LIFESTYLE

About half of the population live in urban areas. Many of those who live in towns also have properties in the country or on the coast, and it is common to spend the weekend away enjoying the fresh air in the countryside, as Slovenes are generally very active. Most describe their hobbies as skiing, cycling and hiking. There are claims that skiing was invented on the Bloke plateau in the 17th century, and Slovenia was one of the first countries in the world to establish a mountain association (1893). Slovenia is also proud to have the largest ski jump in the world, at Planica, where the World Cup is contested every year.