Slovenia is a relatively young country, but it has a long history and rich traditions. Diverse landscape, abundant wildlife and unique food make Slovenia a culturally rich nation. Today we take a closer look at the country that calls itself "Europe in miniature."
A closer look 說古論今
The area that now makes up Slovenia has passed through the hands of many other countries, including the Roman Empire, Austria-Hungary and Yugoslavia. Slovenia as we know it today was born in 1991 after declaring independence from Yugoslavia, but the ancestors of most Slovenians have been living there for about 1,500 years.
Slovenia borders many countries and has been influenced by many places, and this history is reflected in Slovenian food. Italian pizza, Austrian sausage and Balkan kebabs are found on menus as often as traditional venison dishes.
More than just the food is diverse, too. The country has beaches, mountains and plains, and over half of the landscape is covered in forests. This means many rare or vulnerable animals that cannot be found in most of Europe can still be found here, such as jackals.
Despite its youth, Slovenia has done well for itself economically and most people are employed in manufacturing. Since leaving Yugoslavia they have become a member of the European Union and made great progress on human rights, becoming an economic leader in the region. (Jason Cox, Staff Reporter)
WHO KNEW? 你知道嗎?
Bird flu is a word familiar to almost everyone in Taiwan now, but Asia isn't the only place that has to deal with the disease! Migratory birds that fly tens of thousands of kilometers every year have carried the virus throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. In February 2006, Slovenia confirmed their first case of bird flu in a dead swan. Slovenia was the 12th country in Europe to confirm a case of bird flu, which demonstrates just how large an area the virus has covered. Since finding a dead swan that tested positive for the virus, Slovenia has worked hard and has contained the spread of the virus. All poultry such as chickens and ducks living in vulnerable areas must be kept indoors so as not to mix with the migratory birds that might carry the disease.
A LOOK AT CONTEXT
1. Yesterday the US declared that getting a student visa will be made easier than before.
Declare means. . .
2. In Taiwan, many people honor their ancestors by burning money, paper cars, and even paper houses for them.
Ancestor means . . .
a. one's grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.
b. an expensive type of car.
c. a super old man.
d. Confucius and his students.
3. When Sam walked outside on the first day of fall, he saw the ground was already covered with dead leaves that had fallen from the trees.