Southern Central European country Slovenia is located at the crossroads of many cultures. Therefore, it has developed its own rich and unique culture, which reflects the influence of the traditions of both its neighbors and distant countries. In Slovenia population of 2 million people. The country has a generally homogeneous ethnic composition with 83.1 per cent of the population representing ethnic Slovenes. Ethnic minorities living in the country include Serbs, Croats, Bosnians and others. Christianity is the religion of the majority in Slovenia, 57.8% of the population are Catholic Christians. Adherents of other Christian denominations, Muslims and other religions make up the rest of the population.
Slovenian cuisine
The country’s cuisine is diverse. The country can be divided into 23 gastronomic regions, each with its own set of dishes. The first cookbook in Slovenian was published in 1798 by Valentin Vodnik.
Traditionally, porridge and stew were commonplace, but now Slovenian cuisine includes about 100 varieties of soups. Some examples include alelujah (turnip peel soup), beef noodle soup, creamy mushroom soup.
Poultry and pork are preferred products of animal origin. Other meats such as goat and lamb are also consumed. Potato and dandelion salad is a very favorite dish in Slovenia. The use of honey, mushrooms, hazelnuts, walnuts and a variety of berries is common among the population.
Literature and graphics in Slovenia
Slovenia has a long and rich literary tradition. The earliest written texts from Slovenia date back to the 10th century. The first book in Slovenian was published in 1550. The Bible was translated into English in 1584. However, most written literature from Slovenia before the 18th century was in German or Latin. During the Second world war, the horrors of war and socialist realism influenced the country’s literature. Today Slovenian writers use different literary styles, such as existentialism and symbolism, to highlight their work.
Slovenia’s artistic scene is as diverse as its cuisine and literature, and ranges from Gothic frescoes to contemporary and abstract art. Today Slovenia has a lively creative community and rich traditions of folk art. Art exhibitions in the country were held in the late 19th century. The first such exhibition was organized by artist name Ivan Kobilica. The Museum of modern art and the National gallery of Slovenia exhibit works by artists of the past and the present.
Performing arts in Slovenia
Slovene culture supports and promotes folk music and dance. The Institute of music and national manuscripts, located in the capital of Ljubljana, keeps manuscripts and records of traditional fables and songs. Ballet is a popular dance form, ballet schools are spread all over the country. The first such school was opened in 1918. Folk music and dance performances are widespread during traditional festivals and ceremonies. Western music and dance are popular among young people in urban areas.
Sports in Slovenia
Slovenes play a variety of games. The most popular are team sports that are played in the country, including football, handball, basketball and ice hockey. Individual sports in Slovenia include Cycling, tennis, golf, athletics, skiing. Slovenian athletes actively participated in numerous summer and winter Olympic games. The country won 19 medals at the six summer Olympics and 15 medals at the seven winter Olympics.
