Geography of Slovenia: Difference between revisions
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[[Slovenia]] is situated at the crossroads of central [[Europe]], the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. The [[Alps]]--including the [[Julian Alps]], the [[Kamnik-Savinja Alps]], the [[Karavanke]] chain, and the [[Pohorje Massif]]--dominate northern Slovenia near [[Austria]]. Slovenia's Adriatic coastline extends for approximately 50 kilometers (39 mi.) from [[Italy]] to [[Croatia]]. The term "karst"--a limestone region of underground rivers, gorges, and caves-- originated in Slovenia's Karst plateau between Ljubljana and the Italian border. On the Pannonian plain to the east and northeast, toward the Croatian and [[Hungary|Hungarian]] borders, the landscape is essentially flat. However, the majority of Slovenian terrain is hilly or mountainous, with around 90% of the surface 200 meters or more above sea level. |
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<b>Location:</b> |
<b>Location:</b> |
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Southeastern or [[Central Europe]], eastern [[Alps]] bordering the [[Adriatic Sea]], between [[Austria]] and [[Croatia]] |
Southeastern or [[Central Europe]], eastern [[Alps]] bordering the [[Adriatic Sea]], between [[Austria]] and [[Croatia]] |
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Revision as of 01:01, 24 January 2003
Slovenia is situated at the crossroads of central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. The Alps--including the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Karavanke chain, and the Pohorje Massif--dominate northern Slovenia near Austria. Slovenia's Adriatic coastline extends for approximately 50 kilometers (39 mi.) from Italy to Croatia. The term "karst"--a limestone region of underground rivers, gorges, and caves-- originated in Slovenia's Karst plateau between Ljubljana and the Italian border. On the Pannonian plain to the east and northeast, toward the Croatian and Hungarian borders, the landscape is essentially flat. However, the majority of Slovenian terrain is hilly or mountainous, with around 90% of the surface 200 meters or more above sea level.
Location: Southeastern or Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Austria and Croatia
Geographic coordinates: 46 00 N, 15 00 E
Map references: Europe
Area:
total:
20,253 sq km
land:
20,253 sq km
water:
0 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey
Land boundaries:
total:
1,334 km
border countries:
Austria 330 km, Croatia 670 km, Italy 232 km, Hungary 102 km
Coastline: 46.6 km
Maritime claims: NA
Climate: Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east
Terrain: a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountain and valleys with numerous rivers to the east
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Adriatic Sea 0 m
highest point:
Triglav 2,864 m
Natural resources: lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver, hydropower
Land use:
arable land:
12%
permanent crops:
3%
permanent pastures:
24%
forests and woodland:
54%
other:
7% (1996 est.)
Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: flooding and earthquakes
Environment - current issues: The Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain
Environment - international agreements:
party to:
Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:
Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
- See also : Slovenia