People Population (2006): 2,011,614
(Wales's population is about 3,000,000.)
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy. Independence: On June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia. The United States and the European Union recognized Slovenia in 1992. Constitution: Adopted on December 23, 1991.
(Wales's future government type would be a parliamentry democracy.)
Economy GDP (2006): U.S. $37.64 billion. Real GDP growth rate (2006 est.): 4.4%. GDP per capita income (2005): U.S. $22,900, which is approximately 88% of the EU-15 average. Natural resources: Coal, mercury, timber.
(Wales's economy is strong enough to be independent too.)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS Slovenia enjoys excellent relations with the United States and cooperates with it actively on a number of fronts. From 1998 to 2000, Slovenia occupied a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council and in that capacity distinguished itself with a constructive, creative, and consensus-oriented activism. Slovenia has been a member of the UN since May 1992 and of the Council of Europe since May 1993. Slovenia signed an association agreement with the EU in 1996 and became a full EU member state on May 1, 2004. Slovenia officially became a member of NATO on March 29, 2004. Slovenia is a member of all major international financial institutions--the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development--as well as 40 other international organizations, among them the WTO, of which it is a founding member.
(Wales's future government can have the same excellent international representation and relations also.)
Relations With Neighbors Italy: Italian-Slovene bilateral relations are also very good. Hungary: Relations are excellent with Hungary. Austria: Austro-Slovenian relations are close with occasional disputes related to support for the other country's minorities. Croatia: Though somewhat rocky at times, Croatian-Slovenian relations are solid.
(Wales certainly could have excellent bilateral relations with our immediate neighbours.)
U.S.-SLOVENIAN RELATIONS Since Slovenia achieved its independence in 1991 the United States and Slovenia have developed strong, cooperative relations on a broad range of issues, from promoting regional security to developing closer bilateral trade and investment ties. The U.S. was very supportive of Slovenia's entrance into NATO and other Euro-Atlantic agreements and institutions.
(...and the US.)