Slovenia: an Overview of Population, Peoples and Cities

Slovenia is a small country with a population of around 2.1 million people, which makes it one of the least populated countries in Europe. Despite its small size, Slovenia has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population.

Population of Slovenia

The population of Slovenia has been steadily growing over the past few decades, with an increase of about 50,000 people since the turn of the century. However, the growth rate has been slowing down in recent years, and the population is expected to stabilize at around 2.1 million in the coming years. Slovenia has a relatively low birth rate, which is offset by a high immigration rate, particularly from other European countries.

Largest cities in Slovenia

The largest city in Slovenia is Ljubljana, which is also the capital of the country. Ljubljana has a population of around 290,000 people, making it one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. Other major cities in Slovenia include Maribor, Celje, Kranj, and Koper. These cities have populations ranging from around 50,000 to 100,000 people.

Nationalities in Slovenia

Slovenia is a diverse country, with many different nationalities living within its borders. The majority of the population is Slovene, which makes up around 83% of the population. Other significant minority groups in Slovenia include Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, and Italians. These groups make up between 1-3% of the population each.

Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croatians are three significant minority groups living in Slovenia. While Slovenes make up the majority of the population, these three groups have a long history in the country and have contributed to its cultural heritage.

Bosniaks are an ethnic group that primarily live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but they also have a presence in several other countries, including Slovenia. At the moment there are approximately 25,000 Bosniaks living in Slovenia. They have their own cultural associations and organizations in the country, which help them preserve their culture and traditions. Most of the Bosniaks living in Slovenia are Sunni Muslims, and they have established mosques in several cities, including Ljubljana, Maribor, and Koper.

Serbs are another significant minority group in Slovenia, making up around 2% of the population. Most Serbs in Slovenia live in the eastern region of Bela Krajina and the southern region of Dolenjska. Many Serbs in Slovenia are Orthodox Christians, and they have their own cultural and religious institutions. Serbs in Slovenia have a long history of cultural and economic exchange with Serbia, and there are many cultural ties between the two countries.

Croatians are another ethnic group and according to the 2021 estimates, there are approximately 40,000 Croatians living in Slovenia, primarily in the regions of Prekmurje, Istria, and the Slovenian Littoral. Croatians have been living in Slovenia for centuries, and they have contributed significantly to the cultural diversity of the country. They have their own cultural associations and organizations, such as the Croatian Cultural Association and the Croatian Democratic Union of Slovenia, which promote their language, culture, and identity.

Religion in Slovenia

Slovenia is a predominantly Christian country, with around 60% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. Other Christian denominations, such as Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy, also have small but significant followings in Slovenia. There is also a number of Muslims and Jews in the country.

Slovenia may be a small country, but it has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. The country's population is expected to stabilize at around 2.1 million people in the coming years, with a high immigration rate offsetting a low birth rate. Ljubljana is the largest city in Slovenia, with other major cities including Maribor, Celje, Kranj, and Koper. The majority of the population is Slovene, but there are also significant minority groups, such as Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, and Italians. Slovenia is a predominantly Christian country, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination, but the country is known for its religious tolerance and diversity.