cities like Ljubljana and Maribor and small, peaceful towns all over the countryside, each with its own customs and traditions.

What language do Slovenians speak?

Slovene, the language of Slovenia, is at the centre of its character. In addition to being the official language, it is also one of the oldest Slavic languages that has been written down. Pretty cool, right?

The Freising Manuscripts date back to the 10th century, which shows how old the language is.

If you want to know more about this topic, check out my post about the Slovenian language!

Can Slovenians understand Serbian?

Even though Slovene and Serbian are both Slavic languages, they are easier for older generations of Slovenians to understand Serbian.

The reason for this is that they spoke it every day and watched it on TV during the Yugoslav era. But the younger group might not be as good at it if they haven’t worked at it.

Can Slovenians understand Slovak?

I started this post with my personal observation that quite some people often mix-up these two countries. It’s good to know that Slovene and Slovak are not the same, even though their names sound very much alike.

But some words and sentences might sound familiar because they come from the Slavic language family. Still, without learning, it can be hard for people to understand each other.

Where is Slovenia: FAQs

The information below is related to country of Slovenia and will give you some more great insights!

Where do Slovenians come from?

Slovenians are descended from the Slavic people who moved to the Eastern Alpine region in the sixth century. Over the years, they have developed a unique culture by keeping their practises and blending well with cultures around them.

What is the capital of Slovenia?

The capital city, Ljubljana, is not only a political and economic centre, but also a lively culture hub and a lovely place to visit!

With the historic Ljubljana Castle looking over the city, beautiful bridges crossing the Ljubljanica river, and many festivals, it’s a microcosm of Slovenia’s rich tapestry of customs.

If you’re in Ljubljana and you would like to experience the city in a great way, I can really recommend to discover the city with a local:

✅ Book your Discover Ljubljana with a Local Tour here!

Where in slovenia is Melania from?

You might wonder, Melania who? Well, I am talking about Melania Trump! She was born in Novo Mesto and grew up in Sevnica.

She is known around the world as the former First Lady of the United States. Her rise to fame around the world has brought attention to this quiet part of Slovenia.

The Wrap-Up: Where is Slovenia?

To me, Slovenia is like a treasure chest full of things to do and see that are just ready to be exlored. With its perfect mix of nature, culture, and history, this country in the Balkans gives you a real taste of a beautiful part of Europe.

If you’re a bit short on time, check out my post about how to spend three days in Slovenia for the best experience! Even Slovenia in winter is great to visit.

Your restless voyager,

Dustin