Slovenia

With its small transition economy and population of approximately two million, Slovenia is a model of economic success and stability for its neighbors in the former Yugoslavia. The country, which joined the EU in 2004, has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and an excellent central location. It enjoys a GDP per capita substantially higher than any of the other transitioning economies of Central Europe. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at the World Bank. Slovenia plans to adopt the euro by 2007 and has met the EU´s Maastricht criteria for inflation. Despite its economic success, Slovenia faces growing challenges.

Source:

spamfighter.com

Today Slovenia is a stable democracy that is increasing its international engagement. Slovenia is one of the top foreign investors in the former Yugoslavia, and a charter World Trade Organization (WTO) member. Members of the Slovenian Armed Forces are participating in NATO, EU, and UN operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and elsewhere. Slovenia served as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office in 2005, was the Chairman of the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors in 2006-2007, and is preparing to be the first of the ten 2004 EU newcomers to hold the EU's rotating presidency in the first half of 2008. Though small in size, Slovenia enjoys a growing regional profile and plays a role on the world stage that is out of proportion to its size.

Source:

state.gov

Slovenia has a fascinating history influenced by numerous empires and conquering nations. It existed under the Hapsburg dynasty from the early 14th century until the end of WWI, and by the middle of the 20th century became part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Slovenia declared its independence and has remained a prosperous, peaceful nation that tourists are just beginning to discover. Formally recognized by the European Community in 1992, it was admitted into the European Union in 2004. Slovenian people are friendly, industrious, easy going and many speak English, making travel rather easy.

Source:

nicholsexpeditions.com

Slovenia has an excellent transportation network. It contained 38,400 km (23,861 mi) of roads in 2003, and its largest cities are connected by railroads. There are ... three major airports and a port at Koper on the Adriatic Sea. In October 1991 Slovenia released its own currency, the tolar, to replace the Yugoslav dinar. On the first day of 2007 the euro, the monetary unit of the European Union (EU), became the official currency of Slovenia.

Source:

encarta.msn.com

Following the re-establishment of Yugoslavia at the end of World War II, Slovenia became a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, officially declared on 29 November 1945. A Communist dictatorship was established, but due to the Tito-Stalin split the conditions regarding economic and personal freedom were better than in the Eastern Bloc. In 1947, Italy ceded most of the Julian March to Yugoslavia and Slovenia ... regained the Slovenian Littoral, including the access to the sea. Starting from the 1950s, the Socialist Republic of Slovenia enjoyed a relatively wide autonomy under the rule of the local Communist élite. In 1990, the first free and democratic elections were held and the DEMOS coalition defeated the former Communist parties. In December 1990, the overwhelming majority of Slovenian citizens voted for independence, which was declared on 25 June 1991.

Source:

en.wikipedia.org

ESPOO, Finland, November 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nokia and Mobitel Slovenia have signed a contract for Nokia's hosted Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) and Presence services. Nokia will integrate and host commercial, OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) compliant services for Mobitel Slovenia... enabling the operator to roll out the solution more quickly and with a reduced investment. Mobitel Slovenia will launch the services commercially on November 15th, 2006.

Source:

sys-con.com