Explore Slovenia

Location:
Slovenia

Currency:
tolar (SIT)

Communications:
The telephone code for Slovenia: + 386

About:
The Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the latter's dissolution at 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. Soon after it became the 176th member of the United Nations and an associate member of the European Union.

Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Today, agricultural industries are a significant economic factor, and its large freight port in Koper (on the Adriatic Sea) is an important gateway into Central Europe.

The tragic civil war with Serbia seriously affected its thriving tourism industry, and yet, signs of recovery are on the horizon.