Slovenia today is a prosperous democracy, becoming an independent state in 1991. The republic officially became a member of the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004. Before their independence, Slovenia was one of six republics of Yugoslavia, ruled by Josip Broz Tito from 1918. Prior to this communistic rule, Slovenia was an intrinsic part of the Habsburg Empire.
Beautiful Slovenia sits in the heart of Europe and is bordered by Italy; to the west, Austria; to the north, Hungary; to the east, and Croatia; to the south. Slovenia’s European geographic region includes; Mediterranean coastal regions, Alpine mountain ranges and Pannonian plains. The Slovene people are avid skiers, and enjoy hiking or just playing on the coastal beaches.
The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana, a vibrant city founded during roman times. The current population of Slovenia is just over 2 million, with an approximate 250,000 persons living in Ljubljana. The capital city holds many historic treasurers. Well known for its much-photographed bridges and architectural marvels, Ljubljana is home to the Triple Bridge, Shoemaker’s Bridge, Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers and the Ljubljana Castle.
The mass immigration of our Slovene ancestors began in the 1890’s and continued until 1924 when the United States placed new restrictions on the on entry into the country. Some estimates show that more than 250,000 Slovene immigrants left the mother country during this period and settled in the United States, Australia, and Canada.
We invite you to peruse the links provided to learn more about the country and to familiarize yourself with Slovenia’s twelve regions. This becomes invaluable when searching vital records in both Church and State archives.
Twelve Regions of SloveniaMap of Twelve Regions
Country Information:
http://www.dz-rs.si/index.php?id=69
http://www.slovenia.si/slovenia_in_the_world
http://www.vlada.si/en/about_slovenia
http://www.matkurja.com/en/
Slovenian National Insignia:
http://www.un.int/slovenia/insignia.html http://www.theslovenian.com/articles/pogacnik.htm
Pictures of Slovenia
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.theodora.com/wfb/photos/slovenia/zadnja_trenta_slovenia_photo_gov.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.theodora.com/wfb/photos/slovenia/slovenia_photos_43.html&usg=__BrOKX2gpciAoQQez0oxkH5Ez7RQ=&
