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I get it. The names sound quite similar, but let’s unpack how Slovakia and Slovenia are different.
And hopefully, you will never confuse these two countries again.
So let’s do this: Slovakia vs Slovenia – What’s the difference?
Table of Contents
1. Slovakia vs Slovenia – Where are they located?
Both countries are located in Europe and could be defined as part of Central/Eastern Europe.
Slovakia and Slovenia do not border each other. They are separated by two non-Slavic-speaking countries (Austria and Hungary).
Slovenia is near the Adriatic Sea, bordering Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Croatia.
Slovakia is landlocked in the heart of Central Europe and surrounded by Czechia, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and Austria.
2. Slovakia and Slovenia – Both capital cities are small
The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava. And the capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana. Both cities are relatively small compared to other European cities.
It’s great to spend a weekend in either capitals – enjoy the cobbled streets, baroque architecture, and good food.
They both have a castle, and they’re both located on a river.
3. Getting them confused can be a serious problem
There is no denying that these two countries get confused a lot. Slovakia vs Slovenia – “What’s the difference?” is a question that Alexa or Google often answers.
Some of my closest friends from other countries continue mentioning Slovenia.
I have to remind them I am from Slovakia. I have travelled across land borders in parts of the world when my passport details were written down with Slovenia as my country of origin.
I was even denied boarding a flight from Marshall Islands in the Pacific, as they said my Electronic Australian visa was not valid (the details of the passport & nationality are stored online with e-visas these days).
It took a while, but we eventually realised they entered my nationality as Slovenia instead of Slovakia.
But here are some other embarrassing mix-ups when it comes to Slovakia vs Slovenia:
The former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi introduced the Slovenian Prime Minister as the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Let’s not forget that Italy borders Slovenia, so you would think you’d know the difference. Very awkward.
And in 1999 George Bush answered a question from a Slovak journalist: “The only thing I know about Slovakia is what I learned firsthand from your foreign minister, who came to Texas. I had a great meeting with him. It’s an exciting country”. You’ve guessed it. Of course, he was referring to a meeting with then the Prime Minister of Slovenia.
They say the former US President Donald Trump would not be challenged by Slovakia vs Slovenia debate. He’s married to Melania who is from Slovenia. And his ex-wife Ivanka was from Czechoslovakia.
Oh, and when it comes to mail, both countries swap mail sent to the wrong country all the time.
4. Slovenia is smaller than Slovakia
Slovakia has a population of 5.4 million. Slovenia is a much smaller nation with a population of 2.5 million. And when it comes to size, Slovakia is twice as big as Slovenia.
5. Both countries used to be part of a different country
Slovakia used to be part of Czechoslovakia. It was a country formed as a union of two ethnicities after WW1: Czechs and Slovaks.
In January 1993, only four years after the Velvet Revolution (the fall of communism), Czechoslovakia split into two different countries: Czech Republic (or Czechia) and Slovakia.
Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia (translates to Land of South Slavs). Yugoslavia was a federation of six countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
The split of Czechoslovakia was a peaceful event. Unfortunately, the separation of Yugoslavia resulted in a war conflict which ended in 1995.
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6. What language do they speak? Slovakia vs Slovenia
The official language of Slovakia is Slovak, which is part of the Western Slavic languages.
The official language of Slovenia is Slovene, which is part of the Southern Slavic languages.
To clarify, Slovaks and Slovenians would not understand each other if they spoke their own language. Sure, some roots of certain words are similar, but they most likely use German or English to communicate with each other. For Slovaks, the closely related language is Czech. And for Slovenians, it would be easier to understand neighbouring Croatian.
Ok, I admit the flags look so similar. Both are coloured by the pan-Slavic colours: White, Blue, and Red. And both contain a coat of arms.
The national flag of Slovakia consists of three colours white, blue, and red. The Coat of Arms symbol represents three mountains (the Tatra, Fatra, and Matra) and double-cross is a link to the Christian faith of Slovakia.
The national flag of Slovenia features three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red. The Coat of arms of Slovenia is on the flag’s upper side, centred in the white and blue bands.
The Coat of Arms depicts the highest peak Triglav, covered with snow and three six-pointed stars taken from the armor of the family Celje. The two wavy lines at the bottom of the emblem represent the Slovenian lakes and rivers.
8. Which one should you visit: Slovakia or Slovenia?
I know you’re expecting me to say Slovakia, but I will say both of them! You should visit Slovakia and Slovenia as they both have something to offer.
Especially if you like the unspoiled natural landscapes, mountains, caves, castles, and picturesque towns.
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And that’s it! Hopefully, this is the last time you have to research Slovakia vs Slovenia and what or how they are different.
Just a quick tip: Slovenia is the one with the coast to the Adriatic – so further South. Slovakia is landlocked and next to the Czech Republic (the other half of former Czechoslovakia).
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Brilliant explanation; the complexities of the history and cultures of these regions dwarf my small brain! I would need a lot of immersion into the region to get a reasonable grasp of all of this!
Could’ve been worth mentioning that both country have shared history in Austro-Hungary, not only being parts of some other countries such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
Yes, it is a coincidence. And trust us, there are many Slovakians visiting Croatia each year. In fact, it is one of the most popular holiday destinations for them.
The 3 little pointed triangles in the upper left corner of the Slovenian flag represent the highest mountain peaks of the State. In fact, the highest is called TRIGLAV. It was the tallest in all ex-YU.
Thank you for very enlighting article. I’ve always considered myself pretty aware of geographical nuances generally but must admit this question did confuse me as well 😀
I can only imagine the frustration caused by constant mixups in everyday communication, official matters, travelling, sports etc. Considering all that – your article mainteined very appropriate and pleasant to read without any negative energy. Thumbs up. Thanks to you, I “will never confuse these two countries again”.
12 Comments. Leave new
Thanks so much for making it very easy to understand between the two countries
thanks a lot .
Brilliant explanation; the complexities of the history and cultures of these regions dwarf my small brain! I would need a lot of immersion into the region to get a reasonable grasp of all of this!
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Could’ve been worth mentioning that both country have shared history in Austro-Hungary, not only being parts of some other countries such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.
*both countries
Great point Philipp! 🙂
I had no idea flags are so similar, they even both have 3 peaks inside their coat of arms, that’s weird coincidence.
As a Croat I know who Slovenians are and Czech are often visitors to out coast, but I’m not sure how many Slovakians are visiting Croatia….
Yes, it is a coincidence. And trust us, there are many Slovakians visiting Croatia each year. In fact, it is one of the most popular holiday destinations for them.
The 3 little pointed triangles in the upper left corner of the Slovenian flag represent the highest mountain peaks of the State. In fact, the highest is called TRIGLAV. It was the tallest in all ex-YU.
I think ppl can’t always differentiate between Njya and Nsko style pronouncing like strz prst cz krk. Venia, vania even ania and onya become the same
Thank you for very enlighting article. I’ve always considered myself pretty aware of geographical nuances generally but must admit this question did confuse me as well 😀
I can only imagine the frustration caused by constant mixups in everyday communication, official matters, travelling, sports etc. Considering all that – your article mainteined very appropriate and pleasant to read without any negative energy. Thumbs up. Thanks to you, I “will never confuse these two countries again”.