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Slovenia: Slovenia People Profile 2012

2012/04/04

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Slovenia People Profile 2012

Historical overview:the Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian plains and the mysterious Karst. 

A country with spectacular mountains, thick forests and a short Adriatic coastline, Slovenia also enjoys substantial economic and political stability. Absorbed into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes –later Yugoslavia –after World War One, Slovenia was part of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia under Marshall Tito. 

Slovenia was the wealthiest and most liberal country in the federation and did not suffer from the ethnic divisions that would bring disaster when the federation broke up. The population was almost universally Slovene and their path to independence was uniquely short and peaceful.

People (distribution, density)

Slovenia has a population of 1,964,036, of which 83.06% are Slovenes (2002 census). In Slovenia there are also two national minority communities of Italians and Hungarians. They are considered indigenous minorities, and their rights are protected under the Constitution.

Other ethnic groups include Croats, Serbs, Bosnians (Muslims), Yugoslavs, Macedonians, Montenegrins and Albanians. The status and special rights of Gypsy communities living in Slovenia are determined by statute.

Slovenia is approximately 50% urban and 50% rural.

Population density is 99.7 inhabitants per km2, which is much lower than in the majority of other European states. People have mainly settled the river valleys and transport routes, where long ago Slovenian towns began to emerge, whilst the mountainous and forested areas remain unpopulated.

Language

The country's official language is Slovene, which makes use of the Latin alphabet.

The Slovenian language has played a special role throughout Slovenian history. It is still considered one of the foundations of national identity. In spite of various influences, it has preserved its special linguistic features - the most notable being the archaic dual form. This is the grammatical number used for two people or things in all inflected parts of speech.

Even a limited proficiency in Slovene will make your trip both easier and more rewarding. It will save you time finding what you want, be it a hotel room, a special dish on the menu or an item you want to buy.

Religion

The majority of Slovenes (almost 60%) are Roman Catholics, although there more than 40 other religious communities, spiritual groups, societies and associations registered in Slovenia.

Its activities include maintaining a register of active religious communities and providing information on the relevant legislation.