Slovenia profile

Demography and Health

Slovenia’s population stood at about 2.13 million in 2024, reflecting a small, highly developed country with a relatively stable demographic trajectory. The country experiences a modest natural increase and net migration that together shape its age structure and workforce prospects. Life expectancy at birth is around 82 years (2023), signaling strong health outcomes, while the crude birth rate is 8.0 per 1,000 people and the death rate is 10.2 per 1,000, consistent with a mature population. The under-5 mortality rate is low at 2.2 per 1,000 live births, underscoring effective child healthcare and public health systems. The birth and death dynamics, alongside positive net migration (about 3,319 people in 2024), suggest gradual population aging, which has implications for pensions, healthcare demand, and the structure of the labor market. Poverty at national poverty lines is 12.7%, with undernourishment at 2.5% of the population, both indicating that while basic material needs are largely met, a minority remains vulnerable. Health metrics reveal a well-developed system: current health expenditure is 9.41% of GDP, and domestic general government health expenditure per capita, PPP, was about 3,600 international US dollars in 2022, signaling substantial public investment in health services. Slovenia also records a suicide mortality rate of 18.9 per 100,000 people (2021), highlighting ongoing attention to mental health as part of overall well-being. Medical capacity is notable, with physicians numbering about 3.33 per 1,000 people (2021), and internet penetration is high, with 90.4% of the population using the Internet (2023). Across these indicators, the data suggest a society with strong health and development foundations, complemented by a generally high standard of living and broad digital connectivity.

Economy, Trade and Investment

Slovenia exhibits a highly open and productive economy. GDP per capita stands at about 34,089 current US dollars in 2024, with a purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP per capita of roughly 56,531 international dollars, indicating strong material living standards. The country is notably export-oriented, as exports of goods and services account for 81.5% of GDP in 2024, ranking around 12 globally in the data, while imports of goods and services equal about 74.9% of GDP (2024), underscoring a broad-based participation in global trade. This openness is paired with a healthy external position: the current account balance is a surplus of 4.46% of GDP in 2024, and net foreign direct investment inflows amount to 2.69% of GDP, reflecting confidence from international investors and the country’s integration into regional value chains. The economy also shows a strong mix of traditional and knowledge-intensive activities, with high-technology exports totaling about 4.2 billion USD in 2023. Slovenia invests in innovation, with R&D expenditure at 2.1% of GDP in 2022 and 222 resident patent applications in 2021, signaling a focus on knowledge-based growth. The sectoral and macro indicators align with a stable and competitive market, where inflation remains modest at 1.97% in 2024 and unemployment is comparatively low at 3.65% in 2023, reflecting a tight labor market. The country’s export orientation is complemented by a robust services sector and a technology-intense manufacturing base, contributing to a GDP per capita advantage over many peers and a competitive business environment. Foreign direct investment contributes to ongoing modernization and regional integration.

Governance and Institutions

Slovenia demonstrates solid governance indicators and institutional quality by several standard measures. Political stability and absence of violence/terrorism is rated at 0.819 (2023), and regulatory quality stands at 0.731, suggesting a regulatory environment that supports business activity and reform. The rule of law is above 1.0 (1.04), and control of corruption is 0.777, both signaling a credible framework for rights, contracts, and anti-corruption efforts. Government effectiveness also sits around 1.04, pointing to a capable public sector that can deliver services and implement policy. Together, these indicators imply a relatively predictable policy environment, with institutions that support private investment, rule-based governance, and effective public administration. The country devotes resources to defense, with military expenditure at about 907.5 million USD in 2023, a modest share of GDP that aligns with Slovenia’s security role within Europe. The combination of these governance signals, plus strong logistics and infrastructure indicators, underpins Slovenia’s ability to implement reforms and sustain convergence with higher-income peers.

Infrastructure and Technology

Slovenia benefits from a high level of connectivity and efficient infrastructure. The logistics performance index, measuring quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure, is 3.6 out of 5 (2022), with a global rank around 10, indicating strong logistics capabilities and reliable transport networks that facilitate trade. Internet penetration is extensive, with 90.4% of the population online in 2023, reflecting a digitally connected society and favorable conditions for digital services and e-government. The country also shows a solid emphasis on research and innovation: high-technology exports reach about 4.2 billion USD (2023), and R&D expenditure equals 2.1% of GDP (2022). Patent activity by residents totals 222 applications in 2021, signaling ongoing ingenuity and intellectual property creation. Health infrastructure is complemented by a robust health system, with current health expenditure at 9.41% of GDP (2023) and physician density at 3.33 per 1,000 people (2021). The interplay of strong digital reach, innovation activity, and efficient logistics supports a favorable environment for modern business models, including tech-enabled manufacturing and services. The energy and environmental profile shows renewable energy consumption at 23.4% of total final energy consumption (2021), indicating progress toward cleaner energy, while water management indicators—such as a level of water stress (6.29)—and per-capita greenhouse gas emissions (7.54 t CO2e) frame ongoing sustainability challenges and opportunities for further decarbonization.

Environment and Sustainability

Slovenia’s environmental profile reflects both progress and ongoing challenges. Renewable energy consumption accounts for about 23.4% of total final energy use (2021), signaling continued diversification toward cleaner sources, though room remains to deepen decarbonization in transport and industry. Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF per capita are 7.54 t CO2e, with a rank of 53 within a cross-country comparison, highlighting a moderate but meaningful climate footprint that aligns with a high-income, developed economy. Water resources indicate a level of stress at 6.29% of freshwater withdrawal relative to available resources (2021), placing Slovenia in a range where sustainable water management remains important but pressures are not extreme. The environment sits within a broader context of social prosperity, where poverty is not pervasive, yet the country faces the typical European path toward lower emissions while maintaining high living standards. Climate and environmental policies, along with energy transition plans, will likely continue to influence industrial structure, mobility patterns, and public investment priorities in the coming years.