Political system: democratic republic

Location: Central Europe

Capital city: Ljubljana

Population: approximately 2 million

Nationality: Slovenian

Total area: 20,273 km²
Land: 20,151 km²
Water surfaces: 122 km² (+ ~180 km² Adriatic Sea)
Forest coverage: ~58%
Highest point: Triglav – 2,864 m
Lowest point: Adriatic Sea – 0 m (-32 m)
Coastline length: 43,157 m
Longest river: Sava – 221 km in Slovenia
Largest natural lake: Lake Bohinj – 3.18 km²
Precipitation: 800–3,500 mm/year
Annual temperature: from 0°C (Kredarica) to 13°C (Portorož)

The average annual temperature in Slovenia ranges from approximately 0°C in the high mountains to 13°C along the coast, with a national average around 9°C–10°C. In recent decades, it has noticeably increased due to climate change.

Slovenia in Europe — Slovenia in the European context

Physical Geography of Slovenia

Slovenia lies in a geologically and geomorphologically highly diverse area, where four major European natural units converge: the Alps, Dinaric Mountains, Pannonian Plain, and Adriatic Coastal Region. This location creates high landscape diversity, ecological richness, and complex climatic dynamics.

Relief units

Alpine region (28%): Julian Alps, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Karawanks. Peaks above 2,000 m, glacial valleys, cirques, moraines. Highest peak: Triglav (2,864 m).

Dinaric Karst (23%): karst plateaus, poljes (Cerknica, Planina), sinking rivers, caves (Postojna, Škocjan - UNESCO).

Pannonian region (22%): plains and hills along the Mura, Drava, Krka; sedimentary basins, thermal springs.

Coastal region (2%): Slovenian Istria, cliffs, salt pans, karst edge; Adriatic coastline length: 43,157 m.

Geological structure and Climate

Lithological zones: limestone and dolomite (karst), metamorphic rocks (Alps), Neogene sediments. Junction of Eurasian and Adriatic microplates.

Mineral heritage: Idrija - mercury mine (largest in Europe); mining areas in Mežica, Litija.

Climate zones: alpine (>1,500 m), continental (interior), sub-Mediterranean (Primorska).

Hydrological system

Watersheds: 81% drains into the Danube (Sava, Drava, Mura), 19% into the Adriatic (Soča, Vipava).

Lakes: Lake Bled (glacial), Lake Bohinj (largest natural), Lake Cerknica (intermittent).

Wetlands: Ljubljana Marshes, Škocjanski zatok, Mura floodplains.

Vegetation and Protected areas

Forests: cover ~58% of the territory; dominated by beech, spruce, and mixed forests.

Triglav National Park: the only national park, 838 km².

Natura 2000: ~37% of the territory; habitat and species protection (lynx, bear, golden eagle).

UNESCO: Škocjan Caves - World Natural Heritage Site.

Regions of Slovenia

Gorenjska - Alpine region with Bled, Bohinj and Triglav (7.9%)

Primorska - coastal region with the Karst, Vipava Valley and Piran (8.1%)

Štajerska - wine-growing region with Maribor and Ptuj (12.3%)

Dolenjska - hilly landscape with the Krka River and Novo mesto (7.5%)

Burger Landmarks

Slovenia

Republic of Slovenia

virtual excursions 360°

Physical Geography of Slovenia

Relief units

Geological structure and Climate

Hydrological system

Vegetation and Protected areas

Regions of Slovenia

City Views

(1993/1998–2023)

Watercourses

Waterfalls, Watercourses and Lakes

Karst Caves

Exploration of the underworld

Mountains

The Alps and pre-alpine hills

Virtual Museums

Cultural heritage in 360°

Castles & Fortresses

Manors and fortifications

Sacral Heritage

Churches and monasteries

About the project MojaSlovenija.si