Slovenia - 87.82
19
The Yugoslavian success story
Slovenia’s commitment to human rights and democracy makes it the strongest country to emerge from the ruins of Yugoslavia, but it still faces many of the same pitfalls as other countries in central Europe. Slovenia is not particularly committed to freedoms, retaining a criminal defamation charge that is sometimes used against journalists. Slovenia is also relatively corrupt, as a number of public processes are bogged down by bureaucratic red tape. Despite these shortcomings, Slovenia’s recovery from the genocidal anarchy of early-1990s Yugoslavia to one of the most developed nations on Earth cannot be ignored.
Human Rights - 90
Slovenia has fully abolished the death penalty. Trans Slovenes cannot serve openly. Slovenia guarantees “life partnership” but does not allow gay marriage, and the country recognizes foreign adoption papers but does not allow same-sex couples to adopt jointly. Abortion is legal to twelve weeks.
Democracy - 96
The largely ceremonial president is directly elected, and the prime minister is appointed by the assembly. The National Council, the upper house, is chosen through an electoral college, while the National Assembly, the lower house, is directly elected. Two seats in the Assembly are reserved for ethnic Hungarians and Italians, respectively. Elections are free and fair with a strong multi-party system.
Freedom - 77
Slovenia criminalizes hate speech, specifically “incitement to hatred against religious, ethnic, or other protected communities. Defamation is a criminal offense that is sometimes levied against dissenting journalists. Media ownership in Slovenia is highly concentrated, with almost all media in Slovenia owned by a small number of companies, most of which are close to one or more major political parties. The government withheld funds from the government-owned Slovenia Press Agency (STA) in violation of several laws after the agency ran negative coverage of the government. The STA is functionally a state mouthpiece and rarely criticizes the government out of fear of retribution. The government is often reluctant to investigate or punish violence against dissenting journalists. Slovenia maintained a COVID lockdown until April 2021, which included a blanket ban on all demonstrations. Possession of small amounts of drugs is not criminalized in Slovenia. Slovenia may issue gun ownership licenses for bolt-action rifles and shotguns for hunting, collecting, and sport shooting.
Economy - 99
Health - 100
Slovenia has a life expectancy of 81 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.16%. 20.2% of Slovenes are obese and 2.5% are malnourished. Slovenia’s universal healthcare system provides free care to all Slovenian and EU citizens through a strong network of hospitals. All Slovenes have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 64
The Slovenian justice system is subject to bribery at low levels. Titles and deeds are often difficult to obtain without bribery. Slovenian tax law is opaque and tax fraud is easy to get away with in Slovenia. Customs shakedowns are far from uncommon. Public contracts are very difficult to obtain without bribery.
Competency - 87
Slovenia is failing to protect journalists and ensure a fully open media landscape.
Future - 85
The Slovenian economy was growing quickly before COVID but suffered a major hit due to the COVID recession and will likely take several years to recover.
Actions Abroad - 64
Slovenia is a member of the EU and NATO. Slovenia has a few minor border disputes with Croatia, but relations with neighbors are generally good otherwise. Slovenia is generally isolationist.
No Slovenes live under the international poverty line, while 12.4% live under the national poverty line. 4.97% of Slovenes are unemployed and the country has a very low economic disparity. Slovenia had a minimum wage of $1056 per month. Slovenia maintained a very strong universal healthcare system, providing free care to all Slovenian and EU citizens. Healthcare infrastructure was of consistently high quality throughout the country. Slovenia’s economy shrunk 5.5% in 2019 and grew 3.2% in 2019.