Overview of Slovenia

Profile

Slovenia is a small republic with an area of approximately 20,000 km² and a population of about 2.1 million, which gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. It possesses diverse terrain including the Alps, Pannonian Plain, Karst Plateau, and Adriatic coastline, with 58% of the country covered by forests. As a member of the EU, NATO, Schengen, Eurozone, and OECD, it was among the first Central and Eastern European countries to become an advanced industrial nation. The capital Ljubljana is a cultural city where Baroque and Art Nouveau harmonize, and it is a popular tourist destination where nature, history, food culture, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed simultaneously.

Official name: Republic of Slovenia
Common name: Slovenia
Numeric code: 705
Alpha-3 code: SVN
Alpha-2 code: SI
Population: 2.1 million (2024)
Population density: Approximately 104 people/km²
Primary languages: Slovenian, Italian, Hungarian
Major religions: Roman Catholic
National anthem: Zdravljica (A Toast)
Calling code: +386
Internet TLD: .si

History

After Habsburg rule, became part of Yugoslavia, gaining independence in 1991.

South Slavic peoples settled in the 6th century, and after the 7th-century Principality of Carantania, the region came under Habsburg rule from the Middle Ages. After World War I, it joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Kingdom of Yugoslavia), and during World War II was divided and occupied by Axis powers. After the war, it experienced rapid economic growth as a republic within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. On June 25, 1991, it declared independence and established sovereignty after the "Ten-Day War." It has led European integration, joining the EU and NATO in 2004, introducing the euro in 2007, and joining the OECD in 2010.

Geography & climate

Varied terrain from steep Alpine mountains to Karst Plateau, Pannonian Plain, and Adriatic coastline

Mixed continental, mountain, and Mediterranean climates

Area: Europe / 20273 km²
Capital: Ljubljana
Largest city: Ljubljana
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Lake Cerknica
Bordering countries: Italy, Austria, Croatia, Hungary

Natural resources

Water resources, Limestone, Timber, Brown coal, Hydropower, Lead-zinc ore, Mercury (former Idrija mine), Geothermal, Fertile soil, Tourism resources

Politics

Government: Parliamentary republic

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 684 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 880 hundred million USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Slovenian, Italian, Hungarian

Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Slovenes, Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Hungarians, Italians, Roma

Life expectancy

81.6 years

Literacy rate

99.7%

National sports

Football, Basketball, Alpine Skiing, Ski Jumping, Cycling Road Racing