Slovenia is a small country located to the south of Austria and has a population of 2 million, of which 275,000 live in the capital, Ljubljana. The population is expected to reach 2.1 million in 2030, while the proportion of people aged over 65 will increase from 24% to 39% over the same period. Slovene is the official language, while half the population are Catholic. The Euro is the official currency. The standard rate of VAT is 20%.
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Slovenia Capital: Ljubljana
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Population |
2 million à 2.1 million (2030) Proportion of people over 65 is 24% à 39% (2030) |
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Language |
Slovene |
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Religion |
50% Catholic |
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GDP / head |
€ 17,400 (EU average: € 25,100) |
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Currency |
Euro |
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VAT |
20% |
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GDP growth (volume)
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-0.2% -0.1% in 2012 (f) 1.5% in 2013 (f) |
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Unemployment rate (Feb 2012) |
8.7% (EU average: 10.2%) |
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Inflation rate |
2.1% (EU average: 3.1%) |
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Figures relate to 2011, except where indicated. Source: Eurostat, Searce (2012) |
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Slovenia has a GDP per capita of €17,300, compared to the EU average of €24,400 in 2010. According to the OECD, the Slovenian economy grew by 1% in 2011, and is expected to grow by 0.3% in 2012 and by 1.8% in 2013 (compared to the Eurozone average growth of 1.6%, 0.2% and 1.4% respectively). The inflation rate was 2.1% in 2011, compared to 3% in the EU. The unemployment rate was 8.2%, compared to 9.8% in the EU as a whole in 2011.
Slovenians are quite adaptable and tend to moderate their behaviour to whoever they are meeting. They can also be indirect or unclear about their intentions, particularly with people they do not know well. Business decisions are often based on personal sentiment, so it is worth trying to develop a relationship with whom you are dealing.
Searce
La Mationne
Saint Genès la Tourette
63580 France