Slovenia country profile

Previously one of Yugoslavia's six constituent republics, present-day Slovenia became independent in 1991 as Yugoslavia fell apart. The Republic of Slovenia became a member state of the European Union on 1 May 2004.

Republika Slovenija

Previously one of Yugoslavia’s six constituent republics, present-day Slovenia became independent in 1991 as Yugoslavia fell apart. It is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.

Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the Dinaric area, the Pannonian plain and the Mediterranean. The country is mountainous, and Slovenes are keen skiers and hikers. The national flag depicts the three-peakedTriglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain at 2 864 metres.

The country was once part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The capital, Ljubljana, was founded in Roman times. Its university, with more than 50 000 students, contributes to the city’s busy cultural life. The main industries are car parts, chemicals, electronics, electrical appliances, metal goods, textiles and furniture.

Tourist attractions include the famous caves at Postojna with their decor of stalactites and stalagmites. Graffiti in the caves shows that the first tourists came here in 1213.

Slovenian cuisine is strongly influenced by that of its neighbours. From Austria comes Strudel and Wiener schnitzel. Italy has contributed with risotto and ravioli and Hungary with goulash. The potica is a special Slovenian cake.

Among the most famous Slovenes are the physicist Jožef Stefan, the linguist Franc Miklošič and the architect Jože Plečnik.

Official name: Republic of Slovenia

Area (km²): 20 273

Population: 2.01 million (2008); 2.03 million (forecast for 2009)

Capital: Ljubljana

National holiday: 25 June

Currency: Euro (€)

Date of joining: 01 May 2004

Head of state: Danilo Türk, since December 2007

Head of government: Borut Pahor Since November 2008 he has presided over a coalition between the Social Democrats (SD), the Zares ('Genuine') party, the liberal-democratic LDS party and the Democratic Party of Retired People (DeSUS)

GDP (millions €): 37 126 (2008); 36 533 million (forecast for 2009)

GDP per capita in PPS: € 22 500 (2008); € 22 100 (forecast for 2009)

Real growth rate of GDP: 3.5% (2008); -3.4% (forecast for 2009)

Unemployment rate: 6.1% (June 2009)

National debt as % of GDP: 22.8% (2008)

Inflation: 0,2% (octubre 2009)

Public deficit/surplus as % of GDP: -0.9% (2008)

Source: Eurostat

http://www.up-rs.si

http://www.kpv.gov.si/

http://www.vlada.si

http://www.mzz.gov.si/

http://www.dz-rs.si

Source: European Commission, Spanish EU Presidency, World Factbook