Slovenia
Ljubljana
July 2010 • Slovenes don't seem to mind if their country is confused with Slovakia, but they'll scowl hard if it's compared with Italy—the next-door neighbor still strutting around like an arrogant emperor. Slovenia was the first Yugoslav republic to break away and declare independence in 1991; its war lasted all of 3 days and had a minimum of bloodshed, unlike the independence movements in nearby Croatia and Bosnia. Today Slovenia is a pint-size EU member and nice place to visit. English is widely spoken, prices are half those of western Europe, and Slovenes are genuinely happy to welcome visitors.
