Political overview
Slovenia is a parliamentary democratic republic. Power is divided into the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
The Parliament consists of the National Assembly and the National Council. The National Assembly comprises 90 members, 88 representing political parties elected on a proportional basis and two representing Slovenia's Italian and Hungarian communities. The National Council comprises 40 members, nominated and elected by different interest groups in society to represent organised social interests (employers, employees, farmers, craftspeople, professions) and the interests of local communities.
The Government wields executive power and comprises the Prime Minister and Ministers. The Government is responsible to the National Assembly, which elects the Prime Minister and confirms the Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister.
The President is Slovenia's head of state and commander-in-chief of the Slovenian Armed Forces. The President represents and defends the country's interests internationally. The President is elected by citizens in direct elections for a term of five years.
Slovenia marks its National Day, known as Statehood Day, on 25 June, which commemorates its declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Foreign policy
Slovenia's Foreign Policy Strategy outlines four basic principles that guide its diplomacy: inclusion, responsibility, security and solidarity. The Strategy emphasises Slovenia's focus on being a reliable partner in the European Union (EU) and forging effective partnerships internationally. The Strategy states Slovenia's foreign policy responses are centred on security, stability and peace; effective economic diplomacy; balanced green and digital transition; partnerships for greater resilience; transparency and branding of Slovenian diplomacy; caring for Slovenian citizens and Slovenians outside Slovenia; and excellence in Slovenian diplomacy.
Slovenia became a member of the United Nations and the Organization for Security Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 1992, the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2010. Slovenia joined the EU in 2004, including the Eurozone and the Schengen area in 2007.
Slovenia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-25 term (concluding on 31 December 2025). Through its membership of the Security Council, Slovenia aims to contribute to the preservation of international peace and security, deepen dialogue with UN member states and strengthen confidence in multilateralism.
Bilateral relations
Australia and Slovenia have a close relationship, characterised by strong community ties, shared values and interests, including a commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law and human rights, and modest but growing trade relations.
Australia recognised Slovenia as an independent state on 16 January 1992 and established diplomatic relations on 5 February 1992. The Australian Embassy in Vienna is accredited to Slovenia.
Fast Facts
Slovenian visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals – 2024
2,730
Australian visitors to Slovenia (resident returns 2024)
3,690
Resident Australian population born in Slovenia (2021 census)
5,076
Australian residents of Slovenian descent (2021 census)
1,328
High level engagements
- 2024 - State Secretary responsible for Taxes, Customs Duties and Other Charges Katja Božič visited Australia.
- 2019 - Former Minister for Slovenians Abroad Peter Česnik visited Australia.
- 2018 - Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop visited Slovenia.
- 2018 – Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Počivalšek visited Australia
Agreements and arrangements with Slovenia
- Social Security (2004)
- Reciprocal Healthcare (2011)
- Work and Holiday Visa (2015)
- Double Taxation (signed in 2024)
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts are available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Embassy hosts events in Slovenia to promote Australian culture, foster trade and investment, and emphasise Australia's work to uphold internationally agreed rules and norms that underpin our prosperity. The Embassy regularly engages with senior government representatives, businesses, universities and the alumni community.
Most recently the Australian Embassy held a trade and investment event with Slovenia business in April 2025.
Economic diplomacy
Two-way goods and services trade between Australia and Slovenia was valued at $4425.3 million in 2024. Imports from Slovenia to Australia were valued at $318.1 million, while Australian exports to Slovenia were valued at $107.2 million. In 2024, Australia's goods imports from Slovenia were valued at $318.1 million.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Slovenia country economic factsheet [PDF].
Business
More than 100 Australian companies export to Slovenia, including Aberdeen Wine Company Pty Limited; Aim Lab Automation Technologies Pty Ltd (health); BEGA cheese limited (food and agri); Downunder Mining Pty Ltd (mining); Memko Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Pty Ltd (aerospace); Momento Mori Wines Pty Ltd; Pernod Ricard Winemakers Pty Ltd.
Many Slovenian firms have operations in, or export to Australia, including Adria Mobile (motorhomes), Akrapovič (exhaust systems), Bisol (solar panels), Impact International (aluminium tubes), Jafral (biotech), Ledinek (timber processing machinery), Pivka Delamaris and Income Leone (food processing) and VMA (software solutions).
Austrade's office in Prague is responsible for Slovenia.
Australian Embassy
Australia's Embassy in Vienna is responsible for relations with Slovenia.
Australia also has an Honorary Consul based in Ljubljana.
General consular enquiries: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
To arrange passport appointments or other matters: auconsulate.ljubljana@gmail.com
Travel
See Smartraveller or Information on travelling to Slovenia.