Area: 20,273 km2
Population: 2,019,406 (30.6.2007)
Capital city: Ljubljana
Language: Slovene; also Italian and Hungarian in nationally mixed areas
Currency: euro (since 1 January 2007)
Important dates:
-Independence - 25 June 1991
-Member of EU - 1 May 2004
-Introduction of the euro - 1 January 2007
The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps face the Pannonian plains and the Mediterranean meets the mysterious Karst. To the north is Austria; Hungary is to the east; Croatia to the south and Italy to the west.
For a start you can take a look at a short movie on Slovenia
(different formats available).
The Country and its People
Find out more about its location, statistics on population, minorities, religion, and the language. You will also learn about the historical and religious holidays celebrated in Slovenia and about "what's cooking" all over the country, and all about our wines.
Geography
Read an introduction to the main physical and climatic characteristics of our environment.
History
Slovenia has been populated since the Stone Age. This is an overview of the last 1500 years - since our Slavic ancestors arrived in this territory.
State
Under the Constitution, Slovenia is a democratic republic and a social state governed by law.
See the structure and dynamics of Slovene political system.
Slovenia and the World
Slovenia is strengthening its international position and reputation as a democratic, stable and successful European state, but also strives for the preservation of its national identity.
More about the basic goals of Slovenia’s foreign policy.
Economy, Economic Sectors
Slovenia is directed towards development and a market economy.
Find out more about the basic indicators of our financial and economic life.
Social Security and Health Care
Social security is an important value of our everyday lives; for the majority of citizens it is provided through pension and disability insurance, health insurance, protection of unemployed persons, child protection and social protection.
Education, Science
The Slovenian school system has seen a number of changes in recent years, aiming to ensure that as many people as possible realise their right to education.
The Slovenes have notably contributed to the world treasury of knowledge: the theory of space flight, world explorers, the author of the logarithmic tables, the physical law of light radiation – Stefan’s Law, etc.
Arts and Culture
Arts and culture have had a special position in the history of the Slovenian nation and have compensated for the lack of its own state and political institutions in the past.
The Media
As in most European countries, the media in Slovenia today constitute one of the most rapidly growing and often highly lucrative business areas. Slovenia experienced a real boom in new radio and television programmes in the last decade.
Sport
Achievements in the world of sports by Slovene sportsmen and women.
Tourism
In Slovenia, you can experience amazing contrasts in the same day: a morning swim in the Adriatic, followed two hours later by skiing below Alpine peaks, then an adventurous discovery of Karst subterranean phenomena and an invigorating bath in a thermal spring; an encounter with history in a lively mediaeval city and, not far away, a more solitary stroll through primeval forests or undulating, winegrowing hills.