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.
ECONOMYIndustry: 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 source:
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004
