FAX: (7) 5443-0096

FAX: (202) 965-5166

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Carl SPIELVOGEL

embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: (7) 5443-3338

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red superimposed with the Slovak cross in a shield centered on the hoist side; the cross is white centered on a background of red and blue

Slovakia Economy

Economy - overview: Slovakia continues the difficult transition from a centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. The economic slowdown in 1999 stemmed from large budget and current account deficits, fast-growing external debt, and persistent corruption. Even though GDP growth reached only 2.2% in 2000, the year was marked by positive developments such as foreign direct investment of $1.5 billion, strong export performance, restructuring and privatization in the banking sector, entry into the OECD, and initial efforts to stem corruption. Strong challenges face the government in 2001, especially the maintenance of fiscal balance, the further privatization of the economy, and the reduction of unemployment.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $55.3 billion (2000 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 2.2% (2000 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,200 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 29.3%

services: 66.2% (1999 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 5.1%

highest 10%: 18.2% (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.2% (2000 est.)

Labor force: 3 million (1999)

Labor force - by occupation: industry 29.3%, agriculture 8.9%, construction 8%, transport and communication 8.2%, services 45.6% (1994)

Unemployment rate: 17% (2000 est.)

Budget: revenues: $5.2 billion

expenditures: $5.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1999)

Industries: metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Industrial production growth rate: 9.3% (2000 est.)

Electricity - production: 22.582 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 37.56%

hydro: 18.27%

nuclear: 44.17%

other: 0% (1999)

Electricity - consumption: 21.471 billion kWh (1999)

Electricity - exports: 930 million kWh (1999)

Electricity - imports: 1.4 billion kWh (1999)

Agriculture - products: grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products

Exports: $12 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)

Exports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment 39.4%, intermediate manufactured goods 27.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 13%, chemicals 8% (1999)

Exports - partners: EU 59.7% (Germany 27.8%, Austria 8%, Italy 8.9%), Czech Republic 18.1% (1999)

Imports: $12.8 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)

Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment 37.7%, intermediate manufactured goods 18%, fuels 13%, chemicals 11%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 9.5% (1999)

Imports - partners: EU 51.4% (Germany 26%, Italy 7.1%), Czech
Republic 16.6%, Russia 11.9% (1999)

Debt - external: $10.3 billion (2000 est.)

Economic aid - recipient: $421.9 million (1995)

Currency: Slovak koruna (SKK)

Currency code: SKK

Exchange rates: koruny per US dollar - 48.09 (March 2001), 46.395 (2000), 41.363 (1999), 35.233 (1998), 33.616 (1997), 30.654 (1996)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Slovakia Communications

Telephones - main lines in use: 1,934,558 (1998)

Telephones - mobile cellular: 736,662 (April 1999)

Telephone system: general assessment: a modernization and privatization program is increasing accessibility to telephone service, reducing the waiting time for new subscribers, and generally improving service quality

domestic: predominantly an analog system that is now receiving digital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable, especially in the larger cities; mobile cellular capability has been added

international: three international exchanges (one in Bratislava and two in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in several international telecommunications projects that will increase the availability of external services

Radio broadcast stations: AM 15, FM 78, shortwave 2 (1998)

Radios: 3.12 million (1997)

Television broadcast stations: 38 (plus 864 repeaters) (1995)

Televisions: 2.62 million (1997)

Internet country code: .sk

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 6 (2000)

Internet users: 700,000 (2000)

Slovakia Transportation

Railways: total: 3,660 km

broad gauge: 102 km 1.520-m gauge

standard gauge: 3,507 km 1.435-m gauge (1,505 km electrified; 1,011 km double track)

narrow gauge: 51 km (46 km 1,000-m gauge; 5 km 0.750-m gauge) (1998)

Highways: total: 17,710 km

paved: 17,533 km (including 288 km of expressways)

unpaved: 177 km (1998 est.)

Waterways: 172 km (all on the Danube)

Pipelines: petroleum products NA km; natural gas 2,700 km

Ports and harbors: Bratislava, Komarno

Merchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 15,041
GRT/19,517 DWT

ships by type: cargo 3 (2000 est.)

Airports: 35 (2000 est.)

Airports - with paved runways: total: 18

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 8 (2000 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 7 (2000 est.)

Slovakia Military

Military branches: Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces,
Territorial Defense Forces, Civil Defense Force

Military manpower - military age: 18 years of age

Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,487,093 (2001 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,136,811 (2001 est.)

Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 45,502 (2001 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure: $380 million (FY00)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.71% (FY00)

Slovakia Transnational Issues

Disputes - international: Gabcikovo/Nagymaros Dam dispute with
Hungary is before the ICJ

Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe

@Slovenia

Slovenia Introduction

Background: In 1918 the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new nation, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with the exercise of power of the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy make Slovenia a leading candidate for future membership in the EU and NATO.

Slovenia Geography

Location: Southeastern Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic
Sea, between Austria and Croatia

Geographic coordinates: 46 00 N, 15 00 E

Map references: Europe

Area: total: 20,253 sq km

land: 20,253 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries: total: 1,165 km

border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 501 km, Italy 232 km, Hungary 102 km

Coastline: 46.6 km

Maritime claims: NA

Climate: Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east

Terrain: a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountain and valleys with numerous rivers to the east

Elevation extremes: lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Natural resources: lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver, hydropower

Land use: arable land: 12%

permanent crops: 3%

permanent pastures: 24%

forests and woodland: 54%

other: 7% (1996 est.)

Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1993 est.)

Natural hazards: flooding and earthquakes

Environment - current issues: Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution,
Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered
Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear
Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol

Slovenia People

Population: 1,930,132 (July 2001 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.09% (male 159,428; female 151,134)

15-64 years: 69.61% (male 681,333; female 662,170)

65 years and over: 14.3% (male 101,354; female 174,713) (2001 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.14% (2001 est.)

Birth rate: 9.32 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Death rate: 9.98 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Net migration rate: 2.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2001 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 4.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.08 years

male: 71.2 years

female: 79.17 years (2001 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.28 children born/woman (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.02% (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 200 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 100 (1999 est.)

Nationality: noun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Ethnic groups: Slovene 88%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Bosniak 1%, Yugoslav 0.6%, Hungarian 0.4%, other 5% (1991)

Religions: Roman Catholic 68.8%, Uniate Catholic 2%, Lutheran 1%,
Muslim 1%, atheist 4.3%, other 22.9%

Languages: Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 6%, other 3%

Literacy: definition: NA

total population: 99%

male: NA%

female: NA%

Slovenia Government

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia

conventional short form: Slovenia

local long form: Republika Slovenija

local short form: Slovenija

Government type: parliamentary democratic republic

Capital: Ljubljana

Administrative divisions: 136 municipalities (obcine, singular -
obcina) and 11 urban municipalities* (mestne obcine , singular -
mestna obcina ) Ajdovscina, Beltinci, Bled, Bohinj, Borovnica,
Bovec, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica, Cankova-Tisina, Celje*, Cerklje na
Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj,
Destrnik-Trnovska Vas, Divaca, Dobrepolje, Dobrova-Horjul-Polhov
Gradec, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale, Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek,
Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji
Petrovci, Grosuplje, Hodos Salovci, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina,
Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola, Jesenice,
Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje, Kocevje,
Komen, Koper*, Kozje, Kranj*, Kranjska Gora, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma,
Lasko, Lenart, Lendava, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno, Ljutomer,
Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk,
Maribor*, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miren-Kostanjevica,
Mislinja, Moravce, Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta,
Naklo, Nazarje, Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Ormoz, Osilnica,
Pesnica, Piran, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podvelka-Ribnica, Postojna,
Preddvor, Ptuj*, Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob
Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne-Prevalje, Ribnica, Rogasevci, Rogaska
Slatina, Rogatec, Ruse, Semic, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur
pri Celju, Sevnica, Sezana, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Slovenj
Gradec*, Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje pri Jelsah,
Smartno ob Paki, Sostanj, Starse, Store, Sveti Jurij, Tolmin,
Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trzic, Turnisce, Velenje*, Velike Lasce, Videm,
Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice, Vojnik, Vrhnika, Vuzenica, Zagorje ob Savi,
Zalec, Zavrc, Zelezniki, Ziri, Zrece

note: there may be 45 more municipalities

Independence: 25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday: Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Constitution: adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991

Legal system: based on civil law system

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)

Executive branch: chief of state: President Milan KUCAN (since 22
April 1990)

head of government: Prime Minister Janez DRNOVSEK (since 15 October 2000);

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 24 November 1997 (next to be held NA 2002); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly; election last held 15 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2004)

election results: Milan KUCAN elected president; percent of vote - Milan KUCAN 56.3%, Janez PODOBNIK 18%; Janez DRNOVSEK elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA

Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats, 40 are directly elected and 50 are selected on a proportional basis; note - the numbers of directly elected and proportionally elected seats varies with each election; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held 15 October 2000 (next to be held NA October 2004)

election results: percent of vote by party - LDS 36%, SDS 16%, ZLSD 12%, SLS/SKD 10%, NSI 9%, SMS 4%, SNS 4%, DeSUS 5%, other 4%; seats by party - LDS 34, SDS 14, ZLDS 11, SLS/SKD 9, NSI 8, SMS 4, SNS 4, DeSUS 4, other 2

note: the National Council or Drzavni Svet is an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws and ask to review any National Assembly decisions; in the election of NA November 1997, 40 members were elected to represent local, professional, and socioeconomic interests (next election to be held in the fall of 2002)

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National
Assembly on the recommendation of the Judicial Council);
Constitutional Court (judges elected for nine-year terms by the
National Assembly and nominated by the president)

Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party of Retired (Persons)
of Slovenia or DeSUS [Janko KUSAR]; Liberal Democratic or LDS [Janez
DRNOVSEK, chairman]; New Slovenia or NSI [Andrej BAJUK, chairman];
Slovene National Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC, chairman]; Slovene
People's Party or SLS (Slovenian People's Party or SLS and Slovenian
Christian Democrats or SKD merged in April 2000) [Franc ZAGOZEN,
chairman]; Slovene Youth Party or SMS [leader NA]; Social Democratic
Party of Slovenia or SDS [Janez JANSA, chairman]; United List of
Social Democrats (former Communists and allies) or ZLSD [Borut
PAHOR, chairman]

Political pressure groups and leaders: NA

International organization participation: ABEDA, ACCT (observer),
BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IADB, IAEA,
IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat
(nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NSG,
OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNTAET, UNTSO,
UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Davorin KRACUN

chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: (202) 667-5363