Descriptions:

Slovenia is a small country in Central Europe, but contains within its borders Alpine mountains, thick forests, historic cities and a short Adriatic coastline.

Slovenia was the first former Yugoslav republic to join the European Union, in May 2004 – shortly after joining Nato.

Unlike Croatia or Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia’s independence from Yugoslavia was almost bloodless. The country also found the transition from a state economy to the free market easier than most.

Long regarded as one of the best-performing new EU members, Slovenia was dragged into a deep recession by the European financial crisis in 2012.

Slovenia’s relations with Croatia have been strained on account of a rumbling dispute over sea and land borders dating back to the break-up of Yugoslavia.

• Republic of Slovenia
• Capital: Ljubljana
• Population 2 million
• Area 20,273 sq km (7,827 sq miles)
• Major language Slovene
• Major religion Christianity
• Life expectancy 76 years (men), 83 years (women)
• Currency euro