You say Slovakia, we say Slovenia! 5 quick facts to stop mixing up the two countries

You say Slovakia, we say Slovenia! 5 quick facts to stop mixing up the two countries

Slovenia and Slovakia are both beautiful countries worth visiting, each offering unique attractions. Yet, a frequent challenge they face internationally is being mistaken for one another. Let’s explore some key differences between these two distinct nations.

Where does the confusion come from?

Although their names sound very similar, this shouldn’t lead to the assumption that Slovenia and Slovakia are the same. This mix-up has led to numerous public and sometimes amusing misunderstandings—even involving prominent politicians.

Despite each country having been independent for three decades, these confusions persist. For instance, at the IIHF World Championships, the Slovenian anthem was mistakenly played for the Slovakian team.

Here are the 5 things to remember:

  1. There are two countries in between Slovenia and Slovakia

Slovenia and Slovakia share a Slavic language heritage, a predominantly Catholic tradition, and a history as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire before 1918. This shared cultural background often places both countries within the context of “Central Europe.”

Slovenia and Slovakia don’t share borders, they never did.

Despite these similarities, Slovenia and Slovakia are geographically distinct. Slovenia lies south of the Alps along the Adriatic Sea, bordering Italy and Croatia, and is separated from Slovakia by two non-Slavic countries: Austria and Hungary. Slovakia, on the other hand, is further north, bordered by Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, and Czechia.

  1. Their historical backgrounds are distinct

Both countries were once part of larger federations and followed distinct paths to independence. In the early 1990s, Slovakia peacefully separated from Czechoslovakia (notice how “Slovakia” appears in the latter part of the name), while Slovenia gained independence from Yugoslavia after a brief conflict.

Today, Slovenia has a population of about 2 million, while Slovakia is home to approximately 5.4 million people.

  1. Slovenia is a coastal country, with access to the Adriatic Sea

As noted earlier, Slovenia and Slovakia have very different geographic positions. Slovenia is uniquely positioned as the only European country encompassing four distinct geographical regions: the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst, and the Pannonian Plains.

Additionally, Slovenia has a coastline along the Adriatic Sea, while Slovakia is a landlocked country situated in the heart of Central Europe, with no access to the sea.

Piran is a coastal town in Slovenia by the Adriatic Sea.

4. Melania Trump is from Slovenia, so is Žižek (famous philosopher)

Melania Trump was born in the small town of Sevnica, located in central Slovenia. Growing up in this quaint town, she was known as Melania Knauss before she moved to the United States in the 1990s to pursue a career in modeling. 

Melania first became First Lady of the United States in January 2017 when her husband, Donald Trump, was inaugurated as the 45th president. She became First Lady of the United States for a second time when Donald Trump was re-elected in 2024.

From our travel blog: A day trip to Sevnica from Ljubljana

Slavoj Žižek is undoubtedly Slovenia’s most prominent intellectual export. A philosopher and psychoanalyst born in Slovenia, he has been dubbed both the “Elvis of cultural theory” and the biggest box-office draw postmodernists have ever had.

  1. Green is more than a colour in Slovenia

Slovenia and Slovakia are both amazingly beautiful countries and tourist destinations on the rise. They both offer unspoiled natural landscapes to explore, spa towns, lakes, caves, and gorges. However, with more than half of Slovenia’s surface covered in forests (62 percent), Slovenia is one of the most forested European countries.

Slovenia’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty is evident in its eco-friendly initiatives, such as being the first country in the world to be declared a Green Destination by the Green Destinations organization

The “Slovene green” symbolizes the balance between the tranquility of nature and the nation’s deep commitment to preserving its unspoiled environment. It represents more than just a color; it embodies harmony with the natural world and the dedication to maintaining that harmony for future generations. 

Read also: 5 Mistakes to avoid when coming to Slovenia – (letsgoslovenia.si)



Leave a Reply