Country Profile: Slovenia
Slovenia, located in southern Central Europe, features a diverse geography that includes the Julian Alps and a short coastline along the Adriatic Sea. With a population of approximately 2.1 million, it showcases a rich cultural tapestry primarily comprised of Slovene ethnicity, alongside various minority groups. As a parliamentary republic, Slovenia has developed a robust economy characterized by high income levels and a diverse industrial base, primarily focused on automotive and pharmaceuticals. The country is a member of several international organizations, including the EU and NATO, reflecting its commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Geography
Slovenia is situated in southern Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Italy. It has a total area of 20,273 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than New Jersey, with a varied terrain that includes mountains, valleys, and a short Adriatic coastline of 46.6 kilometers. The climate varies from Mediterranean along the coast to continental inland, with natural resources such as lignite, hydropower, and forests.
- Highest Point: Triglav at 2,864 meters
- Longest Border: Croatia at 600 kilometers
- Land Use: 30.4% agricultural land, 61.8% forest (2023)
- Natural Hazards: Prone to flooding and earthquakes
- Climate Types: Mediterranean and continental
People and Society
Slovenia's population is approximately 2,097,893, with a fairly even distribution across urban and rural areas. The primary ethnic group is Slovene (83.1%), with significant minorities including Serbs and Croats. The official language is Slovene, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. The country has a low birth rate of 8 births per 1,000 population and a median age of 46.3 years, indicating an aging population.
- Urban Population: 56.1% of total population (2023)
- Life Expectancy: 82.2 years (2024)
- Infant Mortality Rate: 1.5 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)
- Education Expenditure: 5.3% of GDP (2022)
- Health Expenditure: 8.8% of GDP (2022)
Economy
Slovenia boasts a high-income economy marked by a strong industrial sector and low unemployment rates, currently at 3.4% (2024). The country’s GDP, in purchasing power parity, is estimated at approximately $103.1 billion for 2024. Key sectors include manufacturing, particularly automotive and pharmaceuticals, along with significant contributions from services.
- GDP Per Capita: $48,500 (2024)
- Real GDP Growth Rate: 1.6% (2024 est.)
- Exports: Approximately $59.2 billion (2024)
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4% (2024)
- Public Debt: 73.6% of GDP (2017)
Government
Slovenia is a parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislative system comprised of the National Assembly and the National Council. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The legal system is based on civil law, and the country has a history of stability since gaining independence in 1991 after a brief conflict.
- Capital: Ljubljana
- National Holiday: Independence Day on June 25
- Citizenship by Descent: Yes, required for children born to Slovene citizens
- Suffrage: Universal from age 18
- Most Recent Election: October 23, 2022
Military and Security
The Slovenian Armed Forces consist of approximately 6,000 active personnel and are structured to address both national defense and international peacekeeping commitments. Slovenia has been a NATO member since 2004. Military expenditures are projected to reach 2% of GDP by 2025, reflecting a commitment to modernizing its military capabilities.
- Military Expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2024)
- Active Personnel: ~6,000 (2025)
- NATO Deployments: 110 troops in Kosovo (2025)
- Service Age: 18-30 years (voluntary)
- Modernization Focus: NATO-standard equipment and training
Energy
Slovenia has achieved full electrification, with a diverse energy portfolio that includes nuclear, hydroelectric, and fossil fuels. The installed electricity generation capacity stands at 4.739 million kW, with nuclear energy accounting for a significant portion of electricity production.
- Electricity Generation Sources: 35.2% from nuclear (2023)
- Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 104.502 million Btu (2023)
- Electricity Imports: 9.114 billion kWh (2023)
- Electricity Exports: 10.62 billion kWh (2023)
- Coal Production: 2.44 million metric tons (2023)
Environment
Slovenia faces environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, as well as biodiversity conservation. The country is party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues and has strategies in place for managing natural resources.
- Recycling Rate: 24.8% of municipal solid waste (2022)
- Total Water Withdrawal: 179 million cubic meters (municipal, 2022)
- Forested Area: 61.8% of total land (2023)
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 10.772 million metric tons (2023)
- Methane Emissions: 46.5 kt from agriculture (2019-2021)
Transportation
Slovenia's transportation infrastructure includes extensive railways and a network of roads facilitating both domestic and international travel. The country has 42 airports and several major ports, enhancing its connectivity with neighboring countries.
- Total Railways: 1,207 km (2020)
- Airports: 42 (2025)
- Merchant Marine Vessels: 8 (2023)
- Fixed-Line Telephones: 647,000 subscriptions (2023)
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 2.73 million (2023)
Communications
The communication infrastructure in Slovenia is well-developed, with a high percentage of internet penetration. The country has multiple public and private broadcasting services, alongside a robust telecommunications sector.
- Internet Users: 90% of the population (2023)
- Fixed Broadband Subscriptions: 683,000 (2023)
- Mobile Phone Subscriptions: 2.73 million (2023)
- Telephones - Fixed Lines: 647,000 subscriptions (2023)
- Television Stations: 35 commercial TV stations
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,097,893 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 20,273 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $103.118 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 104.502 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 8 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 82.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 1.4% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.6 children born/woman | 2024 estimate |
| Urbanization Rate | 56.1% | 2023 estimate |
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