View source for Slovenia

{{Short description|Country in Central Europe}}
{{About|the country}}
{{Distinguish|Slavonia|Slovakia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Republic of Slovenia
| common_name            = Slovenia
| native_name            = {{native name list
|tag1=sl|name1=Republika Slovenija
}}
| image_flag             = Flag of Slovenia.svg
| image_coat             = Coat of arms of Slovenia.svg
| coa_size               = 70
| national_anthem        = ''[[National anthem of Slovenia|<span lang="sl">Zdravljica</span>]]''<br />(English: "A Toast"){{parabr}}{{center|[[File:Slovenia's national anthem, performed by the United States Navy Band.oga]]}}
| image_map              = EU-Slovenia.svg
| map_caption            = {{map caption |location_color=dark green |region= Europe |region_color=dark grey |subregion= the [[European Union]] |subregion_color= green}}
| image_map2             = 
| capital                = [[Ljubljana]]
| coordinates            = {{Coord|46|03|05|N|14|30|22|E|type:city}}
| largest_city           = capital
| official_languages     = [[Slovene language|Slovene]]{{efn-lr|[[Hungarian language|Hungarian]] and [[Italian language|Italian]] are co-official in some municipalities.}}
| regional_languages     = {{hlist|[[Italian language in Slovenia|Italian]]|[[Languages of Slovenia#Hungarian|Hungarian]]}}
| religion               = {{ublist |item_style=white-space:nowrap; 
|{{Tree list}}
* 77.8% [[Christianity]] 
** 73.4% [[Catholic Church in Slovenia|Catholicism]] 
** 3.7% [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodoxy]] 
** 0.7% other [[List of Christian denominations|Christian]]
{{Tree list/end}} 
|18.3% [[Irreligion|no religion]]
|3.9% [[Religion in Slovenia|other]]
}}
| religion_year          = 2018
| religion_ref           = <ref name="EB2018">{{citation|title=Eurobarometer 90.4 (December 2018): Attitudes of Europeans towards Biodiversity, Awareness and Perceptions of EU customs, and Perceptions of Antisemitism|work=Special [[Eurobarometer]]|year=2019|url=http://zacat.gesis.org/webview/index.jsp?headers=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V204&v=2&stubs=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V11&weights=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V440&V204slice=1&study=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfStudy%2FZA7556&charttype=null&tabcontenttype=row&V11slice=1&V204subset=1+-+10%2C11%2C12+-+13%2C14&mode=table&top=yes|access-date=9 August 2019|publisher=[[European Commission]]|location=[[European Union]]|via=[[GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences|GESIS]]|archive-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313212123/https://zacat.gesis.org/webview/index.jsp?headers=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V204&v=2&stubs=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V11&weights=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfVariable%2FZA7556_V440&V204slice=1&study=http%3A%2F%2F193.175.238.79%3A80%2Fobj%2FfStudy%2FZA7556&charttype=null&tabcontenttype=row&V11slice=1&V204subset=1+-+10%2C11%2C12+-+13%2C14&mode=table&top=yes|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| demonym                = {{hlist|[[Slovenes|Slovene]]|[[Slovenes|Slovenian]]}}
| government_type        = [[Unitary parliamentary republic]]
| leader_title1          = [[President of Slovenia|President]]
| leader_name1           = [[Nataša Pirc Musar]]
| leader_title2          = [[Prime Minister of Slovenia|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2           = [[Robert Golob]]
| legislature            = [[Slovenian Parliament|Parliament]]
| upper_house            = [[National Council (Slovenia)|National Council]]
| lower_house            = [[National Assembly (Slovenia)|National Assembly]]
| established_event1     = [[State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs]]
| established_date1      = 29 October 1918
| established_event2     = [[Creation of Yugoslavia|Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes]]
| established_date2      = 1 December 1918
| established_event3     = [[Slovene National Liberation Committee]]
| established_date3      = 19 February 1944
| established_event4     = [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]]
| established_date4      = 29 July 1944
| established_event5     = [[Breakup of Yugoslavia|Independence]] from<br />Yugoslavia
| established_date5      = 25 June 1991<ref name="Škrk1999"/>
| established_event6     = [[Brioni Agreement]]<br />signed
| established_date6      = 7 July 1991
| established_event7     = [[Constitution of Slovenia|Current constitution]]
| established_date7      = 23 December 1991
| area_km2               = 20,271
| area_rank              = 150th <!-- Area rank should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] -->
| area_sq_mi             = 7,826.677 <!--Do not remove per [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers]]-->
| percent_water          = 0.7<ref name="Surface2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.si/letopis/2010/01_10/01-03-10.htm |title=Površina ozemlja in pokrovnost tal, določena planimetrično, 2005 |trans-title=Surface area and land cover determined planimetrically, 2005 |language=sl, en |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=2 February 2011 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511203510/https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/13374 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| population_estimate    = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 2,130,850<ref name="Statistical Office of Slovenia">{{cite web|url=https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/13582|access-date=1 January 2025|publisher=[[Statistical Office of Slovenia]]|archive-date=30 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130094807/https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/11647|url-status=dead |title=Population, 1 October 2023 }}</ref>
| population_census      = 1,964,036
| population_estimate_year = 2023
| population_estimate_rank = 145th
| population_census_year = 2002
| population_density_km2 = 103<ref name="Statistical Office of Slovenia"/>
| population_density_sq_mi = 262<!--Do not remove per [[Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers]]-->
| population_density_rank = 114th
| GDP_PPP                = {{increase}} $122,985 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.SI">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/NGDPDPC@WEO/OEMDC/ADVEC/WEOWORLD/SVNc=961,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPRPPPPC,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2025&ey=2030&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1|title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2025 Edition. (Slovenia) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=www.imf.org |date=16 October 2025 |access-date=18 October 2025}}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year           = 2025
| GDP_PPP_rank           = 99th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita     = {{increase}} $57,716<ref name="IMFWEO.SI" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 36th
| GDP_nominal            = {{increase}} $79,222 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.SI" />
| GDP_nominal_year       = 2025
| GDP_nominal_rank       = 86th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $37,178<ref name="IMFWEO.SI" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 36th
| Gini                   = 23.4 <!--number only-->
| Gini_year              = 2023
| Gini_change            = decrease <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_ref               = <ref name=eurogini>{{cite web |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tessi190/default/table?lang=en |title=Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income – EU-SILC survey|publisher=[[Eurostat]] |website=ec.europa.eu |access-date=9 August 2021}}</ref>
| Gini_rank              = 
| HDI                    = 0.931 <!--number only-->
| HDI_year               = 2023<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change             = increase<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| HDI_ref                = <ref name="HDI">{{cite web|url=https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24overviewen.pdf|title=Human Development Report 2023/2024|publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]]|date=14 March 2024|access-date= 14 March 2024}}</ref>
| HDI_rank               = 21st
| iso3166code            = SI<!-- the vehicle<ref>{{Cite web|title=Car: international car registration letters Word Lists {{!}} Collins English Word Lists|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/word-lists/car-international-car-registration-letters|access-date=26 March 2021|website=Collins Dictionary}}</ref> and IOC<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 November 2020|title=Slovenia – National Olympic Committee (NOC)|url=https://www.olympic.org/slovenia|access-date=26 March 2021|publisher=International Olympic Committee}}</ref> codes are SLO -->
| currency               = [[Euro]] ([[Euro sign|€]])
| currency_code          = EUR
| time_zone              = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset             = +1
| utc_offset_DST         = +2
| time_zone_DST          = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| date_format            = dd. mm. yyyy (Slovene)<br>dd/mm/yyyy (Italian)<br>yyyy. mm. dd. (Hungarian)
| drives_on              = right
| calling_code           = [[Telephone numbers in Slovenia|+386]]
| cctld                  = [[.si]]
| footnotes              = {{notelist-lr}}
}}

'''Slovenia''',{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio= en-us-Slovenia.ogg|s|l|oʊ|ˈ|v|iː|n|i|ə|,_|s|l|ə|-}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Wells |first=John C. |year=2008 |title=Longman Pronunciation Dictionary |edition=3rd |publisher=Longman |isbn=9781405881180}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Roach |first=Peter |year=2011 |title=Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary |edition= 18th |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=9780521152532}}</ref> {{respell|sloh|VEE|nee-ə}}; {{langx|sl|Slovenija}} {{IPA|sl|slɔˈʋèːnija|}}),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bos.zrc-sazu.si/c/SP/neva.exe?name=sp&expression=Slovenija&hs=1|title=Slovenski pravopis 2001 - Inštitut za slovenski jezik Frana Ramovša ZRC SAZU in Slovenska akademija znanosti in umetnosti – izid poizvedbe|website=bos.zrc-sazu.si}}</ref>}} officially the '''Republic of Slovenia''',{{efn|Slovene: {{Audio| Sl-Republika Slovenija.oga|{{lang|sl|Republika Slovenija}}}}<ref>{{IPA|sl|ɾɛˈpùːblika slɔˈʋèːnija}}. Source: {{cite web|title= Slovenski pravopis 2001: Republika Slovenija|url= http://bos.zrc-sazu.si/c/SP/neva.exe?name=sp&expression=republika+slovenija&hs=1}}</ref><ref>{{IPA|sl|ɾəˈsə́}}. Source: {{cite web |title= Slovenski pravopis 2001: Republika Slovenija|url= http://bos.zrc-sazu.si/c/SP/neva.exe?name=sp&expression=republika+slovenija&hs=1}}</ref>}} is a country in [[Central Europe]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Directorate for European Affairs |url=https://www.gov.si/en/state-authorities/ministries/ministry-of-foreign-and-european-affairs/about-the-ministry/directorate-for-european-affairs/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=GOV.SI |publisher=Government of the Republic of Slovenia |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Slovenia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Slovenia |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=Encyclopaedia Britannica |publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. |language=en}}</ref> Formed in 1991,<ref name="Škrk1999" /> Slovenia borders [[Italy]] to the west, [[Austria]] to the north, [[Hungary]] to the northeast, and [[Croatia]] to the south and southeast; its southwestern boundary consists of a 46.6&nbsp;km coastline on the [[Adriatic Sea]].<ref name="Encyclopedia Britannica 2021">{{cite web|title=Slovenia – History, Geography, & People |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |date=5 June 2021 |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Slovenia |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref> Slovenia is mostly mountainous and forested,<ref name="perko2008">{{cite journal|url=http://www.theslovenian.com/articles/2008/perko.pdf |title=Slovenia at the Junction of Major European Geographical Units |first=Drago |last=Perko |year=2008 |newspaper=The Slovenian |publisher=Vse Slovenski Kulturni Odbor [The All Slovenian Cultural Committee] |place=Toronto}}</ref> covers {{convert|20271|km2}},<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/File/DocSysFile/10033/Spremembe_povrsine_Slovenije.pdf |title=Spremembe v površini Slovenije |language=sl |trans-title=Changes to the Area of Slovenia |date=1 July 2018 |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=27 February 2023 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326022543/https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/File/DocSysFile/10033/Spremembe_povrsine_Slovenije.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and has a population of approximately 2.1 million people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/population-demographic-situation-languages-and-religions-77_en |title=Population: Demographic situation, languages and religions |date=10 October 2017 |publisher=European Education and Culture Executive Agency}}</ref> [[Slovene language|Slovene]] is the official language.<ref name="Encyclopedia Britannica">{{cite web|title=Slovene language |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Slovene-language |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref> Slovenia has a predominantly temperate [[continental climate]],<ref name="Fallon2007">{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pb_eXmEyPvwC&pg=PA40 |title=Slovenia |chapter=Environment |first=Steve |last=Fallon |publisher=Lonely Planet |year=2007 |edition=5th |isbn=978-1-74104-480-5 |page=40}}</ref> with the exception of the [[Slovene Littoral]] and the [[Julian Alps]]. [[Ljubljana]], the capital and [[List of cities and towns in Slovenia|largest city]] of Slovenia, is geographically situated near the centre of the country.<ref name="Mestna občina Ljubljana 2017">{{cite web|title=About Ljubljana |website=Mestna občina Ljubljana |date=3 July 2017 |url=https://www.ljubljana.si/en/about-ljubljana/ |access-date=16 June 2021}}</ref> Other larger urban centers include [[Maribor]], [[Ptuj]], [[Kranj]], [[Celje]], and [[Koper]].

Slovenia's territory has been part of many different states, including the [[Byzantine Empire]], the [[Carolingian Empire]], the [[Holy Roman Empire]], the [[Kingdom of Hungary]], the [[Republic of Venice]], the [[Illyrian Provinces]] of Napoleon's [[First French Empire]] and the [[Habsburg monarchy|Habsburg Empire]].<ref name="Encyclopedia Britannica 2021" /> The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in December 1918; in 1929, the Kingdom became known as Yugoslavia. In 1946, after World War II, Slovenia was established as one of six republics that made up the socialist federation of Yugoslavia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://history.state.gov/countries/kingdom-of-yugoslavia|title=Kingdom of Serbia/Yugoslavia*|website=history.state.gov|access-date=November 11, 2025}}</ref> In June 1991, Slovenia [[Independence of Slovenia|declared independence]] from Yugoslavia and became an independent [[sovereign state]].<ref name="Škrk1999">{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AhwHHtwbhioC&pg=PA5 |title=Succession of States |editor-first=Mojmir |editor-last=Mrak |chapter=Recognition of States and Its (Non-)Implication on State Succession: The Case of Successor States to the Former Yugoslavia |page=5 |first=Mirjam |last=Škrk |publisher=Martinus Nijhoff Publishers |year=1999 |isbn=9789041111456}}</ref>

Slovenia is a [[developed country]], with a [[World Bank high-income economy|high-income economy]] characterized by a mixture of both traditional industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture, and modern sectors, such as information technology and financial services. The economy is highly dependent on foreign trade, with exports accounting for a significant portion of the country's GDP. Slovenia is a member of the [[Council of Europe]], the [[European Union]], the [[United Nations]], [[NATO]], the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]], and other associations in the global community.

==Etymology==
The name ''Slovenia'' etymologically means 'land of the [[Slavs]]'. The origin of the name {{wikt-lang|en|Slav}} itself remains uncertain. The suffix ''-en'' forms a [[demonym]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Snoj |first1=Marko |title=Etimološki slovar slovenskih zemljepisnih imen |date=2009 |publisher=Modrijan |location=Ljubljana |pages=382–383}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Slovenia}}

=== Prehistory to Slavic settlement ===

==== Prehistory ====

{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 320
| image1            = Divje Babe flute (Late Pleistocene flute).jpg
| alt1              = A [[Divje Babe flute|pierced cave bear bone]], possibly a flute, from [[Divje Babe]]
| caption1          = A [[Divje Babe flute|pierced cave bear bone]], possibly a flute made by [[Neanderthal]]s dating to the [[Late Pleistocene]]
| image2            = Ljubljana Marshes Wheel with axle (oldest wooden wheel yet discovered).jpg
| alt2              = Ljubljana Marshes Wheel is the oldest wooden wheel yet discovered (Neolithic period)
| caption2          = The [[Ljubljana Marshes Wheel]], dating to the [[Neolithic]] period, is the oldest wooden wheel yet discovered.
| footer            = 
}}

The area later known as Slovenia has been inhabited since [[prehistoric]] times. There is evidence of [[human settlement|human habitation]] from around 250,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slovenia.si/slovenia/history/milestones/|title=Milestones&nbsp;-&nbsp;slovenia.si|website=slovenia.si|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222170919/http://www.slovenia.si/slovenia/history/milestones/|archive-date=22 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> A [[Divje Babe flute|pierced cave bear bone]], dating from 43100 ± 700 [[before present|BP]], found in 1995 in Divje Babe cave near [[Cerkno]], is considered a kind of flute, and possibly the oldest musical instrument discovered in the world.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G9tDboBJ70EC |title=The Land Between: A History of Slovenia |chapter=From Prehistory to the End of the Ancient World |page=15 |first=Oto |last=Luthar |year=2008 |publisher=Peter Lang |isbn=978-3-631-57011-1}}</ref> In the 1920s and 1930s, artifacts belonging to the [[Cro-Magnon]], such as pierced bones, bone points, and a needle were found by archaeologist [[Srečko Brodar]] in [[Potok Cave]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parc.si/index.html |title=Potočka zijavka |work=Parc.si |publisher=Palaeolithic Research Centre |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003053958/http://www.parc.si/index.html |archive-date=3 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.dedi.si/dediscina/323 |title=Potočka zijalka |encyclopedia=Enciklopedija naravne in kulturne dediščine na Slovenskem – DEDI |first1=Irena |last1=Debeljak |first2=Matija |last2=Turk |editor=Šmid Hribar |editor2=Mateja Torkar |editor3=Gregor Golež |editor4=Mateja Podjed |editor5=Dan. Drago Kladnik |editor6=Drago. Erhartič |editor7=Bojan Pavlin |editor8=Primož. Jerele, Ines. |access-date=12 March 2012 |language=sl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515062641/http://www.dedi.si/dediscina/323 |archive-date=15 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2002, [[Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps|remains of pile dwellings]] over 4,500 years old were discovered in the [[Ljubljana Marsh]], later protected as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], along with the [[Ljubljana Marshes Wooden Wheel]], the oldest wooden wheel in the world.<ref name="The_Oldest_Wooden_Wheel_in_the_World">{{cite web |url=http://www.koliscar.si/en/virtual-exhibition/ |title=The oldest wooden wheel in the world: Virtual exhibition |date=4 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123085747/http://www.koliscar.si/en/virtual-exhibition |archive-date=23 January 2013}}</ref> It shows that wooden wheels appeared almost simultaneously in Mesopotamia and Europe.<ref name="Slovenia">{{cite web |title=World's Oldest Wheel Found in Slovenia |url=http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/media_relations/background_information/culture/worlds_oldest_wheel_found_in_slovenia/ |date=March 2003 |publisher=Government Communication Office of the Republic of Slovenia |author=Alexander Gasser |access-date=19 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714033224/http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/media_relations/background_information/culture/worlds_oldest_wheel_found_in_slovenia/ |archive-date=14 July 2012}}</ref> In the transition period between the [[Bronze Age]] to the [[Iron Age]], the [[Urnfield]] culture flourished. Archaeological remains dating from the [[Hallstatt period]] have been found, particularly in southeastern Slovenia, among them a number of [[situla (vessel)|situla]]s in [[Novo Mesto]], the "[[Situla|Town of Situlas]]".<ref name="Situla1">{{Cite journal |last=Fabio |first=Saccoccio |title=Situla Art: An Iron Age Artisanal Tradition |journal=Journal of World Prehistory |pages=49–108 (volume 36) |publisher=Springer Nature |date=9 May 2023|volume=36 |issue=1 |doi=10.1007/s10963-023-09174-6 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

==== Roman era ====
In [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times, the area that would later become Slovenia was shared between ''Venetia et Histria'' (region X of [[Italia (Roman Empire)|Roman Italia]] in the classification of [[Augustus]]) and the provinces [[Pannonia]] and [[Noricum]]. The Romans established posts at [[Emona]] (Ljubljana), [[Poetovio]] (Ptuj), and [[Celeia]] (Celje); and constructed trade and military roads that ran across Slovene territory from [[Italy]] to Pannonia. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the area was subject to invasions by the [[Huns]] and [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] tribes during their incursions into Italy. Part of the inner state was protected with a defensive line of towers and walls called ''[[Claustra Alpium Iuliarum]]''. A [[Battle of the Frigidus|crucial battle]] between [[Theodosius I]] and [[Eugenius]] took place in the [[Vipava Valley]] in 394.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wolfram |first1=Herwig |title=The Roman Empire and Its Germanic Peoples |date=1997 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley, CA |page=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Singleton |first1=Fred |title=A Short History of the Yugoslav Peoples |date=1989 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |page=2}}</ref>

==== Slavic settlement ====
The [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] tribes migrated to the Alpine area after the westward departure of the [[Lombards]] (the last Germanic tribe) in 568, and, under pressure from [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]], established a [[Slavic settlement of the Eastern Alps|Slavic settlement in the Eastern Alps]]. From 623 to 624 or possibly 626 onwards, [[Samo|King Samo]] united the Alpine and Western Slavs against the Avars and Germanic peoples and established what is referred to as Samo's Kingdom. After its disintegration following Samo's death in 658 or 659, the ancestors of the [[Slovenes]] formed the independent [[Carantania|duchy of Carantania]],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y0MqAQAAMAAJ |title=Na stičišču svetov: slovenska zgodovina od prazgodovinskih kultur do konca 18. stoletja |first=Peter |last=Štih |language=sl |trans-title=At the Junction of the Worlds: Slovene History from the Prehistoric Cultures to the End of the 18th Century |isbn=978-961-241-375-0 |publisher=Modrijan Publishing House |page=33|year=2009 }}</ref> and [[Carniola]], later duchy Carniola. Other areas that would later become part of Slovenia were again ruled by Avars before [[Charlemagne]]'s victory over them in 803.

=== Middle Ages ===
[[File:Kaernten herzogeinsetzung.jpg|thumb|left|A depiction of an ancient democratic ritual of Slovene-speaking tribes, which took place on the [[Prince's Stone]] in [[Slovene language|Slovene]] until 1414]]

The [[Carantanians]], one of the ancestral groups of the modern Slovenes, particularly the [[Carinthian Slovenes]], were the first Slavic people to [[Christianization of the Slavs|accept Christianity]]. They were mostly Christianized by Irish missionaries, among them [[Modestus (Apostle of Carantania)|Modestus]], known as the "Apostle of Carantanians". This process, together with the Christianization of the [[Bavarians]], was later described in the memorandum known as the [[Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum]], which is thought{{By whom|date=July 2025}} to have overemphasized the role of the Church of Salzburg in the Christianization process over similar efforts of the Patriarchate of [[Aquileia]].

In the mid-8th century, Carantania became a [[vassal]] [[duchy]] under the rule of the [[Bavaria]]ns, who began [[christianization|spreading Christianity]]. Three decades later, the [[Carantanians]] were incorporated, together with the Bavarians, into the [[Carolingian Empire]]. During the same period [[Carniola]], too, came under the Franks, and was Christianised from [[Aquileia]]. Following the anti-Frankish rebellion of [[Liudewit]] at the beginning of the 9th century, the [[Franks]] removed the Carantanian princes, replacing them with their own border dukes. Consequently, the Frankish [[feudal system]] reached the Slovene territory.

After the victory of Emperor [[Otto I]] over the [[Magyars]] in 955, Slovene territory was divided into a number of border regions of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. Carantania was elevated into the [[Duchy of Carinthia]] in 976.

By the 11th century, the Germanization of the area that would later become [[Lower Austria]], effectively isolated the Slovene-inhabited territory from the other [[western Slavs]], speeding up the development of the [[Carantanians|Slavs of Carantania]] and of [[Carniola]] into an independent Carantanian/Carniolans/Slovene ethnic group. By the [[High Middle Ages]], the historic provinces of Carniola, [[Styria (duchy)|Styria]], [[Carinthia (duchy)|Carinthia]], [[County of Gorizia|Gorizia]], [[Trieste]], and [[Istria]] developed from the border regions and were incorporated into the medieval [[Holy Roman Empire]]. The consolidation and formation of these historical lands took place in a long period between the 11th and 14th centuries, and were led by a number of important feudal families, such as the [[Bernhard von Spanheim|Dukes of Spanheim]], the [[Meinhardiner|Counts of Gorizia]], the [[Counts of Celje]], and, finally, the [[House of Habsburg]]. In a parallel process, an intensive Germanization significantly diminished the extent of Slovene-speaking areas. By the 15th century, the [[Slovene Lands|Slovene ethnic territory]] was reduced.<ref name="culture.si">{{cite web|url=http://www.culture.si/en/Slovenia |title=About Slovenia – Culture of Slovenia |date=19 February 2010 |publisher=Culture.si |access-date=2 June 2012}}</ref>

In 1335, [[Henry of Bohemia|Henry of Gorizia]], Duke of Carinthia, Landgrave of Carniola and Count of Tyrol, died without a male heir. His daughter [[Margaret, Countess of Tyrol|Margaret]] was able to keep the [[County of Tyrol]], while the Wittelsbach emperor [[Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor|Louis IV]] passed Carinthia and the Carniolan march to the Habsburg duke [[Albert II, Duke of Austria|Albert II of Austria]], whose mother, [[Elisabeth of Carinthia, Queen of the Romans|Elisabeth of Carinthia]], was a sister of the late duke [[Henry of Bohemia|Henry of Gorizia]]. Therefore, most of the territory that would later become Slovenia became a hereditary land of the [[Habsburg monarchy]]. As with the other component parts of the [[Habsburg monarchy]], Carinthia and Carniola remained a semi-autonomous state with its own constitutional structure for a long time. The [[counts of Celje]], a feudal family from this area who in 1436 acquired the title of state princes, were powerful competitors of the house of [[Habsburg]] for some time. This large dynasty, important at a European political level, had its seat in Slovene territory but died out in 1456. Its numerous large estates subsequently became the property of the Habsburgs, who retained control of the area right up until the beginning of the 20th century. [[Patria del Friuli]] ruled the western portion of the lands that would later become Slovenia until [[Republic of Venice|Venetian]] takeover in 1420.

[[File:Boj s Turki-Valvasor.jpg|thumb|The [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] army [[Ottoman–Habsburg wars|battling]] the [[Habsburg monarchy|Habsburgs]] during the [[Great Turkish War]] in the area that would later become Slovenia.]]
At the end of the Middle Ages, the [[Slovene Lands]] suffered a serious economic and demographic setback because of the [[Ottoman–Habsburg wars|Turkish raids]]. In 1515, a [[Slovene peasant revolt of 1515|peasant revolt]] spread across nearly the whole Slovene territory. In 1572 and 1573 the [[Croatian-Slovenian peasant revolt]] wrought havoc throughout the wider region. Such uprisings, which often met with bloody defeats, continued throughout the 17th century.<ref name="culture.si"/>

=== Early modern period ===
After the [[Fall of the Republic of Venice|dissolution of the Republic of Venice in 1797]], the Venetian Slovenia was passed to the Austrian Empire. The [[Slovene Lands]] were successively part of the French-administered [[Illyrian Provinces]] established by [[Napoleon]], the [[Austrian Empire]], and [[Austria-Hungary]]. Slovenes inhabited most of [[Carniola]], the southern part of the duchies of [[Duchy of Carinthia|Carinthia]] and [[Duchy of Styria|Styria]], the northern and eastern areas of the [[Austrian Littoral]], as well as [[Prekmurje]] in the [[Lands of the Crown of Saint Stephen|Kingdom of Hungary]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://journals.lib.washington.edu/index.php/ssj/article/download/3797/3208 |title= The Terms Wende-Winde, Wendisch-Windisch in the Historiographic Tradition of the Slovene Lands|first=Rado |last=Lenček |author-link=Rado Lenček |year=1990 |journal= Slovene Studies|volume=12 |issue=1 |page=94 |doi=10.7152/ssj.v12i1.3797|doi-access=free | issn = 0193-1075 }}</ref> Industrialization was accompanied by construction of railroads to link cities and markets, but the urbanization was limited.

Due to limited opportunities, between 1880 and 1910 there was extensive emigration; around 300,000 Slovenes (1 in 6) emigrated to other countries,<ref name= Benderly9>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rXiCp49NJh8C&pg=PA10 |title=Independent Slovenia: Origins, Movements, Prospects |chapter=In the Beginning: The Slovenes from the Seventh Century to 1945 |first1=Jill |last1=Benderly |first2=Evan |last2=Kraft |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-312-16447-8 |pages=9–11}}</ref> mostly [[Slovene Americans|to the US]], but also [[Slovene communities in South America|to South America]] (the main part to [[Argentina]]), Germany, [[Egypt]], and to larger cities in Austria-Hungary, especially [[Vienna]] and [[Graz]].<ref name="Benderly9"/> Literacy was exceptionally high, at 80–90%.<ref name="Benderly9"/>

The 19th century also saw a revival of culture in Slovene, accompanied by a [[Romantic nationalism|Romantic nationalist]] quest for cultural and political autonomy. The idea of a [[United Slovenia]], first advanced during the [[revolutions of 1848]], became the common platform of most Slovene parties and political movements in Austria-Hungary. During the same period, [[Yugoslavism]], an ideology stressing the unity of all [[South Slavs|South Slavic peoples]], spread as a reaction to [[Pan-Germanism|Pan-German nationalism]] and [[Italian irredentism]].

==== World War I ====
{{See also|Italian front (World War I)|Battles of the Isonzo|Treaty of London (1915)|Corfu Declaration}}
[[File:Eingebaute Mannschaftsunterstände am Monte Sabotino.jpg|thumb|The [[Battles of the Isonzo]] took place mostly in rugged mountainous areas above the Soča River.]]
[[World War I]] brought heavy casualties to Slovenes, particularly the twelve [[Battles of the Isonzo]]. Hundreds of thousands of Slovene conscripts were drafted into the [[Austro-Hungarian Army]], and over 30,000 of them died. Hundreds of thousands of Slovenes from [[Princely County of Gorizia and Gradisca]] were resettled in [[refugee camp]]s in Italy and Austria. While the refugees in Austria received decent treatment, the Slovene refugees in Italian camps were treated as state enemies, and several thousand died of malnutrition and diseases between 1915 and 1918.<ref>Petra Svoljšak, ''Slovenski begunci v Italiji med prvo svetovno vojno'' (Ljubljana 1991).</ref> Entire areas of the [[Slovene Littoral]] were destroyed.

The [[Treaty of Rapallo (1920)|Treaty of Rapallo]] of 1920 left approximately 327,000 out of the total population of 1.3&nbsp;million Slovenes in Italy.<ref name="SacroEgoismo2012">Lipušček, U. (2012) ''Sacro egoismo: Slovenci v krempljih tajnega londonskega pakta 1915'', Cankarjeva založba, Ljubljana. {{ISBN|978-961-231-871-0}}</ref><ref name="Cresciani_ClashOfCivilisations">Cresciani, Gianfranco (2004) [https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1aAzmXBjZO5eFQySUlrdTBYRkk Clash of civilisations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506152156/https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1aAzmXBjZO5eFQySUlrdTBYRkk |date=6 May 2020 }}, Italian Historical Society Journal, Vol. 12, No. 2, p. 4</ref> After the [[March on Rome|fascists took power]] in Italy, they were subjected to a policy of violent Fascist [[Italianization]]. This caused the mass emigration of Slovenes, especially the middle class, from the Slovene Littoral and [[Trieste]] to [[Yugoslavia]] and South America. Those who remained organized several connected networks of both passive and armed resistance. The best known was the [[Anti-fascism|militant anti-fascist]] organization [[TIGR]], formed in 1927 to fight Fascist oppression of the Slovene and Croat populations in the [[Julian March]].<ref name="Mira Cencič 1997">Mira Cencič, ''TIGR'' (Ljubljana: Mladinska knjiga, 1997)</ref><ref name="Tatjana Rejec 1995">Tatjana Rejec, ''Pričevanja o TIGR-u'' (Ljubljana: [[Slovene Society]], 1995)</ref>

=== State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs ===
[[File:KongressfallofAH.jpg|thumb|right|The proclamation of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs at [[Congress Square]] in Ljubljana on 29 October 1918]]
The [[Slovene People's Party (historical)|Slovene People's Party]] launched a movement for self-determination, demanding the creation of a semi-independent [[South Slavic peoples|South Slavic]] state under [[Habsburg dynasty|Habsburg]] rule. The proposal was picked up by most Slovene parties, and a mass mobilization of Slovene civil society, known as the [[May Declaration (1917)|Declaration Movement]], followed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kranjec |first=Silvo |chapter=Korošec Anton |title=Slovenski biografski leksikon |chapter-url=http://nl.ijs.si:8080/fedora/get/sbl:1188/VIEW/ |year=1925–1991 |edition=Online |publisher=[[Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts]] |access-date=24 July 2010 |language=sl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823082222/http://nl.ijs.si:8080/fedora/get/sbl:1188/VIEW/ |archive-date=23 August 2011}}</ref> This demand was rejected by the Austrian political elites; but following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the aftermath of the [[First World War]], the [[National Council of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs]] took power in [[Zagreb]] on 6 October 1918. On 29 October, independence was declared by a national gathering in Ljubljana, and by the Croatian parliament, declaring the establishment of the new [[State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs]].

=== Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later the Kingdom of Yugoslavia) ===
{{See also|Creation of Yugoslavia|Carinthian Plebiscite|Rudolf Maister}}
On 1 December 1918, the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs merged with [[Serbia]], becoming part of the new [[Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes]]; in 1929, it was renamed the [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]]. The area that would later become Slovenia, being the most industrialized and westernized compared to other less developed parts of Yugoslavia, became the main centre of industrial production. Compared to Serbia, Slovene industrial production was four times greater; and it was 22 times greater than in [[North Macedonia]]. The interwar period brought further industrialization in the area that would become Slovenia, with rapid economic growth in the 1920s, followed by a relatively successful economic adjustment to the [[1929 economic crisis]] and [[Great Depression]].

Although Slovenia did not exist as an autonomous administrative unit between 1921 and 1941, the [[Drava Banovina]] of the [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]] was frequently called simply "Slovenia", even in some official documents.<ref>Ivan Selan, ''Slovenija [Kartografsko gradivo]: Dravska banovina'' (Ljubljana: Kmetijska zbornica Dravske banovine, 1938)</ref><ref>Vinko Vrhunec, ''Slovenija v šestletki cestnih del'' (Ljubljana: Banovinska uprava Dravske banovine, 1939)</ref><ref>[[Andrej Gosar]], ''Banovina Slovenija: politična, finančna in gospodarska vprašanja'' (Ljubljana: [[Dejanje]], 1940)</ref>

Following a [[Carinthian Plebiscite|plebiscite]] in October 1920, the Slovene-speaking southern [[Carinthia (state)|Carinthia]] was ceded to [[Austria]]. With the [[Treaty of Trianon]], the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was awarded the mostly Slovene-inhabited [[Prekmurje]] region, formerly part of Austria-Hungary. Slovenes living in territories that fell under the rule of the neighboring states—Italy, Austria, and Hungary—were subjected to [[Cultural assimilation|assimilation]].

=== World War II and annexation ===
{{main|World War II in the Slovene Lands}}
<div style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: black; width:400px; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding:0.5em; font-size: 88%;" class="floatright">
<div class="center">{{Image label begin|image=Provincia di Lubiana1941-1943.jpg}}
{{Image label small|x=0.345|y=0.105|text=[[Austria under National Socialism|<span style="color:#0645AD;">Nazi Germany</span>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.899|y=0.058|text=[[Kingdom of Hungary (1920–46)|<span style="color:#0645AD;">Hungary</span>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.021|y=0.465|text=[[Kingdom of Italy|<span style="color:#0645AD;">Fascist<br /><br />Italy</span>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.815|y=0.454|text=[[Independent State of Croatia|<span style="color:#0645AD;">Independent<br /><br />State of<br /><br />Croatia</span>]]}}
{{Image label end}}</div>During World War II, [[Nazi Germany]] and [[Kingdom of Hungary (1920–1946)|Hungary]] annexed northern areas (brown and dark green areas, respectively), while Fascist [[Kingdom of Italy|Italy]] annexed the vertically hatched black area (solid black western part having been annexed by Italy in 1920 with the [[Treaty of Rapallo (1920)|Treaty of Rapallo]]). Some villages were incorporated into the [[Independent State of Croatia]]. After 1943, Germany also occupied the area that Italy had annexed.</div>

The area later known as Slovenia was trisected and completely annexed into [[Nazi Germany]] and Fascist [[Kingdom of Italy|Italy]] during World War II.<ref name="GJK_2013">Gregor Joseph Kranjc (2013). To Walk with the Devil, University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division, p. introduction 5</ref> In addition, the [[Prekmurje]] region in the east was annexed to Hungary, and some villages in the [[Lower Sava Valley]] were incorporated in the newly created Nazi puppet [[Independent State of Croatia]] (NDH). Axis forces [[Invasion of Yugoslavia|invaded Yugoslavia]] in April 1941 and defeated the country in a few weeks. The southern part, including [[Ljubljana]], was annexed to Italy, while the Nazis took over the northern and eastern parts of the country. The Nazis had a plan of [[ethnic cleansing]] of these areas,<ref name="HF2006_BerghahnBooks">Haar, I., Fahlbusch, M. (2006): [https://books.google.com/books?id=vBYW0uYved8C&q=Slovenians+%22ethnic+cleansing%22&pg=PA115 German Scholars and Ethnic Cleansing, 1919–1945], Berghahn Books, {{ISBN|9781845450489}}, p. 115</ref> and they resettled or expelled the local Slovene civilian population to the puppet states of [[Nedić's Serbia]] (7,500) and [[NDH]] (10,000). In addition, some 46,000 Slovenes were expelled to Germany, including children who were separated from their parents and allocated to German families.<ref name="LM2009_UNC">Lukšič-Hacin, M., Mlekuž J. (2009): [https://books.google.com/books?id=EUWc0Csfp8cC&pg=PA55 Go Girls!: When Slovenian Women Left Home], Založba ZRC SAZU, {{ISBN|9789612541705}}, p. 55</ref><ref>Zdravko Troha (2004). Kočevski Nemci – partizani [fotografije Zdravko Troha, Pokrajinski muzej Kočevje, Arhiv Slovenije]. Ljubljana: Slovensko kočevarsko društvo Peter Kosler. {{ISBN|961-91287-0-2}}</ref> At the same time, the ethnic Germans in the [[Gottschee]] enclave in the Italian annexation zone were resettled to the Nazi-controlled areas cleansed of their Slovene population.<ref name="L1993_UNC">Lumans, V.O. (1993):[https://books.google.com/books?id=TIZSO31iSO4C&dq=Italian+Gottschee&pg=PA175 Himmler's Auxiliaries: The Volksdeutsche Mittelstelle and the German National Minorities of Europe, 1933–1945], Univ of North Carolina Press, {{ISBN|9780807820667}}, p. 175</ref>
Around 30,000 to 40,000 Slovene men were drafted to the [[Wehrmacht|German Army]] and sent to the Eastern front. Slovene was banned from education, and its use in public life was limited.<ref name="GJK_2013"/>

The south-central portion of the area that would later become Slovenia was annexed by Fascist Italy and renamed the [[Province of Ljubljana]]. The [[Liberation Front of the Slovene Nation|Slovenian National Liberation Front]] was organized there in April 1941. Led by the Communist Party, it formed the [[Slovene Partisans|Slovene Partisan]] units as part of the [[Yugoslav Partisans]] led by the Communist leader [[Josip Broz Tito]].<ref name="JJR2013_OxfordPress">[[Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones|Jeffreys-Jones, R.]] (2013): [https://books.google.com/books?id=3gK7e8LpXvcC&q=most+effective+Anti+Nazi+resistance&pg=PA87 In Spies We Trust: The Story of Western Intelligence], Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|9780199580972}}</ref><ref name="AS_2005">Adams, Simon (2005): [https://books.google.com/books?id=Cmm4J2Ug4o8C&dq=resistance+Europe&pg=PA1981 The Balkans], Black Rabbit Books, {{ISBN|9781583406038}}</ref>

After the resistance started in summer 1941, Italian violence against the Slovene civilian population escalated. The Italian authorities deported some 25,000 people to [[Italian concentration camps|concentration camps]], which equaled 7.5% of the population of their occupation zone. The most infamous ones were [[Rab concentration camp|Rab]] and [[Gonars concentration camp|Gonars]]. To counter the Communist-led insurgence, the Italians sponsored local anti-guerrilla units, formed mostly by the local conservative Catholic Slovene population that resented the revolutionary violence of the partisans. After the [[Italian armistice]] of September 1943, the Germans took over both the Province of Ljubljana and the Slovenian Littoral, incorporating them into what was known as the [[Operation Zone of Adriatic Coastal Region]]. They united the Slovene anti-Communist counter-insurgence into the [[Slovene Home Guard]] and appointed a puppet regime in the Province of Ljubljana. The anti-Nazi resistance however expanded, creating its own administrative structures as the basis for Slovene statehood within a new, federal and socialist Yugoslavia.<ref name=Tomasevich_2001>{{cite book|first=Jozo|last=Tomasevich|title=War and Revolution in Yugoslavia, 1941–1945: Occupation and Collaboration|volume=2|publisher=Stanford University Press|year=2001|location=San Francisco|isbn=0-8047-3615-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fqUSGevFe5MC|ref=Tomasevich_2001|pages=96–97}}</ref><ref name="Dennison I. Rusinow 1978, p. 2">{{Cite book|last=Rusinow|first=Dennison I.|title=The Yugoslav experiment 1948–1974|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|year=1978|page=2|isbn=0-520-03730-8}}</ref>

In 1945, [[Yugoslavia]] was liberated by the partisan resistance and soon became a socialist federation known as the [[People's Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]].

Approximately 8% of the Slovene population died during [[World War II]]. The small Jewish community, mostly in the [[Prekmurje]] region, was destroyed in 1944 in the [[Holocaust in Hungary|holocaust of Hungarian Jews]]. The German-speaking minority, amounting to 2.5% of the Slovenian population prior to the war, was either expelled or killed in the aftermath of the war. Hundreds of [[Istrian Italians]] and Slovenes that were members of fascist and collaborationist forces, alongside civilians presumed to oppose communism, were killed in the [[Foibe killings|foibe massacres]], and more than 25,000 fled or were expelled from [[Slovenian Istria]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kozina.com/premik/indexeng_porocilo.htm|title=Slovene-Italian Relations 1880–1956 – Report of the Slovene-Italian historical and cultural commission|access-date=22 April 2015|archive-date=8 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408133844/http://www.kozina.com/premik/indexeng_porocilo.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Baracetti |first=Gaia |date=October 2009 |title=Foibe : Nationalism, Revenge and Ideology in Venezia Giulia and Istria, 1943—5 |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0022009409339344 |journal=Journal of Contemporary History |language=en |volume=44 |issue=4 |pages=657–674 |doi=10.1177/0022009409339344 |issn=0022-0094|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Around 130,000 persons, mostly political and military opponents, were executed in May and June 1945.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Communist crimes in Slovenia: mass graves and public discussion|url=https://communistcrimes.org/en/communist-crimes-slovenia-mass-graves-and-public-discussion|access-date=15 October 2020|website=Communist crimes in Slovenia: mass graves and public discussion {{!}} Communist Crimes|language=en}}</ref>

=== Socialist Republic of Slovenia ===
During the re-establishment of Yugoslavia in World War II, the [[Socialist Republic of Slovenia]] was created and became part of [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Federal Yugoslavia]]. Yugoslavia was a [[socialist state]], but because of the [[Tito–Stalin split]] in 1948, economic and personal freedoms were much broader than in the [[Eastern Bloc]] countries. In 1947, the [[Slovene Littoral]] and the western half of [[Inner Carniola]], which had been annexed by Italy after World War One, were annexed to Slovenia. 
[[File:Economy Yugoslavia 1975.png|thumb|left|Average strength of Yugoslav economy as a deviation from the main (Yugoslavia = 100 %) indicator 1975. [[Socialist Republic of Slovenia|SR Slovenia]] (dark green) was, along with [[Socialist Republic of Croatia|SR Croatia]] and [[Socialist Autonomous Province of Vojvodina|SAP Vojvodina]] (light green), the richest entity of [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|SFR Yugoslavia]].]]

After the failure of [[Collective farming|forced collectivisation]] that was attempted from 1949 to 1953, a policy of gradual economic liberalisation, known as [[Workers' self-management|workers self-management]], was introduced under the advice and supervision of the Slovene Marxist theoretician and Communist leader [[Edvard Kardelj]], the main ideologue of the [[Titoism|Titoist]] path to socialism. Suspected opponents of this policy both from within and outside the Communist party were persecuted and thousands were sent to [[Goli otok]] (where also opponents from [[Tito–Stalin split|Tito-Stalin split]], which developed at the same time, were sent).

The late 1950s saw a policy of liberalization in the cultural sphere as well, and unlimited border crossing into western countries was allowed, both for Yugoslav citizens and for foreigners. In 1956, [[Josip Broz Tito]], together with other leaders, founded the [[Non-Aligned Movement]]. In the 1950s, Slovenia's economy developed rapidly and was strongly industrialized. With further economic decentralization of Yugoslavia in 1965–66, Slovenia's [[Gross domestic product|domestic product]] was 2.5 times the average of Yugoslav republics. While a Communist country, after the Tito–Stalin split Yugoslavia initiated a period of military neutrality and non-alignment. JAT Yugoslav Airlines was the flag carrier and during its existence it grew to become one of the leading airlines in Europe both by fleet and destinations. By the 1970s more airlines were created including Slovenian [[Adria Airways]] mostly focused in the growing tourist industry. Until the 1980s, [[Socialist Republic of Slovenia|Slovenia]] enjoyed relatively broad autonomy within the federation. It was the most liberal communist state in Europe, and the passport of the Yugoslavia Federation allowed Yugoslavs to travel to the most world countries of any socialist country during the Cold War. Many people worked in western countries, which reduced unemployment in their home country.

Opposition to the regime was mostly limited to intellectual and literary circles and became especially vocal after Tito's death in 1980 when the economic and political situation in Yugoslavia became very strained.<ref name="culture.si"/> Political disputes around economic measures were echoed in the public sentiment, as many Slovenians felt they were being economically exploited, having to sustain an expensive and inefficient federal administration.

=== Slovenian Spring, democracy and independence ===
In 1987 a group of intellectuals demanded Slovene independence in the [[Contributions for the Slovenian National Program|57th edition]] of the magazine ''[[Nova revija (magazine)|Nova revija]]''. Demands for democratisation and more Slovenian independence were sparked off. A mass democratic movement, coordinated by the [[Committee for the Defence of Human Rights]], pushed the Communists in the direction of democratic reforms.

In September 1989, numerous [[constitutional amendment]]s were passed to introduce [[parliamentary democracy]] to Slovenia.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.fdv.si/zalozba/pdf-ji/135.pdf |title=Razvoj parlamentarizma: funkcije sodobnih parlamentov |language=sl |trans-title=The Development of Parliamentarism: The Functions of Modern Parliaments |first=Drago |last=Zajc |page=109 |publisher=Publishing House of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana |year=2004 |isbn=961-235-170-8 |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426072954/http://www.fdv.si/zalozba/pdf-ji/135.pdf |archive-date=26 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Osamosvojitveni akti Republike Slovenije |trans-title=Acts of independence of the Republic of Slovenia |url=http://www.svz.gov.si/si/zakonodaja_in_dokumenti/osamosvojitveni_akti_republike_slovenije/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117183414/http://www.svz.gov.si/si/zakonodaja_in_dokumenti/osamosvojitveni_akti_republike_slovenije/ |archive-date=17 January 2012 |access-date=27 December 2011 |publisher=Office for Legislation, Government of the Republic of Slovenia |language=sl}}</ref> <!--The same year [[Rally of Truth|Action North]] united both the opposition and democratized communist establishment in Slovenia as the first defense action against attacks by [[Slobodan Milošević]]'s supporters, leading to Slovenian independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fvv.uni-mb.si/varstvoslovje/Abstract.aspx?cid=329|title=Historical Circumstances in Which 'The Rally of Truth' in Ljubljana Was Prevented|publisher=Journal of Criminal Justice and Security|access-date=4 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213053210/http://www.fvv.uni-mb.si/varstvoslovje/Abstract.aspx?cid=329|archive-date=13 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rtvslo.si/osamosvojitev/prispevek/108/predvajaj/|title="Rally of truth" (Miting resnice)|publisher= A documentary published by [[RTV Slovenija]]|access-date=4 July 2012}}</ref>{{request quotation|date=July 2012}}--> On 7 March 1990, the Slovenian Assembly changed the official name of the state to the "Republic of Slovenia".<ref name="twenty.si">{{cite web |author=Innovatif and ORG.TEND |url=http://www.twenty.si/first-20-years/90/ |title=Year 1990 &#124; Slovenia 20 years |publisher=Twenty.si |date=14 May 1992 |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611063423/http://www.twenty.si/first-20-years/90/ |archive-date=11 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 March 1990 |title=Odlok o razglasitvi ustavnih amandmajev k ustave<!-- sic! --> Socialistične Republike Slovenije |trans-title=Decree on the proclamation of constitutional amendments to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia |url=http://www.uradni-list.si/dl/vip_akti/1990-02-0402.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127111321/http://www.uradni-list.si/dl/vip_akti/1990-02-0402.pdf |archive-date=27 November 2013 |access-date=27 December 2011 |journal=Uradni List Republike Slovenije |language=sl}}</ref> In April 1990, the first democratic election in Slovenia took place, and the united opposition movement [[Democratic Opposition of Slovenia|DEMOS]] led by [[Jože Pučnik]] emerged victorious.
[[File:Teritorialci so z armbrustom zadeli tank v križišču pred MMP Rožna Dolina..jpg|right|thumb|Slovenian Territorial Defense Units counterattacking a [[Yugoslav People's Army]] tank which entered Slovenia during the [[Ten-Day War]], 1991]]
The initial revolutionary events in Slovenia pre-dated the [[Revolutions of 1989]] in Eastern Europe by almost a year, but went largely unnoticed by international observers. On 23 December 1990, more than 88% of the electorate voted for a sovereign and independent Slovenia.<ref name="Felicijan">{{cite conference|url=http://www.pokarh-mb.si/fileadmin/www.pokarh-mb.si/pdf_datoteke/Radenci2007/Felicijan.pdf |title=Prevzem arhivskega gradiva plebiscitnega referenduma o samostojnosti Republike Slovenije |language=sl, en|first=Suzana |last=Felicijan Bratož |conference=6. zbornik referatov dopolnilnega izobraževanja s področja arhivistike, dokumentalistike in informatike v Radencih od 28. do 30. marca 2007 |conference-url=http://www.pokarh-mb.si/index.php?id=126 |pages=453–458 |year=2007 |publisher=Regional Archives Maribor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113023555/http://www.pokarh-mb.si/fileadmin/www.pokarh-mb.si/pdf_datoteke/Radenci2007/Felicijan.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name="STAT11">{{cite news |url=http://www.stat.si/letopis/2011/05_11/05-11-11.htm |title=Statistični letopis 2011 |page=108 |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |work=Statistical Yearbook 2011 |year=2011 |volume=15 |issn=1318-5403 |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-date=26 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826065022/http://www.stat.si/letopis/2011/05_11/05-11-11.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 25 June 1991, Slovenia became independent.<ref name="Škrk1999"/><ref name="Jonsson">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OegWny-r8TEC&pg=PA30 |title=Democratic Transition in Slovenia: Value Transformation, Education, And Media |editor1-first=Sabrina |editor1-last=P. Ramet |editor2-first=Danica |editor2-last=Fink-Hafner |chapter=Changing Concepts of Rights |first=Anna |last=Jonsson |page=75 |year=2006 |publisher=Texas A&M University Press |isbn=978-1-58544-525-7 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On 27 June in the early morning, the [[Yugoslav People's Army]] dispatched its forces to prevent further measures for the establishment of a new country, which led to the [[Ten-Day War]].<ref name="Race">{{cite book |url=http://dk.fdv.uni-lj.si/dela/Race-Helena.PDF |title="Dan prej" – 26. junij 1991: diplomsko delo |language=sl |first=Helena |last=Race |publisher=Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana |year=2005 |access-date=3 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="SAF History">{{cite web |url=http://www.slovenskavojska.si/en/about-the-slovenian-armed-forces/history/ |title=About the Slovenian Military Forces: History |publisher=Slovenian Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence |access-date=3 February 2011 |archive-date=19 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519044755/http://www.slovenskavojska.si/en/about-the-slovenian-armed-forces/history/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 7 July, the [[Brijuni Agreement]] was signed, implementing a truce and a three-month halt of the enforcement of Slovenia's independence.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FeiKg3TuNl0C&pg=PA157 |title=Yugoslavia's Bloody Collapse: Causes, Course and Consequences |first=Christopher |last=Bennett |chapter=Slovenia Fights |page=159 |year=1995 |publisher=C. Hurst & Co. Publishers |isbn=978-1-85065-232-8}}</ref> At the end of the month, the last soldiers of the Yugoslav Army left Slovenia.

In December 1991, a new [[Constitution of Slovenia|constitution]] was adopted,<ref name="Jonsson"/> followed in 1992 by the laws on [[privatization|denationalisation and privatisation]].<ref name="Klemenčič2004">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ORSMBFwjAKcC&pg=PA298 |title=The Former Yugoslavia's Diverse Peoples: A Reference Sourcebook |first1=Matjaž |last1=Klemenčič |first2=Mitja |last2=Žagar |chapter=Democratization in the Beginning of the 1990s |page=298 |isbn=978-1-57607-294-3 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2004}}</ref> The members of the [[European Union]] recognised Slovenia as an independent state on 15 January 1992, and the United Nations accepted it as a member on 22 May 1992.<ref name="Borak2004">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/sloveniafromyugo0000mrak |chapter-url-access=registration |title=Slovenia: From Yugoslavia to the European Union |publisher=World Bank Publications |editor1-first=Mojmir |editor1-last=Mrak |editor2-first=Matija |editor2-last=Rojec |editor3-first=Carlos |editor3-last=Silva-Jáuregui |year=2004 |series=World Bank Publications |isbn=978-0-8213-5718-7 |chapter=Institutional Setting for the New Independent State |first1=Neven |last1=Borak |first2=Bistra |last2=Borak |page=[https://archive.org/details/sloveniafromyugo0000mrak/page/58 58]}}</ref>

In 1996 and 1999, [[Pope John Paul II]] visited Slovenia.

Slovenia joined the [[European Union]] on 1 May 2004.<ref>{{cite web |title=Slovenia |url=https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles/slovenia_en |website=european-union.europa.eu |language=en |access-date=18 May 2022 |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902033800/https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles/slovenia_en |url-status=dead }}</ref> Slovenia has one Commissioner in the [[European Commission]], and seven Slovene parliamentarians were elected to the [[European Parliament]] at elections on 13 June 2004. In 2004 Slovenia also joined [[NATO]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Slovenia's NATO membership {{!}} GOV.SI |url=https://www.gov.si/en/topics/slovenias-nato-membership/ |website=Portal GOV.SI |date=4 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Slovenia subsequently succeeded in meeting the [[Maastricht criteria]] and joined the [[Eurozone]] (the first transition country to do so) on 1 January 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/articles/euro/slovenia_joins_the_euro_area_en.htm|title = Slovenia joins the euro area – European Commission}}</ref> It was the first post-Communist country to hold the [[Presidency of the Council of the European Union]], for the first six months of 2008. On 21 July 2010, it became a member of the OECD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oecd.org/slovenia/sloveniasaccessiontotheoecd.htm |publisher=[[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]] |title=Slovenia's accession to the OECD |date=21 July 2010 |access-date=22 July 2016 }}</ref>

The disillusionment with domestic socio-economic elites at municipal and national levels was expressed at the [[2012–2013 Slovenian protests]] on a wider scale than in the smaller [[15 October 2011 global protests#Slovenia|15 October 2011 protests]].<ref>[http://www.mladina.si/118056/joachim-becker-nujno-je-treba-zavreti-poglabljanje-neoliberalizma-v-evropski-uniji-saj-je-to-slep/ Joachim Becker: "Nujno je treba zavreti poglabljanje neoliberalizma v Evropski uniji, saj je to slepa ulica"] [Joachim Becker: 'It is essential to halt the deepening of neoliberalism in the European Union, as it is a dead end], {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507021628/http://www.mladina.si/118056/joachim-becker-nujno-je-treba-zavreti-poglabljanje-neoliberalizma-v-evropski-uniji-saj-je-to-slep/|date=7 May 2013}}, an interview with [[Joachim Becker]], [[Mladina]], 23 November 2012</ref> In relation to the leading politicians' response to allegations made by the official [[Commission for the Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Slovenia]], legal experts expressed the need for changes in the system that would limit political [[arbitrariness]].<ref>[https://www.dnevnik.si/slovenija/v-ospredju/samovolja-politikov-presega-vse-meje A Symposium of Law Experts. Political arbitrariness has gone wild.] (In Slovene: "Posvet pravnikov. Samovolja politikov presega vse meje"), Dnevnik, 18 Januar 2013.</ref>{{context inline|date=January 2017}}

== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Slovenia}}
{{See also|Protected areas of Slovenia}}
Slovenia is located in [[Central Europe]] touching the eastern [[Alps]] and bordering the [[Mediterranean Sea]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Mediterranean Sea {{!}} Facts, History, Islands, & Countries {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Mediterranean-Sea |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Netherlands |first=Statistics |title=Regions of Europe |url=https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2018/30/two-thirds-of-summer-holidays-booked-online/regions-of-europe |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Statistics Netherlands |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826160323/https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2018/30/two-thirds-of-summer-holidays-booked-online/regions-of-europe |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gause |first=Rich |title=UCF Research Guides: Countries & Regions: Southern Europe |url=https://guides.ucf.edu/countries/southerneurope#s-lg-box-15193200 |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=guides.ucf.edu |language=en}}</ref> This locates Slovenia within the [[Mediterranean basin]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Environment {{!}} UNEPMAP QSR |url=https://www.medqsr.org/mediterranean-marine-and-coastal-environment/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=www.medqsr.org}}</ref> It lies between latitudes [[45th parallel north|45°]] and [[47th parallel north|47° N]], and longitudes [[13th meridian east|13°]] and [[17th meridian east|17° E]]. The [[15th meridian east]] almost corresponds to the middle line of the country in the direction west–east.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jenko |first=Marjan |year=2005 |title=O pomenu meridiana 15° vzhodno od Greenwicha |trans-title=On the significance of the 15th meridian east of Greenwich |url=http://www.geodetski-vestnik.com/49/4/gv49-4_637-638.pdf |access-date=5 January 2010 |journal=Geodetski Vestnik |pages=637–638 |language=sl |volume=49 |issue=4}}</ref> The [[Geometric Centre of the Republic of Slovenia]] is located at [[Geographic coordinate system|coordinates]] 46°07'11.8" N and 14°48'55.2" E.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drustvo-geoss.si/page/sl/geoss/simboli_in_sestavine |title=Simboli in sestavine |language=sl |publisher=GEOSS Society |access-date=12 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401225025/http://www.drustvo-geoss.si/page/sl/geoss/simboli_in_sestavine |archive-date=1 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It lies in [[Slivna]] in the Municipality of [[Litija]].<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.stat.si/letopis/2011/01_11/01-01-11.htm |title=Geografske koordinate skrajnih točk |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |language=sl, en |trans-title=Geographical coordinates of the extreme points |access-date=12 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826070602/http://www.stat.si/letopis/2011/01_11/01-01-11.htm |archive-date=26 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Slovenia's highest peak, [[Triglav]] ({{cvt|2,864|m|ft|0|disp=or}}), has become a national symbol of Slovenia, featured on the national [[Coat of arms of Slovenia|coat of arms]] and [[Flag of Slovenia|flag]]. The country's average height [[Above mean sea level|above sea level]] is {{cvt|557|m|ft|0}}.

Four major European geographic regions meet in Slovenia: the Alps, the [[Dinaric Alps|Dinarides]], the [[Pannonian Plain]], and the Mediterranean Sea. Although on the shore of the [[Adriatic Sea]] near the Mediterranean Sea, most of Slovenia is in the [[Black Sea]] [[drainage basin]]. The Alps—including the [[Julian Alps]], the [[Kamnik-Savinja Alps]] and the [[Karawanks|Karawank]] chain, as well as the [[Pohorje]] massif—dominate Northern Slovenia along its long border with [[Austria]]. Slovenia's Adriatic coastline stretches approximately {{convert|47|km|mi|0}}<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.stat.si/doc/pub/slo_figures_10.pdf |first=Tomaž |last=Valantič |title=Slovenija v številkah |journal=Slovenija V Številkah |year=2010 |language=sl, en |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=2 February 2011 |issn=1318-3745 |archive-date=21 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195553/http://www.stat.si/doc/pub/slo_figures_10.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> from Italy to Croatia.
[[File:Mangart 16.jpg|thumb|Mount [[Mangart]], in the [[Julian Alps]], is the third-highest peak in Slovenia, after [[Triglav]] and [[Škrlatica]].]]
The term "[[Karst topography]]" refers to that of southwestern Slovenia's [[Karst Plateau]], a [[limestone]] region of underground rivers, gorges, and caves, between Ljubljana and the Mediterranean Sea. On the [[Pannonian plain]] to the East and Northeast, toward the Croatian and Hungarian borders, the landscape is essentially flat. However, most of Slovenia is hilly or mountainous, with around 90% of its land surface {{cvt|200|m|ft|0}} or more [[Above mean sea level|above sea level]].

As of 2020, 60.4% of Slovenia ({{convert|12380|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}) is forested,<ref name="fao_gfra2020">{{cite report|url=https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9825en|title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020: Main report|date=18 November 2020|publisher=FAO|doi=10.4060/ca9825en |isbn=978-92-5-132974-0 |access-date=25 September 2025|url-access=subscription}}</ref> ranking it second in Europe by [[List of countries by forest area|percentage of area forested]], after [[Finland]].<ref name="owid_land_cover_forest">{{cite web |url=https://ourworldindata.org/forest-area |title=Share of land covered by forest |publisher=Our World in Data|date=9 May 2025 |access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref> The areas are covered mostly by [[beech]], [[fir]]-beech and beech-[[oak]] forests and have a relatively high production capacity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zgs.gov.si/eng/slovenian-forests/forests-in-slovenia/forestation-and-variety-of-forests/index.html |title=Forestation and variety of forests |publisher=Slovenia Forest Service |year=2009 |access-date=2 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410123608/http://www.zgs.gov.si/eng/slovenian-forests/forests-in-slovenia/forestation-and-variety-of-forests/index.html |archive-date=10 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Remnants of [[old growth|primeval forests]] are still to be found, the largest in the [[Kočevje]] area. Grassland covers {{cvt|5,593|km2|sqmi|0}} and fields and gardens ({{cvt|954|km2|sqmi|0|disp=or}}). There are {{cvt|363|km2|sqmi|0}} of orchards and {{cvt|216|km2|sqmi}} of vineyards.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

=== Geology ===
[[File:Žlebiči.jpg|thumbnail|Solution runnels (also known as rillenkarren) are a [[Karst topography|karst]] feature on the [[Karst Plateau]], as in many other karst areas of the world.]]
Slovenia is in a rather active [[seismic zone]] because of its position on the small [[Adriatic Plate]], which is squeezed between the [[Eurasian Plate]] to the north and the [[African Plate]] to the south and rotates counter-clockwise.<ref name="Seisme">{{cite web|url=http://www.arso.gov.si/en/Seismology/|title=Seismology|access-date=30 July 2008}}</ref> Thus the country is at the junction of three important [[Tectonics|geotectonic]] units: the Alps to the north, the Dinaric Alps to the south and the Pannonian Basin to the east.<ref name="Seisme"/> Scientists have been able to identify 60 destructive earthquakes in the past. Additionally, a network of seismic stations is active throughout the country.<ref name="Seisme"/>

Many parts of Slovenia have a [[Carbonate rock|carbonate]] [[bedrock]] and extensive [[cave system]]s have developed.

=== Natural regions ===
The first regionalisations of Slovenia were made by geographers [[Anton Melik]] (1935–1936) and [[Svetozar Ilešič]] (1968). The newer regionalisation by [[Ivan Gams]] divided Slovenia in the following macroregions:<ref>{{cite news |url=http://giam.zrc-sazu.si/zbornik/perko_38.pdf |first=Drago |last=Perko |title=The Regionalization of Slovenia|journal=Geografski Zbornik |year=1998 |volume=38 |pages=11–57 |id={{COBISS|ID=10668077}} |issn=0373-4498 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601160317/http://giam.zrc-sazu.si/zbornik/perko_38.pdf |archive-date=1 June 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Strunjan bay (24209577441).jpg|Slovenian coast with cliffs|thumb]]

* the [[Alps]] (''Alpe'')
* the [[Slovene Prealps|subalpine landscapes]] (''predalpski svet'')
* the [[Slovene Littoral]] or [[Submediterranean]] Slovenia (''Primorje'' or ''submediteranska Slovenija'')
* the [[Dinaric Alps|Dinaric]] [[plateaus]] of the continental Slovenia (''dinarske planote celinske Slovenije'')
* [[Pannonian Plain|Subpannonian Slovenia]] (''subpanonska Slovenija'')

According to a newer natural geographic regionalisation, the country consists of four [[macroregion]]s. These are the Alpine, the Mediterranean, the Dinaric, and the [[Pannonia]]n landscapes. Macroregions are defined according to major relief units (the Alps, the Pannonian plain, the Dinaric mountains) and climate types (submediterranean, temperate continental, mountain climate).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zrc-sazu.si/Zgds/glasgow/9.pdf |title=Modern climate change in Slovenia |access-date=1 April 2008 |last=Ogrin |first=Darko |date=August 2004 |work=Slovenia: a geographical overview |publisher=Association of the Geographical Societies of Slovenia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820073301/http://www.zrc-sazu.si/zgds/glasgow/9.pdf |archive-date=20 August 2006 }}</ref> These are often quite interwoven.

Protected areas of Slovenia include national parks, regional parks, and nature parks, the largest of which is [[Triglav National Park]]. There are 286 [[Natura 2000]] designated protected areas, which include 36% of the country's land area, the largest percentage among European Union states.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.natura2000.gov.si/index.php?id=45&L=1 |title=Natura 2000 in Slovenia |work=natura2000.gov.si |access-date=1 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514223806/http://www.natura2000.gov.si/index.php?id=45&L=1 |archive-date=14 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Additionally, according to [[Yale University]]'s [[Environmental Performance Index]], Slovenia is considered a "strong performer" in environmental protection efforts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://epi.yale.edu/epi2012/rankings |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120505092852/http://epi.yale.edu/epi2012/rankings |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2012 |title=2012 EPI :: Rankings &#124; Environmental Performance Index |publisher=Epi.yale.edu |access-date=25 November 2012 }}</ref>

=== Climate ===

[[File:Climate types Slovenia 1970-2000.JPG|thumb|upright=1.5|Climate types of Slovenia 1970–2000 and [[climograph]]s for selected settlements]]
Slovenia is located in temperate latitudes. The climate is also influenced by the variety of relief, and the influence of the [[Alps]] and the [[Adriatic Sea]]. In the northeast, the [[continental climate]] type with the greatest difference between winter and summer temperatures prevails. In the coastal region, there is a sub-[[Mediterranean climate]]. The effect of the sea on the temperature rates is also visible up the [[Soča]] Valley, while a severe [[Alpine climate]] is present in the high mountain regions. There is a strong interaction between these three climatic systems across most of the country.<ref name="arso.gov.si">{{cite web |url=http://www.arso.gov.si/en/Weather/climate/Climate_of_Slovenia_at_glance.pdf |title=Climate of Slovenia at Glance |author=Tanja Cegnar |publisher=Arso.gov.si |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225065702/http://www.arso.gov.si/en/Weather/climate/Climate_of_Slovenia_at_glance.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="arso.gov.si Meteo Archive">{{cite web |url=http://www.meteo.si/met/en/app/webmet/#webmet==8Sdwx2bhR2cv0WZ0V2bvEGcw9ydlJWblR3LwVnaz9SYtVmYh9iclFGbt9SaulGdugXbsx3cs9mdl5WahxXYyNGapZXZ8tHZv1WYp5mOnMHbvZXZulWYnwCchJXYtVGdlJnOn0UQQdSf; |title=National Meteorological Service of Slovenia – Archive |publisher=Meteo.si |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618145647/http://www.meteo.si/met/en/app/webmet/#webmet==8Sdwx2bhR2cv0WZ0V2bvEGcw9ydlJWblR3LwVnaz9SYtVmYh9iclFGbt9SaulGdugXbsx3cs9mdl5WahxXYyNGapZXZ8tHZv1WYp5mOnMHbvZXZulWYnwCchJXYtVGdlJnOn0UQQdSf; |archive-date=18 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]], often coming from the [[Gulf of Genoa]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Kotišče ciklonov v zavetrju Alp |trans-title=Cyclone center in the lee of the Alps |url=http://www.gore-ljudje.net/novosti/40204/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904020314/http://www.gore-ljudje.net/novosti/40204/ |archive-date=4 September 2015 |access-date=19 August 2015}}</ref> varies across the country as well, with over {{convert|3500|mm|0|abbr=on}} in some western regions and dropping down to {{convert|800|mm|0|abbr=on}} in [[Prekmurje]]. Snow is quite frequent in winter and the record snow cover in Ljubljana was recorded in 1952 at {{convert|146|cm|0|abbr=on}}.

Compared to Western Europe, Slovenia is not very windy, because it lies in the slipstream of the Alps. The average wind speeds are lower than in the plains of the nearby countries. Due to the rugged terrain, local vertical winds with daily periods are present. Besides these, there are three winds of particular regional importance: the [[bora (wind)|bora]], the [[jugo]], and the [[foehn wind|foehn]]. The jugo and the bora are characteristic of the Littoral. Whereas the jugo is humid and warm, the bora is usually cold and gusty. The foehn is typical of the Alpine regions in the north of Slovenia. Generally present in Slovenia are the northeast wind, the southeast wind and the [[north wind]].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.arso.gov.si/cd/klima1/Zaslon/PDF%20Zaslon/19-Znacilnosti%20vetra%20v%20Sloveniji.pdf |chapter=Značilnosti vetra v Sloveniji |language=sl |trans-chapter=Characteristics of Wind in Slovenia |title=Klimatografija Slovenije |first=Renato |last=Bertalanič |year=2003 |publisher=Meteorology Office, Slovenian Environment Agency |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060209055155/http://www.arso.gov.si/cd/klima1/Zaslon/PDF%20Zaslon/19-Znacilnosti%20vetra%20v%20Sloveniji.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2006 }}</ref>

=== Waters ===
[[File:Lake Bohinj (9452094709).jpg|thumb|[[Lake Bohinj]], the largest Slovenian lake and one of the two headwaters of the [[Sava]] River]]
81% of the territory of Slovenia ({{convert|16423|km2|sp=us|disp=or}}) belongs to the [[Black Sea]] basin, with the remaining 19% ({{convert|3850|km2|sp=us|disp=or}}) lying within the [[Adriatic Sea]] basin. These watersheds are divided into sub-basins according to their central rivers, the [[Mur (river)|Mura]] River basin, the [[Drava]] River basin, the [[Sava]] River basin with [[Kupa|Kolpa]] River basin, and the basin of the Adriatic rivers.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.arso.gov.si/vode/publikacije%20in%20poro%c4%8dila/Vodno_bogastvo_2tekoce_vode.pdf |title=Vodno bogastvo Slovenije: tekoče vode |publisher=Slovenian Environment Agency |access-date=17 May 2012}}</ref> In comparison with other [[developed countries]], water quality in Slovenia is considered to be among the highest in Europe. One of the reasons is undoubtedly that most of the rivers rise on the mountainous territory of Slovenia. However, this does not mean that Slovenia has no problems with surface water and groundwater quality, especially in areas with [[intensive farming]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ambrožič|first1=Špela|title=Water Quality in Slovenia|url=http://www.arso.gov.si/en/water/reports%20and%20publications/Kakovost%20voda-ANG.pdf|publisher=Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia|access-date=19 August 2015|date=March 2008|display-authors=etal}}</ref>

=== Biodiversity ===
[[File:P anguinus2.jpg|thumb|[[Olm]] can be found in the [[Postojna cave]] and other caves in the country.]]
Slovenia signed the Rio [[Convention on Biological Diversity]] on 13 June 1992 and became a party to the convention on 9 July 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbd.int/convention/parties/list/ |title=List of Parties |access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref> It subsequently produced a [[Biodiversity action plan|National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan]], which was received by the convention on 30 May 2002.

Slovenia is distinguished by an exceptionally wide variety of habitats,<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.sycp.si/Portals/0/Files/filebroker.aspx@id=6237.pdf |chapter=Characteristics of Biological and Landscape Diversity in Slovenia |title=Biological and Landscape Diversity in Slovenia: An Overview |publisher=Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning |year=2001 |editor=Hlad, Branka |editor2=Skoberne, Peter |page=IX |isbn=961-6324-17-9 |place=Ljubljana |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125091811/http://www.sycp.si/Portals/0/Files/filebroker.aspx%40id%3D6237.pdf |archive-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> due to the contact of geological units and biogeographical regions, and due to human influences. The country is home to four terrestrial ecoregions: [[Dinaric Mountains mixed forests]], [[Pannonian mixed forests]], [[Alps conifer and mixed forests]], and [[Illyrian deciduous forests]].<ref name="DinersteinOlson2017">{{cite journal|last1=Dinerstein|first1=Eric|last2=Olson|first2=David|last3=Joshi|first3=Anup|last4=Vynne|first4=Carly|last5=Burgess|first5=Neil D.|last6=Wikramanayake|first6=Eric|last7=Hahn|first7=Nathan|last8=Palminteri|first8=Suzanne|last9=Hedao|first9=Prashant|last10=Noss|first10=Reed|last11=Hansen|first11=Matt|last12=Locke|first12=Harvey|last13=Ellis|first13=Erle C|last14=Jones|first14=Benjamin|last15=Barber|first15=Charles Victor|last16=Hayes|first16=Randy|last17=Kormos|first17=Cyril|last18=Martin|first18=Vance|last19=Crist|first19=Eileen|last20=Sechrest|first20=Wes|last21=Price|first21=Lori|last22=Baillie|first22=Jonathan E. M.|last23=Weeden|first23=Don|last24=Suckling|first24=Kierán|last25=Davis|first25=Crystal|last26=Sizer|first26=Nigel|last27=Moore|first27=Rebecca|last28=Thau|first28=David|last29=Birch|first29=Tanya|last30=Potapov|first30=Peter|last31=Turubanova|first31=Svetlana|last32=Tyukavina|first32=Alexandra|last33=de Souza|first33=Nadia|last34=Pintea|first34=Lilian|last35=Brito|first35=José C.|last36=Llewellyn|first36=Othman A.|last37=Miller|first37=Anthony G.|last38=Patzelt|first38=Annette|last39=Ghazanfar|first39=Shahina A.|last40=Timberlake|first40=Jonathan|last41=Klöser|first41=Heinz|last42=Shennan-Farpón|first42=Yara|last43=Kindt|first43=Roeland|last44=Lillesø|first44=Jens-Peter Barnekow|last45=van Breugel|first45=Paulo|last46=Graudal|first46=Lars|last47=Voge|first47=Maianna|last48=Al-Shammari|first48=Khalaf F.|last49=Saleem|first49=Muhammad|display-authors=1|title=An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm|journal=BioScience|volume=67|issue=6|year=2017|pages=534–545|issn=0006-3568|doi=10.1093/biosci/bix014|pmid=28608869|pmc=5451287|doi-access=free}}</ref> Around 12.5% of the territory is protected with 35.5% in the [[Natura 2000]] ecological network.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=4713 |title=European Day of Parks 2012 |work=News |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=12 June 2012 |archive-date=13 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213170459/http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=4713 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite this, because of pollution and environmental degradation, diversity has been in decline. Slovenia had a 2019 [[Forest Landscape Integrity Index]] mean score of 3.78/10, ranking it 140th globally out of 172 countries.<ref name="FLII-Supplementary">{{cite journal|last1=Grantham|first1=H. S.|last2=Duncan|first2=A.|last3=Evans|first3=T. D.|last4=Jones|first4=K. R.|last5=Beyer|first5=H. L.|last6=Schuster|first6=R.|last7=Walston|first7=J.|last8=Ray|first8=J. C.|last9=Robinson|first9=J. G.|last10=Callow|first10=M.|last11=Clements|first11=T.|last12=Costa|first12=H. M.|last13=DeGemmis|first13=A.|last14=Elsen|first14=P. R.|last15=Ervin|first15=J.|last16=Franco|first16=P.|last17=Goldman|first17=E.|last18=Goetz|first18=S.|last19=Hansen|first19=A.|last20=Hofsvang|first20=E.|last21=Jantz|first21=P.|last22=Jupiter|first22=S.|last23=Kang|first23=A.|last24=Langhammer|first24=P.|last25=Laurance|first25=W. F.|last26=Lieberman|first26=S.|last27=Linkie|first27=M.|last28=Malhi|first28=Y.|last29=Maxwell|first29=S.|last30=Mendez|first30=M.|last31=Mittermeier|first31=R.|last32=Murray|first32=N. J.|last33=Possingham|first33=H.|last34=Radachowsky|first34=J.|last35=Saatchi|first35=S.|last36=Samper|first36=C.|last37=Silverman|first37=J.|last38=Shapiro|first38=A.|last39=Strassburg|first39=B.|last40=Stevens|first40=T.|last41=Stokes|first41=E.|last42=Taylor|first42=R.|last43=Tear|first43=T.|last44=Tizard|first44=R.|last45=Venter|first45=O.|last46=Visconti|first46=P.|last47=Wang|first47=S.|last48=Watson|first48=J. E. M.|display-authors=1|title=Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity – Supplementary Material|journal=Nature Communications|volume=11|issue=1|year=2020|page=5978|issn=2041-1723|doi=10.1038/s41467-020-19493-3|pmid=33293507|pmc=7723057|bibcode=2020NatCo..11.5978G |doi-access=free}}</ref>

====Animals====
The [[biodiversity|biological diversity]] of the country is high, with 1% of the world's organisms on 0.004% of the Earth's surface area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slovenia.info/en/Did-you-know%E2%80%A6.htm?ali_ste_vedeli=0&lng=2 |title=Did you know... – Slovenia – Official Travel Guide |publisher=Slovenia.info |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129023936/http://www.slovenia.info/en/Did-you-know%E2%80%A6.htm?ali_ste_vedeli=0&lng=2 |archive-date=29 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are 75 mammal species, among them [[marmot]]s, [[Alpine ibex]], and [[chamois]]. There are numerous [[deer]], [[roe deer]], [[boar]], and [[hare]]s.<ref name="NFPRes">{{cite book|chapter-url=http://www.letogozdov.si/knjiznica/doc_download/6-resolution-on-national-forest-programme |title=Resolution on National Forest Programme |chapter=Habitats of wild game in Slovenia, guidelines and conditions for the preservation and protection of wild game and their habitats, and provision of coexistence with humans |pages=87–104 |editor=Perko, Franc |publisher=Federation of Forest Associations of Slovenia. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Slovenia |year=2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010408/http://www.letogozdov.si/knjiznica/doc_download/6-resolution-on-national-forest-programme |archive-date=8 September 2012 }}</ref> The [[edible dormouse]] is often found in the Slovenian beech forests. Trapping these animals is a long tradition and is part of Slovenian national identity.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://hrcak.srce.hr/file/89983 |title=Dormouse Hunting as Part of Slovene National Identity |first=Magda |last=Peršak |journal=Natura Croatica |volume=7 |issue=3 |date=30 September 1998 |pages=199–211 |issn=1330-0520 |access-date=4 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612125615/http://hrcak.srce.hr/file/89983 |archive-date=12 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Some important carnivores include the [[Eurasian lynx]],<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.mop.gov.si/fileadmin/mop.gov.si/pageuploads/podrocja/velike_zveri/strategija_ris_2016_2026.pdf |chapter=Ris v Sloveniji (Lynx in Slovenia) |title=Strategija ohranjanja in trajnostnega upravljanja navadnega risa (Lynx lynx) v Sloveniji 2016–2026 |year=2016 |page=7 |publisher=Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Government of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=8 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014101131/http://www.mop.gov.si/fileadmin/mop.gov.si/pageuploads/podrocja/velike_zveri/strategija_ris_2016_2026.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=14 April 2017 |title=Risom v Sloveniji in na Hrvaškem se obeta svetlejša prihodnost |trans-title=Lynx in Slovenia and Croatia can look forward to a brighter future |url=http://www.delo.si/novice/okolje/risom-v-sloveniji-se-obeta-svetlejsa-prihodnost.html |newspaper=Delo.si |language=sl}}</ref> [[European wild cat]]s, foxes (especially the [[red fox]]), and [[European jackal]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://web.bf.uni-lj.si/bi/NATURA-SLOVENIAE/pdf/NatSlo_11_1_4.pdf |title=Confirmed presence of territorial groups of golden jackals (''Canis aureus'') in Slovenia |first=Miha |last=Krofel |journal=Natura Sloveniae: Journal of Field Biology |issn=1580-0814 |volume=11 |issue=1 |year=2009 |pages=65–68 |publisher=Association for Technical Culture of Slovenia |access-date=18 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195508/http://web.bf.uni-lj.si/bi/NATURA-SLOVENIAE/pdf/NatSlo_11_1_4.pdf |archive-date=21 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are [[hedgehog]]s, [[marten]]s, and snakes such as [[Viperinae|vipers]] and [[grass snake]]s. According to recent estimates, Slovenia has c.&nbsp;40–60 [[Gray wolf|wolves]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Trček |first=Petra |date=14 March 2017 |title=Pri nas živi okoli 52 volkov, večina na Notranjskem in Kočevskem |trans-title=About 52 wolves live in our country, most of them in the Notranjska and Kočevje regions |url=http://notranjskoprimorske.si/2017/03/pri-nas-zivi-okoli-52-volkov-vecina-na-notranjskem-in-kocevskem/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315002209/http://notranjskoprimorske.si/2017/03/pri-nas-zivi-okoli-52-volkov-vecina-na-notranjskem-in-kocevskem/ |archive-date=15 March 2017 |access-date=14 March 2017 |newspaper=Notranjskoprimorske novice |language=sl}}</ref> and about 450 [[brown bear]]s.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 September 2011 |title=Koliko medvedov živi v Sloveniji? |trans-title=How many bears live in Slovenia? |url=http://www.finance.si/?MOD=show&id=324600&pay=yes&snark=22d772d879d45bf274fe9b5b82d794f5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817025254/http://www.finance.si/?MOD=show&id=324600&pay=yes&snark=22d772d879d45bf274fe9b5b82d794f5 |archive-date=17 August 2014 |access-date=18 January 2012 |publisher=Finance.si |language=sl}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=18 January 2012 |title=Medveda znamo držati nazaj, volka še ne |trans-title=We know how to hold back the bear, but not yet the wolf |url=http://www.dnevnik.si/tiskane_izdaje/dnevnik/1042503131 |newspaper=Dnevnik |publisher=Dnevnik, d. d. |language=sl}}</ref>

Slovenia is home to an exceptionally diverse number of cave species, with a few tens of [[Endemism|endemic species]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.sycp.si/Portals/0/Files/filebroker.aspx@id=6237.pdf |chapter=Karst and Subterranean Habitats |title=Biological and Landscape Diversity in Slovenia: An Overview |publisher=Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning |year=2001 |editor=Hlad, Branka |editor2=Skoberne, Peter |page=50 |isbn=961-6324-17-9 |place=Ljubljana |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125091811/http://www.sycp.si/Portals/0/Files/filebroker.aspx%40id%3D6237.pdf |archive-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> Among the cave vertebrates, the only known one is the [[olm]], living in Karst, Lower Carniola, and White Carniola.

The only regular species of [[cetacea]]ns found in the northern Adriatic sea is the [[bottlenose dolphin]] (''Tursiops truncatus'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.morigenos.org/index.php?path=Delfini_pri_nas |title=Delfini pri nas |publisher=Morigenos |access-date=6 April 2006 |language=sl}}</ref>

There are a wide variety of birds, such as the [[tawny owl]], the [[long-eared owl]], the [[eagle owl]], [[hawk]]s, and [[short-toed eagle]]s. Other birds of prey have been recorded, as well as a growing number of ravens, [[crow]]s and [[magpie]]s migrating into Ljubljana and Maribor where they thrive.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 February 2010 |title=Puška poči, vrana pade. Koliko jih še sedi? |trans-title=The gun fires, a crow falls. How many are still sitting? |url=http://www.vecer.com/clanek2010020905510240 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205113152/http://www.vecer.com/clanek2010020905510240 |archive-date=5 February 2013 |access-date=2 June 2012 |publisher=Vecer.Com}}</ref> Other birds include [[Black woodpecker|black]] and [[European green woodpecker|green]] [[woodpecker]]s and the [[white stork]], which nests mainly in [[Prekmurje]].
[[File:Lipica horses (7198987762).jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Modern [[Lipizzaner]] grazing]]

There are 13 domestic animals native to Slovenia,<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.genska-banka.si/fileadmin/uploads/Strokovni_svet_JSNGBZ/Letni_program_2011.pdf |title=Program varstva biotske raznovrstnosti v živinoreji: program za leto 2011 |language=sl |author=Kompan, Dragomir |date=May 2011 |publisher=Oddelek za zootehniko, Biotehniška fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani [Department of Zootechnics, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana] |display-authors=etal |access-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014100113/http://www.genska-banka.si/fileadmin/uploads/Strokovni_svet_JSNGBZ/Letni_program_2011.pdf |archive-date=14 October 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> of eight species (hen, pig, dog, horse, sheep, goat, honey bee, and cattle).<ref name="Meglič2003">{{cite book |url=http://www.mop.gov.si/fileadmin/mop.gov.si/pageuploads/podrocja/okolje/pdf/ocena_genski_viri_kmet_rast.pdf |language=sl |title=Ocena pogojev in mehanizmov za ex-situ varstvo genskih virov kmetijskih rastlin, genskih bank v gozdarstvu in živinoreji |chapter=Opis obstoječih zbirk |trans-chapter=Description of Extant Collections |first1=Vladimir |last1=Meglič |first2=Hojka |last2=Kraigher |first3=Peter |last3=Dovč |editor=Meglič, Vladimir |year=2003 |page=17 |id={{COBISS|ID=1184678}} |publisher=Ministry of Environment and Space, Republic of Slovenia |access-date=16 March 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Among these are the [[Karst Shepherd]],<ref name="FCI2009doc">{{cite web |url=http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/278gb2001_en.doc |title=Brief Historical Summary, breed standard (DOC file) |access-date=2 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620191656/http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/278gb2001_en.doc |archive-date=20 June 2012}}</ref> the [[Carniolan honeybee]], and the [[Lipizzan]] horse.<ref name="Meglič2003"/> The [[marble trout]] or marmorata (''Salmo marmoratus'') is an indigenous Slovenian fish.<ref name="Balkan Trout Restoration Group">{{cite web |title= Marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) |url= http://www.balkan-trout.com/studied_taxa_7_marble_trout.htm |publisher= balkan-trout.com, Balkan Trout Restoration Group |access-date= 10 March 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181806/http://www.balkan-trout.com/studied_taxa_7_marble_trout.htm |archive-date= 23 September 2015 |url-status= usurped }}</ref> Extensive breeding programmes have been introduced to repopulate the marble trout into lakes and streams invaded by non-indigenous species of [[trout]]. Slovenia is also home to the [[wels catfish]].

More than 2,400 fungal species have been recorded from Slovenia<ref>Dušan Jurc, Andrej Piltaver & Nikica Ogris. ''Glive Slovenije – Fungi of Slovenia'' (Ljubljana, 2005). 497 pp.</ref> and, since that figure does not include lichen-forming fungi, the total number of Slovenian fungi already known is undoubtedly much higher. Many more remain to be discovered.

Slovenia is the second most-forested country in Europe,<ref name="fao_gfra2020"/> with 60.4% of the territory covered by forests.<ref name="owid_land_cover_forest"/> The forests are an important natural resource, and logging is kept to a minimum.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SLOVENIA|url=http://www.fao.org/3/w3722E/w3722e25.htm|access-date=28 June 2021|website=www.fao.org}}</ref> In the interior of the country are typical Central European forests, predominantly [[oak]] and [[beech]]. In the mountains, [[spruce]], [[fir]], and [[pine]] are more common. Pine trees grow on the [[Karst Plateau]], although only one-third of the region is covered by pine forest. The [[tilia|lime/linden]] tree, common in Slovenian forests, is a national symbol. The [[tree line]] is at {{convert|1700|to|1,800|m|ft|abbr=off}}.<ref>{{cite book |author=Lovrenčak, Franc |url=http://www.ff.uni-lj.si/fakulteta/zalozbainknjigarna/knjigarna/prelistaj.asp?katera=619&stran=11 |title=Zgornja gozdna meja slovenskih Alp, visokih kraških planot in Prokletij |publisher=Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana |year=2007 |isbn=978-961-6648-11-0 |trans-title=The upper forest line of the Slovenian Alps, high karst plateaus, and the Prokletije mountains |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522205612/http://www.ff.uni-lj.si/fakulteta/zalozbainknjigarna/knjigarna/prelistaj.asp?katera=619&stran=11 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the Alps, flowers such as ''[[Daphne blagayana]]'', [[gentian]]s (''[[Gentiana clusii]]'', ''[[Gentiana froelichii]]''), ''[[Primula auricula]]'', [[Leontopodium alpinum|edelweiss]] (the symbol of Slovene mountaineering), ''[[Cypripedium calceolus]]'', ''[[Fritillaria meleagris]]'' (snake's head fritillary), and ''[[Pulsatilla grandis]]'' are found.

Slovenia harbors many plants of [[Ethnobotany|ethnobotanically]] useful groups. Of 59 known species of ethnobotanical importance, some species such as ''[[Aconitum napellus]]'', ''[[Cannabis sativa]]'' and ''[[Taxus baccata]]'' are restricted for use as per the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia.<ref>{{Cite journal| last1 = Kala | first1 = C.P. | last2 = Ratajc | first2 = P. | s2cid = 13911329 | author-link = Chandra Prakash Kala | year=2012|title=High altitude biodiversity of the Alps and the Himalayas: ethnobotany, plant distribution and conservation perspectives| journal = Biodiversity and Conservation | volume = 21 | issue = 4 | pages = 1115–1126 | doi = 10.1007/s10531-012-0246-x | bibcode = 2012BiCon..21.1115K | url = https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/Dokument.php?id=36874&dn= }}</ref>

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Politics of Slovenia}}<!--Please add new information to relevant articles of the series-->
{{See also|Foreign relations of Slovenia}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
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| image1            = Nataša Pirc Musar (2023-05-19).jpg
| width1            = 135
| alt1              = Nataša Pirc Musar
| caption1          = [[Nataša Pirc Musar]]<br /><small>[[President of Slovenia|President]]</small>
| image2            = Novinarska konferenca po sestanku o energetski samooskrbi - 30.1.2024 - Robert Golob (cropped).jpg
| width2            = 137
| alt2              = Robert Golob
| caption2          = [[Robert Golob]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Slovenia|Prime Minister]]</small>
}}

Slovenia is a [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary democracy]] republic with a [[multi-party system]]. The [[head of state]] is the [[President of Slovenia|president]], who is elected by popular vote and has an important integrative role.<ref name="Furtlehner">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uQafEg3TQJUC&pg=PA126 |title=Compliance in the Enlarged European Union: Living Rights Or Dead Letters? |editor1-first=Gerda |editor1-last=Falkner |editor2-first=Oliver |editor2-last=Treib |editor3-first=Elizabeth |editor3-last=Holzleithner |publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7546-7509-9 |pages=126–127 |chapter=Slovenia |first=Petra |last=Furtlehner}}</ref> The president is elected for five years and at maximum for two consecutive terms. The president has a representative role and is the commander-in-chief of the [[Military of Slovenia|Slovenian armed forces]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M3A-xgf1yM4C&pg=PA832 |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of World Constitutions |editor-first=Gerhard |editor-last=Robbers |article=Slovenia |first=Lovro |last=Šturm |title=The President of the Republic |year=2006 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |isbn=978-0-8160-6078-8 |page=832}}</ref>

According to [[International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance|International IDEA's]] Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Slovenia performs in the high range on overall democratic measures, with particular strengths political representation, including elected government and inclusive suffrage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Slovenia {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/country/slovenia |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=www.idea.int |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global State of Democracy Indices {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/gsod-indices |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=www.idea.int}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/ |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=www.idea.int}}</ref>

The executive and [[Administration (government)|administrative]] authority in Slovenia is held by the [[Government of Slovenia]] (''{{lang|sl|Vlada Republike Slovenije}}''),<ref name="Borak2004"/> headed by the [[Prime Minister of Slovenia|Prime Minister]] and the council of ministers or cabinet, who are elected by the [[National Assembly (Slovenia)|National Assembly]] ({{lang|sl|Državni zbor Republike Slovenije}}). The legislative authority is held by the [[bicameral]] [[Parliament of Slovenia]], characterised by an asymmetric duality.{{clarify|date=April 2014}}<ref name="Prunk2007">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dzAWAQAAMAAJ |title=Facts about Slovenia |first1=Janko |last1=Prunk |first2=Jernej |last2=Pikalo |first3=Marko |last3=Milosavljevič |year=2007 |publisher=Government Communication Office, Government of the Republic of Slovenia |isbn=978-961-6435-45-1 |page=23}}</ref> The bulk of power is concentrated in the National Assembly, which consists of ninety members. Of those, 88 are elected by all the citizens in a system of [[proportional representation]], whereas two are elected by the registered members of the [[indigenism|autochthonous]] Hungarian and Italian [[Ethnic Minorities|minorities]]. Elections take place every four years. The [[National Council (Slovenia)|National Council]] (''{{lang|sl|Državni svet Republike Slovenije}}''), consisting of forty members, appointed to represent social, economic, professional and local interest groups, has a limited advisory and control power.<ref name="Prunk2007"/>
The 1992–2004 period was marked by the rule of the [[Liberal Democracy of Slovenia]], which was responsible for gradual transition from the [[Titoism|Titoist]] economy to the capitalist market economy. It later attracted much criticism by neo-liberal economists, who demanded a less gradual approach. The party's president [[Janez Drnovšek]], who served as prime minister between 1992 and 2002, was one of the most influential Slovenian politicians of the 1990s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtvslo.si/slovenija/zivljenje-janeza-drnovska/79437 |title=Življenje Janeza Drnovška :: Prvi interaktivni multimedijski portal, MMC RTV Slovenija |publisher=Rtvslo.si |access-date=2 June 2012}}</ref> alongside President [[Milan Kučan]] (who served between 1990 and 2002).<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OegWny-r8TEC&pg=PA30 |title=Democratic Transition in Slovenia: Value Transformation, Education, And Media |first1=Sabrina |last1=P. Ramet |first2=Danica |last2=Fink-Hafner |chapter=Key Trends in Slovenian Politics, 1988 – 2004 |page=30 |isbn=9781585445257 |date=15 September 2006 |publisher=Texas A&M University Press }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6bz5M7-d7icC&pg=PA174 |title=The Politics of Central Europe |first=Attila |last=Ágh |chapter=The Regions in Comparative Transition |publisher=SAGE |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-7619-5032-5}}</ref>

The 2005–2008 period was characterized by over-enthusiasm after joining the EU. During the first term of [[Janez Janša]]'s government, for the first time after independence, the Slovenian banks saw their [[loan-deposit ratio]]s veering out of control. There was over-borrowing from foreign banks and then over-crediting of customers, including local [[business magnate]]s. After the onset of the [[Great Recession]] and [[European sovereign-debt crisis]], the left-wing coalition that replaced Janša's government in the 2008 elections, had to face the consequences of the 2005–2008 over-borrowing. Attempts to implement reforms that would help economic recovery were met by student protesters, led by a student who later became a member of [[Janez Janša]]'s [[Slovenska demokratska stranka|SDS]], and by the trade unions. The proposed reforms were postponed in a referendum. The left-wing government was ousted with a vote of no confidence.

In March 2020, Janez Janša became prime minister for third time in the new coalition government of SDS, the [[Modern Centre Party]] (SMC), [[New Slovenia]] (NSi) and Pensioners' Party (DeSUS).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.total-slovenia-news.com/politics/5762-jansa-sworn-in-as-slovenia-s-prime-minister-designate|title = Janša Sworn in as Slovenia's Prime Minister-Designate}}</ref> Janez Janša was known as a right-wing populist and a supporter of former US President [[Donald Trump]] and right-wing Prime Minister [[Viktor Orbán|Viktor Orban]] of Hungary.<ref>{{cite news |title=Janez Jansa: Slovenia votes out pro-Trump populist |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61214175 |work=BBC News |date=25 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Orbán Meeting Jansa: "We are not troublemakers, merely stronger than we were" |url=https://hungarytoday.hu/orban-jansa-meeting-talks-slovenia-not-troublemakers/ |website=Hungary Today |language=en |date=21 February 2022}}</ref> In April 2022, liberal opposition, the [[Freedom Movement (Slovenia)|Freedom Movement]], won the parliamentary [[2022 Slovenian parliamentary election|election]]. The Freedom Movement won 34.5% of the vote, compared with 23.6% for Janša's [[Slovenian Democratic Party|Slovenian Democratic party]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Slovenia's Janša defeated by opposition liberal Freedom Movement |url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/04/24/slovenians-out-to-vote-with-no-single-party-projected-to-rule-without-coalition |work=euronews |date=24 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On 25 May 2022, Slovenia's parliament voted to appoint the leader of Freedom Movement, [[Robert Golob]], as the new [[Prime Minister of Slovenia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Slovenian lawmakers approve liberal-green leader as new PM |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ap-janez-jansa-ljubljana-european-union-b2087473.html |work=The Independent |date=25 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Judiciary ===
{{Main|Judiciary of Slovenia|Law enforcement in Slovenia}}
Judicial powers in Slovenia are executed by judges, who are elected by the National Assembly. Judicial power in Slovenia is implemented by courts with general responsibilities and specialised courts that deal with matters relating to specific legal areas. The [[State's Attorney|State Prosecutor]] is an independent state authority responsible for prosecuting cases brought against those suspected of committing criminal offences. The [[Constitutional Court of Slovenia|Constitutional Court]], composed of nine judges elected for nine-year terms, decides on the conformity of laws with the Constitution; all laws and regulations must also conform with the general principles of international law and with ratified international agreements.<ref name="culture.si"/>

=== Military ===
{{main|Military of Slovenia}}
The [[Slovenian Armed Forces]] provide military defence independently or within an alliance, in accordance with international agreements. Since conscription was abolished in 2003, it is organized as a fully professional [[standing army]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Central Intelligence Agency |title=The CIA World Factbook 2010 |title-link=The CIA World Factbook |publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Inc |year=2009 |page=[https://archive.org/details/ciaworldfactbook0000unit/page/617 617] |isbn=978-1-60239-727-9 |author-link=Central Intelligence Agency }}</ref> The [[Commander-in-Chief]] is the [[President of Slovenia|President of the Republic of Slovenia]], while operational command is in the domain of the [[Chief of the General Staff (Slovenia)|Chief of the General Staff]] of the Slovenian Armed Forces. In 2016, military spending was an estimated 0.91% of the country's GDP. Since joining [[NATO]], the Slovenian Armed Forces have taken a more active part in supporting international peace. They have participated in peace support operations and humanitarian activities. Among others, Slovenian soldiers are part of the international forces serving in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Kosovo]], and [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slovenskavojska.si/en/international-cooperation/ |title=International Cooperation |publisher=Slovenian Armed Forces |access-date=15 February 2011 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224152917/http://www.slovenskavojska.si/en/international-cooperation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to the 2024 [[Global Peace Index]], the country is the 9th most peaceful country in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.economicsandpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GPI-2024-web.pdf|title=2024 Global Peace Index|accessdate=19 November 2025}}</ref>

=== Administrative divisions and traditional regions ===

{{Main|Statistical regions of Slovenia|Municipalities of Slovenia}}
[[File:Slokfor.jpg|thumb|right|[[Slovenian Armed Forces|(SAF), Slovenian KFOR]] contingent in [[Kosovo]]]]

==== Municipalities ====
Officially, Slovenia is subdivided into 212 municipalities (twelve of which have the status of urban municipalities). The municipalities are the only bodies of local autonomy in Slovenia. Each municipality is headed by a mayor (''župan''), elected every four years by popular vote, and a municipal council (''občinski svet''). In the majority of municipalities, the municipal council is elected through the system of [[proportional representation]]; only a few smaller municipalities use the [[plurality voting system]]. In the urban municipalities, the municipal councils are called town (or city) councils.<ref name="www2.gov.si">{{cite web|url=http://www2.gov.si/zak/Zak_vel.nsf/0/660b7ab7cbd45736c125662d0037c142?OpenDocument |title=Sprejet zakon |publisher=.gov.si |date=13 July 2000 |access-date=2 June 2012}}</ref> Every municipality also has a Head of the Municipal Administration (''načelnik občinske uprave''), appointed by the mayor, who is responsible for the functioning of the local administration.<ref name="www2.gov.si"/>

==== Administrative divisions ====
There is no official intermediate unit between the municipalities and the Republic of Slovenia. The 62 administrative districts, officially called "Administrative Units" (''upravne enote''), are only subdivisions of the national government administration and are named after their respective bases of government offices.<ref>{{cite web |title=Upravne enote {{!}} GOV.SI |url=https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/upravne-enote/ |website=Portal GOV.SI |publisher=Government of Slovenia |access-date=20 November 2024 |language=sl}}</ref>

==== Traditional regions and identities<!-- See also https://slovenia.si/this-is-slovenia/slovenian-regions/ --> ====
Slovenia's traditional regions are based on the former [[House of Habsburg|Habsburg]] [[crown land]]s, which included [[Carniola]], [[Duchy of Carinthia|Carinthia]], [[Styria (duchy)|Styria]], and the [[Slovene Littoral|Littoral]]. Stronger than with either Carniola as a whole, or with Slovenia as a state, Slovenes tend to identify themselves with the traditional regions of the [[Slovene Littoral]], [[Prekmurje]], and traditional (sub)regions, such as Upper Carniola, Lower Carniola, and, to a lesser extent, Inner Carniola.<ref name="Repe_deželani_ali_državljani">Repe, Božo (2003) [http://sistory.si/?urn=SISTORY:ID:5288 Od deželana do državljana: Regionalni razvoj Slovencev v letih 1918–1991] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223100928/http://sistory.si/?urn=SISTORY:ID:5288 |date=23 February 2013 }}, Zgodovinski časopis, 3–4, Ljubljana.</ref>

The capital city Ljubljana was historically the administrative seat of Carniola and belonged to [[Inner Carniola]],<ref name="Mehle">{{cite news |last1=Mehle Mihovec |first1=Barbka |date=19 March 2008 |title=Kje so naše meje? |trans-title=Where are our borders? |url=http://arhiv.gorenjskiglas.si/article/20080319/C/303199950/kje-so-nase-meje |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219140756/http://arhiv.gorenjskiglas.si/article/20080319/C/303199950/kje-so-nase-meje |archive-date=19 December 2018 |access-date=19 December 2018 |work=Gorenjski glas}}</ref> except for the Šentvid district, which was in [[Upper Carniola]] and also where the border between German-annexed territory and the Italian [[Province of Ljubljana]] was during the [[Second World War]].<ref name="Mehle"/>

==== Statistical regions ====
[[File:Slovenia, administrative divisions - Nmbrs (statistical regions) - colored.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Statistical regions: 1.&nbsp;Gorizia, 2.&nbsp;Upper Carniola, 3.&nbsp;Carinthia, 4.&nbsp;Drava, 5.&nbsp;Mura, 6.&nbsp;Central Slovenia, 7.&nbsp;Central Sava, 8.&nbsp;Savinja, 9.&nbsp;Coastal–Karst, 10.&nbsp;Inner Carniola–Karst, 11.&nbsp;Southeast Slovenia, 12.&nbsp;Lower Sava]]
The 12 ''statistical regions'' have no administrative function and are subdivided into two macroregions for the purpose of the [[Regional policy of the European Union]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-RA-07-020/EN/KS-RA-07-020-EN.PDF |title=Regions in the European Union: Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics |publisher=European Commission |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195504/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_OFFPUB/KS-RA-07-020/EN/KS-RA-07-020-EN.PDF |archive-date=21 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
These two macroregions are:
*[[Eastern Slovenia]] (''Vzhodna Slovenija'' – SI01), which groups the Mura, Drava, Carinthia, Savinja, Central Sava, Lower Sava, Southeast Slovenia, and Inner Carniola–Karst statistical regions.
*[[Western Slovenia]] (''Zahodna Slovenija'' – SI02), which groups the Central Slovenia, Upper Carniola, Gorizia, and Coastal–Karst statistical regions.
{{clear}}

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Slovenia}}
Slovenia has a [[developed country|developed economy]] and is the richest Slavic country by GDP per capita.<ref name="rich2">{{cite web |title=Republic of Slovenia : 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Slovenia |url=http://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2017/05/15/Republic-of-Slovenia-2017-Article-IV-Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement-44921 |website=IMF.org |publisher=International Monetary Fund |access-date=11 July 2018 |date=15 May 2017}}</ref> Slovenia is also among the top global economies in terms of [[human capital]].<ref name="hdi">[http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/816281518818814423/pdf/2019-WDR-Report.pdf The World Bank: the human capital index (HCI), 2018]. Retrieved 8. October 2019.</ref> It is the most developed transition country with an old [[Coal mining|mining]]-[[Industrial society|industrial]] tradition, [[chemical industry]], and developed [[Service economy|service]] activities.
Slovenia was in the beginning of 2007 the first new member to introduce the [[euro]] as its currency, replacing the [[Slovenian tolar|tolar]]. Since 2010, it has been member of the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]].<ref name="VE2012-03-15"/><ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1mwG3haSo_cC&pg=PA27 |chapter=Eastern Europe |title=Nations and Government: Comparative Politics in Regional Perspective |first=Thomas |last=M. Magstadt |edition=6th |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-495-91528-7 |publisher=Cengage Learning |page=27}}</ref> There is a big difference in prosperity between the various regions. The economically wealthiest regions are the [[Central Slovenia Statistical Region|Central Slovenia]] region, which includes the capital [[Ljubljana]] and the [[Slovene Littoral|western Slovenian regions]] (the [[Gorizia Statistical Region|Gorizia]] and [[Coastal–Karst Statistical Region|Coastal–Karst]] Statistical Regions), while the least wealthy regions are the [[Mura Statistical Region|Mura]], [[Central Sava Statistical Region|Central Sava]], and [[Littoral–Inner Carniola Statistical Region|Littoral–Inner Carniola]] Statistical Regions.<ref name="bslo">[https://www.bsi.si/library/includes/datoteka.asp?DatotekaId=4696 "Regional Disparities in Slovenia 2/12"]{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}; retrieved 8 April 2015.</ref>

=== Economic growth ===
{{more citations needed section|date=April 2023}}
[[File:GDP per capita development in Slovenia.svg|thumb|GDP per capita development in Slovenia]]
In 2004–06, the economy grew on average by nearly 5% a year in Slovenia; in 2007, it expanded by almost 7%. The growth surge was fuelled by debt, particularly among firms, and especially in construction. The [[Great Recession]] and [[European sovereign-debt crisis]] had a significant impact on the domestic economy.<ref name="Slovenia's Economy: Next in Line">{{cite news|title=Slovenia's Economy: Next in Line|url=https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2012/08/18/next-in-line|access-date=22 August 2012|newspaper=The Economist|date=18 August 2012}}</ref> The construction industry was severely hit in 2010 and 2011.<ref name="ST2012-03-13">{{cite news |url=http://www.sloveniatimes.com/double-dip-recession-is-the-%E2%80%98official%E2%80%99-reality |title=Double Dip Recession is the 'Slovenian' Reality |newspaper=The Slovenia Times |date=13 March 2012 |access-date=12 April 2012 |archive-date=8 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208095317/http://www.sloveniatimes.com/double-dip-recession-is-the-%E2%80%98official%E2%80%99-reality |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2009, Slovenian [[GDP per capita]] shrank by 8%, the biggest decline in the European Union after the [[Baltic countries]] and Finland. An increasing burden for the Slovenian economy has been its rapidly aging population.<ref name="CNBC2012-01-23">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2012/10/30/Countries-With-Aging-Populations.html |title=Countries with Aging Populations |work=CNBC |date=23 January 2012 |first=Rajeshni |last=Naidu-Ghelani |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223035533/http://www.cnbc.com/id/46010334/Countries_With_Aging_Populations?slide=3 |archive-date=23 February 2013}}</ref>

In August 2012, the year-on-year contraction was 0.8%; however, 0.2% growth was recorded in the first quarter (in relation to the quarter before, after data was adjusted according to season and working days).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sloveniatimes.com/statistics-office-to-release-gdp-data-for-q2 |title=Statistics Office to Release GDP Data for Q2 |newspaper=The Slovenia Times |date=31 August 2012 |access-date=13 September 2012 |archive-date=13 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213170333/http://www.sloveniatimes.com/statistics-office-to-release-gdp-data-for-q2 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Year-on-year contraction has been attributed to the fall in domestic consumption and the slowdown in export growth. The decrease in domestic consumption has been attributed to the fiscal [[austerity]], to the freeze on budget expenditure in the final months of 2011,<ref name="Bloomberg">{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-29/slovenia-s-economy-falls-in-recession-as-export-growth-weakens.html |title=Slovenia's Economy Falls into a Recession as Exports Weaken |first=Boris |last=Cerni |date=29 February 2012 |work=Bloomberg}}</ref> to the failure of the efforts to implement [[microeconomic reform|economic reforms]], to inappropriate financing, and to the decrease in exports.<ref name="RTV2012-02-29">{{cite news |date=29 February 2012 |title=Zdrs v recesijo so ekonomisti pričakovali |trans-title=The slide into recession was expected by economists |url=http://www.rtvslo.si/gospodarstvo/zdrs-v-recesijo-so-ekonomisti-pricakovali/277878 |newspaper=MMC RTV Slovenija |publisher=RTV Slovenija |language=sl |issn=1581-372X}}</ref>

Due to the effects of the crisis, it was expected that several banks had to be bailed out by EU funds in 2013; however, needed capital was able to be covered by the country's own funds. Fiscal actions and legislations aiming on the reduction of spendings as well as several privatisations supported an economic recovery as from 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.eu/article/slovenia-turns-itself-around-greece-bailout-bank-crisis/ |title=How Slovenia turned itself around |last=MacDowall |first=Andrew |date=15 July 2015 |website=Politico Europe |access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref> The real economic growth rate was at 2.5% in 2016 and accelerated to 5% in 2017.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/7266 |title=GDP up by 6.0% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and by 5.0% in 2017 |date=28 February 2018 |website=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=5 December 2018 |archive-date=5 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205193509/https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/7266 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The construction sector has seen a recent increase,<ref name="auto"/> and the tourism industry is expected to have continuous rising numbers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://seenews.com/news/tourism-contributes-35-directly-to-slovenias-gdp-in-2016-wttc-572255 |title=Tourism contributes 3.5% directly to Slovenia's GDP in 2016 – WTTC |last=Garaca |first=Maja |date=14 June 2017 |website=SeeNews |access-date=18 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130635/https://seenews.com/news/tourism-contributes-35-directly-to-slovenias-gdp-in-2016-wttc-572255 |archive-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Since 2017, Slovenia has experienced moderate economic growth, with GDP growth averaging around 2% per year between 2017 and 2019. However, like many other countries, Slovenia's economy has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a contraction of around 5% in 2020. Overall, Slovenia's economy is relatively small but open and has shown resilience in recent years.

Slovenia's manufacturing sector is one of the largest contributors to the country's economy, accounting for around 25% of GDP. The country has a strong tradition in manufacturing, particularly in the areas of automotive and electrical engineering. Other important sectors include services, which account for around 65% of GDP, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which account for around 2% of GDP.

Slovenia is a highly export-oriented economy, with exports accounting for around 80% of GDP. The country's main export partners are other European countries, particularly Germany, Italy, and Austria. Key exports include machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, and chemicals.

The government of Slovenia has implemented a range of policies aimed at promoting economic growth and development. These include efforts to attract foreign investment, reduce red tape, and increase investment in research and development. Slovenia was ranked 35th in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GII Innovation Ecosystems & Data Explorer 2025 |url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/slovenia |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=WIPO}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dutta |first1=Soumitra |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2025/en/index.html |title=Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads |last2=Lanvin |first2=Bruno |publisher=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]] |year=2025 |isbn=978-92-805-3797-0 |page=19 |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.58864 |access-date=2025-10-17}}</ref> The country has also introduced reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of its labor market and increasing the flexibility of its economy. The government's approach to consulting [[Trade association|business associations]] has been noted by the European Commission as a good practice example.<ref>European Commission Expert Group, [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/growth/items/42961/ Report of the Expert Group: Think Small First – Considering SME interests in policy-making - Executive Summary], published on 31 March 2009, accessed on 2 September 2024</ref>

=== Services and industry ===
Almost two-thirds of people are employed in services, and over one-third in industry and construction.<ref name="CIA">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/slovenia/ |at=Economy |title=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency, United States |date=23 February 2012}}</ref> Slovenia benefits from a well-educated workforce, well-developed infrastructure, and its location at the crossroads of major trade routes.<ref name="VE2012-03-15">{{cite web |title=Osnovni gospodarski podatki o Sloveniji |trans-title=Basic economic data about Slovenia |url=http://dunaj.veleposlanistvo.si/index.php?id=4035&L=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618170200/http://dunaj.veleposlanistvo.si/index.php?id=4035&L=1 |archive-date=18 June 2012 |access-date=15 March 2012 |publisher=Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia Vienna |language=sl}}</ref>

The level of [[foreign direct investment]]&nbsp;(FDI) per capita in Slovenia is one of the lowest in the EU,<ref name="VE2012-03-15"/> and the labor productivity and the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy is still significantly below the EU average.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 August 2011 |title=Dr. Pavle Sicherl: Slovenija je po produktivnosti dela 23 let za Evropo |trans-title=Dr. Pavle Sicherl: Slovenia is 23 years behind Europe in labor productivity |url=http://www.delo.si/gospodarstvo/posel-in-denar/dr-pavle-sicherl-slovenija-je-po-produktivnosti-dela-23-let-za-evropo_2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225133029/http://www.delo.si/gospodarstvo/posel-in-denar/dr-pavle-sicherl-slovenija-je-po-produktivnosti-dela-23-let-za-evropo_2.html |archive-date=25 February 2012 |access-date=12 April 2012 |newspaper=Delo.si |language=sl |issn=1854-6544}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=14 October 2011 |title=Konkurenčnost slovenske industrije pod evropskim povprečjem |trans-title=The competitiveness of Slovenian industry is below the European average |url=http://www.delo.si/gospodarstvo/makromonitor/konkurencnost-slovenske-industrije-pod-evropskim-povprecjem.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015180328/http://www.delo.si/gospodarstvo/makromonitor/konkurencnost-slovenske-industrije-pod-evropskim-povprecjem.html |archive-date=15 October 2011 |access-date=12 April 2012 |newspaper=Delo.si |language=sl |issn=1854-6544}}</ref> Taxes are relatively high, the [[labor market]] is seen by business interests as being inflexible, and industries are losing sales to China, India, and elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/slovenia/|title=The World Factbook 2007 – Slovenia, Economy|date=22 September 2021}}</ref>

High level of openness makes Slovenia extremely sensitive to economic conditions in its main trading partners and changes in its international price competitiveness.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.stat.si/doc/pub/Blagovna_menjava_ang.pdf |title=Slovenia'S Trade in Goods / In The 2000–2010 Period |first1=Simon |last1=Perše |first2=Snježana |last2=Štuhec Lončarević |first3=Alenka |last3=Kozar |first4=Almira |last4=Urbiha |first5=Jana |last5=Živec |first6=Amira |last6=Mušić |date=January 2012 |isbn=978-961-239-240-6 |page=20 |publisher=Statistični urad Republike Slovenije |access-date=12 April 2012 |archive-date=2 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502205618/http://www.stat.si/doc/pub/Blagovna_menjava_ang.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The main industries are motor vehicles, electric and electronic equipment, machinery, [[pharmaceutical]]s, and fuels.<ref name="VE2012-03-15"/> Examples of major Slovenian companies operating in Slovenia include the home appliance manufacturer [[Gorenje]], the pharmaceutical companies [[Krka (company)|Krka]] and Lek ([[Novartis]]' subsidiary), the oil distributing company [[Petrol Group]], energy distribution companys GEN, GEN-I, HSE and [[Revoz]], a manufacturing subsidiary of [[Renault]].<ref>[http://www.sloveniatimes.com/gorenje-krka-biggest-exporters-of-2012 "Gorenje, Krka Biggest Exporters of 2012"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416221129/http://www.sloveniatimes.com/gorenje-krka-biggest-exporters-of-2012 |date=16 April 2017 }}. Retrieved 16 April 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.sloveniatimes.com/18-slovenian-firms-in-deloitte-central-europe-top-500 "18 Slovenian Firms in Deloitte Central Europe Top 500"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170416221434/http://www.sloveniatimes.com/18-slovenian-firms-in-deloitte-central-europe-top-500 |date=16 April 2017 }}. Retrieved 16 April 2017.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.delo.si/gospodarstvo/novice/vodilna-podjetja-so-povecala-relativno-tezo-v-gospodarstvu-53765.html|title=Foto: Petrol prvi, sledi mu Gen-I|last=Viršek|first=Damjan|date=28 May 2018|website=delo.si|language=sl-si|access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref>

=== Energy ===
{{Further|Energy in Slovenia}}
[[File:Nuklearna elektrarna Krško.jpg|thumb|right|Krško Nuclear Power Plant, 696 MW]]

In 2018, the net energy production was 12,262&nbsp;GWh and consumption was 14,501&nbsp;GWh. Hydroelectric plants produced 4,421&nbsp;GWh, thermal plants produced 4,049&nbsp;GWh, and the [[Krško Nuclear Power Plant]] produced 2,742&nbsp;GWh (50% share that goes to Slovenia; other 50% goes to Croatia due to joint ownership). 
Domestic electricity consumption was covered 84.6% by domestic production; the percentage is decreasing from year to year meaning Slovenia is more and more dependent on electricity imports.<ref name="agencija">{{Cite web |title=POROČILO O STANJU NA PODROČJU ENERGETIKE V SLOVENIJI (page 18) |trans-title=REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR IN SLOVENIA |url=https://www.agen-rs.si/documents/10926/38704/Poro%C4%8Dilo-o-stanju-v-energetiki-2018/f0ee7a7a-3b8d-48b3-8a29-8cdc258d2e69 |access-date=1 November 2019 |website=agen-rs.si/}}</ref>

A new 600&nbsp;MW block of [[Šoštanj#Power plant|Šoštanj thermal power plant]] finished construction and went online in the autumn of 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.te-sostanj.si/en/184/2015/02|title=News – Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant|website=te-sostanj.si|access-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225103126/http://www.te-sostanj.si/en/184/2015/02|archive-date=25 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new 39.5&nbsp;MW HE Krško hydro power plant was finished in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.agen-rs.si/documents/10926/38704/Poro%C4%8Dilo-o-stanju-v-energetiki-2018/f0ee7a7a-3b8d-48b3-8a29-8cdc258d2e69|title=POROČILO O STANJU NA PODROČJU ENERGETIKE V SLOVENIJI 2018 (page 11)|website=agen-rs.si|access-date=5 April 2020}}</ref> The 41.5&nbsp;MW HE Brežice and 30.5&nbsp;MW HE Mokrice hydro power plants were built on the [[Sava]] River in 2018 and the construction of ten more hydropower plants with a cumulative capacity of 338&nbsp;MW is planned to be finished by 2030. A large [[Pumped-storage hydroelectricity|pumped-storage hydro power plant]] Kozjak on the [[Drava]] River is in the planning stage.

At the end of 2018, at least 295&nbsp;MWp of [[Photovoltaics|photovoltaic modules]] and 31,4&nbsp;MW of [[Biogas power plant|biogas powerplants]] were installed. Compared to 2017, renewable energy sources contributed 5.6 percentage points more into whole energy consumption. There is interest to add more production in the area of solar and wind energy sources (subsidising schemes are increasing economic feasibility), but microlocation settlement procedures take enormous toll on the efficiency of this initiative (nature preservation vs. energy production facilities dilemma).<ref name="agencija"/>

=== Tourism ===
[[File:Postojna Cave. 2012-07-26 13-41-13.jpg|thumb|alt=Postojna Cave|[[Postojna Cave]]]]{{Main|Tourism in Slovenia}}

Slovenia offers tourists a wide variety of natural and cultural amenities. Different forms of tourism have developed. The tourist gravitational area is considerably large, however the tourist market is small. There has been no large-scale tourism and no acute environmental pressures;<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://zgs.zrc-sazu.si/Portals/8/Slo_Geo_Over/25.pdf |first=Uroš |last=Horvat |chapter=Tourism in Slovenia |page=146 |title=Slovenia: A Geographical Overview |editor=Orožen Adamič, Milan |isbn=961-6500-49-X |publisher=Association of the Geographical Societies of Slovenia |year=2004}}</ref> in 2017, [[National Geographic]] Traveller's Magazine declared Slovenia as the country with the world's most [[sustainable tourism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/europe/slovenia/worlds-most-sustainable-eco-green-country/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627220943/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/europe/slovenia/worlds-most-sustainable-eco-green-country/|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2018|title=This Is the World's Most Sustainable Country |date=27 June 2018 |publisher=[[National Geographic Society]] |access-date=23 August 2018}}</ref> The nation's capital, [[Ljubljana]], has many important [[Baroque]] and [[Vienna Secession]] buildings, with several important works of the native born architect [[Jože Plečnik]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aml.si/plecnikova-hisa/teorija/plecnikova-ljubljana/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903231641/http://www.aml.si/plecnikova-hisa/teorija/plecnikova-ljubljana/|url-status=dead|title=Podoba Plečnikove Ljubljane|archive-date=3 September 2011}}</ref>

At the northwestern corner of the country lie the [[Julian Alps]] with [[Lake Bled]] and the [[Soča]] Valley, as well as the nation's highest peak, [[Mount Triglav]] in the middle of [[Triglav National Park]]. Other mountain ranges include [[Kamnik–Savinja Alps]], the [[Karawanks]], and [[Pohorje]], popular with skiers and hikers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slovenia.info/en/Active-holidays.htm?aktivne_pocitnice=0&lng=2 |title=Active holidays – Slovenia – Official Travel Guide |publisher=Slovenia.info |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526112751/http://www.slovenia.info/en/Active-holidays.htm?aktivne_pocitnice=0&lng=2 |archive-date=26 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Karst Plateau]] in the [[Slovene Littoral]] gave its name to [[karst]], a landscape shaped by water dissolving the carbonate bedrock, forming caves. The best-known caves are [[Postojna Cave]] and the [[UNESCO World Heritage Site|UNESCO]]-listed [[Škocjan Caves]]. The region of [[Slovenian Istria]] meets the [[Adriatic Sea]], where the most important historical monument is the [[Venetian Gothic architecture|Venetian Gothic]] Mediterranean town of [[Piran]] while the settlement of [[Portorož]] attracts crowds in summer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.piran.si/index.php?page=static&item=1 |title=Občina Piran-O občini |publisher=Piran.si |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513152503/http://www.piran.si/index.php?page=static&item=1 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:View of Bled Island (6).jpg|thumb|alt=Lake Bled|[[Lake Bled]] with its island]]The hills around Slovenia's second-largest city, [[Maribor]], are renowned for their wine-making. The northeastern part of the country is rich with spas,<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2006/jun/23/slovenia.travelfoodanddrink.shortbreaks | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Liane | last=Katz | title=Detox, retox in Slovenia | date=23 June 2006}}</ref> with [[Rogaška Slatina]], [[Radenci]], [[Čatež ob Savi]], [[Dobrna]], and [[Moravske Toplice]] growing in importance in the last two decades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slovenia.info/en/15-Slovenian-natural-spas.htm?zdravilisce=0&lng=2|title=15 Spas in Slovenia, Official Travel Guide |publisher=Slovenia.info |access-date=7 August 2012}}</ref>

Other popular tourist destinations include the historic cities of [[Ptuj]] and [[Škofja Loka]], and several castles, such as [[Predjama Castle]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slovenia.info/en/arhitekturne-znamenitosti.htm?arhitekturne_znamenitosti=0&lng=2 |title=Architectural Heritage – Slovenia – Official Travel Guide |publisher=Slovenia.info |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404141006/http://www.slovenia.info/en/arhitekturne-znamenitosti.htm?arhitekturne_znamenitosti=0&lng=2 |archive-date=4 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slovenia.info/en/grad.htm?grad=0&lng=2 |title=Castles – Slovenia – Official Travel Guide |publisher=Slovenia.info |access-date=2 June 2012}}</ref>

Important parts of tourism in Slovenia include congress and [[gambling tourism]]. Slovenia is the country with the highest percentage of [[casino]]s per 1,000&nbsp;inhabitants in the European Union.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.earthinpictures.com/world/slovenia/ |title=Slovenia photo gallery – pictures, facts and information on Slovenia |publisher=Earthinpictures.com |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622032938/http://www.earthinpictures.com/world/slovenia/ |archive-date=22 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Perla hotel and casino|Perla]] in [[Nova Gorica]] is the largest casino in the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/easteurope-casinos.asp |title=East Europe Casinos and Gambling |publisher=Worldcasinodirectory.com |access-date=8 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922151652/http://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/easteurope-casinos.asp |archive-date=22 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Most of foreign tourists to Slovenia come from the key European markets: [[Italy]], [[Austria]], [[Germany]], [[Croatia]], [[Belgium]], [[Netherlands]], [[Serbia]], [[Russia]] and [[Ukraine]], followed by [[United Kingdom]] and [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slovenia.info/pictures/TB_board/atachments_1/2011/tvs_slo_e_12434.pdf |title=I Feel Slovenia: 2010 |publisher=Slovenia.info |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510062633/http://www.slovenia.info/pictures/TB_board/atachments_1/2011/tvs_slo_e_12434.pdf |archive-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> European tourists create more than 90% of Slovenia's tourist income. In 2016, Slovenia was declared the world's first green country by the Netherlands-based organization Green Destinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sloveniatimes.com/slovenia-declared-world-s-first-green-country|title=Slovenia declared world's first green country|website=Sloveniatimes.com|access-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803132721/http://www.sloveniatimes.com/slovenia-declared-world-s-first-green-country|archive-date=3 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> On being declared the most sustainable country in 2016, Slovenia had a big part to play at the [[ITB Berlin]] to promote sustainable tourism.

=== Transport ===
{{Main|Transport in Slovenia}}
Geography has dictated transport routes in Slovenia. Significant mountain ranges, major rivers and proximity to the Danube played roles in the development of the area's transportation corridors. One recent particular advantage are the [[Pan-European transport corridor]]s [[Pan-European transport corridor V|V]] (the fastest link between the North Adriatic, and Central and Eastern Europe) and [[Pan-European Corridor X|X]] (linking Central Europe with the Balkans). This gives it a special position in the European social, economic and cultural integration and restructuring.<ref name="UKOM2000-11">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/media_relations/background_information/transport/slovenia_a_country_at_the_crossroads_of_transport_links/ |title=Slovenia, a Country at the Crossroads of Transport Links |publisher=Government Communication Office, Republic of Slovenia |date=November 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708045103/http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/media_relations/background_information/transport/slovenia_a_country_at_the_crossroads_of_transport_links/ |archive-date=8 July 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Motorways-SLO-map 2018.jpg|alt=|upright=1.35|thumb|Motorways in Slovenia in August 2020]]

==== Roads ====
The road freight and passenger transport constitutes the largest part of transport in Slovenia at 80%.<ref name="MW2009SORS">{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.si/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=2582 |title=Teden mobilnosti 2009 |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |date=15 September 2009 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-date=13 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213181341/http://www.stat.si/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=2582 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Personal cars are much more popular than public road passenger transport, which has significantly declined.<ref name="MW2009SORS"/><ref>{{cite web |author=Bernard Vukadin, Barbara |author2=Kušar, Urška |author3=Burja, Alenka |date=25 October 2009 |title=Lastništvo avtomobilov v gospodinjstvih |trans-title=Car ownership in households |url=http://kazalci.arso.gov.si/?data=indicator&ind_id=214 |publisher=Environment Agency of Slovenia |language=sl}}</ref> Slovenia has a very high [[highways in Slovenia|highway and motorway density]] compared to the European Union average.<ref name="ECORYS2011">{{cite book |chapter-url=http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/evaluation/pdf/evasltrat_tran/slovenia.pdf |chapter=Situation per mode of transport |title=Study on Strategic Evaluation on Transport Investment Priorities under Structural and Cohesion funds for the Programming Period 2007–2013 |date=August 2006 |publisher=ECORYS Nederland BV}}</ref> The highway system, the construction of which was accelerated after 1994,<ref name="Oplotnik2004">{{cite conference |url=http://dinamico2.unibg.it/highways/paper/oplotnik.pdf |title=National motorway construction program (NMCP) in Slovenia (financing, impact on national economy and realization) |author1=Oplotnik, Žan |author2=Križanič, France |book-title=Highways: cost and regulation in Europe |date=November 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120161909/https://dinamico2.unibg.it/highways/paper/oplotnik.pdf |archive-date=20 November 2012}}</ref> has slowly but steadily transformed Slovenia into a large [[conurbation]].<ref>{{cite conference |url=ftp://ftp.cgs.si/Uporabniki/UrosZ/clanki/10.%20kongres%20o%20cestah%20in%20prometu/19-24.pdf |title=Narodnogospodarske koristi in razvojne možnosti prometnih sistemov v RS |language=sl, en |first=Peter |last=Gabrijelčič |book-title=10th Slovenian Road and Transport Congress |date=October 2010 }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Other state roads have been rapidly deteriorating because of neglect and the overall increase in traffic.<ref name="ECORYS2011"/>

==== Railways ====
{{main|Slovenian Railways}}

The existing Slovenian railways are out-of-date and have difficulty competing with the motorway network; partially also as a result of dispersed population settlement.<ref name="ARSO420">{{cite web |url=http://kazalci.arso.gov.si/?data=indicator&ind_id=420#comment |title=Vlaganja v prometno infrastrukturo: Komentar |language=sl |publisher=Slovenian Environment Agency |date=18 November 2011 |author=Plevnik, Aljaž |author2=Polanec, Vesna}}</ref> Due to this fact and the projected increase in traffic through the port of [[Koper]], which is primarily by train, a second rail on the Koper-Divača route is in early stages of starting construction.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drugitir.si/|title=Za razvoj Slovenije {{!}} Drugi tir|website=www.drugitir.si|access-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303000005/http://www.drugitir.si/|archive-date=3 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> With a lack of financial assets, maintenance and modernisation of the Slovenian railway network have been neglected.<ref name="UNIMB2011-04">{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.losamedchem.eu/web/attachments/article/20/SWOT%20KOPER%20+%20UM.pdf |chapter=Executive Summary |title=Analysis of the infrastructure network in Slovenia and report on SWOT analysis |publisher=Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor. Port of Koper |date=April 2011 |access-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510062631/http://www.losamedchem.eu/web/attachments/article/20/SWOT%20KOPER%20+%20UM.pdf |archive-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Due to the out-of-date infrastructure, the share of the railway freight transport has been in decline in Slovenia.<ref name="ARS416">{{cite web |author=Plevnik, Aljaž |author2=Polanec, Vesna |date=18 November 2011 |title=Obseg in sestava blagovnega prevoza in prometa: Komentar |trans-title=Volume and structure of freight transport and traffic: Commentary |url=http://kazalci.arso.gov.si/?data=indicator&ind_id=416#comment |publisher=Slovenian Environment Agency}}</ref> The railway passenger transport has been recovering after a large drop in the 1990s.<ref name=ARS416/> The Pan-European railway corridors V and X, and several other major European rail lines intersect in Slovenia.<ref name="UNIMB2011-04"/>

==== Ports ====
The major Slovenian port is the [[Port of Koper]]. It is the largest Northern Adriatic port in terms of container transport,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.greenmed.eu/news-1160.html |title=Koper Port Hits Record High in Container Traffic |newspaper=Green Med Journal |date=21 November 2011 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125155522/http://www.greenmed.eu/news-1160.html |archive-date=25 November 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> with almost 590,000 [[twenty-foot equivalent unit|TEUs]] annually<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.porttechnology.org/news/konecranes_to_delivery_three_further_rtgs_to_luka_koper/ |title=Konecranes to deliver three further RTGs to Luka Koper |newspaper=Port Technology International |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518173144/http://www.porttechnology.org/news/konecranes_to_delivery_three_further_rtgs_to_luka_koper/ |archive-date=18 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and lines to all major world ports.<ref name="ECONSHIP2011"/><ref name="AH2008-16-3GA">{{cite journal |url=http://www.dlib.si/stream/URN:NBN:SI:DOC-JKJ7TQMG/74880c59-56c7-48b6-9ed2-73ca85b11622/PDF |title=Sodobne pol1t1čno-geografske značilnosti alpsko-jadranskega prostora brez meja |language=sl, en, it |first=Anton |last=Gosar |journal=Acta Histriae |year=2008 |volume=16 |issue=3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025125302/http://www.dlib.si/stream/URN%3ANBN%3ASI%3ADOC-JKJ7TQMG/74880c59-56c7-48b6-9ed2-73ca85b11622/PDF |archive-date=25 October 2013}}</ref> It is much closer to destinations east of the [[Suez Canal|Suez]] than the ports of Northern Europe.<ref name="ECONSHIP2011">{{cite conference |url=http://www.stt.aegean.gr/econship2011/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=100&tmpl=component&format=raw&Itemid=20 |title=Container Boom in the Port of Koper |author1=Twrdy, Elen |author2=Trupac, Igor |book-title=European Conference on Shipping & Ports 2011: Proceedings |isbn=978-960-93329-5-8 }}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In addition, the maritime passenger traffic mostly takes place in Koper.<ref name="RR21">{{cite journal |url=http://www.stat.si/doc/statinf/22-SI-084-1101.pdf |title=Transport |journal=Statistične informacije [Rapid Reports] |date=4 November 2011 |page=11 |issue=21 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227093005/https://www.stat.si/doc/statinf/22-SI-084-1101.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two smaller ports used for the international passenger transport as well as cargo transport are located in [[Izola]] and [[Piran]]. Passenger transport mainly takes place with Italy and Croatia.<ref name="ReNPRP">{{cite web |date=3 November 2010 |title=Resolucija o nacionalnem programu razvoja pomorstva Republike Slovenije |trans-title=Resolution on the National Programme for the Development of Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia |url=http://www.mzp.gov.si/fileadmin/mzp.gov.si/pageuploads/DPomorstvo_splosno/2010_Nacionalni_program_verzija_22.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510062630/http://www.mzp.gov.si/fileadmin/mzp.gov.si/pageuploads/DPomorstvo_splosno/2010_Nacionalni_program_verzija_22.pdf |archive-date=10 May 2012 |access-date=7 February 2012 |publisher=Ministry of Transport, Republic of Slovenia |language=sl}}</ref> [[Splošna plovba]],<ref>{{cite news |date=22 October 2004 |title=Edini slovenski ladjar praznuje |trans-title=The only Slovenian shipping company is celebrating |url=http://www.rtvslo.si/gospodarstvo/edini-slovenski-ladjar-praznuje/24584 |newspaper=MMC RTV Slovenija |issn=1581-372X}}</ref> the only Slovenian shipping company, transports freight and is active only in foreign ports.<ref name="RR21"/>

==== Air ====
Air transport in Slovenia is very low,<ref name="ARS416"/> but has significantly grown since 1991.<ref name="RR26">{{cite journal |url=http://www.stat.si/doc/statinf/22-SI-284-1001.pdf |title=Transport |journal=Statistične informacije [Rapid Report] |date=22 November 2010 |issue=26 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227094007/https://www.stat.si/doc/statinf/22-SI-284-1001.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Of the three international airports in Slovenia, [[Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport]] in central Slovenia is the busiest,<ref name="RR26"/> with connections to many major European destinations.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.lju-airport.si/pripone/1085/informator_junij11_koncna.pdf |title=Information Booklet |year=2011 |publisher=Aerodrom Ljubljana |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510062631/http://www.lju-airport.si/pripone/1085/informator_junij11_koncna.pdf |archive-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport]] is located in the eastern part of the country and the [[Portorož Airport]] in the west.<ref name="RR26"/> The state-owned [[Adria Airways]] was the largest Slovenian airline; however in 2019 it declared bankruptcy and ceased operations.<ref name="RR26"/> Since 2003, several new carriers have entered the market, mainly low-cost airlines.<ref name="ECORYS2011"/> The only Slovenian [[military airbase|military airport]] is the [[Cerklje ob Krki Air Base]] in the southwest.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.mo.gov.si/fileadmin/mo.gov.si/pageuploads/revija_sv/2006/sv06_08.pdf |title=Cerklje Airport on its way to future growth |journal=Slovenska Vojska |page=29 |volume=XIV |issue=8 |year=2006 |first=Jože |last=Konda |issn=1580-1993 |access-date=7 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510062628/http://www.mo.gov.si/fileadmin/mo.gov.si/pageuploads/revija_sv/2006/sv06_08.pdf |archive-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are also 12&nbsp;[[public airport]]s in Slovenia.<ref name="RR26"/>

== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Slovenia}}

[[File:Population density in Slovenia.png|300px|thumb|Population density in Slovenia by [[Municipalities of Slovenia|municipality]]. The four main urban areas are visible: Ljubljana and Kranj (centre), Maribor (northeast) and the [[Slovene Istria]] (southwest)]]

The population of Slovenia as of January 2025 is 2,130,850.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2025 |title=Population, 1 January 2025 |url=https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/hi/News/Index/13582 |access-date=8 June 2025 |website=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia}}</ref> With 105 inhabitants per square kilometer (272/sq&nbsp;mi), Slovenia ranks low among the European countries in population density (compared to {{convert|402|/km2|/mi2|abbr=on}} for the [[Netherlands]] or {{convert|195|/km2|/mi2|abbr=on}} for Italy). The [[Inner Carniola–Karst Statistical Region]] has the lowest population density while the [[Central Slovenia Statistical Region]] has the highest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.si/letopis/2010/30_10/30-09-10.htm |title=30.9 Gostota naseljenosti 1.7 – Population Density, 1 July |publisher=Stat.si |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826070232/http://www.stat.si/letopis/2010/30_10/30-09-10.htm |archive-date=26 August 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Slovenia is among the European countries with the most pronounced ageing of its population, ascribable to a low birth rate and increasing life expectancy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zupanič |first=Milena |date=20 June 2011 |title=Demografski preobrat: tiha revolucija med nami |trans-title=Demographic shift: a silent revolution among us |url=http://www.delo.si/zgodbe/delo2020/demografski-preobrat-tiha-revolucija-med-nami.html |newspaper=Delo.si |publisher=Delo, d. d. |language=sl |issn=1854-6544}}</ref> Almost all Slovenian inhabitants older than 64 are retired, with no significant difference between the genders.<ref name="Hoff2011">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vmAQ_cwR14oC&pg=PA118 |title=Population Ageing in Central and Eastern Europe: Societal and Policy Implications |chapter=Population Ageing in Slovenia and Social Support Networks of Older People |pages=118–119 |editor-first=Andreas |editor-last=Hoff |first1=Valentina |last1=Hlebec |first2=Milivoja |last2=Šircelj |publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. |date=September 2011 |isbn=978-0-7546-7828-1}}</ref> The working-age group is diminishing in spite of immigration.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OgBaG-NB9hMC&pg=PA34 |title=Slovenia |chapter=Strong Growth but an Ageing Workforce |page=34 |publisher=OECD Publishing |date=July 2009 |isbn=978-92-64-06894-0}}</ref> The proposal to raise the retirement age from the current 57 for women and 58 for men was rejected in a [[June 2011 Slovenian referendum|referendum in 2011]].<ref name="CNBC2012-01-23"/> In addition, the difference among the genders regarding life expectancy is still significant.<ref name="Hoff2011"/> The [[total fertility rate]] (TFR) in 2024 was estimated at 1.6 children born/woman, which is lower than the replacement rate of 2.1.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/slovenia/| title = The World Factbook| date = 22 December 2022}}</ref> The majority of children are born to unmarried women (in 2023, 56.5% of all births were outside of marriage).<ref>{{cite web |date=24 June 2024 |title=Births, 2023 |url=https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/news/Index/12936 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229090746/https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/6768 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia}}</ref>
In 2023, life expectancy at birth was 82 years (79.1 years male, and 85 years female).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Health status – Life expectancy at birth – OECD Data |url=http://data.oecd.org/healthstat/life-expectancy-at-birth.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811172303/https://data.oecd.org/healthstat/life-expectancy-at-birth.htm |archive-date=11 August 2019 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=theOECD}}</ref>

In 2020, the [[List of countries by suicide rate|suicide rate]] in Slovenia was 17 per 100,000 persons per year, which places Slovenia among the highest ranked European countries.<ref name="stat2009suicide">{{cite web |date=16 November 2023 |title=International Men's Day |url=https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/11479 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113165716/http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=3380 |archive-date=13 November 2010 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |publisher=}}</ref> Nonetheless, from 2000 until 2010, the rate has decreased by about 30%. The differences between regions and the genders are pronounced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=4162 |title=World Suicide Prevention Day 2011 |date=8 September 2011 |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=24 April 2012 |archive-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116001339/https://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=4162 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Ethnic structure ===
The largest ethnic groups in Slovenia are [[Slovenes]] (83.1%), [[Serbs in Slovenia|Serbs]] (2.0%), [[Croats of Slovenia|Croats]]
(1.8%), [[Bosniaks of Slovenia|Bosniaks]] (1.6%), [[Muslims (ethnic group)|Muslims]] (0.5%), [[Bosnians]] (0.4%), [[Hungarians]] (0.3%), [[Albanians in Slovenia|Albanians]] (0.3%) and [[Romani people in Slovenia|Roma]] (0.2%). Other ethnic groups in Slovenia include Macedonians, Italians, Montenegrins and Germans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://minorityrights.org/country/slovenia/|title=Slovenia – World Directory of Minorities & Indigenous Peoples|date=2 November 2023 }}</ref>

=== Urbanisation ===
{{Main|List of cities and towns in Slovenia}}
Depending on definition, between 65% and 79% of people live in wider urban areas.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Bole |first1=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q2vXdJRZhzoC&q=slovenija+stopnja+urbanizacije&pg=PA143 |title=Ekonomska preobrazba slovenskih mest |publisher=Založba ZRC |year=2008 |isbn=978-961-254-090-6 |trans-title=Economic transformation of Slovenian cities}}</ref> According to [[OECD]] definition of rural areas none of the [[Statistical regions of Slovenia|Slovene statistical regions]] is mostly urbanised, meaning that 15% or less of the population lives in rural communities. According to this definition statistical regions are classified:
* mostly rural regions: [[Mura Statistical Region|Mura]], [[Drava Statistical Region|Drava]], [[Carinthia Statistical Region|Carinthia]], [[Savinja Statistical Region|Savinja]], [[Lower Sava Statistical Region|Lower Sava]], [[Littoral–Inner Carniola Statistical Region|Littoral–Inner Carniola]], [[Gorizia Statistical Region|Gorizia]], [[Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region|Southeast Slovenia]]
* moderately rural regions: [[Central Sava Statistical Region|Central Sava]], [[Upper Carniola Statistical Region|Upper Carniola]], [[Coastal–Karst Statistical Region|Coastal–Karst]], [[Central Slovenia Statistical Region|Central Slovenia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Projekt statistike razvoja podeželja |trans-title=Project on rural development statistics |url=http://www.stat.si/tema_splosno_upravno_podezelje_predstavitev.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228181158/http://www.stat.si/tema_splosno_upravno_podezelje_predstavitev.asp |archive-date=28 February 2015 |access-date=20 September 2013 |work=Statistical Office RS}}</ref>

The only large town is the capital, Ljubljana. Other (medium-sized) towns include Maribor, Celje, and Kranj.<ref name="GV52-2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.geodetski-vestnik.com/52/2/gv52-2_290-312.pdf |title=Small and Medium-Size Towns as the Basis of Polycentric Urban Development |author1=Zavodnik Lamovšek, Alma |author2=Drobne, Samo |author3=Žaucer, Tadej |journal=Geodetski Vestnik |publisher=Association of Surveyors of Slovenia |issn=0351-0271 |year=2008 |volume=52 |issue=2 |page=303}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.si/eng/KrajevnaImena/pregledi_naselja_najvecja_prebivalci.asp |title= Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia – How frequent are the same names of settlements and streets?  |publisher=Stat.si |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511203359/http://www.stat.si/eng/KrajevnaImena/pregledi_naselja_najvecja_prebivalci.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> Overall, there are eleven urban municipalities in Slovenia.
{{Largest cities
| country      = Slovenia
| stat_ref     = [[Statistical Office of Slovenia|Statistical Office]]: Largest settlements by population (1 January 2024)
| list_by_pop  = List of cities and towns in Slovenia
| div_name     = Statistical region
| div_link     =

|city_1 = Ljubljana
|div_1 = Central Slovenia Statistical Region{{!}}Central Slovenia
|pop_1 = 288,382

|city_2 = Maribor
|div_2 = Drava Statistical Region{{!}}Drava
|pop_2 = 97,068

|city_3 = Kranj
|div_3 = Upper Carniola Statistical Region{{!}}Upper Carniola
|pop_3 = 37,802

|city_4 = Celje
|div_4 = Savinja Statistical Region{{!}}Savinja
|pop_4 = 37,727

|city_5 = Koper
|div_5 = Coastal–Karst Statistical Region{{!}}Coastal–Karst
|pop_5 = 26,305

|city_6 = Velenje
|div_6 = Savinja Statistical Region{{!}}Savinja
|pop_6 = 25,473

|city_7 = Novo Mesto
|div_7 = Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region{{!}}Southeast Slovenia
|pop_7 = 24,446

|city_8 = Ptuj
|div_8 = Drava Statistical Region{{!}}Drava
|pop_8 = 18,274

|city_9 = Kamnik
|div_9 = Central Slovenia Statistical Region{{!}}Central Slovenia
|pop_9 = 13,807

|city_10 = Jesenice
|div_10 = Upper Carniola Statistical Region{{!}}Upper Carniola
|pop_10 = 13,778
}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break|width=30%}}
{{col-end}}

=== Languages ===
{{Main|Languages of Slovenia|Slovene language}}
The official language in Slovenia is [[Slovene language|Slovene]], which is a member of the [[South Slavic languages|South Slavic language group]]. In 2002, Slovene was the native language of around 88% of Slovenia's population according to the census, with more than 92% of the Slovenian population speaking it in their home environment.<ref name="siol.net">{{cite web |date=19 February 2009 |title=Slovenščina materni jezik za 88 odstotkov državljanov |trans-title=Slovenian is the mother tongue of 88 percent of citizens |url=http://www.siol.net/kultura/novice/2009/02/slovenscina_materni_jezik_za_88_odstotkov_drzavljanov.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516055023/http://www.siol.net/kultura/novice/2009/02/slovenscina_materni_jezik_za_88_odstotkov_drzavljanov.aspx |archive-date=16 May 2012 |access-date=2 June 2012 |publisher=[[Siol]]}}</ref><ref name="stat.si">{{cite book |last=Šircelj |first=Milivoja |url=http://www.stat.si/popis2002/gradivo/2-169.pdf |title=Verska, jezikovna in narodna sestava prebivalstva Slovenije: Popisi 1921–2002 |publisher=Statistični urad Republike Slovenije |year=2003 |isbn=961-239-024-X |language=sl |trans-title=Religious, linguistic, and ethnic composition of the population of Slovenia: Censuses 1921–2002 |access-date=19 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213063506/https://www.stat.si/popis2002/gradivo/2-169.pdf |archive-date=13 February 2020 |url-status=dead |issue=2}}</ref> This statistic ranks Slovenia among the most homogeneous countries in the EU in terms of the share of speakers of the predominant mother tongue.<ref name="Dular">{{cite news |url= http://www.sta.si/en/vest.php?s=a&id=1482640 |title= Linguist Says Slovenian Language Not Endangered |date= 21 February 2010 |publisher= Slovenian Press Agency}}</ref>

Slovene is a highly diverse Slavic language in terms of [[Slovene dialects|dialects]],<ref name="MLD 2009">{{cite news |url= http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=2177 |title= International Mother Language Day |publisher= Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |date= 19 February 2009 |access-date= 3 February 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101113170344/http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=2177 |archive-date= 13 November 2010 |url-status= dead }}</ref> with different degrees of mutual intelligibility. Accounts of the number of dialects range from as few as seven<ref>McDonald, Gordon C. 1979. ''Yugoslavia: A Country Study''. Washington, DC: American University, p. 93</ref><ref>Greenberg, Marc L. 2009. "Slovene." In Keith Brown & Sarah Ogilvie (eds.), ''Concise Encyclopedia of Languages of the World'', pp. 981–984. Oxford: Elsevier, p. 981.</ref><ref>Brown, E. K. & Anne Anderson. 2006. ''Encyclopedia of Language & Linguistics: Sca-Spe''. Oxford: Elsevier, p. 424</ref> dialects, often considered dialect groups or dialect bases that are further subdivided into as many as 50 dialects.<ref>Sussex, Roland, & Paul V. Cubberley. 2006. ''The Slavic languages''. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, p. 502.</ref> Other sources characterize the number of dialects as nine<ref>Sławski, Franciszek. 1962. ''Zarys dialektologii południowosłowiańskiej''. Warsaw: PAN.</ref> or as eight.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Priestly | first1 = Tom M. S. | year = 1993 | title = On 'Drift' in Indo-European Gender Systems | journal = Journal of Indo-European Studies | volume = 11 | pages = 339–363 }}</ref>

[[File:Slovenian Passport3.jpg|thumb|upright|Front cover of a bilingual passport in Slovene and Italian]]

[[Hungarian language|Hungarian]] and [[Italian language in Slovenia|Italian]], spoken by the respective minorities, enjoy the status of official languages in the ethnically mixed regions along the Hungarian and Italian borders, to the extent that even the passports issued in those areas are bilingual. In 2002 around 0.2% of the Slovenian population spoke Italian and around 0.4% spoke Hungarian as their native language. Hungarian is co-official with Slovene in 30 settlements in 5 municipalities (whereof 3 are officially bilingual). Italian is co-official with Slovene in 25 settlements in 4 municipalities (all of them officially bilingual).

[[Romani language|Romani]],<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www2.arnes.si/~ljinv16/RIG/RIG%2052/rig%2052%20celota%20E%20TISK.pdf |title= Legal Protection of Roma in Slovenia |first= Vera |last= Klopčič |journal= Treatises and Documents: Journal of Ethnic Studies |year= 2007 |issue= 52 |pages= 234–255 |publisher= Institute for Ethnic Studies |issn= 1854-5181 |access-date= 3 February 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195512/http://www2.arnes.si/~ljinv16/RIG/RIG%2052/rig%2052%20celota%20E%20TISK.pdf |archive-date= 21 February 2011 |url-status= dead }}</ref> spoken in 2002 as the native language by 0.2% of people, is a legally protected language in Slovenia. Romani speakers mainly belong to the geographically dispersed and marginalized Roma community.<ref>{{cite book |url= http://www.inv.si/DocDir/Publikacije-PDF/2003/evropa,%20slovenija%20in%20romi_optimized.pdf |title= Evropa, Slovenija in Romi |language=sl |first= Vera |last= Klopčič |author2= Miroslav Polzer |year= 2003 |isbn= 961-6159-23-2 |publisher= Institute for Ethnic Studies |access-date= 3 February 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195508/http://www.inv.si/DocDir/Publikacije-PDF/2003/evropa,%20slovenija%20in%20romi_optimized.pdf |archive-date= 21 February 2011 |url-status= dead }}</ref>

German, which used to be the largest minority language in Slovenia prior to World War II (around 4% of the population in 1921), is now the native language of only around 0.08% of the population, the majority of whom are more than 60 years old.<ref name="stat.si"/> [[Gottscheerish]] or ''Granish'', the traditional German dialect of [[Gottschee]] County, faces extinction.<ref name="norwaysi">{{cite web |url= http://www.norway.si/ARKIV/heritage/granish/ |title= Granish – a Minority Language Spoken in Slovenia |publisher= Norway.si |access-date= 2 June 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

A significant number of people in Slovenia speak a variant of [[Serbo-Croatian]] ([[Serbian language|Serbian]], [[Croatian language|Croatian]], [[Bosnian language|Bosnian]], or [[Montenegrin language|Montenegrin]]) as their native language. These are mostly families who moved to Slovenia from other [[former Yugoslav]] republics. Altogether, Serbo-Croatian in its different forms is the second natively spoken language in Slovenia with 5.9% of population. In 2002, 0.4% of the Slovenian population declared themselves to be native speakers of [[Albanian language|Albanian]] and 0.2% native speakers of [[Macedonian language|Macedonian]].<ref name="stat.si"/> [[Czech language|Czech]], the fourth-largest minority language in Slovenia prior to World War II (after German, Hungarian, and Serbo-Croatian), is now the native language of a few hundred residents of Slovenia.<ref name="stat.si"/>

Slovenia ranks among the top European countries in knowledge of foreign languages. The most taught foreign languages are English, German, Italian, French and Spanish. {{As of|2007}}, 92% of the population between the age of 25 and 64 spoke at least one foreign language and around 71.8% of them spoke at least two foreign languages, which was the highest percentage in the European Union.<ref>[http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/3-24092009-AP/EN/3-24092009-AP-EN.PDF European Day of Languages] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124065821/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/3-24092009-AP/EN/3-24092009-AP-EN.PDF |date=24 January 2013 }}, Eurostat Newsrelease, 24 September 2009</ref> According to the [[Eurobarometer]] survey, {{as of|2005|lc=on}} the majority of Slovenes could speak [[Croatian language|Croatian]] (61%) and English (56%).<ref name="EurobarLang">{{cite web|url= http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_386_en.pdf |title= Special Eurobarometer 386 Europeans and Their Languages |date= June 2012 |access-date= 18 October 2013}}</ref>{{rp|21}} A reported 42% of Slovenes could speak German, which was one of the highest percentages outside German-speaking countries.<ref name="EurobarLang"/> Italian is widely spoken on the [[Slovenian Istria|Slovenian Coast]] and in some other areas of the [[Slovene Littoral]]. Around 15% of Slovenians can speak Italian, which is (according to the Eurobarometer pool) the third-highest percentage in the European Union, after Italy and [[Malta]].<ref>
{{cite web
|url= http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf
|title= Eurobarometer pool (2006), page 152 |access-date =2 June 2012
}}
</ref>

=== Immigration ===
In 2021, about 13.9% (292,824 people) of the population in Slovenia was born abroad.<ref name="SURS">{{cite web |date=13 December 2021 |title=International Migrants Day |url=https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/News/Index/9999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613133216/http://pxweb.stat.si/pxweb/Dialog/statfile1.asp |archive-date=13 June 2017 |access-date=30 March 2025 |website=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |publisher=}}</ref> About 86% of the foreign-born population originated from other countries of former Yugoslavia as (in descending order) [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]], followed by immigrants from [[Croatia]], [[Serbia]], [[Kosovo]], and [[North Macedonia]].<ref name="SURS" />

By the beginning of 2017, there were about 114,438 people with foreign citizenship residing in the country making up 5.5% of the total population. Of these foreigners, 76% had citizenships of the other countries from former Yugoslavia (excluding Croatia). Additionally 16.4% had EU-citizenships and 7.6% had citizenships of other countries.<ref name="SURS" />

{{bar box
|width = 300px
|float = right
|title = Ethnic composition of Slovenia<br />(according to the 2002 census)<ref name="2002census">{{cite web |url=http://www.stat.si/popis2002/en/rezultati/rezultati_red.asp?ter=SLO&st=7 |title=Census 2002: 7. Population by ethnic affiliation, Slovenia, Census 1953, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2002 |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=2 February 2011 |archive-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806084849/http://www.stat.si/popis2002/en/rezultati/rezultati_red.asp?ter=SLO&st=7 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|titlebar = #ddd
|bars =
{{bar percent|Slovene|teal|83.06}}
{{bar percent|Serb|teal|1.98}}
{{bar percent|Croat|teal|1.81}}
{{bar percent|Bosniak|teal|1.10}}
{{bar percent|Other minorities|teal|4.85}}
{{bar percent|Undeclared or unknown|gray|8.9}}
|caption =
}}

According to the 2002 census, Slovenia's main ethnic group are [[Slovenes]] (83%); however, their share in the total population is continuously decreasing, due to their relatively low [[fertility rate]]. At least 13% (2002) of the population were immigrants from other parts of [[Former Yugoslavia]] and their descendants.<ref name="Medvesek">{{Cite news |last=Medvešek |first=Mojca |year=2007 |title=Kdo so priseljenci z območja nekdanje Jugoslavije |trans-title=Who are the immigrants from the territory of the former Yugoslavia? |url=http://www2.arnes.si/~ljinv16/RIG/RIG%2053_54/rig%2053%20medvesek.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195508/http://www2.arnes.si/~ljinv16/RIG/RIG%2053_54/rig%2053%20medvesek.pdf |archive-date=21 February 2011 |access-date=29 January 2011 |journal=Razprave in Gradivo |publisher=Institute for Ethnic Studies |page=34 |language=sl |issue=53–54}}</ref> They have settled mainly in cities and suburbanised areas.<ref name="Repolusk">{{Cite news |last=Repolusk |first=Peter |year=2006 |title=Narodnostno neopredeljeno prebivalstvo ob popisih 1991 in 2002 v Sloveniji |trans-title=Ethnically undeclared population in the 1991 and 2002 censuses in Slovenia |url=http://www.ff.uni-lj.si/oddelki/geo/publikacije/dela/files/dela_25/07%20repolust.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306014855/http://www.ff.uni-lj.si/oddelki/geo/publikacije/dela/files/dela_25/07%20repolust.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2012 |journal=Dela |publisher=Anton Melik Geographical Institute |pages=87–96 |language=sl, en |volume=25}}</ref> Relatively small but protected by the [[Constitution of Slovenia]] are the [[Hungarians in Slovenia|Hungarian]] and the [[Italians in Slovenia|Italian ethnic minority]].<ref name="MDL2010">{{cite news |url=http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=2957 |title=International Mother Language Day 2010 |publisher=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia |date=19 February 2010 |access-date=29 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113170007/http://www.stat.si/eng/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=2957 |archive-date=13 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Constitution">{{cite web |url=http://www.dz-rs.si/index.php?id=351&docid=25&showdoc=1 |title=Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia |publisher=National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=26 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223221038/http://www.dz-rs.si/index.php?id=351&docid=25&showdoc=1 |archive-date=23 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Šabec |first=Ksenija |url=http://www.eliamep.gr/en/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/slovenija_slov.pdf |title=Poročilo: Italijanska narodna skupnost v Slovenski Istri |publisher=Center for Cultural and Religious Studies, University of Ljubljana |year=2009 |page=7 |language=sl |trans-title=Report: The Italian national community in Slovenian Istria |access-date=1 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511125306/http://www.eliamep.gr/en/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/slovenija_slov.pdf |archive-date=11 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A special position is held by the autochthonous and geographically dispersed [[Roma in Slovenia|Roma ethnic community]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Gajšek |first=Nina |url=http://dk.fdv.uni-lj.si/dela/Gajsek-Nina.PDF |title=Pravice romske skupnosti v Republiki Sloveniji |publisher=Faculty of Social Science, University of Ljubljana |year=2004 |language=sl |trans-title=Rights of the Roma community in the Republic of Slovenia |access-date=1 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195515/http://dk.fdv.uni-lj.si/dela/Gajsek-Nina.PDF |archive-date=21 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Zupančič |first=Jernej |year=2007 |title=Romska naselja kot poseben del naselbinskega sistema v Sloveniji |trans-title=Roma settlements as a special part of the settlement system in Slovenia |url=http://www.ff.uni-lj.si/oddelki/geo/publikacije/dela/files/Dela_27/12_zupancic.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306014932/http://www.ff.uni-lj.si/oddelki/geo/publikacije/dela/files/Dela_27/12_zupancic.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2012 |journal=Dela |publisher=Institute of Geography |pages=215–246 |language=sl, en |volume=27}}</ref>

The number of people immigrating into Slovenia rose steadily from 1995<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |title=Statistični urad RS – Selitveno gibanje, Slovenija, 2007 |trans-title=Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia – Migration movement, Slovenia, 2007 |url=http://www.stat.si/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=1823 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706062136/http://www.stat.si/novica_prikazi.aspx?id=1823 |archive-date=6 July 2012 |access-date=2 June 2012 |publisher=Stat.si}}</ref> and has been increasing even more rapidly in recent years. After Slovenia joined the EU in 2004, the annual number of immigrants doubled by 2006 and increased by half yet again by 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stat.si/pxweb/Database/Dem_soc/05_prebivalstvo/20_selitve/01_05563_meddrzavne_selitve/01_05563_meddrzavne_selitve.asp |title = Meddržavne selitve |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110427193532/http://www.stat.si/pxweb/Database/Dem_soc/05_prebivalstvo/20_selitve/01_05563_meddrzavne_selitve/01_05563_meddrzavne_selitve.asp |archive-date=27 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2007, Slovenia had one of the fastest growing [[net migration rate]]s in the European Union.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

===Religion===

{{Main|Religion in Slovenia}}
[[File:Radovljica Brezje Bazilika Sv Vida 28082012 122.jpg|thumb|upright|left|The National Shrine Mary Help of Christians at [[Brezje, Radovljica|Brezje]]]]

Before World War II, 97% of the Slovenian population identified as members of the [[Catholic Church in Slovenia|Catholic Church in the country]], around 2.5% as Lutheran, and around 0.5% of residents identified themselves as members of other denominations.<ref name="stat.si"/> After 1945, the country underwent a process of gradual but steady [[secularization]]. After a decade of persecution of religions, the Communist regime adopted a policy of relative tolerance towards churches. After 1990, the Catholic Church regained some of its former influence, but Slovenia remains a largely secularized society.

The 2018 Eurobarometer data shows 73.4% of population identifying as Catholic.<ref name="EB2018"/> This fell to 72.1% in the 2019 Eurobarometer survey.<ref name="EB2019"/> According to the Catholic Church data, the Catholic population fell from 78.04% in 2009 to 72.11% in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prebivalstvo in katoličani v Sloveniji (page 72) |trans-title=Population and Catholics in Slovenia |url=https://katoliska-cerkev.si/media/datoteke/Dokumenti%20in%20publikacije/LETNO%20POROCILO%202020-SPLET.pdf |access-date=15 May 2021 |publisher=katoliska-cerkev.si}}</ref> The vast majority of Slovenian Catholics belong to the [[Latin Church]]. A small number of [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholics]] live in the [[White Carniola]] region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lokalno.si/si/aktualno/ljudje/?id=26004|title=Uskoška dediščina Bele krajine na RTVS&#124;Ljudje&#124;Lokalno aktualno|publisher=Lokalno.si|date=6 January 2012|access-date=2 June 2012|archive-date=8 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208205928/http://www.lokalno.si/si/aktualno/ljudje/?id=26004|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Slovenia (2019)<ref name="EB2019">{{Cite web|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/Survey/getSurveyDetail/instruments/SPECIAL/surveyKy/2251|title=Special Eurobarometer 493, European Union: European Commission|pages=229–230|website=ec.europa.eu|language=en|date=September 2019|url-status=live|access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311010736/https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publicopinion/index.cfm/Survey/getSurveyDetail/instruments/SPECIAL/surveyKy/2251 |archive-date=March 11, 2021}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Catholic Church in Slovenia|Catholic]]
|value1 = 72.1
|color1 = DarkBlue
|label2 = None
|value2 = 18
|color2 = Grey
|label3 = [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]]
|value3 = 3.7
|color3 = DarkOrchid
|label4 = [[Protestant]]
|value4 = 0.9
|color4 = yellow
|label5 = Other Christian
|value5 = 1
|color5 = SkyBlue
|label6 = [[Muslim]]
|value6 = 3
|color6 = Green
|label7 = Other religion
|value7 = 3
|color7 = #C3B091
|label8 = Undeclared 
|value8 = 2
|color8 = red
}}

Despite a relatively small number of [[Protestants]] (less than 1% in 2002), the Protestant legacy is historically significant given that the Slovene standard language and Slovene literature were established by the [[Protestant Reformation]]. [[Primož Trubar]], a theologian in the [[Lutheran]] tradition, was one of the most influential [[Protestant Reformers]] in Slovenia. Protestantism was extinguished in the [[Counter-Reformation]] implemented by the [[Habsburg dynasty]], which controlled the region. It only survived in the easternmost regions due to protection of Hungarian nobles, who often happened to be [[Calvinist]] themselves. Today, a significant [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] minority lives in the easternmost region of [[Prekmurje]], where they represent around a fifth of the population and are headed by a bishop with the seat in [[Murska Sobota]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.evang-cerkev.si/sl/page.asp?id_informacija=35&id_language=1&id_meta_type=10|title=Predstavitev|publisher=Evang-cerkev.si|access-date=2 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610182949/http://www.evang-cerkev.si/sl/page.asp?id_informacija=35&id_language=1&id_meta_type=10|archive-date=10 June 2012}}</ref>

The third largest denomination, with around 2.2% of the population, is the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], with most adherents belonging to the [[Serbian Orthodox Church]] while a minority belongs to the [[Macedonian Orthodox Church|Macedonian]] and other Eastern Orthodox churches.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}

According to the 2002 census, [[Islam]] is the second largest religious denomination in the country, with around 2.4% of the population. Most Slovenian Muslims came from [[Bosnia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Islamska Skupnost v Republiki Sloveniji |trans-title=Islamic community in the Republic of Slovenia |url=http://www.islamska-skupnost.si/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319195651/http://www.islamska-skupnost.si/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2 |archive-date=19 March 2012 |access-date=2 June 2012 |publisher=Islamska-skupnost.si}}</ref>

There was a [[History of the Jews in Slovenia|Slovenian Jewish community]] before the [[Holocaust]].

In the 2002 around 10% of Slovenes declared themselves [[atheists]], another 10% professed no specific denomination, and around 16% declined to answer. According to the [[Eurobarometer]] Poll 2010,<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url= http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf |title= Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, page 204 |year=2010 |orig-year= Fieldwork: Jan–Feb 2010 }}</ref> 32% of Slovenian citizens "believe there is a god", whereas 36% "believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 26% "do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force".<ref name=":0" />

=== Education ===
{{Main|Education in Slovenia}}
Slovenia's education ranks as the 12th best in the world and 4th best in the [[European Union]], being significantly higher than the [[OECD]] average, according to the [[Programme for International Student Assessment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/42/8/39700724.pdf |title=Table: Range of rank on the PISA 2006 science scale |date=4 December 2007 |access-date=15 April 2008|work=PISA 2006 |publisher=OECD}}</ref> Among people age 25 to 64, 12% have attended higher education, while on average Slovenes have 9.6 years of formal education. According to an OECD report, 83% of adults ages 25–64 have earned the equivalent of a high school degree, well above the OECD average of 74%; among 25- to 34-year-olds, the rate is 93%.<ref>{{cite web|author=OECD |url=http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/slovenia/ |title=Slovenia – OECD Better Life Index |publisher=Oecdbetterlifeindex.org |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> According to the 1991 census there is 99.6% [[literacy]] in Slovenia. [[Lifelong learning]] is also increasing.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

Responsibility for education oversight at primary and secondary level in Slovenia lies with the Ministry of Education and Sports. After non-compulsory pre-school education, children enter the nine-year primary school at the age of six.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mss.gov.si/si/solstvo/osnovnosolsko_izobrazevanje/osnovna_sola/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221033345/http://www.mss.gov.si/si/solstvo/osnovnosolsko_izobrazevanje/osnovna_sola/|archive-date=21 February 2012|title=Osnovna Šola|website=Ministrstvo za šolstvo in šport}}</ref> Primary school is divided into three periods, each of three years. In the academic year 2006–2007 there were 166,000 pupils enrolled in elementary education and more than 13,225 teachers, giving a ratio of one teacher per 12 pupils and 20 pupils per class.

After completing elementary school, nearly all children (more than 98%) go on to secondary education, either vocational, technical, or general secondary programmes ([[Gymnasium (school)|''gimnazija'']]). The last concludes with the [[Matura#Slovenia|''matura'']], a comprehensive exam that allows the graduates to enter a university. 84% of secondary school graduates go on to tertiary education.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.culture.si/en/Slovenia#Education |title=About Slovenia – Culture of Slovenia |date=19 February 2010 |publisher=Culture.si |access-date=2 June 2012}}</ref>

Among several universities in Slovenia, the best ranked is the [[University of Ljubljana]], ranking among the first 500 or the first 3% of the world's best universities according to the [[Academic Ranking of World Universities|ARWU]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shanghairanking.com/ARWU-Statistics-2012.html#2 |title=Statistics (by Country) of Academic Ranking of World Universities &#124; Shanghai Ranking |publisher=ARWU |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-date=17 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817221125/http://www.shanghairanking.com/ARWU-Statistics-2012.html#2 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uni-lj.si/en/news.aspx?id=7606 |title=University of Ljubljana once again on Shanghai and Webometrics ranking lists |publisher=Uni-lj.si |access-date=4 April 2014 |archive-date=28 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328061623/http://www.uni-lj.si/en/news.aspx?id=7606 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two other public universities include the [[University of Maribor]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uni-mb.si/podrocje.aspx?id=0&langID=1060 |title=Univerza v Mariboru |publisher=Uni-mb.si |access-date=2 June 2012}}</ref> in [[Styria (Slovenia)|Styria]] region and the [[University of Primorska]] in [[Slovene Littoral]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upr.si/ |title=Univerza na Primorskem: SLO |publisher=Upr.si |access-date=2 June 2012}}</ref> In addition, there is a private [[University of Nova Gorica]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ung.si/si/ |title=Univerza v Novi Gorici |publisher=Ung.si |access-date=2 June 2012 |archive-date=20 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520194855/http://www.ung.si/si/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and an international [[EMUNI University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emuni.si/en/strani/29/EMUNI-University.html |title=EMUNI University |access-date=13 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222025646/http://www.emuni.si/en/strani/29/EMUNI-University.html |archive-date=22 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Slovenia}}
{{Cleanup|reason=low amount of data mainly name spamming|date=September 2022}}
[[File:Ivan Grohar - Sejalec.jpg|thumb|''[[The Sower (Grohar)|The Sower]]'' (1907), by the Impressionist painter [[Ivan Grohar]], became a [[metaphor]] for Slovenes<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ng-slo.si/default.asp?id=29&prikaz=opis&p=1 |title=Slovenska moderna |publisher=National Gallery of Slovenia |language=sl |first=Andrej |last=Smrekar |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026195245/http://www.ng-slo.si/default.asp?id=29&prikaz=opis&p=1 |archive-date=26 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.gorenjskiglas.si/novice/gg_plus/index.php?action=clanek&id=22034 |title=Je človek še Sejalec |language=sl |first=Miha |last=Naglič |date=6 June 2008 |newspaper=Gorenjski glas |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208093450/http://www.gorenjskiglas.si/novice/gg_plus/index.php?action=clanek&id=22034 |archive-date=8 February 2013}}</ref> and was a reflection of the transition from a rural to an urban culture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rtvslo.si/odprtikop/pogled-na/ivan-grohar-sejalec/ |title=Pogled na ...: Ivan Grohar, Sejalec |language=sl |publisher=RTV Slovenija |date=4 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905131330/http://www.rtvslo.si/odprtikop/pogled-na/ivan-grohar-sejalec/ |archive-date=5 September 2012}}</ref>]]

=== Heritage ===
Slovenia's architectural heritage includes 2,500 churches, 1,000 castles, ruins, and manor houses, farmhouses, and special structures for drying hay, called [[hayrack]]s ({{lang|sl|kozolci}}).<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Planet|first1=Lonely|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4RADAAAQBAJ&pg=PT498|title=Lonely Planet Slovenia|last2=Bain|first2=Carolyn|last3=Fallon|first3=Steve|date=1 May 2016|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-76034-148-0|pages=498|language=en}}</ref>

Four natural and cultural sites in Slovenia are on the [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] list. [[Škocjan Caves]] and its [[karst]] landscape are a protected site<ref>{{Cite web|title=Škocjan Caves mark 30th anniversary of UNESCO listing|url=http://www.sloveniatimes.com/skocjan-caves-mark-30th-anniversary-of-unesco-listing|website=The Slovenia Times|date=26 November 2016|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519004628/https://sloveniatimes.com/skocjan-caves-mark-30th-anniversary-of-unesco-listing/|url-status=dead}}</ref> as the old forests in the area of Goteniški Snežnik and Kočevski Rog in the SE Slovenia. The [[Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija|Idrija Mercury mining site]] is of world importance, as are the [[Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps|prehistoric pile dwellings]] in the [[Ljubljana Marsh]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Budja |first1=Mihael |last2=Mlekuz |first2=Dimitrij |s2cid=140165952 |title=Lake or Floodplain? Mid-Holocene Settlement Patterns and the Landscape Dynamic of the Izica Floodplain (Ljubljana Marsh, Slovenia) |journal=The Holocene |date=2010 |volume=20 |issue=8 |page=1269 |doi=10.1177/0959683610371998|bibcode=2010Holoc..20.1269B }}</ref>

The most picturesque church for photographers is the medieval and Baroque building on [[Lake Bled#Bled Island|Bled Island]]. Near [[Postojna]] there is a fortress called [[Predjama Castle]], half hidden in a cave. Museums in Ljubljana and elsewhere feature unique items such as the controversial [[Divje Babe flute]], and the [[Ljubljana Marshes Wheel|oldest wheel in the world]]. Ljubljana has medieval, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and modern architecture. The architect [[Plečnik]]'s architecture and his innovative paths and bridges along the Ljubljanica are notable and on UNESCO tentative list.

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Slovenian cuisine|Slovenian wine}}
[[File:Velika noč - jedila hren šunka pirhi potica.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Slovenian potica|Potica]] as part of traditional Slovenian Easter breakfast]]
[[File:Maribor Zametovka vine and daughter.png|right|thumb|300px|The more-than-400-year-old Žametovka vine growing outside the Old Vine House in Maribor. To the right of the vine is a daughter vine taken from a cutting of the old vine.]]
Slovenian cuisine is a mixture of Central European cuisine (especially [[Austrian cuisine|Austrian]] and [[Hungarian cuisine|Hungarian]]) and [[Mediterranean cuisine]].

Slovenian cuisine is often characterized as Central European, with cultural actors emphasizing its Austrian and Hungarian influences while distancing it from Balkan culinary traditions.<ref>Tominc, A. (2023). Between the Balkans and Central Europe: Celebrity chefs, national culinary identity and the post-socialist elite in Slovenia. Food and Foodways, 31(2), 67–89.</ref>

In particular, the coastal regions of Slovenia are strongly influenced by Mediterranean culinary traditions. This Mediterranean influence is especially notable in the Istrian peninsula and along the Adriatic coast, where Italian and Croatian culinary traditions blend with local Slovenian flavors.<ref>{{cite book |last=Šelih |first=K. |year=2018 |title=The Cuisine of Slovenia |publisher=Ljubljana Press |pages=45–60}}</ref>

Historically, Slovenian cuisine was divided into town, farmhouse, cottage, castle, parsonage and monastic cuisines. Due to the variety of Slovenian cultural and natural landscapes, there are more than 40 distinct regional cuisines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thezaurus.com/cuisine_of_slovenia// |title=Cuisine of Slovenia |author=<Sandi Ceferin> |date= 3 April 2007|website=thezaurus.com |publisher=Institute for Slovenian Studies of Victoria |access-date=26 September 2024 |quote=}}</ref>

[[Ethnology|Ethnologically]], the most characteristic Slovene dishes were one-pot dishes, such as ''[[ričet]]'', [[Istrian stew]] ({{lang|sl|jota}}), [[minestrone]] ({{lang|sl|mineštra}}), and ''[[žganci]] ''buckwheat spoonbread; in the [[Prekmurje]] region there is also ''[[bujta repa]]'', and ''[[prekmurska gibanica]]'' pastry. [[Prosciutto]] ({{lang|sl|pršut}}) is a delicacy of the [[Slovene Littoral]]. The {{lang|sl|[[potica]]}} (a type of [[nut roll]]) has become a symbol of Slovenia, especially among the [[American Slovenes|Slovene diaspora in the United States]]. [[Soup]]s were added to the traditional one-pot meals and various kinds of porridge and stew only in relatively recent history.

Each year since 2000, the [[Roasted Potato Festival]] has been organized by the ''Society for the Recognition of Roasted Potatoes as a Distinct Dish''. Roasted potatoes, which have been traditionally served in most Slovenian families only on Sundays, have been depicted on a special edition of [[post mark]]s by the [[Post of Slovenia]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.posta.si/zasebno |title=Pošta Slovenije |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref> The best known sausage is ''[[kranjska klobasa]]''. Slovenia is also the home of the world's [[old vine|oldest vine]], which is 400 years old.

Slovenia has been awarded the [[European Region of Gastronomy]] title for the year 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org/platform/slovenia-2021/ |title=Slovenia 2021 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=europeanregionofgastronomy.org |publisher=International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism |access-date=10 June 2021 |quote=}}</ref>

=== Dance ===
Historically the most notable Slovenian ballet dancers and choreographers were [[Pino Mlakar]],<ref>[https://www.dnevnik.si/204038 Umrl baletnik Pino Mlakar], Dnevnik, 2 October 2006</ref> who in 1927 graduated from the [[Rudolf von Laban|Rudolf Laban]] Choreographic Institute, and there met his future wife, balerina [[Pia Mlakar|Maria Luiza Pia Beatrice Scholz]]. Together they worked as a leading dancer and a choreographer in [[Dessau]], [[Zürich]], and State opera in [[München]].<ref name="Opera_si">[http://www.opera.si/sl/o-gledaliscu/balet/pia-in-pino-mlakar/ Pia and Pino Mlakar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606082847/http://www.opera.si/sl/o-gledaliscu/balet/pia-in-pino-mlakar/ |date=6 June 2019 }}, The Slovenian National Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana website</ref> Their plan to build a Slovenian dance centre at [[Rožnik Hill]] after the World War II was supported by the minister of culture, Ferdo Kozak, but was cancelled by his successor.<ref>Branko Miklavc: [https://www.dnevnik.si/205208 Na konec sveta bom potoval, samo da ju še enkrat vidim plesati] [I would travel to the end of the world, just to see them dance once more], Dnevnik, 7 October 2006</ref> Pino Mlakar was also a full professor at the [[Academy for Theatre, Radio, Film and Television]] (AGRFT) of the [[University of Ljubljana]]. A [[Mary Wigman]] [[modern dance]] school was founded in the 1930s by her student, [[Meta Vidmar]], in Ljubljana.<ref>Nika Arhar: [https://www.rtvslo.si/kultura/oder/uprizarjanje-zgodovine-sodobnega-plesa/381978 Uprizarjanje zgodovine sodobnega plesa] [Staging the history of contemporary dance], MMC RTVSLO, 25 December 2015</ref>

=== Festivals, book fairs, and other events ===
A number of music, theatre, film, book, and children's festivals take place in Slovenia each year, including the music festivals [[Ljubljana Summer Festival]] and [[Lent Festival]], the stand-up comedy [[Punch Festival]], the children's [[Pippi Longstocking Festival]], and the book festivals [[Slovene book fair]] and [[Frankfurt after the Frankfurt]].

The most notable music festival of Slovene music was historically the [[Slovenska popevka]] festival.<ref>[http://www.delo.si/kultura/glasba/slovenska-popevka-velik-poudarek-na-pevcih-in-skladateljih-pesniki-bolj-v-oklepaju.html Slovenska popevka: velik poudarek na pevcih in skladateljih, pesniki bolj v oklepaju. Enkrat še zapoj: 50 let Slovenske popevke Vladimirja Frantarja pri celjski Mohorjevi družbi.],  [Slovenska popevka: a strong emphasis on singers and composers, poets more in parentheses. Sing once more: ''50 Years of Slovenska Popevka'' by Vladimir Frantar, published by the Celje Mohorjeva družba] [[Delo (newspaper)|Delo]], 5. September 2012.</ref> Between 1981 and 2000 the [[Novi Rock]] festival was notable for bringing rock music across [[Iron curtain]] from the West to the Slovenian and then Yugoslav audience. The long tradition of jazz festivals in [[Titoism|Titoist]] Yugoslavia began with the Ljubljana Jazz Festival which has been held annually in Slovenia since 1960.<ref>[http://en.ljubljanajazz.si/home/ Ljubljana Jazz Festival] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723130107/http://en.ljubljanajazz.si/home/ |date=23 July 2012 }}, an official site (in English)</ref>

=== Film ===
[[File:Ptuj, city cinema.jpg|thumb|upright=0.97|[[Ptuj City Cinema]] (from 3 March 1897) is the oldest still active commercial (tickets) movie theater in the world.<ref name="Ptuj1">{{cite web|url=https://sloveniaguide.si/en/events/podravje/ptuj/ptuj-city-cinema/|title=Ptuj cinema|publisher=sloveniaguide.si|date=19 October 2025}}</ref><ref name="Ptuj2">{{cite web|url=https://www.kinoptuj.si/o-kinu/|title=Najstarejše še aktivno kino prizorišče v Sloveniji|publisher=kinoptuj.si|date=3 March 2017|language=sl}}</ref><ref name="Ptuj3">{{cite web|url=https://www.dlib.si/stream/URN:NBN:SI:DOC-SW0X6IXO/8724f625-7b8f-43ff-8321-801e702dcffd/PDF|page=4|title=Erlebende Photographien (column 1)|publisher=Pettauer Zeitung|date=7 March 1897|language=de}}</ref>]]
Slovene film actors and actresses historically include [[Ida Kravanja]], who played her roles as ''Ita Rina'' in the early European films, and [[Metka Bučar]].<ref>[http://www.muzejdivaca.si/o_muzeju/zgodovina/ Museum of Slovene Film Actors], [[Divača]], official website.</ref> After WW II, one of the most notable film actors was [[Polde Bibič]], who played a number of roles in many films that were well received in Slovenia, and also performed in television and radio drama.<ref name="Bibic_in_memoriam">{{cite news |date=13 July 2012 |title=Umrl je Polde Bibič, starosta slovenskega igralskega ceha |trans-title=Polde Bibič has died, the dean of the Slovenian acting guild |url=http://www.rtvslo.si/kultura/oder/umrl-je-polde-bibic-starosta-slovenskega-igralskega-ceha/287328 |newspaper=Prvi interaktivni multimedijski portal, MMC RTV Slovenija |language=sl}}</ref>

Feature film and short film production in Slovenia historically includes [[Karol Grossmann]], [[František Čap]], [[France Štiglic]], [[Igor Pretnar]], [[Jože Pogačnik]], [[Peter Zobec]], [[Matjaž Klopčič]], [[Boštjan Hladnik]], [[Dušan Jovanović (theatre director)|Dušan Jovanović]], [[Vitan Mal]], [[Franci Slak]], and [[Karpo Godina]] as its most established filmmakers. Contemporary film directors [[Filip Robar - Dorin]], [[Jan Cvitkovič]], [[Damjan Kozole]], [[Janez Lapajne]], [[Mitja Okorn]], and [[Marko Naberšnik]] are among the representatives of the so-called "Renaissance of Slovenian cinema". Slovene screenwriters, who are not film directors, include [[Saša Vuga]] and [[Miha Mazzini]]. Women film directors include [[Polona Sepe]], [[Hanna A. W. Slak]], and [[Maja Weiss]].<ref>Furlan, S. (1994) ''Filmografija slovenskih celovečernih filmov: 1931 – 1993''. Slovenski gledališki in filmski muzej. Ljubljana.</ref>

=== Literature ===
{{further|List of Slovene writers and poets in Hungary|List of Slovenian women writers}}

[[File:Prešern-Goldenstein.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[France Prešeren]], best-known Slovenian poet]]

The history of [[Slovene literature]] began in the 16th century with [[Primož Trubar]] and [[Protestant Reformation in the Slovene Lands|other Protestant Reformers]]. Poetry in [[Slovene language|Slovene]] achieved its highest level with the [[Romantic poetry|Romantic]] poet [[France Prešeren]]. In the 20th century, Slovene literary fiction went through several periods: the beginning of the century was marked by the authors of the [[Slovene Modernism]], with the most influential Slovene writer and playwright, [[Ivan Cankar]]; it was then followed by [[expressionism]] ([[Srečko Kosovel]]), avantgardism ([[Anton Podbevšek]], [[Ferdo Delak]]) and [[social realism]] ([[Ciril Kosmač]], [[Prežihov Voranc]]) before World War II, the [[poetry of resistance and revolution]] ([[Karel Destovnik Kajuh]], [[Matej Bor]]) during the war, and [[intimism (Slovene poetry)|intimism]] ([[Poems of the Four]], 1953), [[Slovenian post-war modernism|post-war modernism]] ([[Edvard Kocbek]]), and [[existentialism]] ([[Dane Zajc]]) after the war.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}

[[Postmodernism|Postmodernist]] authors include [[Boris A. Novak]], [[Marko Kravos]], [[Drago Jančar]], [[Evald Flisar]], [[Tomaž Šalamun]], and [[Brina Svit]]. Among the post-1990 authors best known are [[Aleš Debeljak]], [[Miha Mazzini]], and [[Alojz Ihan]]. There are several [[literary magazines]] that publish Slovene prose, poetry, essays, and local literary criticism.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}} Today, notable authors include [[Slavoj Žižek]], [[Mladen Dolar]], [[Alenka Zupančič]] as well as [[Boris Pahor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtvslo.si/kultura/drugo/boris-pahor-je-ime-leta-po-izboru-vala-202/157607 |title=Boris Pahor je ime leta po izboru Vala 202 :: Prvi interaktivni multimedijski portal, MMC RTV Slovenija |publisher=Rtvslo.si |access-date=9 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mladinska.com/boris_pahor/iz_medijev |title=Mladinska knjiga – Iz medijev |publisher=Mladinska.com |date=26 August 2009 |access-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303135514/http://www.mladinska.com/boris_pahor/iz_medijev |archive-date=3 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Media===
{{main|Media of Slovenia}}

=== Music ===

{{main|Music of Slovenia}}
[[File:Prečrtana kitica Zdravljice.jpg|thumb|upright|"[[Zdravljica]]" (''A Toast''; part) with rejection mark from [[Austrian Empire|Austrian]] censorship (due to potential revolutionary content); the music of Zdravljica is now the Slovenian national [[anthem]]]]
Music of Slovenia historically includes numerous musicians and composers, such as the [[Renaissance]] composer [[Jacobus Gallus]], who greatly influenced Central European classical music, the Baroque composer [[Joannes Baptista Dolar]], and the violin virtuoso [[Giuseppe Tartini]].{{citation needed|date=May 2019}} The first Slovenian hymnal, ''[[Eni Psalmi]]'', was published in 1567. This period saw the rise of musicians like [[Jacobus Gallus]] and [[George Slatkonia]].<ref>Oto Luthar ''The Land Between: A History of Slovenia''</ref> In 1701, [[Johann Berthold von Höffer]] founded the [[Slovenian Philharmonics|Academia Philharmonicorum Labacensis]], as one of the oldest such institutions in Europe, based on Italian models.<ref>George J. Buelow (2004) ''A History of Baroque Music'', p. 701.</ref> Composers of Slovenian [[Lieder]] and [[art song]]s include [[Emil Adamič]], [[Fran Gerbič]], [[Alojz Geržinič]], [[Benjamin Ipavec]], [[Davorin Jenko]], [[Anton Lajovic]], [[Kamilo Mašek]], [[Josip Pavčič]], [[Zorko Prelovec]], and [[Lucijan Marija Škerjanc]].

In the early 20th century, [[impressionism]] was spreading across Slovenia, which soon produced composers [[Marij Kogoj]] and [[Slavko Osterc]]. Avant-garde [[european classical music|classical music]] arose in Slovenia in the 1960s, largely due to the work of [[Uroš Krek]], [[Dane Skerl|Dane Škerl]], [[Primoz Ramovs|Primož Ramovš]] and [[Ivo Petric|Ivo Petrić]], who also conducted the [[Slavko Osterc Ensemble]]. [[Jakob Jez|Jakob Jež]], [[Darijan Božič]], [[Lojze Lebic|Lojze Lebič]] and [[Vinko Globokar]] have since composed enduring works, especially Globokar's ''[[L'Armonia (opera)|L'Armonia]]'', an opera.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}} Modern composers include [[Uros Rojko|Uroš Rojko]], [[Tomaz Svete|Tomaž Svete]], [[Brina Jez-Brezavscek|Brina Jež-Brezavšček]], [[Božidar Kantušer]] and [[Aldo Kumar]].

The [[Slovene National Opera and Ballet Theatre]] serves as the national opera and ballet house. The [[Slovenian Philharmonics]], established in 1701 as part of [[Academia operosorum Labacensis]], is among the oldest such institutions in Europe.

[[File:Slak lojze.jpg|thumbnail|Folk musician [[Lojze Slak]]]]

[[Harmony]] singing is a deep rooted tradition in Slovenia, and is at least three-part singing (four voices), while in some regions even up to eight-part singing (nine voices). Slovenian folk songs, thus, usually resounds soft and harmonious, and are very seldom in minor. Traditional Slovenian folk music is performed on Styrian harmonica (the oldest type of accordion), fiddle, clarinet, [[zither]]s, flute, and by brass bands of alpine type. In [[Prekmurje|eastern Slovenia]], fiddle and cimbalon bands are called [[velike goslarije]]. From 1952 on, the [[Slavko Avsenik]]'s band began to appear in broadcasts, movies, and concerts all over the [[West Germany]], inventing the original "[[Gorenjska|Oberkrainer]]" country sound. The band produced nearly 1000 original compositions, an integral part of the [[Slovenian-style polka]] legacy. Many musicians followed Avsenik's steps, including [[Lojze Slak]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.total-slovenia-news.com/lifestyle/316-a-short-guide-to-slovenian-oompah-music| title = Neža Loštrek, A Short Guide to Slovenian Oompah Music" ''Total Slovenian News'' (3 Jan 2018)}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6VdjCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT169| title = Rick March and Dick Blau, ''Polka Heartland: Why the Midwest Loves to Polka'' (Madison: Wisconsin Historical Society, 2015), 169.| isbn = 9780870207235| last1 = March| first1 = Rick| last2 = Blau| first2 = Dick| date = 20 October 2015| publisher = Wisconsin Historical Society}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|isbn = 978-0870207235|title = Polka Heartland: Why the Midwest Loves to Polka|last1 = March|first1 = Rick|last2 = Blau|first2 = Dick|date = 20 October 2015| publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society }}</ref>
[[File:LAIBACH Press Photo 2011.jpg|thumb|The [[Industrial music|industrial]] group [[Laibach (band)|Laibach]]]]

Among pop, rock, industrial, and indie musicians the most popular in Slovenia include [[industrial music]] group [[Laibach (band)|Laibach]], as well as [[Siddharta (band)|Siddharta]], a rock band formed in 1995. [[Perpetuum Jazzile]] is the group from Slovenia that is internationally most listened online, with more than 23 million views for the official [[a cappella]] "[[Africa (song)|Africa]]" video since its publishing on YouTube in May 2009 (through January 2023).<ref name="youtube_africa">{{YouTube|yjbpwlqp5Qw|Perpetuum Jazzile: Africa}}. Retrieved 1/18/2023.</ref> Other Slovenian bands include a historically [[progressive rock]] ones that were also popular in [[Titoism|Titoist]] Yugoslavia, such as [[Buldožer]] and [[Lačni Franz]], which inspired later [[comedy rock]] bands including [[Zmelkoow]], [[Slon in Sadež]] and [[Mi2 (rock band)|Mi2]].<ref>[http://www.delo.si/kultura/15-let-mi2.html 15 years of Mi2 band], [[Delo (newspaper)|Delo]], 26 October 2010</ref> With exception of [[Terrafolk]] that made appearances worldwide, other bands, such as Avtomobili, [[Zaklonišče Prepeva]], [[Šank Rock]], [[Big Foot Mama]], [[Dan D]], and [[Zablujena generacija]], are mostly unknown outside the country. Slovenian metal bands include [[Noctiferia]] ([[death metal]]), [[Negligence (band)|Negligence]] ([[thrash metal]]), [[Naio Ssaion]] ([[gothic metal]]), and Within Destruction ([[deathcore]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arising-empire.com/walking-dead-on-broadway-to-support-within-destruction-in-march/?lang=en|title=Walking Dead on Broadway – to support Within Destruction in March! – Arising Empire|website=arising-empire.com|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190414/http://www.arising-empire.com/walking-dead-on-broadway-to-support-within-destruction-in-march/?lang=en|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Slovenian post-WWII singer-songwriters include [[Frane Milčinski]], [[Tomaž Pengov]] whose 1973 album ''Odpotovanja'' is considered to be the first singer-songwriter album in [[former Yugoslavia]],<ref>[http://www.mladina.si/tednik/200709/clanek/kul--glasba-miha_stamcar_deja_crnovic Pripotovanje hrepenenca — Tomaž Pengov, kantavtor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405011506/http://www.mladina.si/tednik/200709/clanek/kul--glasba-miha_stamcar_deja_crnovic/ |date=5 April 2011 }}, [[Mladina]], 3 March 2007</ref> [[Tomaž Domicelj]], [[Marko Brecelj]], [[Andrej Šifrer]], [[Eva Sršen]], [[Neca Falk]], and [[Jani Kovačič]]. After 1990, [[Adi Smolar]], [[Iztok Mlakar]], [[Vita Mavrič]], [[Vlado Kreslin]], [[Zoran Predin]], [[Peter Lovšin]], and [[Magnifico (musician)|Magnifico]] have been popular in Slovenia, as well. In the 21st century, there have been many successful artists from Slovenia. They include country musician [[ManuElla|Manu]], [[zalagasper]], [[Nika Zorjan]], [[Omar Naber]], [[Raiven]], and [[Joker Out]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Eurovision 2023: All 37 songs |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2023-full-lineup |website=eurovision.tv |date=16 March 2023 |access-date=19 September 2023}}</ref>

=== Theatre ===
[[File:Lublana 143.jpg|thumb|The [[Slovene National Theatre, Ljubljana|National Theatre]] in [[Ljubljana]]]]

Theater has a rich tradition in Slovenia, starting with the 1867 first ever Slovene-language drama performance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The beginnings and achievements of the Slovenian theater of modern times: the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Drama Society in Ljubljana |url=https://www.slogi.si/en/publikacije/the-beginnings-and-achievements-of-the-slovenian-theater-of-modern-age/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=SLOGI |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to the main houses, which include [[Slovene National Theatre, Ljubljana]] and [[Maribor National Drama Theatre]], a number of small producers are active in Slovenia, including [[physical theatre]] (e.g. [[Betontanc]]), [[street theatre]] (e.g. [[Ana Monró Theatre]]), [[theatresports]] championship [[Impro League]], and [[improvisational theatre]] (e.g. [[IGLU Theatre]]). A popular form is [[puppetry]], mainly performed in the [[Ljubljana Puppet Theatre]].

=== Visual arts, architecture and design ===

Slovenia's visual arts, architecture, and design are shaped by a number of architects, designers, painters, sculptors, photographers, graphics artists, as well as comics, illustration and conceptual artists. Two significant prestigious institutions exhibiting works of Slovene visual artists are the [[National Gallery of Slovenia]] and the [[Museum of Modern Art, Ljubljana|Museum of Modern Art]].

[[Modern architecture]] in Slovenia was introduced by [[Max Fabiani]], and in the mid-war period, [[Jože Plečnik]] and [[Ivan Vurnik]].<ref name="Štravs2011">{{cite news |last=Štravs |first=Smilja |date=8 April 2011 |title=Vurnikova hiša na Miklošičevi: najlepša hiša v Ljubljani |trans-title=The Vurnik House on Miklošičeva Street: the most beautiful house in Ljubljana |url=http://www.delo.si/clanek/147475 |newspaper=Delo.si |publisher=Delo, d. d. |language=sl |issn=1854-6544}}</ref> In the second half of the 20th century, the national and universal style were merged by the architects [[Edvard Ravnikar]] and first generation of his students: Milan Mihelič, Stanko Kristl, Savin Sever. The next generation is mainly still active, including [[Marko Mušič]], [[Vojteh Ravnikar]], and [[Jurij Kobe]]. Selected works of Jože Plečnik which shaped Ljubljana during the inter-war period were inscribed on [[UNESCO]]'s list of [[World Heritage Site]]s in 2021.<ref name="plecnik whc">{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1643|title=The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design |publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |date=28 July 2021 |access-date=28 July 2021}}</ref>

A number of [[conceptual art|conceptual visual art]] groups formed, including [[OHO (art group)|OHO]], [[Group 69]], and [[IRWIN]]. Nowadays, the Slovene visual arts are diverse, based on tradition, reflect the influence of neighboring nations and are intertwined with modern European movements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nlb.si/razstava-uznlb-v-bruslju |title=Razstava UZNLB v Bruslju – NLB |publisher=Nlb.si |access-date=2 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428133728/http://www.nlb.si/razstava-uznlb-v-bruslju |archive-date=28 April 2009}}</ref>

Internationally most notable Slovenian design items include the 1952 [[Rex (chair)|Rex]] chair, a [[Scandinavian design]]-inspired wooden chair, by interior designer [[Niko Kralj]] that was given in 2012 a permanent place in [[Designmuseum]], [[Denmark]], the largest museum of design in Scandinavia, and is included in the collection of the [[Museum of Modern Art, New York|Museum of Modern Art]] [[Museum of Modern Art|MOMA]] in New York City, as well. An [[industrial design]] item that has changed the international ski industry is [[Elan SCX]] by [[Elan (company)|Elan]] company.

[[File:V. Vodnik monument Ljubljana front side 2008-03.jpg|thumb|upright|The sculpture of the poet [[Valentin Vodnik]] was created by Alojz Gangl in 1889 as part of [[Vodnik Monument]], the first Slovene national monument.]]
The renewal of Slovene sculpture begun with [[Alojz Gangl]] who created sculptures for the public monuments of the [[Carniola]]n polymath [[Johann Weikhard von Valvasor]] and [[Valentin Vodnik]], the first Slovene poet and journalist, as well as ''The Genius of the Theatre'' and other statues for the [[Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre]] building.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kiparstvo 19. in 20. stoletja |trans-title=Sculpture of the 19th and 20th centuries |url=http://www.ng-slo.si/default.asp?id=30&prikaz=opis&p=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061001135943/http://www.ng-slo.si/default.asp?id=30&prikaz=opis&p=1 |archive-date=1 October 2006 |access-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> The development of sculpture after World War II was led by a number of artists, including brothers [[Boris Kalin|Boris]] and [[Zdenko Kalin]], [[Jakob Savinšek]] stayed with figural art. Younger sculptors, for example [[Janez Boljka]], [[Drago Tršar]] and particularly [[Slavko Tihec]], moved towards [[abstract sculpture|abstract]] forms. [[Jakov Brdar]] and [[Mirsad Begić]] returned to human figures.

During World War II, numerous graphics were created by [[Božidar Jakac]], who helped establish the post-war [[Academy of Visual Arts and Design, Ljubljana|Academy of Visual Arts]] in Ljubljana.

In 1917 [[Hinko Smrekar]] illustrated [[Fran Levstik]]'s book about the well-known Slovene folk hero [[Martin Krpan]]. The children's books illustrators include a number of women illustrators, such as [[Marlenka Stupica]], [[Marija Lucija Stupica]], [[Ančka Gošnik Godec]], [[Marjanca Jemec Božič]], and [[Jelka Reichman]].

Historically, painting and sculpture in Slovenia was in the late 18th and the 19th century marked by [[Neoclassicism]] ([[Matevž Langus]]), [[Biedermeier#Visual arts|Biedermeier]] ([[Giuseppe Tominz]]) and [[Romantic visual arts|Romanticism]] ([[Michael Stroy]]). The first art exhibition in Slovenia was organized in the late 19th century by [[Ivana Kobilca]]. [[impressionism (arts)|Impressionist]] artists include [[Matej Sternen]], [[Matija Jama]], [[Rihard Jakopič]], [[Ivan Grohar]] whose ''The Sower'' (Slovene: Sejalec) was depicted on the €0.05 [[Slovenian euro coins]], and [[Franc Berneker]], who introduced impressionism to Slovenia. [[Expressionism|Espressionist]] painters include [[Veno Pilon]] and [[Tone Kralj]] whose picture book, reprinted thirteen times, is now the most recognisable image of Martin Krpan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.posta.si/zasebno|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040723081925/http://www.posta.si/Namizje.aspx?tabid=397&artikelid=7550|url-status=dead|title=Pošta Slovenije &#124; Zasebno|archivedate=23 July 2004|website=www.posta.si}}</ref> Some of the best known painters in the second half of the 20th century were [[Zoran Mušič]], [[Gabrijel Stupica]] and [[Marij Pregelj]].

In 1841, [[Janez Puhar]] invented a process for photography on glass, recognized on 17 June 1852 in Paris by the Académie Nationale Agricole, Manufacturière et Commerciale.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.puhar.si/?J=202000004 | title=Life and work of Janez Puhar &#124; (accessed December 13, 2009) | access-date=22 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511112455/http://www.puhar.si/?J=202000004 | archive-date=11 May 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Gojmir Anton Kos]] was a notable [[Realism (arts)|realist]] painter and photographer between the First and Second World Wars.

=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Slovenia}}
[[File:Tina Maze with Olympic silver medal 2010.jpg|thumb|upright|Alpine skier [[Tina Maze]], a double Olympic gold medalist and the overall winner of the 2012–13 World Cup season]]
Slovenia is a natural sports venue, with many Slovenians actively practicing sports.<ref name="SportSLO.SI">{{cite web |url=http://www.slovenia.si/en/slovenia/society/sport/ |title=Sport |work=Slovenia.si |series=I Feel Slovenia |year=2010 |publisher=Government Communication Office, Republic of Slovenia |access-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303105851/http://www.slovenia.si/en/slovenia/society/sport/ |archive-date=3 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A variety of sports are played in Slovenia on a professional level,<ref name="medjugorac4">{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.ukom.gov.si/fileadmin/ukom.gov.si/pageuploads/dokumenti/Publikacije/SLOVENIA_SportsAndChampions_OI.pdf |chapter=Sports: The Competitive Gene |title=Sports&Champions: Magical Challenges, Inspiring Winners |pages=4–5 |publisher=Government Communication Office, Republic of Slovenia |date=November 2009 |first=Igor |last=Medjugorac |series=I Feel Slovenia |id={{COBISS|ID=7023646}} |access-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510062629/http://www.ukom.gov.si/fileadmin/ukom.gov.si/pageuploads/dokumenti/Publikacije/SLOVENIA_SportsAndChampions_OI.pdf |archive-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> with international successes in handball, basketball, volleyball, football, ice hockey, rowing, swimming, tennis, boxing, climbing, road cycling and athletics. Prior to World War II, gymnastics and fencing used to be the most popular sports in Slovenia, with athletes like [[Leon Štukelj]] and [[Miroslav Cerar (gymnast)|Miroslav Cerar]] gaining gold Olympic medals.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 August 2008 |title=Slovenske medalje na Olimpijskih igrah: Doslej so osvojili 34 odličij |trans-title=Slovenian medals at the Olympic Games: So far, they have won 34 medals |url=https://www.dnevnik.si/341543 |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=[[Dnevnik (Slovenia)|Dnevnik]] |language=sl}}</ref> Football gained popularity in the interwar period. After 1945, basketball, handball and volleyball have become popular among Slovenians, and from the mid-1970s, winter sports as well. Since 1992, Slovenian sportspeople have won [[Slovenia at the Olympics|55 Olympic medals]], including 14 gold medals, and [[Slovenia at the Paralympics|26 Paralympic medals]] with five golds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Slovenia – at the olympics – olympic medals and facts |url=https://www.olympiandatabase.com/index.php?id=13602&L=1 |website=olympiandatabase.com |access-date=15 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Slovenske paraolimpijske medalje |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/paraolimpijske-igre/paraolimpijske-igre-2020/slovenske-paraolimpijske-medalje/589704 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |access-date=30 August 2021 |language=sl}}</ref>

Individual sports are also very popular in Slovenia, including tennis and mountaineering, which are two of the most widespread sporting activities in Slovenia. Several Slovenian extreme and endurance sportsmen have gained an international reputation, including the mountaineer [[Tomaž Humar]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Tomaz Humar: Obituaries Pioneering Slovenian mountaineer whose daring solo ascents eventually cost him his life in the Himalayas |work=The Times |date=November 16, 2009 |location=London (UK) |page=47}}</ref> the mountain skier [[Davo Karničar]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sandomor |first1=Richard |title=Davo Karnicar, 56, Dies; Was First Extreme Skier to Glide Down Everest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/22/sports/skiing/Davo-Karnicar-Dies.html |access-date=7 November 2021 |work=The New York Times |issue=Late Edition (East Coast) |date=September 23, 2019 |location=New York, N.Y. |page=A.24}}</ref> the ultramarathon swimmer [[Martin Strel]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Slovenian completes Amazon swim |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6536283.stm |access-date=7 November 2021 |work=BBC News |date=April 7, 2007}}</ref> and the ultracyclist [[Jure Robič]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jure Robic: Obituaries |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/sport-obituaries/8166222/Jure-Robic.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/sport-obituaries/8166222/Jure-Robic.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=7 November 2021 |work=The Telegraph |date=November 28, 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Past and current winter sports athletes include alpine skiers, such as [[Mateja Svet]], [[Bojan Križaj]], [[Ilka Štuhec]] and double Olympic gold medalist [[Tina Maze]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pavčnik |first1=Martin |date=12 January 2021 |title=Konec nekega obdobja |trans-title=The end of an era |url=https://siol.net/sportal/zimski-sporti/konec-nekega-obdobja-543235 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Štakul |first1=Matej |date=7 May 2015 |title=Tina Maze: 2 zlati na OI, 4 zlate na svetovnih prvenstvih, 3 globusi in 26 posamičnih zmag v svetovnem pokalu |trans-title=Tina Maze: 2 Olympic golds, 4 World Championship golds, 3 globes, and 26 individual World Cup victories |url=https://www.dnevnik.si/1042712494/sport/alpsko-/tina-maze-2-zlati-na-oi-4-zlate-na-svetovnih-prvenstvih-3-globusi-in-26-posamicnih-zmag-v-svetovnem-pokalu |access-date=4 February 2021 |website=[[Dnevnik (Slovenia)|Dnevnik]] |language=sl}}</ref> cross-country skier [[Petra Majdič]],<ref>{{cite web |author1=STA |author2=A. T. K. |date=30 January 2014 |title=Petra Majdič: Za zdaj ne kaže, da bi kdo zaspal |trans-title=Petra Majdič: So far, it doesn't look like anyone has fallen asleep |url=https://siol.net/sportal/olimpizem/petra-majdic-za-zdaj-ne-kaze-da-bi-kdo-zaspal-305531 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref> and ski jumpers, such as [[Primož Peterka]] and [[Peter Prevc]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lopatič |first1=Jaka |date=22 December 2015 |title=Dva najboljša slovenska skakalca v vsej svoji veličini |trans-title=The two best Slovenian ski jumpers in all their greatness |url=https://siol.net/sportal/zimski-sporti/dva-najboljsa-slovenska-skakalca-v-vsej-svoji-velicini-405043 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref> Boxing has gained popularity since [[Jan Zaveck]] won the [[International Boxing Federation|IBF]] [[List of welterweight boxing champions|Welterweight World Champion]] title in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |author1=A. V. |date=11 December 2009 |title=Zavec svetovni prvak v boksu! |trans-title=Zavec is world boxing champion! |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/preostali-sporti/zavec-svetovni-prvak-v-boksu/218992 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |language=sl}}</ref> In 2021, rock climber [[Janja Garnbret]] became the first female Olympic gold medalist in [[sport climbing]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Slovenian Janja Garnbret wins first women's climbing gold medal at Tokyo Olympics |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/31972015/slovenian-janja-garnbret-wins-first-olympic-climbing-gold-medal |website=ESPN |access-date=21 November 2023 |language=en |date=6 August 2021}}</ref>
 
In cycling, [[Primož Roglič]] became the first Slovenian to win a [[Grand Tour (cycling)|Grand Tour]] when he won the [[2019 Vuelta a España]].<ref>{{cite web |date=15 September 2019 |title=Konec je! Primož Roglič je zmagovalec Vuelte 2019! He repeated his wins in 2020 and 2021. |trans-title=It's over! Primož Roglič is the winner of the 2019 Vuelta! |url=https://siol.net/sportal/kolesarstvo/dirka-po-spaniji-2019-21-etapa-primoz-roglic-507202 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref> [[Tadej Pogačar]] won the [[Tour de France]], the world's most competitive cycling race, in 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 July 2025 |title=Pogačar četrtič veliki zmagovalec Toura, a prestižno etapo v Parizu mu je speljal van Aert |trans-title=Pogačar is the overall winner of the Tour for the fourth time, but the prestigious stage in Paris was snatched from him by van Aert |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/kolesarstvo/dirka-po-franciji/pogacar-cetrtic-veliki-zmagovalec-toura-a-prestizno-etapo-v-parizu-mu-je-speljal-van-aert/752961 |access-date=27 July 2025 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |language=sl}}</ref> Prominent team sports in Slovenia include football, basketball, handball, volleyball, and ice hockey. The [[Slovenia national football team|men's national football team]] has qualified for two [[UEFA European Football Championship|European Championships]] (2000 and 2024) and two [[FIFA World Cup|World Cups]] (2002 and 2010).<ref>{{cite web |date=20 November 2023 |title=(Foto in Video Sloveniji je uspelo, nogometaši prihodnje leto potujejo na evropsko prvenstvo |trans-title=(Pnoto and Video) Slovenia has succeeded — the footballers are going to the European Championship next year |url=https://vecer.com/sport/foto-in-video-sloveniji-je-uspelo-nogometasi-prihodnje-leto-potujejo-na-evropsko-prvenstvo-10344452 |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=[[Večer (Slovenia)|Večer]] |language=sl |quote=Slovenija bo tako četrtič nastopila na velikem tekmovanju. Doslej je po vodstvom Srečka Katanca igrala na evropskem prvenstvu 2000 in svetovnem prvenstvu 2002, pod vodstvom Matjaža Keka pa še na SP 2010. |trans-quote=Slovenia will thus participate in a major tournament for the fourth time. So far, under the leadership of Srečko Katanec, they played at the 2000 European Championship and the 2002 World Cup, and under the leadership of Matjaž Kek also at the 2010 World Cup.}}</ref> Of Slovenian clubs, [[NK Maribor]] played three times in the group stages of the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Uredništvo |date=24 December 2019 |title=Liga prvakov: Maribor je četrti najboljši klub iz nekdanje bivše države |trans-title=Champions League: Maribor is the fourth-best club from the former Yugoslav country |url=https://www.nogomania.com/Novica/Liga-prvakov-Maribor-je-cetrti-najboljsi-klub-iz-nekdanje-bivse-drzave |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=Nogomania |language=sl}}</ref> The [[Slovenian national basketball team|men's national basketball team]] has participated at 15 [[EuroBasket]]s, winning the gold medal in the 2017 edition,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lopatič |first1=Jaka |date=17 September 2017 |title=Perfektna Slovenija za zgodovinsko zlato in Dragićeva pravljica |trans-title=Perfect Slovenia for historic gold and Dragić's fairy tale |url=https://siol.net/sportal/kosarka/perfektna-slovenija-za-zgodovinsko-zlato-in-dragiceva-pravljica-449349 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref> and at four [[FIBA World Championship]]s.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Slovenci dočakali tekmece v skupinskem delu SP |trans-title=Slovenians have learned their opponents for the group stage of the World Championship |url=https://siol.net/sportal/kosarka/zreb-skupin-za-svetovno-prvenstvo-2023-slovenija-605356 |access-date=25 August 2023 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl |quote=Slovenija bo četrtič udeleženka turnirja 32 najboljših ekip na svetu. |trans-quote=Slovenia will participate for the fourth time in the tournament of the 32 best teams in the world.}}</ref> Slovenia also hosted the [[EuroBasket 2013]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=S. J. |date=20 March 2011 |title=Eurobasket v Sloveniji bo med 4. in 22. septembrom 2013 |trans-title=EuroBasket in Slovenia will take place between September 4 and 22, 2013 |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/kosarka/eurobasket-v-sloveniji-bo-med-4-in-22-septembrom-2013/253502 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |language=sl}}</ref> The [[Slovenia men's national handball team|men's national handball team]] has qualified for four Olympics,<ref>{{cite web |date=17 March 2024 |title=Slovenski rokometaši četrtič na olimpijskih igrah! |trans-title=Slovenian handball players at the Olympic Games for the fourth time! |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/rokomet/slovenski-rokometasi-cetrtic-na-olimpijskih-igrah/701885 |access-date=28 April 2024 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |language=sl}}</ref> eleven IHF [[IHF World Men's Handball Championship|World Championships]], including their third-place finish in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |author1=A. V. |date=28 January 2017 |title=Levjesrčni Slovenci vstali "od mrtvih" in osvojili bron zlatega leska! |trans-title=Lion-hearted Slovenians rose from the 'dead' and won bronze with a golden shine! |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/rokomet/sp-v-rokometu-2017/levjesrcni-slovenci-vstali-od-mrtvih-in-osvojili-bron-zlatega-leska/413614 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |language=sl}}</ref> and fourteen [[European Men's Handball Championship|European Championships]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Okorn |first1=Tomaž |date=11 January 2024 |title=Sporočilo rokometne himne že začutili Nemci, naj ga čim večkrat še Slovenci |trans-title=The message of the handball anthem has already been felt by the Germans; may the Slovenians feel it as often as possible too |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/sport/rokomet/ep-v-rokometu-2024/sporocilo-rokometne-himne-ze-zacutili-nemci-naj-ga-cim-veckrat-se-slovenci/694373 |access-date=11 January 2024 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |language=sl |quote=Slovenija štirinajstič nastopa na evropskih prvenstvih.}}</ref> Slovenia was the hosts of the [[2004 European Men's Handball Championship|2004 European Championship]], where the national team won the silver medal.<ref name="2004handball">{{cite web |last1=Kavčič |first1=Simon |last2=Lenart |first2=Špela |date=11 June 2019 |title=Leto, ko Slovencem ni bilo para |trans-title=The year when the Slovenians had no equal |url=https://siol.net/sportal/sportal-plus/leto-slovenskega-rokometa-2004-499874 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref> Slovenia's most prominent handball team, [[RK Celje]], won the [[EHF Champions League]] in the 2003–04 season.<ref name="2004handball"/> In women's handball, [[RK Krim]] won the [[Women's EHF Champions League|Champions League]] in 2001 and 2003.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mastnak |first1=Maja |date=28 July 2011 |title=S Tisljem ponoviti leto 2001 in 2003 |trans-title=With Tišljer, to repeat the years 2001 and 2003 |url=https://siol.net/sportal/rokomet/s-tisljem-ponoviti-leto-2001-in-2003-351811 |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref> The [[Slovenia men's national volleyball team|men's national volleyball team]] has won three silver medals at the [[Men's European Volleyball Championship|European Volleyball Championship]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jerič |first1=Slavko |date=20 September 2021 |title=Srebrno obdobje z zlatimi nastavki |trans-title=A silver era with golden foundations |url=https://www.rtvslo.si/kolumne/slavko-jeric/srebrno-obdobje-z-zlatimi-nastavki/594569 |access-date=20 September 2021 |publisher=[[RTV Slovenija]] |language=sl}}</ref> and finished fourth at the [[2022 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship|2022 World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |date=11 September 2022 |title=Brazilcem bronasta, Slovencem "lesena" medalja |trans-title=Bronze for the Brazilians, a 'wooden' medal for the Slovenians |url=https://siol.net/sportal/odbojka/porocilo-slovenija-brazilija-587754 |access-date=11 September 2022 |publisher=[[Siol]] |language=sl}}</ref> The [[Slovenia men's national ice hockey team|national ice hockey team]] has participated in 31 [[Ice Hockey World Championships]], with 11 appearances in the highest division.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 May 2025 |title=V Stockholmu in Herningu se začenja hokejsko SP |trans-title=The Ice Hockey World Championship is starting in Stockholm and Herning |url=https://www.24ur.com/sport/hokej/v-stockholmu-in-herningu-se-zacenja-hokejsko-sp.html |access-date=9 May 2025 |website=24ur.com |language=sl |quote=V družbi najboljših 16 reprezentanc sveta je letos enajstič tudi Slovenija.}}</ref>
[[File:BRAVE_Darius-7.jpg|thumb|Brave CF 88, co-hosted with WFC at Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana.]]
Slovenia has hosted professional [[Mixed martial arts]] events organized by [[Brave Combat Federation]] partnering with WFC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |date=2024-01-09 |title=Brave CF partners with Slovenia's MMA body WFC for European expansion |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/bahrain/brave-cf-partners-with-slovenias-mma-body-wfc-for-european-expansion |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=Arabian Business: Latest News on the Middle East, Real Estate, Finance, and More |language=en-US}}</ref> The organization has hosted the Brave CF 34, 70, 81, 88, and 96 editions of the event.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BraveE Combat Federation BCF {{!}} MMA Promoter |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/promotions/1782-brave-combat-federation-bcf |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref> On 23 November 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-12-05 |title=Other Sports: Brave CF returns to Slovenia for sixth time |url=https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1363761 |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=www.gdnonline.com}}</ref> Slovenia will host the 102th edition of [[Brave Combat Federation]] at [[Hala Tivoli]] in [[Ljubljana]].

In 2020, the Slovenian Mixed Martial Arts Association joined [[International Mixed Martial Arts Federation]] headed by its president, Zlatko Mahic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rav |date=2020-06-30 |title=Slovenian Mixed Martial Arts association boosts IMMAF's membership in Europe |url=https://immaf.org/2020/06/30/slovenian-mixed-martial-arts-association-boosts-immafs-membership-in-europe/ |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=IMMAF |language=en}}</ref>[[Brave Combat Federation]] has partnered with WFC to showcase Slovenian MMA fighters. Several Slovenian fighters have gained international recognition, including Monika Kučinič,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-06 |title=Monika Kucinic and Sofiia Bagishvili set for explosive rematch at Brave CF 96 |url=https://www.newsofbahrain.com/sports/111046.html |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=DT News |language=en-US}}</ref> Miha Frlic, Luka Podkrajšek, David Forster, Haris Aksalič, and Domen Drnovšek.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Slovenia|European Union}}
* [[Outline of Slovenia]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
s

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin}}
* Perko, Drago, Ciglic, Rok, Zorn, Matija (eds.), ''The Geography of Slovenia: Small But Diverse'' (Cham, Springer, 2020).
* Stanić, Stane, ''Slovenia'' (London, Flint River Press, 1994).
* Oto Luthar (ed.), ''The Land Between: A History of Slovenia. With contributions by Oto Luthar, Igor Grdina, Marjeta Šašel Kos, Petra Svoljšak, Peter Kos, Dušan Kos, Peter Štih, Alja Brglez and Martin Pogačar'' (Frankfurt am Main etc., Peter Lang, 2008).
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|Slovenia|voy=Slovenia|b = no|v = no}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081015235107/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/slovenia.htm Slovenia] from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
*{{wikiatlas|Slovenia}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120413204125/http://www.ukom.gov.si/en/promotion_of_slovenia/publications/facts_about_slovenia/ "Facts About Slovenia"], publication from the Slovenian Government Communication Office. [[PDF]]. In English, Spanish, French, German and Russian.
*[http://www.mojaslovenija.si/ Slovenia – Landmarks]{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. Virtual reality panoramas of various spots in the country.
*"[http://zgs.zrc-sazu.si/Publications/Sloveniaageographicaloverview/tabid/470/language/en-US/Default.aspx Slovenia: a geographical overview]". Association of the Geographical Societies of Slovenia.

'''Government'''
*[http://www.slovenia.si/ Slovenia.si] The main national access point to information about Slovenia.
*[http://www.gov.si/ The Republic of Slovenia]. Official institutions.
*[http://www.stat.si/eng/ Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302073116/http://www.stat.si/eng/ |date=2 March 2015 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120225100126/http://www.meteo.si/met/en/ National Meteorological Service of Slovenia]

'''Travel'''
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20041127070239/http://slovenia.info/ The Slovenian Tourist portal]. Slovenian Tourist Board.
*{{OSM relation|218657}}

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