Slovenia Weekly: 35 Years

Slovenia celebrates 35 years of independence. Statehood Day, a national holiday and a day off work, is observed on 25 June to commemorate 25 June 1991, when the then Slovenian Assembly, acting on the decision taken in the plebiscite on Slovenia's independence, adopted the key documents that paved the way for Slovenia’s independence.

Prime Minister Janez Janša called for Slovenia’s shared future to be built on the values that united the nation during that defining period. He added that history teaches us that, when it comes to the most important issues affecting the country's development, people must stand together. He said that with a clear vision, courage and cooperation, the opportunities before us are far greater than they may appear today.

To mark Statehood Day, the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, in its publication 100% Slovenia, notes that over the past 35 years the share of the population with tertiary education has increased significantly, while the share of those with the lowest level of educational attainment has declined. Since 1991, Slovenia has substantially expanded access to upper secondary and higher education.

Based on the latest data, the Statistical Office highlights the rise in educational attainment as one of the most significant social developments since Slovenia gained independence. A higher level of educational attainment among the population has a direct impact on individuals’ employment prospects, the productivity of the economy and the overall development of society as a whole.