The history of the independent state of Slovenia begins in summer 1991, just 16 years ago, with Slovenia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia.

The Republic of Slovenia is small, just about the same size as the Federal State of Hessen in Germany, but there is hardly another corner of Europe where you can find such enormous diversity of landscape and culture in such a small area. Slovenia boasts mountains, sea, spectacular caves, countless castles and wonderful medieval cities, all just waiting for you to come and discover them.

Slovenia is located in Central Europe. The enormous diversity of its geography wows virtually every traveller who visits the country. With its total surface area of 20,273 sq. km., the landscape ranges from high and precipitous mountains to Mediterranean beaches on the Adriatic coast. Slovenia is bordered by Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy.

Slovenia's location between the Alps and the Adriatic means that it forms a meeting point of several climatic zones and acts as a transition zone between continental and Mediterranean climates. The country can be primarily divided into three separate climatic zones: an alpine climate in the Alps, a submediterranean climate near the coast, and the transition zone between these two climates in the interior of the country.

For the daytime our advice is to wear casual, functional clothes and comfortable footwear. For the evenings and cooler days a jacket and pullover might come in very handy.

Slovenian food is solid and high in calories, and there has been a renaissance of "rustic" dishes. Meat or fish usually form part of one of the main courses, and is often served with some form of batter pudding. A particular speciality in Slovenia is a special type of ham a little like Italian prosciutto (kraski prsut) which is served freshly sliced with olives.

Slovenia now uses the euro.

You will generally find overseas calls easy enough to make from hotels or post offices. Mobile phones tend to work fine in all the larger cities. The international prefix for Germany is 0049, that for Slovenia is 0038, and the first zero from the area code is dropped. The number for the emergency doctor in Slovenia is 112, and for the police 113.

All the larger towns and cities in Slovenia have a dispensing chemist (lekarna) which stays open all night and/or a hospital (bolnica). Most of the hospitals are modern and offer a high standard of care.

No inoculations are required for entry into Slovenia, but we would nonetheless advise travellers to check that they have been inoculated recently against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. If you need particular medication on a daily basis, please be sure to bring it with you in sufficient quantity.

Travellers should obtain information and medical advice on how to protect themselves against infection, what vaccinations are required and other prophylactic measures well in advance of their departure date. We would refer you to general sources of information on the country, especially from health authorities and doctors with experience of travel issues.

Mains voltage is generally 220 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. There is no need for an adapter.

Slovenia became a member of the European Union on 01.05.2004. In terms of entering and leaving the country, the customs regulations are essentially the same as for any other EU state. Since Slovenia has joined the EU there are virtually no customs checks at the border any more, although there are one or two exceptions to this. You should bear in mind that restrictions apply to goods subject to excise duty such as tobacco or spirits even within the EU.

The rules applicable to behaviour in Slovenia are basically no different from those for other Central European countries. As a foreigner you will be treated with great respect, and you will receive a warm welcome in Slovenia.

In general, Slovenia counts as a safe country to travel in, but all the same there is a significant risk of theft. Travellers may experience problems with pickpockets or car thieves; to avoid such problems you should never leave valuables, vehicle documents or luggage unattended in a car or indeed anywhere else. Our advice is to keep your valuables close to your body and always be aware of what is happening around you.