Slovenia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Republic of Slovenia Republika Slovenija  (Slovene)
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Zdravljica (English: "A Toast")
Location of  Slovenia  (dark green) – on the European continent  (green & dark grey) – in the European Union  (green)
Capital and largest city	Ljubljana 46°03′05″N 14°30′22″E / 46.05139°N 14.50611°E / 46.05139; 14.50611
Official languages	Slovene
Recognised regional languages	Italian Hungarian
Religion (2018)	77.8% Christianity 73.4% Catholicism 3.7% Orthodoxy 0.7% other Christian 18.3% no religion 3.9% other
Demonym(s)	Slovene Slovenian
Government	Unitary parliamentary republic
• President	Nataša Pirc Musar
• Prime Minister	Robert Golob
Legislature	Parliament
• Upper house	National Council
• Lower house	National Assembly
Establishment
• State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs	29 October 1918
• Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes	1 December 1918
• Slovene National Liberation Committee	19 February 1944
• Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia	29 July 1944
• Independence from Yugoslavia	25 June 1991
• Brioni Agreement signed	7 July 1991
• Current constitution	23 December 1991
• Admitted to the United Nations	22 May 1992
• Joined the European Union and NATO	1 May 2004
Area
• Total	20,271 km2 (7,827 sq mi) (150th)
• Water (%)	0.7
Population
• 2024 estimate	2,124,709 (145th)
• 2002 census	1,964,036
• Density	103/km2 (266.8/sq mi) (114th)
GDP (PPP)	2024 estimate
• Total	$117.993 billion (97th)
• Per capita	$55,683 (34th)
GDP (nominal)	2024 estimate
• Total	$73.198 billion (85th)
• Per capita	$34,544 (33rd)
Gini (2023)	▼ 23.4 low
HDI (2022)	0.926 very high · 22nd
Currency	Euro (€) (EUR)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Date format	dd.mm.yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+386
ISO 3166 code	SI
Internet TLD	.si

Slovenia is a country in Southern Europe. It is known for its beautiful mountains, forests, and a small coastline on the Adriatic Sea. The capital and largest city is Ljubljana. The main language spoken is Slovene. About 2.1 million people live in Slovenia.

Slovenia is a parliamentary republic, meaning its government is chosen by the people. It is a member of the European Union and NATO. The country's economy is strong and relies a lot on exporting goods.

Slovenia's History: From Ancient Times to Today

Early History: First People and Roman Rule

Life in Prehistoric Slovenia

People have lived in the area of modern-day Slovenia for a very long time. Evidence shows humans were here about 250,000 years ago. An old bone, possibly a flute, was found in 1995. It is about 43,100 years old and might be the oldest musical instrument ever found.

In 2002, scientists found remains of old houses built on stilts in the Ljubljana Marshes. These homes are over 4,500 years old. They also found the Ljubljana Marshes Wooden Wheel, which is the oldest wooden wheel in the world. This shows that wooden wheels were used in Europe around the same time as in Mesopotamia.

Later, during the Bronze Age and Iron Age, different groups lived here, including Illyrian and Celtic tribes.

Roman Empire's Influence

The Roman Empire took over this area around the 1st century BC. They built important cities like Emona (now Ljubljana), Poetovio (Ptuj), and Celeia (Celje). They also built roads for trade and soldiers. In the 5th and 6th centuries, groups like the Huns and Germanic tribes invaded the area.

Slavic People Settle in the Alps

After the Germanic tribes left in 568 AD, Slavic tribes moved into the Alpine region. They formed early states like Samo's Kingdom and later the Duchy of Carantania. These early Slavic groups were the ancestors of today's Slovenes.

Middle Ages: Christianity and Empires

Becoming Christian

The people of Carantania were among the first Slavs to become Christian. Irish missionaries helped spread Christianity in the area.

Joining the Holy Roman Empire

In the mid-8th century, Carantania became part of the Bavarian kingdom, which was later absorbed into the Carolingian Empire. This meant the area came under the rule of the Franks. The feudal system, where land was owned by lords and worked by peasants, began here.

After a big battle in 955, the Slovene lands became part of the Holy Roman Empire. Over time, different powerful families ruled parts of Slovenia, like the Counts of Celje and the House of Habsburg. By the 14th century, most of Slovenia was controlled by the Habsburgs. They ruled the area for a very long time, until the 20th century.

Challenges and Rebellions

Towards the end of the Middle Ages, Slovenia faced tough times. There were many attacks from the Ottoman Empire. Peasants also rebelled several times in the 16th and 17th centuries, fighting against their rulers. These uprisings often ended in defeat.

Modern Times: Changes and Independence

Life in the Austrian Empire

In 1797, Slovenia became part of the Austrian Empire. Later, it was part of Austria-Hungary. During this time, factories and railroads were built, but many Slovenes moved to other countries, especially the United States, to find better opportunities. Still, the Slovene population grew, and most people could read and write.

The 19th century also saw a rise in Slovene culture and a desire for more self-rule. People started to dream of a "United Slovenia".

World War I and Its Impact

World War I brought great hardship. Many Slovenes were forced to fight in the Austro-Hungarian Army. The Battles of the Isonzo were especially brutal, fought in western Slovenia. Many people became refugees.

After the war, parts of Slovenia were given to Italy. The Slovenes living there faced pressure to become Italian. Some groups, like TIGR, fought against this.

Joining Yugoslavia

After World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Empire broke apart. On October 29, 1918, Slovenia declared its independence. Soon after, on December 1, 1918, it joined with Serbia and Croatia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Slovenia was the most developed part of Yugoslavia. Its factories produced much more than other regions. The economy grew quickly in the 1920s.

World War II and Its Aftermath

During World War II, Slovenia was divided and taken over by Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Hungary. The Nazis tried to remove the Slovene population from their areas. Many Slovenes were forced to join the German army or were sent to concentration camps.

In the Italian-controlled area, a resistance group called the Liberation Front of the Slovene Nation was formed. They fought against the occupiers. After Italy surrendered in 1943, Germany took over their part of Slovenia too. The resistance continued to grow.

In 1945, Yugoslavia was freed. Slovenia became one of its republics, now a socialist country. About 8% of all Slovenes died during the war.

Life in Socialist Yugoslavia

After World War II, Slovenia became part of Federal Yugoslavia. It was a socialist country, but it had more freedoms than other countries in Eastern Europe. In 1947, Slovenia gained back some land from Italy.

Slovenia's economy grew fast in the 1950s. It became much richer than the average Yugoslav republic. People had more freedom to travel. However, those who disagreed with the government were sometimes punished.

Slovenia Becomes Independent

By the late 1980s, many Slovenes wanted more democracy and independence. In 1987, a group of thinkers called for Slovenia to be independent. A large movement for human rights and democratic changes began.

In 1991, Slovenia declared its independence from Yugoslavia. There was a brief Ten-Day War with the Yugoslav army, but Slovenia won its freedom. In December 1991, Slovenia adopted a new constitution.

Many countries recognized Slovenia as an independent state in 1992. It joined the United Nations in May 1992. In 2004, Slovenia joined the European Union and NATO. It became the first former communist country to use the euro currency in 2007.

Slovenia's Geography: Mountains, Plains, and Coast

Slovenia is located in Central Europe and Southeastern Europe. It has mountains from the Alps, hills from the Dinaric Alps, flat areas from the Pannonian Plain, and a small coastline on the Mediterranean Sea.

The highest mountain in Slovenia is Triglav, which is 2,864 meters (9,396 feet) tall. The average height of the country is 557 meters (1,827 feet) above sea level.

More than half of Slovenia is covered by forests, making it one of the most forested countries in Europe. These forests are home to many beech, fir, and oak trees. There are also grasslands, fields, and vineyards.

Geology and Natural Features

Slovenia is in an active seismic zone, meaning earthquakes can happen. This is because it sits where three large land plates meet. Much of Slovenia has limestone ground, which means there are many underground rivers, gorges, and caves. The term "karst topography" comes from this region.

Slovenia has four main natural regions: the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Dinaric, and the Pannonian areas. These regions have different types of land and climate.

Many areas in Slovenia are protected, including Triglav National Park. About 36% of the country's land is part of the Natura 2000 network, which protects important natural habitats.

Slovenia's Climate

Slovenia has different climates depending on the region. In the northeast, it has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The coastal area has a mild Mediterranean climate. In the high mountains, the climate is cold and snowy.

Rainfall varies across the country, with some western areas getting a lot of rain. Snow is common in winter. Slovenia is not very windy because the Alps block strong winds.

Rivers and Water Quality

Most of Slovenia's rivers flow into the Black Sea, while a smaller part flows into the Adriatic Sea. Slovenia is known for having some of the highest water quality in Europe. This is partly because many rivers start in the country's mountains.

Biodiversity: Animals and Plants

Animals of Slovenia

Slovenia has a very rich variety of animals. Even though it's a small country, it has 1% of the world's animal species. You can find 75 different types of mammals, including marmots, Alpine ibex, chamois, and many deer and wild boar.

Important meat-eating animals include the Eurasian lynx, wild cats, foxes, and European jackal. Slovenia is also home to about 450 brown bears and 40-60 wolves.

Slovenia's caves are special, with many unique species that live only there. The most famous is the olm, a type of salamander that lives in dark caves.

Many different birds live in Slovenia, like tawny owls, hawks, and eagle owls. The white stork builds nests in the Prekmurje region.

Slovenia has 13 native farm animals, including the Karst Shepherd dog, the Carniolan honeybee, and the beautiful Lipizzaner horse. The marble trout is a special fish found only in Slovenia's rivers.

Plants of Slovenia

Slovenia is very green, with 58.3% of its land covered by forests. These forests are important and are carefully managed. In the central parts, you'll find oak and beech trees. In the mountains, spruce, fir, and pine trees are common. The lime/linden tree is a national symbol of Slovenia.

In the Alps, you can see beautiful flowers like gentians and edelweiss, which is a symbol of Slovene mountaineering.

Slovenia's Government and Politics

Slovenia is a parliamentary democracy. This means that people vote for representatives who make laws. The president is the head of state, elected by the people for a five-year term. The president represents the country and is the leader of the armed forces.

The government is led by the Prime Minister and a group of ministers. They are chosen by the National Assembly, which is the main law-making body. The National Assembly has 90 members, elected every four years. Two members are chosen by the Hungarian and Italian minorities. There is also a National Council that gives advice and checks on the government.

Slovenia's Economy: A Developed Nation

Slovenia has a strong and developed economy. It is one of the richest Slavic countries. In 2007, Slovenia was the first new member of the European Union to start using the euro currency. Since 2010, it has been a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a group of developed countries.

Some regions in Slovenia are richer than others. The areas around the capital, Ljubljana, and the western coast are the wealthiest.

Economic Growth and Challenges

From 2004 to 2007, Slovenia's economy grew very quickly. However, the global financial crisis from 2007 to 2010 affected Slovenia too. The economy shrank in 2009.

Since 2014, Slovenia's economy has been recovering. It grew by 2.5% in 2016 and 5% in 2017. The construction and tourism industries are growing.

Industries and Services

Most people in Slovenia work in services, like tourism or finance. About one-third work in industry and construction. Slovenia has a well-educated workforce and good transportation.

Major industries include making cars, electronic equipment, machines, and medicines. Some big Slovenian companies are Gorenje (home appliances), Krka (pharmaceuticals), and Petrol Group (oil). Revoz is a car factory that makes Renault cars.

Energy Production

Slovenia produces electricity from hydroelectric plants (using water), thermal plants (using heat), and a nuclear plant. The country is working to build more hydropower plants and is interested in increasing solar and wind energy.

Tourism: Exploring Slovenia's Beauty

Slovenia is a popular place for tourists because of its beautiful nature and rich culture. It offers many different types of tourism. In 2016, National Geographic magazine called Slovenia the country with the most sustainable tourism.

The capital city, Ljubljana, has many old and new buildings. The architect Jože Plečnik designed many famous buildings and bridges there.

In the northwest, the Julian Alps are popular for hiking and skiing. You can visit Lake Bled with its famous island church, and the Soča Valley.

The Karst Plateau is known for its amazing caves, like Postojna Cave and the Škocjan Caves, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the Adriatic Sea, the historic town of Piran is a beautiful place to visit.

The hills around Maribor are famous for wine-making. In the northeast, there are many spas with healing waters. Other popular places include the historic towns of Ptuj and Škofja Loka, and castles like Predjama Castle.

Many tourists come from other European countries. Slovenia is also known for its casinos, with a high number per person in the European Union.

Transport: Connecting Slovenia

Slovenia is located where major transport routes cross. This makes it an important link between different parts of Europe.

Most transport in Slovenia is by road. The country has a good network of highways. However, other roads are getting worse because of more traffic.

Slovenian railways are older and need updates. A new railway line is being built to the Port of Koper, which is a very important port for shipping goods. The Port of Koper is the largest port in the Northern Adriatic for containers.

Air travel is growing in Slovenia. The busiest airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, with flights to many European cities.

Slovenia's People and Culture

Population Density

Slovenia has a lower population density compared to many other European countries. This means there are fewer people per square kilometer. The capital region, Central Slovenia, has the most people.

Cultural Heritage

Slovenia has a rich architectural heritage. This includes 2,500 churches, 1,000 castles, and unique hay drying structures called kozolci.

Three places in Slovenia are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list:

• The Škocjan Caves and its karst landscape.
• The Idrija Mercury mining site.
• The prehistoric pile dwellings in the Ljubljana Marshes.

The church on Bled Island is very picturesque. Near Postojna, Predjama Castle is built into a cave. Museums in Ljubljana show unique items like the Divje Babe Flute and the oldest wheel in the world.

Slovenian Cuisine: A Mix of Flavors

Slovenian food mixes flavors from Central Europe (like Austrian and Hungarian), the Mediterranean, and the Balkans. There are over 40 different regional cuisines due to Slovenia's varied landscapes.

Traditional Slovene dishes often include one-pot meals like ričet (a barley stew) and jota (a bean and sauerkraut stew). The potica (nut roll) is a very famous Slovenian pastry. The kranjska klobasa is a well-known sausage.

Every year, there is a Festival of Roasted Potatoes, showing how important this dish is in Slovenian culture.

Festivals and Events

Slovenia hosts many festivals throughout the year for music, theater, film, and books. Some popular ones include the Ljubljana Summer Festival and the Lent Festival. For kids, there's the Pippi Longstocking Festival.

The Ljubljana Jazz Festival has been held every year since 1960.

Notable People from Slovenia

• France Prešeren (1800-1849) is a very famous poet in Slovenia.
• Melania Trump, former First Lady of the United States.

Related pages

• List of rivers of Slovenia
• Slovenia at the Olympics
• Slovenia national football team

Images for kids

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  Mount Mangart, in the Julian Alps, is the third-highest peak in Slovenia.

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  Population density in Slovenia by municipality.

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  Front cover of a bilingual passport in Slovene and Italian.

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  The National Shrine Mary Help of Christians at Brezje.

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  University of Ljubljana administration building.

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  University of Maribor administration building.

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  The more-than-400-year-old Žametovka vine in Maribor.

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  France Prešeren, a well-known Slovenian poet.

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  "Zdravljica" (A Toast; part) with rejection mark from Austrian censorship.

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  Folk musician Lojze Slak.

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  The industrial group Laibach.

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  The National Theatre in Ljubljana.

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  The sculpture of the poet Valentin Vodnik (1758–1819).

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  Smrekar's illustration of Martin Krpan.

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  Alpine skier Tina Maze, a double Olympic gold medalist.

See also

In Spanish: Eslovenia para niños