Republic of Slovenia

The large glass building behind this row of flags is Slovenia’s Parliament, the heart of the country’s political life. What many visitors don’t realize is that Slovenia is a young nation. After centuries under Habsburg rule and later as part of Yugoslavia, it declared independence in 1991, following a decisive referendum and the brief Ten-Day War. Today Slovenia is a modern parliamentary democracy. The president’s role is mostly ceremonial, while the government is led by a prime minister chosen from Parliament. Since 2004 the country has been a member of the European Union, and it adopted the euro in 2007. Before you move on, take a closer look at the great bronze entrance portal. Its sculptures portray the Slovene people in all their diversity, making it one of the most powerful symbols of the nation’s democracy.