• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Culture & Identity of Slovenia

Introduction

Slovene Culture - Fishing
Fishing

Slovenia is a country where the simple rural life meets the modern age. The people seem to be very knowledgeable of the world around them and enjoy seeing the world, but always seem to settle back home, whether that is the city of Ljubljana or a village in the Alps.

Half the people in Slovenia live in an urban setting and half live in more rural areas. However, the capital is the only true city in the country as most of the other cities are smaller. No matter the location, the people seem to be a part of a larger community and there is no shortage of friendliness.

Although the people are very down to earth and kind, they also work hard and for most working people, the daily way of life revolves around their work schedule or kids' school hours. Most people with regular working hours arrive to work at about 8:00 am and return home at about 5:00 pm. In rural settings it's common for an extended lunch break, but this depends on the industry and location.

Free time in Slovenia is almost always spent with family and friends. The people are very family oriented so evenings, weekends (Saturday-Sunday), and long vacations are usually spent with family. The longest vacation of the year for most people is from June to August, when schools are out. While many people enjoy getting out to the mountains, the seaside, or abroad, it seems the time most cherished by many of the people is that time spent at home over a meal.

Identity

The Slovenes primarily identify as Slovenian, which is primarily an ethnic-based identity; an ethnicity that is slightly different from Serbian, Bosniak, or Croatian. This identity is first defined by ethnicity, but other cultural aspects also take on a prominent role in defining the identity. Most Slovenes are Catholic and hold citizenship in Slovenia, but these traits are secondary in defining what it means to be a Slovenian; rather ethnicity and language seem to be the most important characteristics in being included in this identity. Having been an independent state in the past the Slovene identity has been long-established and many people see it as being at the core of who they are as a people and nation.

This page was last updated: May, 2014