Country Profile: Slovenia
Slovenia, located in South Central Europe, is a small but diverse country characterized by its picturesque geography, including the Julian Alps and a short Adriatic coastline. The population, estimated at approximately 2.1 million, primarily speaks Slovene and is known for its cultural heritage and relatively high standard of living. As a member of both NATO and the EU, Slovenia has a high-income economy heavily reliant on exports, particularly in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. The governance structure is a parliamentary republic, reflecting democratic principles and multiparty participation.
Geography
Slovenia is situated in south-central Europe, bordered by Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Italy. Despite its modest area of 20,273 square kilometers, the country is endowed with diverse landscapes—alpine mountains in the north, a karst coastal region in the southwest, and fertile plains in the east. Slovenia also controls significant transit routes across Europe.
- Area: 20,273 sq km (slightly smaller than New Jersey)
- Elevation: Highest point is Triglav at 2,864 m
- Climate: Mediterranean on the coast; continental to the east
- Forest coverage: 61.3% of land area (2022)
- Natural resources: Includes lignite, lead, and hydropower
- Major rivers: Numerous rivers run through mixed mountains and valleys
People and Society
The population of Slovenia is approximately 2.1 million, with a notable majority identifying as Slovene. The society is characterized by a mix of ethnicities and languages, with Slovene being the official language. The population is experiencing slight decline with a current birth rate of 8 births per 1,000 people.
- Population: 2,097,893 (2024 est.)
- Urbanization: 56.1% of the population live in urban areas (2023)
- Life expectancy: 82.2 years (2024 est.)
- Religions: Predominantly Catholic (69%)
- Median age: 46.3 years (2024 est.)
- Total fertility rate: 1.6 children per woman (2024 est.)
Economy
Slovenia's economy is classified as a high-income economy, marked by its robust per-capita income and low inequality. Key sectors include automotive and pharmaceuticals, with a tight labor market and low unemployment rates. The economy is supported by strong private consumption and public investment while maintaining a stable fiscal balance.
- GDP (PPP): $103.118 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $48,500 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 3.4% (2024 est.)
- Exports: $59.159 billion (2024 est.)
- Public debt: 73.6% of GDP (2017 est.)
- Inflation rate: 2% (2024 est.)
Government
Slovenia operates as a parliamentary republic, with a government structure comprising an executive headed by a president and a prime minister. The legislative branch is bicameral, with a National Assembly and a National Council. Citizens enjoy universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
- Capital: Ljubljana
- Government type: Parliamentary republic
- Constitution: Adopted on December 23, 1991
- Chief of State: President Natasa PIRC MUSAR (since December 23, 2022)
- Legislative branch: National Assembly with 90 members
- Latest election: National Assembly elections held in April 2022
Military and Security
Slovenia maintains a professional military structured into various branches, including land, air, and maritime forces. With a focus on modernizing its defense capabilities, Slovenia is an active NATO member. The country’s military expenditures represent 1.3% of its GDP.
- Active personnel: Approximately 6,000 (2024)
- Military expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Conscription: Abolished in 2003
- Military deployments: 100 troops in Kosovo and Slovakia (2024)
- Modernization efforts: Focus on NATO-standard equipment
Energy
Slovenia has a diverse energy mix primarily reliant on hydroelectric power and nuclear energy. The country achieves 100% electrification, underscoring its commitment to energy access.
- Electricity consumption: 12.953 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Installed capacity: 4.739 million kW (2023)
- Electricity imports: 9.114 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Nuclear share: 36.8% of total electricity production (2023)
- Coal production: 2.44 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Environment
Slovenia's environment faces challenges such as air and water pollution, as well as biodiversity protection issues. The country is a participant in numerous international environmental agreements to address these challenges.
- Land use: 30.3% agricultural, 61.3% forest (2022)
- Greenhouse gas emissions: Total CO2 emissions of 10.772 million metric tonnes (2023)
- Recycling rate: 46.4% of municipal solid waste (2015 est.)
- Water resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 31.87 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)
Transportation
Slovenia's transportation network includes well-maintained roads, railways, and airports catering to domestic and international travel.
- Railways: 1,207 km total (2020)
- Airports: 42 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 8 vessels (2023)
- Port facilities: Mainly at Koper and Piran
Communications
Slovenia boasts a high rate of connectivity, with a significant majority of the population using the internet and mobile communication services.
- Internet users: 90% of the population (2023)
- Mobile subscriptions: 2.73 million (2023)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 647,000 (2023)
- Broadband subscriptions: 683,000 (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,097,893 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 20,273 sq km | Slightly smaller than New Jersey |
| GDP (PPP) | $103.118 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 8 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 82.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Military expenditures | 1.3% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Electric consumption | 12.953 billion kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Forest area | 61.3% | Land use (2022) |
| Inflation rate | 2% | 2024 estimate |
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