Slovenia
Political overview
Slovenia is a parliamentary democratic republic. Power is divided into the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
The legislative branch (the Parliament) consists of the National Assembly and the National Council. The National Assembly comprises 90 members, 88 representing political parties elected on a proportional basis and two representing Slovenia’s Italian and Hungarian communities. The National Council comprises 40 members, nominated and elected by different interest groups in society to represent organised social interests (employers, employees, farmers, craftspeople, professions) and the interests of local communities.
The Government wields executive power and is composed of the Prime Minister and Ministers. The Government is responsible to the National Assembly, which elects the Prime Minister and confirms the Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister.
The President of the Republic is the commander-in-chief of the country’s defence forces and represents and defends the interests of the Republic of Slovenia in relation to other nations. The President is elected by citizens in direct elections for a term of five years.
Foreign policy
Slovenia’s foreign policy is underpinned by the values of its own independence and statehood, its constitution, the values of the European Union (EU) and the basic principles of the UN Charter. The overriding objectives of Slovenia’s foreign policy include peace, security and prosperity, settled bilateral relations and a strong EU and multilateral system, as well as the global presence of Slovenia.
Slovenia joined the United Nations and the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 1992, the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 2004 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2010. Slovenia joined the EU on 1 May 2004, including the Eurozone on 1 January 2007 and the Schengen area on 21 December 2007. The EU is Slovenia's most important economic, development, political and legal environment.
Slovenia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2024-25. Through its membership of the Security Council, Slovenia aims to contribute to the preservation of international peace and security, deepen dialogue with other UN members and strengthen confidence in multilateralism.
Bilateral relations
Australia and Slovenia have a close relationship, characterised by strong community ties, shared values and interests, including a commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law and human rights, and modest but growing trade relations. Australia recognised Slovenia as an independent state on 16 January 1992 and established diplomatic relations on 5 February 1992.
Slovenia has an embassy in Canberra, and consulates in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
Fast facts
- Slovenian visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals – 2023): – 2,270
- Australian visitors to Slovenia (resident returns 2023) – 3,340
- Resident Australian population born in Slovenia (2021 census): – 5,076
- Australian residents of Slovenian descent (2021 census): – 21,341
Agreements and arrangements with Slovenia
- Social Security (2004)
- Reciprocal Healthcare (2011)
- Work and holiday visa (2015)
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts are available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Vienna is accredited to Slovenia.
The Embassy hosts regular events in Slovenia to promote Australian culture and business credentials and emphasise Australia’s active support for internationally agreed rules and norms. The Embassy regularly engages with senior government representatives, businesses, universities and the alumni community.
Economic diplomacy
Two-way goods and services trade between Australia and Slovenia was valued at $411.0 million in 2023. Imports from Slovenia to Australia were valued at $283.8 million, while Australian exports to Slovenia were valued at $127.2 million. Harvey Norman owns and operates five retail stores in Slovenia.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Slovenia country economic factsheet [PDF].
Australian Embassy
Australia's Embassy in Vienna is accredited to Slovenia.
Australia also has an Honorary Consul based in Ljubljana.
General consular enquiries: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
To arrange passport appointments or other matters: auconsulate.ljubljana@gmail.com
Travel
See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Slovenia.