Geographical division of Slovenia:
Alps: 42.1% of territory
Dinaric Alps: 28.1% of territory
Pannonian Plain: 21.2% of territory
Mediterranean: 8.6% of territory
Highest peak:
Mt. Triglav: 2,864 metres
Largest protected natural area:
Triglav National Park, 83,807 ha
Largest karst cave:
Postojna Cave: 19.5 km
Largest lake:
Cerknica Lake (intermittent): 26 km2
Longest river: Sava - 221 km
Slovenia is situated in Central Europe and covers an area of 20,273 km2 (that's half the size of Switzerland). It has borders with Italy (280 km), Austria (318 km), Croatia (670 km) and Hungary (102 km).
Relief
Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinaric area, the Pannonian plain and the Mediterranean.
The coastline is only 46.6 km long, but there are 26,000 kilometres of rivers and streams, some 7,500 fresh water springs, including several hundred of first class therapeutic mineral springs.
Landscape
Forests cover half the territory; Slovenia is the third most forested country in Europe, right after Finland and Sweden. Remnants of primeval forests are still to be found, the largest in the Kočevje area. Bears, which can no longer be found north of this region, still live in these forests, and it also is possible to encounter a wolf or a lynx.
Grassland covers 5,593 km2 of the country, and fields and gardens 2,471 km2. There are also 363 km2 of orchards and 216 km2 of vineyards.
Climate
Most of Slovenia has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperatures are -2°C in January and 21°C in July. The average rainfall is 1000 mm for the coast, up to 3500 mm for the Alps, 800mm for the Southeast and 1400 mm for central Slovenia.
Biodiversity
Slovenia is home to more than 15,000 animal species and 3,200 plant species.
Environmental protection
Approximately 11% of Slovenia's territory is specially protected; the largest area with such a regime is the Triglav National Park with a surface area of 848 km2. The Škocjan Caves were entered on the world heritage list at UNESCO in 1986, and the Sečovlje saltpans and Cerknica Lake are included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Slovenia's Treasures
The Slovenian Sea
Presentation of some interesting parts, like Secovlje saltpans, Strunjan Nature Reserve, Cape Madona Nature Monument, etc.
Waters of Slovenia
Slovenian rivers, lakes, waterfalls, mineral and thermal waters.
Karst and Kras
A comprehensive paper about Karst investigations in Slovenia.
The Return of the Wildcat
Short article about reintroducing the wildcat (lynx) to the Kočevje forests.
Lipizzaner Horse
An article about this unique, proud and dignified horse.
Pearls of the Floral Wealth of Slovenia
Learn about 20 endemic plants; pictures and detailed descriptions
Sečovlje Saltpans
The first wetland in Slovenia to be included in the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance.
Beekeeping in Slovenia - Homeland of Carniolan Bee
This page contains some links to Slovene Beekeeping sources, like Museum of Apiculture in Radovljica, etc.