History
- The State of Karantanija (7th to 11th century: The Duchy of Carantania, the oldest known independent Slavonic tribal union in this region) - enthronement of Carinthian princes. Detail from a fresco by Gojmir Anton Kos (1896-1979).
The Slovenians were never so united as on the day of a national referendum on independence on 23 December 1990. Eighty eight percent of voters encircled “YES”. The declaration of independence followed on 25 June 1991.
Much has happened during the years of independence, and even more in the last 15 centuries.
Slovenia experienced its first days of statehood more than a thousand years ago, when southern Slav ancestors settled in this area and founded the principality of Carantania . Historians claim that this was one of the most democratic and avant-garde states of its time. It was no surprise, then, that in Thomas Jefferson’s times, the writers of the American Constitution drew from principles in the Carantanian state.
Today the random traveller through Slovenia’s plains or mountains can still admire the rich cultural tradition. Much also remains from the times of Hapsburg rule. For it was only in 1918 that the Slovenians joined the Croats and Serbs in a kingdom that later became Yugoslavia. Following the collapse of Socialist Yugoslavia in 1991, an entirely new period in Slovenian history began - independent Slovenia.
Features
Twenty years of national currency
January 2012
On 8 October 1991, Slovenia introduced its own currency and set out on a path of monetary independence. The tolar, its official legal tender at the time, was one of the most important attributes of the Slovenian State. Monetary...
Pile-dwellings in the Ljubljansko Barje on the UNESCO World Heritage List
September 2011
In the immediate vicinity of the city of Ljubljana, there is the Ljubljansko Barje, which is an incredible treasury of natural and cultural heritage. This idyllic landscape is home to a number of species of fauna and flora, as...
Slovenia celebrates its 20th anniversary
June 2011
In 2011, Slovenia is celebrating 20 years of independence. The final event within the series of celebrations will be the central state commemoration of the Statehood Day and the 20th anniversary of independence held at the...
The linden tree - a tree of friendship, love and loyalty
June 2011
The linden tree continues to have most symbolic importance in terms of the establishment of Slovenian statehood. Twenty years ago, on the day the Republic of Slovenia proclaimed its independence and sovereignty, a linden tree was...
More
Slovenia has been populated since the Stone Age. Read the overview of the last 1500 years - since our Slavic ancestors arrived in this territory.
History & Culture (brochure)
A 17 page leaflet »History & Culture« brings a short overview of Slovenia’s history from Carinthia up to the present times, a presentation of Slovenian culture and a schedule of music events and festivals held in Slovenia. Read more »
Links
Slovenia celebrates 20 years - a thematic website www.twenty.si , covering chronological and historical information, an abundance of interactive content, etc.
Chronology
Overview through time (1987-2010) - on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Slovenia
Major government events (2005 - 2010)
Chronology of particular most important activities of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia within the country and abroad.
25 June 2006 - Fifteen Years of Slovenian State - Web site covering the fifteen years of independence of the Republic of Slovenia, and the celebrations marking the occasion.
10 Years of Independence - National celebration on the 10th anniversary of Slovenia's independence