Where is Slovenia Located?

Where is Slovenia located on the map? Slovenia is an independent nation located in Southern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Slovenia on maps.

Slovenia Location Map

Slovenia Location in World Map

Location Information of Slovenia

Slovenia is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe, situated between Austria to the north, Italy to the west, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and southeast. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Alps, a long Adriatic Sea coastline, numerous lakes, caves, and forests. Despite its small size, Slovenia is recognized for its high quality of life, rich history, and impressive cultural heritage.

Latitude and Longitude

Slovenia is located at approximately 45.13° N latitude and 14.82° E longitude. The country lies in the central part of Europe and serves as a geographical link between the eastern and western parts of the continent. This location gives Slovenia a unique blend of Mediterranean, Alpine, and continental climate influences.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Ljubljana

The capital and largest city of Slovenia is Ljubljana. It is located in the central part of the country, along the Ljubljanica River, and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Slovenia. Ljubljana is known for its charming medieval old town, picturesque architecture, and vibrant arts scene.

Coordinates: 46.0511° N, 14.5051° E

Ljubljana has a population of around 300,000 and is a hub for government institutions, foreign embassies, and international organizations. The city is also famous for its green spaces, including Tivoli Park, and the hilltop Ljubljana Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Major Cities

  • Maribor: Maribor is Slovenia’s second-largest city, located in the northeastern part of the country, near the border with Austria. It is the cultural and economic center of the Štajerska region and is known for its wine production, as well as the Old Vine House, which claims to have the world’s oldest vine. Maribor is also famous for its ski resort, Pohorje, which attracts tourists in the winter. Coordinates: 46.5547° N, 15.6450° E
  • Celje: Celje is located in central Slovenia, about 20 kilometers from Ljubljana. It is a historic city with a rich medieval past and is known for the Celje Castle, one of the largest and most impressive castles in the country. Celje has an important industrial and cultural heritage and serves as a center for trade, commerce, and education in the region. Coordinates: 46.2333° N, 15.2670° E
  • Kranj: Kranj is a city in the northwestern part of Slovenia, close to the Alps. It is known for its medieval old town, historical architecture, and scenic location between the Sava River and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Kranj is also an important economic center in the region, particularly for industry and innovation. Coordinates: 46.2372° N, 14.3642° E
  • Novo Mesto: Novo Mesto is a town in southern Slovenia, near the border with Croatia. It is an important economic and cultural center, known for its old town, beekeeping, and wine-making traditions. The town is located in the valley of the Krka River, and its scenic surroundings attract visitors. Coordinates: 45.8014° N, 15.1642° E

Time Zone

Slovenia is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC +1:00. During daylight saving time, the country follows Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC +2:00.

  • Time difference with New York City: Slovenia is 6 hours ahead of New York City during standard time, and 5 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the U.S.
  • Time difference with Los Angeles: Slovenia is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time, and 8 hours ahead during daylight saving time.

Climate

Slovenia has a temperate climate with influences from the Mediterranean, the Alps, and continental Europe. As a result, it experiences four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Slovenia can be quite cold, particularly in the Alpine region, where temperatures can drop below freezing. Snow is common in the mountains, making it a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. Coastal areas like Piran remain relatively mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 0°C.

  • Average temperature: Between -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F) in the lowlands and -6°C to -10°C (21°F to 14°F) in the mountains.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Slovenia is characterized by moderate temperatures, with the landscapes gradually turning green as flowers bloom. This is a great time to visit the country as the weather is comfortable and nature comes to life. The temperature can fluctuate, but it is usually mild.

  • Average temperature: Between 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) in the lowlands and 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F) in the mountains.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Slovenia is warm but not excessively hot, particularly in the mountains. The coastal areas along the Adriatic Sea experience pleasant temperatures, and it is a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.

  • Average temperature: Between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the lowlands and 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in the mountains.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall. It is a wonderful season for wine lovers, as Slovenia’s wine regions, particularly in the Posavje and Štajerska regions, celebrate the harvest with festivals and tastings.

  • Average temperature: Between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in the lowlands and 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) in the mountains.

Economic Status

Slovenia has a highly developed economy, with a strong focus on industrial production, services, and trade. As a member of the European Union, Slovenia’s economy is closely integrated with the wider European market, and it has experienced steady growth since its independence in 1991.

Key Sectors of the Economy

  • Manufacturing: Slovenia has a well-developed manufacturing sector, particularly in machinery, automobiles, and electrical equipment. Companies like Revoz (a subsidiary of Renault) and Krka (a major pharmaceutical company) are major contributors to the country’s economy.
  • Services: The services sector, particularly in finance, insurance, and tourism, is a vital component of the Slovenian economy. Ljubljana and Maribor are the primary hubs for financial services, while tourism contributes significantly to GDP, with visitors coming for both nature and culture.
  • Agriculture: Although agriculture is not the largest sector, Slovenia produces a wide variety of crops, including wheat, corn, grapes (for wine production), and fruit. The country also has a well-developed dairy and livestock sector.
  • Tourism: Slovenia’s tourism industry is booming, with the country attracting visitors for its natural beauty, including the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, and Triglav National Park. Cultural tourism also plays a significant role, with visitors drawn to historical towns like Piran, Ljubljana, and Ptuj.

Challenges

Despite its strong economic performance, Slovenia faces challenges, including an aging population, regional disparities, and the need to adapt to environmental sustainability. However, the country remains one of the most prosperous nations in Central Europe.

Tourist Attractions

Slovenia is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming cities, and historical landmarks. Here are some of the key tourist attractions:

1. Lake Bled

One of Slovenia’s most famous landmarks, Lake Bled is known for its picturesque setting and the Bled Castle, perched above the lake. The Bled Island is also a popular tourist destination, where visitors can take a traditional boat ride to the island and visit the Assumption of Mary Church.

Coordinates: 46.3625° N, 14.1042° E

2. Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave is one of the longest and most visited caves in the world, located in southwestern Slovenia. The cave system features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and visitors can take a train ride through the caves, which also house unique Proteus creatures, also known as “baby dragons.”

Coordinates: 45.7833° N, 14.2000° E

3. Triglav National Park

Located in the Julian Alps, Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only national park, named after Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching.

Coordinates: 46.3333° N, 13.8833° E

4. Piran

Piran is a historic coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, known for its Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and the Tartini Square. It is one of the best-preserved towns along the Slovenian coast.

Coordinates: 45.5260° N, 13.5951° E

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can enter Slovenia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. This is due to Slovenia being part of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel between member states. U.S. citizens must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond their planned stay.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

  • Distance from New York City: The distance from New York City to Ljubljana, Slovenia is approximately 7,300 km (4,500 miles), with a flight time of around 9 hours.
  • Distance from Los Angeles: The distance from Los Angeles to Ljubljana is approximately 10,400 km (6,460 miles), with a flight time of around 12 hours.

Slovenia Facts

Size 20,273 km²
Residents 2.06 million
Language Slovenian
Capital Ljubljana
Longest river Save (221 km in Slovenia)
Highest mountain Triglav (2,864 m)
Currency Euro