Economy
Poor or rich country?
When Slovenia was still part of Yugoslavia, the country was one of the most developed in the federation. Since 2004 Slovenia is also part of the EU – the internal market. The trade relations between Germany and Slovenia are close.
Slovenia exports some products, for example from the chemical sector, parts for car production, but also other machines. The electronics and pharmaceutical sectors are important, as is iron and steel production. 40 out of 100 people in Slovenia work in industry. Slovenia also has mineral resources such as ore, oil, coal and uranium.
Agriculture is also important
Much of the land is used for agriculture. Livestock breeding in particular plays a major role here. Pigs and cattle are bred, the latter are also important for the dairy industry. Potatoes, various types of grain, corn and fruit are also grown.
Tourism is growing in Slovenia
Tourism is also an important source of income for the country. Some visitors come to the coast for a beach holiday, others go hiking, explore nature or enjoy the significant natural treasures of Slovenia. In addition, there are the many thermal baths in the north, which wellness tourists like to visit. “Wellness” means so much health.
Eating in Slovenia
What do you eat in Slovenia?
The cuisine of Slovenia is very diverse. It is mainly influenced by the cuisines of neighboring countries. Often the dishes are very simple and correspond to a hearty cuisine, just as the farmers in the country cooked for a long time. Meat is often on the menu in Slovenia.
Vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, pumpkin and beets are also popular in Slovenian cuisine. Especially wild mushrooms are popular. They are always fresh from the forest on the table in late summer and autumn. But most of the time people in Slovenia say “Meat is my vegetable”. Pork is preferred. And many different types of sausage are made from this meat.
And what else is typical for Slovenia?
It is typical for Slovenia to use buckwheat. This is what a typical Slovenian dish is called Žganci.
Pickled fish
On the coast, salted fish are both a popular starter and snack. Usually sardines are used for this, which are marinated in oil, vinegar and spices and allowed to steep for a few weeks.
Mushroom omelette
Omelettes are also popular, especially with fresh mushrooms. Mushrooms are also part of the mushroom soup popular in Slovenia.
Soups in abundance
Beef soup, tomato soup and goulash soup are also popular soups in Slovenia. The “sour soup ” – Kisla juha – is prepared from sour milk – and then there is a soup that we mainly know from Italy, in which many different vegetables are processed, the minestrone, which is called Minestra in Slovenia. Gnocci and risotto, often with mushrooms, can also be found in western Slovenia. A type of air-dried ham called Pršut is known and is similar to the Italian Serrano ham.
The cuisine in eastern Slovenia
The Hungarian influence is more noticeable in eastern Slovenia. There is a lot of paprika here – typical for Hungary – and above all a stew called Bograč (pronounced “Bograatsch”). It takes its name from a special kettle in which stews were cooked for hours over an open fire.
Are there also sweets in Slovenia?
Štruklji, dumplings filled with walnuts and spices that serve as a side dish or dessert are popular sweets.
Prekmurska gibanica is a special cake made from puff pastry filled with cottage cheese, poppy seeds, walnuts and apples. It all sounds pretty tasty!
Traditions and Festivals
The Slovenes love to party
Even today, folk dances and folk music are preserved as a tradition in the country. Many people wear old costumes on festive occasions and these costumes differ from region to region.
Blouses and shawls are often brightly colored or elaborately embroidered and the women wear black ankle-length skirts, while the men wear vests, breeches and hats. There are also colorful umbrellas and hoods adorned with lace, ribbons and embroidery.
Music march!
According to dentistrymyth, Slovenian folk music is famous and is still played at many festivals today. Accordion and various string instruments play to dance. It can be a polka or a waltz. In Slovenia, people love live music. There are many festivals, especially in summer, when folk music groups play. Of course, people like to dance too.
Celebrating Carnival in Slovenia
Kurentovanje in the city of Ptuj is a big carnival festival in Slovenia. Ptuj is the carnival stronghold in Slovenia. The city once belonged to Styria. Here the carnival is called “carnival” as we do. But with us you will also find other names for it such as Fastnacht or Carnival.
What is the Kurento?
The Kurento is a fierce monster and one of the many disguises and masks people wear that day. The Kurenti are spirits of the dead, at least that’s what the old popular belief wants to know. The Kurenti wear elaborately made masks, sometimes with goose feathers, sometimes with cow horns. That depends on the region where the spirits come from.
They are in sheepskin coats, carry a club in their hand and heavy bells around their waists. The Kurenti are supposed to drive away evil and usher in spring. Every year this festival attracts not only locals but also many tourists. It always takes place a week before the actual Mardi Gras Sunday.
