SLOVENIA

Situation: Slovenia is situated only 200 km south-east of the German boarder and its fellow neighbouring countries are Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary.

Geographical features: This country of approx. 20.256 square kilometers, offers a diverse spectrum of geographical features e.g. crystal clear rivers in deep gorges, National parks, snow-covered mountain tops, amazing stalactite caves, thermal springs, as well as a coastline which has the advantage of the Mediterranean sun.

Economic Boom: In 1991, Slovenia became independent of the former Yugoslavia and due to Slovenia´s geographical situation, its political stability and a west-european concept of industrial development, it is now a small yet determined and capable industrial nation. Constant low inflation, advanced reforms and a stable currency encourage this development. Since independence was achieved, around nine years ago, Slovenia´s economy has experienced such a boom that the next step is to achieve membership in the EU.

Lovrenc na Pohorju is situated near the Austrian boarder, directly in the forests of the Pohorje mountains, and was first mentioned at the end of the eleventh-century, when a parish was founded under the name of St. Lorenzen by the Benedict monastery of St. Paul in Kaernten. At the end of the nineteenth Century and geginning of the twentieth century the area prospered through forestry, agriculture, timber trade, glassworks and its metal industry. The metal and timber trade were the foundations of the companies Tovarna Kos and Bukev d.o.o.

The town Maribor is situated only 20 km away from Lovrenc na Pohorju. Due to it´s history, Maribor offers many historical and cultural attractions. In the winter, the international ski circus ist stationed on the Pohorje Slopes to participate in the World Cup competition. The positive economic development of the region is stongly felt in this area. All over the town, investments are being made. Over the recent years, major firms throughout Europe have settled and established themselves, in and around Maribor. One reason for this is the wide offer of well-trained and skilled Technicians and Engineers, who graduate from the University of Maribor each year.

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