September 2005

World View

The Slovenes of Slovenia

By Chuck Satterwhite

Imagine belonging to a group that settled during the 6th and 7th centuries, but not having independence until 1991. This is the history of the Slovenes. For over 1,000 years, Slovenes lived under the control of others. From 617-658 Slovenes were included in the Slavic union under King Samo. After the Slavic union came under control of the Franks, and became subject to intense Christian indoctrination, particularly during the reign of Charlemagne. In the Middle Ages the area became part of the Holy Roman Empire, and the middle of the 14th century control was held by the Hapsburg Empire. The Slovenes even saw a brief rule of Napoleon Bonaparte.

In 1918, the Slovenes joined with other South Slavs after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes - renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. However, one-third of Slovene ethnic territory remained outside its borders.

World War II was costly for the Slovenes. Their territory was divided among three occupying forces—Germany, Italy, and Hungary. The fight for liberation and a civil war killed thousands of the Slovenes. The Communist takeover led to massive emigration from Slovenia.

Finally, in June of 1991, when the country of Yugoslavia fell apart, Slovenia proclaimed its independence. Although the republic proclaimed independence, not all Slovenes live in Slovenia. Some live in Italy, Hungary, and Austria.

Slovenia in located in Central Europe and borders four countries: Austria in the north, Hungary in the northeast, Italy in the west, and Croatia in the east and south. Slovenia is roughly the size of New Jersey. Even though Slovenia is small it is geographically diverse. Regions include the cold harsh alpines, large fertile basins, hills, and a coast line on the Adriatic Sea. The climate varies with the geography. The Alpine region has long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The fertile lands experience cold winters, hot summers and daily temperatures that fluctuate, while the coast experiences mild winters.

The majority of Slovenes live in the city. Most are employed and work 40-hour work weeks. Some work much longer hours. Many who work in factories and offices also work other jobs; they run their own businesses and/or work on small family-owned farms. Until World War II most Slovenes were peasants and made their livelihood farming. Under socialism the state created many jobs whether or not they were needed because everyone had the right to work. This did provide a minimal means of living for Slovenes, but it also brought about bad situations as well. There was no way of getting promotions or wages because economies were stagnant, unlike market economies where competition drives situations. Under socialism there is a lack of competition and efficiency, which causes the cost of goods to be high. After 1990, several industrial plants were closed or downsized. This lead to high unemployment. In 1996 unemployment rates reach 14%.

The literacy rate among Slovenes is near 100%. Since 1869 there has been a legal requirement that all children have at least eight years of elementary education. All children age 6-14 attend elementary school. When students are 14, they take a lower-level comprehensive exam. The results of this exam influences a students further education. 90% of students continue their education at the secondary level. Some continue to four year schools to prepare for higher studies, but many enter two and three year vocational schools. Not all students graduate. Those who do finish take the upper-level comprehensive exam which allows them to enroll in the university. For a long time education has been the only way of social promotion for Slovenes. Many students follow in the parents’ vocational footsteps.

Slovenes celebrate major holidays—Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, Assumption Day, and All Saint’s Day. Even though many are Catholic, they also observe Reformation Day. Slovenes celebrate these holidays officially, with speeches and cultural programs, and with families and friends by having picnics, bonfires and singing.

Music is a large part of Slovene culture. Folk songs have traditionally been sung in group work, such as harvesting. Today folk songs are still sung in churches during traditional celebrations and at social gatherings. Historically, Slovenes spent their free time singing in choirs. This tradition still continues; there are hundreds of choirs in schools, churches, and other organizations. Slovene history and culture are also reflected in folk art and literature. Many poems, fairy tales, short stories, and proverbs have bee recorded and passed for future generations.

The majority of Slovenes get married in their 20s. With high cost of housing most couples live with their parents until they are able to buy their own home. Because of the cost of living families with three or more children are rare.

On weekends, especially Sundays and evenings, families spend time together. Families go to church, take trips, ski, hike, walk, or visit. Many families visit relatives in the country and help them work in fields, orchards, or vineyards.

Most Slovenes are Roman Catholic. In the 8th century Slovene worshiper were Christianized by Irish missionaries. 90% of Slovenes claim to be nominal Catholics. Fewer practice their religion by going to mass and receiving the sacraments. However, Slovene culture is inseparable from Catholicism. Small numbers belong to other religious groups. In past years there has been more interest among young Slovenes in various spiritual movements.

Unfortunately alcoholism is a serious problem among all ages and both genders. Despite a 25% rise in alcoholism over the past decade, Slovenes generally have a good quality of life. Life expectancy for men is 70 years and 76 years for women. Mothers are able to take one year of maternity leave to stay with their newborns. Half of the time can be used by fathers. All children are vaccinated and under regular medical check ups.

Gall, Timothy L. ed., World Mark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life: Vol. 4: Europe, Gale Research, Detroit, MI. 1998.