Home

Winners 11-25

This country gained independence in 1991 and joined the European Union in 2004. 15 percent of its population of some 2 million live in the capital Ljubljana, the cultural and economic centre of the country. Despite its relatively small size, Slovenia features great scenic diversity. In the northwest the mountain peaks of the Limestone Alps dominate, while the northeast is characterised by lower mountains and hilly country. The 47 km long Adriatic coast in the extreme southwest of Slovenia features a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters. Football, basketball and handball belong to the sports in which Slovenia has traditionally been very successful. Alpine skiing and ski jumping are just as highly regarded as in Austria or Switzerland.