Slovenia is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, by constitution, whereby the Prime Minister is head of government. There is a pluriform multi-party system and a distinct separation of powers. Power is shared between a directly elected president, a prime minister, and a bicameral legislature. The Legislature is composed of the 90-member National Assembly, the most important chamber of the legislature, and the National Council, a largely advisory body composed of representatives from social, economic, professional, and local interests. The Constitutional Court has the highest power of review of legislation to ensure its consistency with Slovenia’s constitution. Its nine judges are elected for 9-year terms. Since the break-up of Yugoslavia, Slovenia has enjoyed a stable and democratic political system, characterized by regular elections, a free press and an excellent human rights record.
On the international front, Slovenia has advanced rapidly toward integration into the Euro-Atlantic community of nations. Invited to begin accession negotiations with the European Union in November 1998, Slovenia has achieved two of its primary foreign policy goals–membership in the EU and NATO in 2004.
Slovenian society is built on consensus, which has converged on a social-democrat model. Political differences tend to have their roots in the roles that groups and individuals played during the years of communist rule and the struggle for independence.[1]
Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia’s transformation to a modern state.The Slovenian Government is well-positioned to be an influential role model for other southeast European governments at different stages of reform and integration. Slovenia’s experience—particularly with regard to the euro zone’s monetary policy—will be watched eagerly by its fellow east-central Europeans.[2]
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Slovenia
[2] The Economist, “Pioneering Slovenia,” January 4th, 2007
Results of October 3rd, 2004, National Assembly Elections of Slovenia
| Party | % | Seats |
| Slovenian Democratic Party | 29.1 | 29 |
| Liberal Democracy of Slovenia | 22.8 | 23 |
| United List of Social Democrats | 10.2 | 10 |
| New Slovenia – Christian People’s Party | 9.0 | 9 |
| Slovenian People’s Party | 6.8 | 7 |
| Slovenian National Party | 6.3 | 6 |
| Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia | 4.0 | 4 |
| Hungarian and Italian ethnic minorities | n/a | 2 |
Facts and Figures:
| Population | 2,009,245 (July 2007 est.) |
| Ethnic groups
|
Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 census) |
| 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) |
| Capital | Ljubljana |
| Languages
|
Slovenian 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4% (2002 census) |
| GDP (PPP) | $47.01 billion (2006 est.) |
| GDP per capita (PPP) | $23,400 (2006 est.) |
| Exports
|
manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food |
| Imports
|
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food |
| Unemployment | 9.6% (2006 est.) |
| Population below poverty line | 12.9% (2004) |
Source: CIA World Factbook
