The Republic of Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, on the Pannonian plains where the Alpine Mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea.

Area: 20,273 km2

Population: 1,964,036 (2002 census)

Language: Slovene; a southern Slav language that uses the Latin alphabet; Currency: Slovenian tolar (SIT); Euro 1 = 229 SIT.

Slovenia became an independent state in 1991 and a member of the European Union on May 1, 2004.

Slovenia is among the most successful of the countries in transition from socialism to a market economy.

In its 13 years of existence, Slovenia has privatized its economy, stabilized inflation & halted rising unemployment.

In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at the World Bank.

In the last decade, Slovenia has strengthened its currency, relaxed the flow of capital and modernized its taxation system.

Electronics and electrical equipment account for the largest part of Slovenia's booming export business.