Slovenia Facts

Slovenia Facts and History

Europe

Slovenia – The European model for success

The relatively small state of Slovenia lies in the heart of Europe. The capital Ljubljana has an overwhelming charm and is well worth a visit. The country is a former republic of Yugoslavia, but has been independent since 1991 and a member of the European Union since May 1, 2004. The still young nation can be described as a European model of success, because just a few years after joining, the country has surpassed all other twelve new EU countries in terms of economic efficiency. This can be seen in the low unemployment rate, wealth and education.

Slovenia also has a lot to offer in terms of landscape. In addition to a relatively small stretch of coast to the Adriatic, Slovenia has a share of the Alps and a beautiful Mediterranean lowland. Therefore, Slovenia is extremely suitable as a travel destination for active vacationers. But the country can also be enjoyed culturally. The beautiful capital Ljubljana with the castle hill, the architecture from the imperial era and the Art Deco has many sights and invites you to take a long walk.

Name of the country Republic of Slovenia/Republika Slovenija
Form of government Parliamentary republic
Geographical location Southeast Central Europe
National anthem Zdravljica
President Danilo Türk from the Social Democrats (Socialni Demokrati)
Population approx. 2.1 million (Credit: Countryaah: Slovenia Population)
Ethnicities approx. 83% Slovenes, as well as Italians, Hungarians, Croats, Serbs / Montenegrins, Bosnians, Macedonians, Albanians and Roma
Religions Mainly Catholics (57.8%), alongside Protestants (0.9%) and Serbian Orthodox (2.3%), approx. 1% Muslims and 16% Jews and others
Languages Slovenian
Capital Ljubljana (German Laibach) with approx. 280,000 residents
Surface 20,273 km²
Highest mountain Triglav im with a height of 2,863 m
Longest river Save with a total length of 940 km
Largest lake Bohinj Lake (largest glacial lake in the country)
International license plate SLO
National currency since January 1, 2007 the euro
Time difference to CET 0 h
International phone code +386
Voltage frequency 230 volts, 50 hertz
Internet Top Level Domain (TLD) .si

Slovenia: history

Before the year 1000

The area of today’s Slovenia was founded in the 2nd century BC. Conquered by the Romans and became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century. In the 6th century, Slovenes and other South Slavic tribes settled there. In 623 the Franconian prince Samo created the first Slovene empire. From 788 Slovenia belonged to the empire of Charlemagne. In the 9th century, the Magyars, a Hungarian tribe, invaded the area.

From the year 1000 to the 17th century

According to Abbreviationfinder website, German noble families ruled Slovenia from the 11th to the 13th centuries. In 1282 Rudolf von Habsburg conquered the area, which was finally declared a Duchy of the Habsburgs in 1335. The Habsburgs ruled the country until 1918, with only a short break from 1809 to 1814.

In the 18th and 19th centuries

In the 19th century a strong national feeling developed among the Slovenian population. After the First World War the “Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes” was founded, which in 1929 was renamed the “Kingdom of Yugoslavia”. In 1920 Yugoslavia had to cede the western part of Slovenia to Italy.

During the Second World War, Germany, Hungary and Italy divided up the Slovenian territory. After the Second World War, Slovenia was restored and incorporated into the “Socialist People’s Republic of Yugoslavia”. In 1947, Slovenia received back from Italy the western part of the country that had gone to Italy in 1920.

In the 20th century

Slovenia was a republic of the former Yugoslavia, which existed from 1918 to 1991. In the 80s of the 20th century, the Slovene population developed a desire for autonomy. In 1990 the first free parliamentary elections after World War II were held. The coalition formed demanded independence from Yugoslavia. In a referendum in 1990, around 90% of the population voted for the country’s independence. Slovenia declared its independence on June 25, 1991. There was a ten-day war between the Slovenian militia and the Yugoslav people’s army, in which the militia was able to assert itself. The People’s Army had to withdraw from the Slovenian Republic. In 1992 all member states of the European Community recognized the new state.

Slovenia joined the European Union on May 1, 2004.

In the election for president on October 21, 2007, Danilo Türk (born 1952), who was elected by the Social Democratic Party, won the runoff election with 24.5% after Lojze Peterle from the Conservatives and ahead of the candidate from the Liberal Democrats. This took place on November 11, 2007. Türk won this election with 68%, ahead of his opponent Peterle. He became the new president of the country. He succeeded Janez Drnovšek, who had been President since 2002.

The first president was Milan Kučan, who held the office from 1992 to 2002.

Slovenia Facts