Koper

Seaport in Slovenia, off the Istrian peninsula, 15 km/9 mi southwest of Trieste; population (2001 est) 23,700. It stands on an island in the Gulf of Trieste and is connected with the mainland by a causeway. The town has saltworks and vehicle production, and trades in fish, oil, and wine. It was the capital of Istria 1278-1797, under Venetian and Genoan rule.

Koper was held by Austria in 1797-1805 and 1814-1918, and by Italy 1915-1947. Its importance stems from its position on the shortest trade route between the commercial centres of central and eastern Europe and Mediterranean ports. The area surrounding the port was designated a Free Trade Zone in 1998, encouraging local and international businesses to invest in the area. The surrounding region is a major wine producer, with nearly 4,000 ha/10,000 acres dedicated to vineyards.