2013 Edition

Background

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. 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; it joined the eurozone in 2007.

Area

20,273 sq km 20,151 sq km 122 sq km

total

20,273 sq km

water

122 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Climate

Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east

Coastline

46.6 km

Elevation extremes

Adriatic Sea 0 m Triglav 2,864 m

highest point

Triglav 2,864 m

lowest point

Adriatic Sea 0 m

Environment - current issues

Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.94 cu km/yr (18%/82%/0%) 462.9 cu m/yr (2009)

per capita

462.9 cu m/yr (2009)

total

0.94 cu km/yr (18%/82%/0%)

Geographic coordinates

46 07 N, 14 49 E

Geography - note

despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe's major transit routes

Irrigated land

76.04 sq km (2010)

Land boundaries

1,086 km Austria 330 km, Croatia 455 km, Hungary 102 km, Italy 199 km

border countries

Austria 330 km, Croatia 455 km, Hungary 102 km, Italy 199 km

total

1,086 km

Land use

8.31% 1.33% 90.36% (2011)

arable land

8.31%

other

90.36% (2011)

permanent crops

1.33%

Location

south Central Europe, Julian Alps between Austria and Croatia

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

flooding; earthquakes

Natural resources

lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower, forests

Terrain

a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east

Total renewable water resources

31.87 cu km (2011)

Age structure

13.4% (male 137,756/female 129,420) 10.3% (male 105,182/female 100,255) 44.2% (male 444,274/female 435,702) 14.7% (male 144,230/female 147,774) 17.5% (male 138,953/female 209,144) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

13.4% (male 137,756/female 129,420)

15-24 years

10.3% (male 105,182/female 100,255)

25-54 years

44.2% (male 444,274/female 435,702)

55-64 years

14.7% (male 144,230/female 147,774)

65 years and over

17.5% (male 138,953/female 209,144) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

8.66 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

78.9% percent of women aged 15-44 (1994/95)

Death rate

11.12 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

46 % 20.9 % 25.2 % 4 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

25.2 %

potential support ratio

4 (2013)

total dependency ratio

46 %

youth dependency ratio

20.9 %

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 99% of population total: 99% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 1% of population total: 1% of population (2010 est.)

rural

1% of population

total

1% of population (2010 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

5.7% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 census)

Health expenditures

9% of GDP (2010)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

less than 0.1% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

4.6 beds/1,000 population (2010)

Infant mortality rate

4.08 deaths/1,000 live births 4.61 deaths/1,000 live births 3.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

3.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

4.08 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Slovenian (official) 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4%, Italian (official, only in municipalities where Italian national communities reside), Hungarian (official, only in municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside) (2002 census)

Life expectancy at birth

77.66 years 74.02 years 81.53 years (2013 est.)

female

81.53 years (2013 est.)

total population

77.66 years

Literacy

NA 99.7% 99.7% 99.7% (2011 est.)

definition

NA

female

99.7% (2011 est.)

male

99.7%

total population

99.7%

Major urban areas - population

LJUBLJANA (capital) 260,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

12 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

43.1 years 41.4 years 44.9 years (2013 est.)

female

44.9 years (2013 est.)

male

41.4 years

total

43.1 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

28.7 (2010 est.)

Nationality

Slovene(s) Slovenian

adjective

Slovenian

noun

Slovene(s)

Net migration rate

0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

28.6% (2008)

Physicians density

2.54 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

1,992,690 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

-0.21% (2013 est.)

Religions

Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2010 est.)

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population (2010 est.)

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

17 years 16 years 18 years (2011)

female

18 years (2011)

male

16 years

total

17 years

Sex ratio

1.07 male(s)/female 1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.66 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.02 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.66 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

0.95 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.32 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

15.7% 15% 16.8% (2011)

female

16.8% (2011)

total

15.7%

Urbanization

50% of total population (2010) 0.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

50% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

200 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) and 11 urban municipalities (mestne obcine, singular - mestna obcina) Ajdovscina, Apace, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled, Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica, Cankova, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno, Cerkvenjak, Cirkulane, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj, Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec, Dobrovnik/Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale, Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gorje, Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje, Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina, Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola/Isola, Jesenice, Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje, Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Kosanjevica na Krki, Kostel, Kozje, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava/Lendva, Litija, Ljubno, Ljutomer, Log-Dragomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Makole, Markovci, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju, Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Mokronog-Trebelno, Moravce, Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica, Pesnica, Piran/Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka, Poljcane, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Recica ob Savinji, Rence-Vogrsko, Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogaska Slatina, Rogasovci, Rogatec, Ruse, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sevnica, Sezana, Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sredisce ob Dravi, Starse, Straza, Sveta Ana, Sveta Trojica v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij ob Scavnici, Sveti Jurij v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Tomaz, Salovci, Sempeter-Vrtojba, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur, Sentrupert, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smarjeske Toplice, Smartno ob Paki, Smartno pr Celje, Koper-Capodistria, Kranj, Ljubljana, Maribor, Murska Sobota, Nova Gorica, Novo Mesto, Ptuj, Slovenj Gradec, Velenje

municipalities

Ajdovscina, Apace, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled, Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica, Cankova, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno, Cerkvenjak, Cirkulane, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj, Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec, Dobrovnik/Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale, Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gorje, Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje, Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina, Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola/Isola, Jesenice, Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje, Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Kosanjevica na Krki, Kostel, Kozje, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava/Lendva, Litija, Ljubno, Ljutomer, Log-Dragomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Makole, Markovci, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju, Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Mokronog-Trebelno, Moravce, Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica, Pesnica, Piran/Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka, Poljcane, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Recica ob Savinji, Rence-Vogrsko, Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogaska Slatina, Rogasovci, Rogatec, Ruse, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sevnica, Sezana, Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sredisce ob Dravi, Starse, Straza, Sveta Ana, Sveta Trojica v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij ob Scavnici, Sveti Jurij v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Tomaz, Salovci, Sempeter-Vrtojba, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur, Sentrupert, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smarjeske Toplice, Smartno ob Paki, Smartno pr

urban municipalities

Celje, Koper-Capodistria, Kranj, Ljubljana, Maribor, Murska Sobota, Nova Gorica, Novo Mesto, Ptuj, Slovenj Gradec, Velenje

Capital

Ljubljana 46 03 N, 14 31 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

46 03 N, 14 31 E

name

Ljubljana

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

previous 1974 (preindependence); latest passed by legislature 23 December 1991; amended several times, last in 2013 (2013)

Country name

Republic of Slovenia Slovenia Republika Slovenija Slovenija People's Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Republic of Slovenia

conventional long form

Republic of Slovenia

conventional short form

Slovenia

former

People's Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Republic of Slovenia

local long form

Republika Slovenija

local short form

Slovenija

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Joseph A. MUSSOMELI (since 29 October 2010) Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana American Embassy Ljubljana, US Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140 [386] (1) 200-5500 [386] (1) 200-5555

chief of mission

Ambassador Joseph A. MUSSOMELI (since 29 October 2010)

embassy

Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana

FAX

[386] (1) 200-5555

mailing address

American Embassy Ljubljana, US Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140

telephone

[386] (1) 200-5500

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Bozo CERAR (since 6 September 2013) 2410 California Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 386-6601 [1] (202) 386-6633 Cleveland, New York

chancery

2410 California Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Bozo CERAR (since 6 September 2013)

consulate(s) general

Cleveland, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 386-6633

telephone

[1] (202) 386-6601

Executive branch

President Borut PAHOR (since 22 December 2012) Prime Minister Alenka BRATUSEK (since 20 March 2013) Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 November and a runoff on 2 December 2012 (next presidential election to be held in 2017); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly Borut PAHOR elected president; percent of vote - Borut PAHOR 67.4%, Danilo TURK 32.6%; on February 27, 2013 a no-confidence vote in Parliament resulted in Alenka BRATUSEK becoming prime minister designate; BRATUSEK became prime minister (Slovenia's first female prime minister) on 20 March 2013 after her cabinet was approved

cabinet

Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly

chief of state

President Borut PAHOR (since 22 December 2012)

election results

Borut PAHOR elected president; percent of vote - Borut PAHOR 67.4%, Danilo TURK 32.6%; on February 27, 2013 a no-confidence vote in Parliament resulted in Alenka BRATUSEK becoming prime minister designate; BRATUSEK became prime minister (Slovenia's first female prime minister) on 20 March 2013 after her cabinet was approved

elections

president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 November and a runoff on 2 December 2012 (next presidential election to be held in 2017); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly

head of government

Prime Minister Alenka BRATUSEK (since 20 March 2013)

Flag description

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red, derive from the medieval coat of arms of the Duchy of Carniola; the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, in white against a blue background at the center; beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an inverted triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early 15th centuries) appears in the upper hoist side of the flag centered on the white and blue bands

Government type

parliamentary republic

Independence

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 37 judges organized into 7 departments - civil, criminal, commercial, labor and social security, administrative, registry, and international cooperation); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 7 judges) Supreme Court president and vice president appointed by the National Assembly upon the proposal of the Minister of Justice based on the opinions of the Judicial Council, an 11-member independent body elected by the National Assembly from proposals submitted by the president, attorneys, law universities, and sitting judges; other Supreme Court judges elected by the National Assembly from candidates proposed by the Judicial Council; Supreme Court judge term NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the National Assembly from nominations by the president of the republic; Constitutional Court president selected from among their own for a 3-year term; other judges elected for single 9-year terms county, district, regional, and high courts; specialized labor-related and social courts; Court of Audit; Administrative Court

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 37 judges organized into 7 departments - civil, criminal, commercial, labor and social security, administrative, registry, and international cooperation); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 7 judges)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court president and vice president appointed by the National Assembly upon the proposal of the Minister of Justice based on the opinions of the Judicial Council, an 11-member independent body elected by the National Assembly from proposals submitted by the president, attorneys, law universities, and sitting judges; other Supreme Court judges elected by the National Assembly from candidates proposed by the Judicial Council; Supreme Court judge term NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the National Assembly from nominations by the president of the republic; Constitutional Court president selected from among their own for a 3-year term; other judges elected for single 9-year terms

subordinate courts

county, district, regional, and high courts; specialized labor-related and social courts; Court of Audit; Administrative Court

Legal system

civil law system

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of a National Council or Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws, ask to review any National Assembly decision, and call national referenda) and the National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 88 members are elected on a proportional basis and 2 are elected by the Italian and Hungarian minorities through a majoritarian, preferential system; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) National Assembly - last held on 4 December 2011 (next to be held in 2015) percent of vote by party - PS 28.6%, SDS 26.2%, SD 10.5%, LGV 8.4%, DeSUS 7%, SLS 6.9%, NSi 4.8%, other 7.6%; seats by party - PS 28, SDS 26, SD 10, LGV 8, DeSUS 6, SLS 6, NSi 4, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

election results

percent of vote by party - PS 28.6%, SDS 26.2%, SD 10.5%, LGV 8.4%, DeSUS 7%, SLS 6.9%, NSi 4.8%, other 7.6%; seats by party - PS 28, SDS 26, SD 10, LGV 8, DeSUS 6, SLS 6, NSi 4, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

elections

National Assembly - last held on 4 December 2011 (next to be held in 2015)

National anthem

"Zdravljica" (A Toast) France PRESEREN/Stanko PREMRL adopted 1989; the anthem was originally written in 1848; the full poem, whose seventh verse is used as the anthem, speaks of pan-Slavic nationalism

lyrics/music

France PRESEREN/Stanko PREMRL

name

"Zdravljica" (A Toast)

National holiday

Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

National symbol(s)

Mount Triglav

Political parties and leaders

Civic List or DL [Gregor VIRANT] (formerly LGV) Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia or DeSUS [Karl ERJAVEC] New Slovenia or NSi [Ljudmila NOVAK] Positive Slovenia or PS [Alenka BRATUSEK (interim)] Slovene People's Party or SLS [Radovan ZERJAV] Slovenian Democratic Party or SDS [Janez JANSA] Social Democrats or SD [Igor LUKSIC] (formerly ZLSD)

Political pressure groups and leaders

Slovenian Roma Association [Jozek Horvat MUC]; various trade and public sector employee unions Catholic Church

other

Catholic Church

Suffrage

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Agriculture - products

potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle, sheep, poultry

Budget

$19.28 billion $20.73 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$20.73 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$19.28 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-3.2% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.5% (31 December 2012) 1.75% (31 December 2011) this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate

5.73% (31 December 2012 est.) 5.82% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$1.491 billion (2012 est.) $203.2 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$53.88 billion (31 December 2012) $52.07 billion (31 December 2011)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

23.8 (2011) 23.8 (2004)

Economy - overview

Slovenia became the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro (on 1 January 2007) and has experienced one of the most stable political and economic transitions in Central and Southeastern Europe. With the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has lagged since 2002, and the economy has one of the highest levels of state control in the EU. Structural reforms to improve the business environment have allowed for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and helped to lower unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at the World Bank. In 2007, Slovenia was invited to begin the process for joining the OECD; it became a member in 2012. Despite its economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in China, India, and elsewhere. In 2009, the global recession caused the economy to contract - through falling exports and industrial production - by 8%, and unemployment to rise. Although growth resumed in 2010, it dipped into negative territory in 2012 and the unemployment rate continued to rise, approaching 12% in 2012.

Exchange rates

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.78 (2012 est.) 0.72 (2011 est.) 0.76 (2010 est.) 0.72 (2009 est.) 0.68 (2008 est.)

Exports

$27.81 billion (2012 est.) $29.85 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Exports - partners

Germany 20%, Italy 12%, Austria 7.9%, Croatia 6.2%, France 4.8%, Russia 4.6% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

56.9% 20.8% 17.8% -0.3% 76.1% -71.3% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

76.1%

government consumption

20.8%

household consumption

56.9%

imports of goods and services

-71.3%

investment in fixed capital

17.8%

investment in inventories

-0.3%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

2.7% 27.7% 69.6% (2012 est.)

agriculture

2.7%

industry

27.7%

services

69.6% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$27,800 (2012 est.) $28,600 (2011 est.) $28,500 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

-2.5% (2012 est.) 0.7% (2011 est.) 1.3% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$44.81 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$57.22 billion (2012 est.) $58.71 billion (2011 est.) $58.3 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

19.8% of GDP (2012 est.) 20.1% of GDP (2011 est.) 20.1% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

3.9% 19.8% (2011)

highest 10%

19.8% (2011)

lowest 10%

3.9%

Imports

$27.95 billion (2012 est.) $31.18 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food

Imports - partners

Italy 16.5%, Germany 16.3%, Austria 10.4%, Croatia 4.8%, Hungary 4% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

0.2% (2012 est.)

Industries

ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc smelting; electronics (including military electronics), trucks, automobiles, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine tools

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.6% (2012 est.) 1.8% (2011 est.)

Labor force

920,200 (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

2.2% 35% 62.8% (2009)

agriculture

2.2%

industry

35%

services

62.8% (2009)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$6.326 billion (31 December 2011) $9.428 billion (31 December 2010) $11.77 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

13.6% (2011)

Public debt

47.6% of GDP (2012 est.) 41.9% of GDP (2011 est.) defined by the EU's Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities: currency and deposits, securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives, and loans; general government sector comprises the subsectors: central government, state government, local government, and social security funds

defined by the EU's Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities

currency and deposits, securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives, and loans; general government sector comprises the subsectors: central government, state government, local government, and social security funds

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$951.9 million (31 December 2012 est.) $991.3 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$26.52 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $25.62 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$8.878 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $9.439 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$16.96 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $16.78 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$46.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $48.54 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$16.03 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $16.12 billion (31 December 2010 est.) see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 17 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money circulating within their own borders

Taxes and other revenues

43% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

12% (2012 est.) 11.8% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

15.83 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

305 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

NA bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

12.6 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

5.915 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

38% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

33.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

20.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

5.002 billion kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

3.193 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

15.17 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

1.06 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

1.181 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - imports

2.07 billion cu m (2012 est.)

Natural gas - production

2 million cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

NA cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

52,930 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

14,210 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

68,320 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

public TV broadcaster, Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTV), operates a system of national and regional TV stations; 35 domestic commercial TV stations operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 60% of households are connected to multi-channel cable TV; public radio broadcaster operates 3 national and 4 regional stations; more than 75 regional and local commercial and non-commercial radio stations (2007)

Internet country code

.si

Internet hosts

415,581 (2012)

Internet users

1.298 million (2009)

Telephone system

well-developed telecommunications infrastructure combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 150 telephones per 100 persons country code - 386 (2011)

domestic

combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 150 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

well-developed telecommunications infrastructure

international

country code - 386 (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

825,000 (8012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

2.246 million (2012)

Airports

16 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

2,438 to 3,047 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

3

over 3,047 m

1

total

7

under 914 m

1 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

5 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

3

total

9

Merchant marine

24 (Cyprus 5, Liberia 7, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Slovakia 1) (2010)

registered in other countries

24 (Cyprus 5, Liberia 7, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 6, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Slovakia 1) (2010)

Pipelines

gas 844 km; oil 5 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Koper

Railways

1,228 km 1,228 km 1.435-m gauge (503 km electrified) (2007)

total

1,228 km

Roadways

38,985 km 38,985 km (includes 769 km of expressways) (2012)

total

38,985 km

Waterways

(there is some transport on the Drava River) (2012)

Manpower available for military service

477,592 464,301 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

464,301 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

477,592

Manpower fit for military service

392,075 380,077 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

380,077 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

392,075

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

9,818 9,395 (2010 est.)

female

9,395 (2010 est.)

male

9,818

Military branches

Slovenian Armed Forces (Slovenska Vojska, SV): Forces Command (with ground units, naval element, air and air defense brigade); Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR) (2013)

Slovenian Armed Forces (Slovenska Vojska, SV)

Forces Command (with ground units, naval element, air and air defense brigade); Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR) (2013)

Military expenditures

1.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2003 (2012)

Disputes - international

since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Croatia and Slovenia have each claimed sovereignty over Pirin Bay and four villages, and Slovenia has objected to Croatia's claim of an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea; in 2009, however Croatia and Slovenia signed a binding international arbitration agreement to define their disputed land and maritime borders, which led to Slovenia lifting its objections to Croatia joining the EU; Slovenia continues to impose a hard border Schengen regime with Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013 but has not yet fulfilled Schengen requirements; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through southeastern Europe while encouraging close cross-border ties with Croatia

Illicit drugs

minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals