Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia, is a country in Central Europe, bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. It has a coastline of about 40 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea in the southwest of the country. The area of Slovenia is 20,273 km², and it has a population of just over 2 million people.
The capital and largest city is Ljubljana (with a population of about 260,000). Other important cities include Maribor, Celje, Kranj, Koper, and Velenje. Slovenia joined the EU and NATO in 2004, and the Eurozone in 2007. The country is a parliamentary republic. The official administrative units are municipalities (210 units), including 11 urban ones (the largest being the capital).
Slovenia is a developed country with a high income level and a high Human Development Index (23rd place). It is the wealthiest country of the former Yugoslavia.
Climate Conditions
Slovenia features three types of climates: Alpine in the north, Mediterranean in the southwest, and continental in the northeast. In Ljubljana, temperatures can range from -5 °C in winter to nearly 30 °C in summer. Precipitation peaks in October and reaches a minimum in March.
The country's climate is influenced by the proximity of the Adriatic Sea to the south and the Alps to the north. Sharp temperature and pressure fluctuations are not typical, resulting in relatively mild winters and warm (but not excessively hot) summer months.
In the south, in the Mediterranean (subtropical) climate, average winter temperatures usually do not fall below -5 °C, while summer temperatures often reach 28-30 °C. The majority of precipitation falls in autumn and spring (up to 380 mm/month).
The northern and central parts of the country (temperate-continental climate) are characterized by hot summers and cool winter months. On average, winter temperatures range from 0 to 2 °C in the plains and -4 to -6 °C in mountainous areas. Summer temperatures vary from 20 to 25 °C in the plains and 15-17 °C in the mountains. Average precipitation is from 1000 to 1500 mm and 2000-3000 mm, respectively.
The eastern part of the country has mild winters. Temperatures often drop below 0 degrees, mostly without snow. In summer, average temperatures are above 21 °C. Precipitation in this part of the country is lower, up to 700 mm/year.
Demographics
In 2023, Slovenia had a population of 2.1 million. The annual population growth was +0.3%. Despite an increase in mortality (birth rate 9 per 1000 residents versus mortality rate 11 per 1000 residents), the population grew due to migration. The number of births per woman in 2023 was 1.6, compared to 1.5 in the EU. The expected life expectancy in Slovenia is 80.9 years (84 for women, 77.9 for men). The average age of the population is 43.2 years. 15.2% of the population is younger than 15 years, while the proportion of people older than 64 years is 20.5%.
According to the census, 83.06% of the population identified as Slovenes. Additionally, Slovenia is home to about 2% Serbs, 1.81% Croats, and 1.1% Bosniaks. Many of them came to Slovenia as internal migrants during Yugoslav times. Two small groups of Italians (0.11%) and Hungarians (0.32%) are recognized as minorities.
The official language is Slovenian. There are also "ethnically mixed territories" of "autochthonous" minorities, where Italians and Hungarians enjoy special protection.
A total of 50 religious organizations are registered in Slovenia, of which 46 constitute only about 5% of the total population. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest religious community, with 60 to 80% of citizens adhering to it. Additionally, 2.5% of the population is Muslim and 2.3% is Orthodox.
Economy
Slovenia has a mixed economy, which, on one hand, is built on local traditions of craftsmanship and agriculture, and on the other hand, meets the demands of modern services. The republic was the richest and most prosperous state during the Yugoslav era and has maintained this trend in contemporary conditions. Today, it has a high standard of living and a GDP per capita higher than many countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
The total GDP for 2023 was 62.12 billion USD, with an annual average growth rate of 1.4%. GDP per capita is 26,067 USD. The average inflation rate is 7.5%. The country's public debt in 2023 increased to 43.9 billion USD.
Slovenia has many natural resources, such as lead, zinc, mercury, coal, oil, and timber.
Slovenia's economy is relatively balanced between agriculture, industry, services, and tourism.
In the Global Competitiveness Index, which measures a country's competitiveness, Slovenia ranks 42nd out of 137 countries (as of 2023). In the Index of Economic Freedom, the country ranked 37th out of 180 countries.
In 2023, the registered unemployment rate in Slovenia was 4.8%, with a trend of decreasing unemployment.
Freedom of Travel (Visa-Free Countries)
In the global passport strength ranking, Slovenia ranks 7th, along with the USA, Canada, Australia, and Croatia. Slovenian citizens have visa-free access to 117 countries worldwide (with a free stay period of 30 to 180 days). In 48 countries, a visa is required upon arrival (stay up to 90 days), while in 7 countries, only an electronic entry permit is needed with a stay period of up to 90 days.