Flags, Symbols & Currency of Slovenia
The National Flag of Slovenia was adopted on June 25, 1991.
The National Flag of Slovenia is a tricolor and features three equal horizontal bands of the Pan-Slavic colors: white (top), blue, and red. The Coat of Arms of Slovenia appears in the upper hoist-side of the flag centered on the white and blue bands. The colors of the flag of Slovenia are derived from the medieval coat of arms of the Duchy of Carniola. The flag has a width-to-length proportion ratio of 1:2.
History of the Flag of Slovenia
The Central European nation of Slovenia has historically been at the crossroads of several cultures. The area that is now part of Slovenia was occupied by various dynasties and empires like the Holy Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Austrian Empire, and others. In the early 20th century, the Slovenes co-founded a state with the Croats and Serbs. The tricolor flag of white-blue-red was first used in 1848 by students led by Lovro Toman, a famous Slovene nationalist. The flag continued to be used throughout the century as the only symbol representing all Slovenes. Slight changes were made to the design of the flag during and after the World War. The modern-day flag was adopted only after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of Slovenia. A red star that had been placed in the tricolor to signify the Communist regime, during the Soviet era was removed. Instead of the star, the flag now featured the new Slovenian Coat of Arms designed by Marko Pogačnik. The flag was officially adopted on June 27, 1991.
Historical and Other Flags of Slovenia
Flag of SR Slovenia
Symbols of Slovenia
The National Coat of Arms of Slovenia
The National Coat of Arms of Slovenia was officially adopted in 1991. It is composed of a blue shield bordered in red. The highest peak in the country, Mount Triglav, is featured in white in the blue field. The local rivers and the Adriatic Sea are represented in the form of two wavy blue lines running below the white mountain. Above the mountain on the blue field are three six-pointed golden stars arranged in the form of an inverted triangle. These stars have been derived from the coat of arms of the Counts of Celje, the prominent Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
National Anthem
- Anthem Title: “Zdravljica” (“A Toast”)
- Music Composer: Stanko Premrl
- Lyricist: France Prešeren
- Date of Adoption: September 27, 1989
“Zdravljica” (“A Toast”) is the national anthem of Slovenia. The music of the anthem have been composed by Stanko Premrl. The lyrics of the anthem have been authored by France Prešeren. The anthem was officially adopted on September 27, 1989.
“Zdravljica” (Slovenian)
Žive naj vsi narodi
ki hrepene dočakat’ dan,
da koder sonce hodi,
prepir iz sveta bo pregnan,
da rojak
prost bo vsak,
ne vrag, le sosed bo mejak!
“A Toast”
God’s blessing on all nations,
Who long and work for that bright day,
When o’er earth’s habitations
No war, no strife shall hold its sway;
Who long to see
That all men free
No more shall foes, but neighbours be!
The Currency of Slovenia is the euro
The current official currency of Slovenia is the euro. The euro banknotes maintain the same design for all member EU States. One side of the euro coins has a design that is common for all member EU States, the other side has a design that is specific for each EU Member State.
Coins
Currently, coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 and 2 euro are in circulation.
Banknotes
Currently, banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 euros are in circulation.
euro Banknote
euro Coin
Historical currencies of Slovenia
Slovenia adopted the euro in 2007 to replace the Slovenian tolar (SIT). The tolar was divided into 100 subunits known as cents or stotinov. It was introduced in Slovenia in 1991 to replace the Yugoslavian dinar at parity. The Bank of Slovenia issued notes in 1991, that was circulated as a temporary currency. In 2007, Slovenia joined the European Monetary Union and the tolar was replaced by the euro at 239.64:1. Tolar notes that no longer used as legal tender can be still exchanged at the Bank of Slovenia for euros.
Slovenian tolar Banknote
Slovenian tolar Coin
