Slovenija

Slovenija, known internationally as Slovenia, is a country in southern Central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, Croatia to the southeast, and a short Adriatic coastline. It covers about 20,271 square kilometers and encompasses the Julian Alps, the Karst region, and a small coastline around the Gulf of Piran. The capital and largest city is Ljubljana. The population is about 2.1 million. The official language is Slovene; Italian and Hungarian are recognized minority languages.

Historically part of the Roman Empire and later the Habsburg Monarchy, Slovenia became part of Yugoslavia after World War II. It declared independence on June 25, 1991, prompting a brief Ten-Day War. It joined the European Union in 2004 and the eurozone in 2007; it has been a member of NATO since 2004 and the Schengen Area since 2007.

The country is a parliamentary republic. The President is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is head of government. The unicameral National Assembly (Državni zbor) enacts laws. Slovenia emphasizes the rule of law, human rights, and political pluralism within its institutions.

Slovenia maintains a developed, high-income economy with services, industry, and tourism as major sectors. Notable attractions include Lake Bled, the capital’s architecture by Jože Plečnik, Postojna Cave, and the coastal town of Piran. Tourism, automotive parts and electronics manufacturing, and exports are important to growth.

Slovenia is known for its biodiversity, Alpine scenery, and environmental protection efforts. It participates actively in European and international organizations and remains a member of the EU, NATO, and the Schengen Area.