About Slovenia

Everyone has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that, due to circumstances of fate, we have found ourselves in a new country where it is necessary to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our portal Expaterra will be able to help you!

So, Slovenia: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone can find their home amidst scenic landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.

Culture and Lifestyle

Slovenia is a small country in Central Europe known for its cultural diversity, rich historical heritage, and unique cuisine. 

The culture of Slovenia has absorbed elements of Slavic, Germanic, Romance, and Hungarian traditions, which is reflected in architecture, music, and customs. Slovenes are known for their friendliness and hospitality. They value family connections and often spend time with loved ones. Residents of Slovenia are environmentally conscious, actively participate in eco-initiatives, and enjoy spending time in nature. Slovenes celebrate many traditional holidays, accompanied by folk dances, music, and national costumes. 

Slovenian cuisine is diverse and reflects the regional characteristics of the country. Here are some traditional dishes worth trying:

Gobova juha – a traditional mushroom soup, often served in a bread loaf.

Kranjska klobasa - a juicy pork sausage with garlic and spices, popular throughout the country.

Prekmurska gibanica - a layered cake with poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, and cottage cheese, originating from the Prekmurje region.

Štruklji - dough rolls with a variety of fillings: cottage cheese, nuts, apples, or herbs.

Žganci - a dish made from buckwheat or corn flour, resembling polenta, often served with sauerkraut or milk.

Slovenes love sports and an active lifestyle. Popular sports include skiing, mountain hiking, and cycling. Visiting cafes and enjoying a cup of coffee is an integral part of everyday life. Cafes serve as places for meetings and socializing. In rural areas, traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and wood carving are still preserved.

Slovenia ranks highly in various international ratings, reflecting its achievements in safety, quality of life, and environmental sustainability. In 2024, Slovenia ranked 9th among the most peaceful countries in the world, indicating its stability and low crime rate. As of early 2024, Slovenia ranks 15th in the world for the level and quality of life, surpassing many European countries. Slovenia ranks 21st in the world for quality of life, reflecting its achievements in education, healthcare, and citizen welfare. Slovenia ranks 29th among the happiest countries in the world.

However, in some areas, the country may be in less favorable positions. Slovenia ranks 35th in the Global Competitiveness Index, reflecting potential for improvement in the areas of innovation and business environment. In 2022, Slovenia ranked 41st out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating the need to strengthen anti-corruption measures. These indicators point to areas requiring attention and development to increase overall competitiveness and improve the business climate in Slovenia.

Local Language

Learning Slovenian can be challenging for foreigners due to its grammatical, phonetic, and cultural features. The Slovenian language has 6 cases, complicating the comprehension of sentence structures. In addition to singular and plural numbers, Slovenian has a special form for the dual, which is unique among modern European languages. Verbs change according to person, number, tense, and aspect. The Slovenian alphabet includes 25 letters, but the pronunciation of many sounds can be difficult. The Slovenian language has about 46 dialects, which can significantly differ from the literary language. Words in Slovenian may resemble words from other Slavic languages but have different meanings.

Despite the difficulties, learning Slovenian helps to gain a deeper understanding of the country's culture and facilitates integration into society.