Economy

Viaduct Črni kal. Photo: Arsen Perić


Lying at a junction of natural trading routes, Slovenia has been a crossroads, a huge gateway, since the Romans were marching around this region. It is known as a reliable partner, with a rational way of doing things, and a highly educated labour force.

The nineties were marked by economic progress typical of the more successful transition countries, and the transition to a market economy was relatively painless.

At home and abroad, Slovenian companies have celebrated numerous successful and highly innovative products. Ever heard of Elan skis, the ones used by skiing champions? Or Seaway sailing boats and Pipistrel ultralight aircraft? Or designed Gorenje household appliances?

Macroeconomic indices for Slovenia in 2011

Real GDP growth (real growth rate in %) -0.2

GDP per capita in EUR 17.361

Rate of unemployment by ILO in % 8.2

Growth in labour productivity (%) 1.6

Gross wage per employee (real gross earnings growth in %) 0.2

Inflation (annual average) 1.8

                                                              Source: Statistical Office of the RS  

The Slovenian economy is open, and levels of internationalisation.

The economy is geared towards services, and Slovenia can boast top-class services in the field of information technology. It also has developed pharmaceutical and automobile manufacturing. Other major economic sectors include the food industry, electrical devices, metal processing and chemicals. Meanwhile tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector.