Slovenia

C

Judiciary

Slovenia’s judicial system comprises eight trial courts, four appellate courts, and a Supreme Court. The National Assembly appoints all judges, including the justices of the republic’s Supreme Court.

D

Local Government

Slovenia is divided into 62 administrative districts for local government purposes. Towns are governed by municipalities. Election to mayoralties and local bodies is by popular vote.

E

Health and Welfare

Slovenia has an extensive network of social service programmes sponsored by the government, including low-cost medical coverage and retirement pensions. In 2004 there was 1 doctor per 456 people, and in 2003 there was 1 hospital bed per 200 people. The infant mortality rate in 2008 was 4 deaths per 1,000 live births.

F

Defence

The republic employs an army (2004) of approximately 6,550 active-duty soldiers, with a reserve force of about 20,000. Conscription ended in 2004. Slovenia maintains a maritime base at Koper and has a small air service of about 250 personnel. There is a paramilitary police force of 4,500 with 5,000 reservists. Military spending accounts for 1.4 per cent of total government expenditure. In 2003, Slovenia spent US$378 million on defence.

G

International Organizations

Slovenia is a member of the United Nations (UN), the Council of Europe, and the Central European Initiative. In early 1993 the republic joined the International Monetary Fund and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (since renamed the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe). In April 2004 Slovenia became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and in May it formally joined the European Union (EU). Economic contacts were revived with Austria and Italy, and new relations established with Iran, China, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.