History

Slovenia takes its name from the Slovenes, the group of South Slavs who originally settled the area,
~87% identified themselves as Slovenians,
Hungarians and Italians constitute a significant group. They are represented in the parliament,
Now, there are other minority groups who have immigrated. From other regions of former Yugoslavia after WWII; mainly economic reasons.

Demography

Slovenia is approx 20 273 KM^2 in area.
In addition to the capital, Ljubljana, other important cities include Maribor, Kranj, Gorica region, Novo Mesto and Celje.
1 970 056 hab.
The majority of the population is ethnically Slovene, a Slavic group. The rest is made up of Croats, Serbs, Bosnian, Hungarians, Montenegrin, Macedonians, Albanians and Italians.

The official language: Slovene, Slavic language.
About 7% of the population (a bit more) speak Serbo-Croatian.
Most Slovenes speak at least 2 languages (English, Italian)
You can find even people speaking 3.
Unlike other Slavic culture, Slovenes have been greatly influenced by German and Austrian cultures, a result of centuries of rule by the Austrian Habsburgs.

1918 - end WWI Slovenia joined with other Slavic groups to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
1929 - Kingdom of Yugoslavia by a Serbian monarch.
WWII- Slovenia fell under Nazi Germany's control.
Communist partisans, under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito resisted the German, Italian and Hungarian occupation, leading to the establishment of a socialist Yugoslavia toward the end of the war.
During the postwar Communist period, Slovenia was the most prosperous region of Yugoslavia.
Post Tito regimen: regions grew and got stronger. Slovenia resisted (1989)
25 of June of 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared its independence. 10 days war.

Slovenia was outside of "Austrian/German" scheme only from 1918-1991. But the country has always identified strongly with central Europe.
Balance Slavic culture and Western influences.
Ethnic conflicts and civil unrest: avoided.
Balanced relationship with neighboring countries.

Meals are an important part of Slovene family life, and enjoying a snack, or glass of wine at a café with friends is a typical social activity.

After its independence from Yugoslavia, Slovenia went through a period of transition as it adjusted to economic changes as a new, small republic moving from socialism.
Slovenia emerged as one of the strongest economies among the socialist countries of Eastern Europe.
inflation and unemployment (issues of the country)
2000's 3.8% FDI
after 2009 the outlook changed.

Numerous, but many cater to tourism. Slovenia's proximity to the Alps and the Mediterranean, along with its climate has made it as a popular tourist destination.
Business derived from tourist hotels, ski resorts, golf courses, horseback riding centers provides employment for young people and the economy moves.

They include: production of electrical equipment, processed food, paper products, chemicals, textiles, metal and wood products and electricity. Other important industries include the manufacturing of shoes, skies and furniture.
Coal mines and steal mills continue to operate and some other assembly industries (Renault...) reflect foreign investment in Slovenia.

Germany is Slovenia's most important trading partner both for imports and exports.
Other important trading partners include: Croatia, Italy, France and Austria.
Exports: chemical products, food, live animals, furniture, machinery, transportation equipment and assembling pieces.
Imports: manufactured products and consumer goods.

A large section of the population works in the tourism industry, but only one out of 10 people work in agriculture.
Many Slovenes pursue small-scale agricultural activities, such as beekeeping and grape growing, just as a side business.
Services and industries.

~87% identified as Slovenes

Hungarian and Italian populations are recognized as indigenous minorities and are protected under the constitution.

The Gypsies are not. And are viewed with suspicion and are frequently targets of ethnic discrimination. (there's always a reason why).

Several thousand migrants from Croatia who enter Slovenia every day just to work.

A large section of Slovenia's population is now part of the well-educated, urban middle class.

Extreme class differences between rich and poor are not present.

Still going towards a good democracy
Parliamentary form of government.
18 years: universal suffrage.
Freedom or religion and press all good.
National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor has exclusive control over the passage of new laws and consists of 90 deputies elected for 4 years by proportional representation.

There is also a forty-member Council of State, the Drzavni Svet, which functions as an advisory body and whose members are elected for five-year terms by region and special interest group.

president is the head of state and supreme commander of the armed forces and cannot be elected for more than two five-year terms

The main challenges: creating jobs for an educated population, and coping with the increasing number of migrant workers and refugees.
Money laundering is a particularly increasing problem. (Italy-Slovenia-Austria)
Ethnic minorities
Welfare state.
Opportunities for youth.

In Slovenia women comprise 45 percent of the overall workforce and more than 60 percent of the workforce in the agricultural sector.
Primary school teachers are almost exclusively women.
Industrialization and education have dramatically changed women's roles in the workplace.
Slovenia's traditionally patriarchal society still persist. Women work primarily in three fields: cultural and social welfare, public services and administration, and the hospitality industry.

Education is mandatory and free until age fifteen. After this, students can choose a school that is more specialized if they wish to continue education.
There are over thirty institutions of higher learning but only 3 universities.(Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper).

The majority of Slovenes, approximately 71 percent, identify themselves as Roman Catholic; Roman Catholicism has undoubtedly influenced Slovene culture more than any other religious belief.
2.5% eastern orthodox Christians.