Slovenia

Historically part of the former Federation of Yugoslavia, the Republic of Slovenia won its independence in 1991 with a 10-day war. Political and economic ties to the West have been strengthened since that time through membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). Bordering on the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia has a coastline of 28.9 miles (46.6 kilometers). The climate is Mediterranean along the coast. Elsewhere, the continental climate produces mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and the valleys of the Alps. Slovenia is vulnerable to both flooding and earthquakes. Natural resources include lignite, coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver, hydropower, and forests.

With a per capita income of $20,900, Slovenia's economic status is more in line with ...