Slovenia Facts, Slovenia Flag -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 1,998,000
Capital:: Ljubljana; 256,000
Area:: 20,273 square kilometers (7,827 square miles)
Language:: Slovene
Religion:: Roman Catholic, other
Currency:: Euro
Life Expectancy:: 76
GDP per Capita:: U.S. $19,200
Literacy Percent:: 100

Slovenia is an Alpine-mountain state in central Europe consisting mainly of Roman Catholic Slovenes. In 1918 Slovenia joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes—subsequently named Yugoslavia. Slovenia proclaimed its independence in June 1991, prompting a ten-day conflict that brought defeat to the Serb-dominated Yugoslav Army. It is the most prosperous of the former Yugoslav republics, with the region's highest standard of living. Its Western outlook and economic stability won Slovenia membership in both NATO and the EU in 2004.

ECONOMY

Industry: Ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc smelting, electronics, trucks
Agriculture: Potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets; cattle
Exports: Manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

—Text From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition

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