| The Slovene land was part of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I. In 1918, the Slovenes joined
the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia
in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia,
which though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with
the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing
their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war. With
its small transition economy and population of approximately two million, Slovenia
is a model of economic success and stability for its neighbors in the former Yugoslavia.
The country, which joined the EU in 2004, has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated
work force, and an excellent central location. It enjoys a GDP per capita substantially
higher than any of the other transitioning economies of Central Europe. |
| Border countries:
Austria 330 km
Croatia 670 km
Italy 232 km
Hungary 102 km
Coast line: 46.6 km
Airports: Ljubljana
Brnik
Close by
Vienna
(VIE) | Area:
total: 20,273 sq km
land: 20,151 sq km
water: 122 sq km Population:
2,010,347 (July 2003 est.)
Language:
Slovenian (official) 91%
Serbo-Croatian
4.5% Climate:
Mediterranean climate on
the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the
plateaus and valleys to the east |
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