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The secret of Slovenia’s population density: why is it so special in Europe?
Slovenia, located in Central Europe, is favored by tourists for its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural history. However, when it comes to its population density, Slovenia's situation is very different from many European countries. According to the latest statistics, Slovenia has just 101 people per square kilometer, a figure far lower than the Netherlands' 402 or Italy's 195. So, what kind of social and economic phenomena are hidden in such low population density?
Slovenia’s demographic characteristics
The main ethnic group in Slovenia is Slovenians, accounting for approximately 83% of the total population. There are also ethnic minority communities on this land, such as Hungarians and Italians, who are protected under the country's constitution. In addition, immigrants from the former Yugoslavia also account for at least 13% of the population, with the majority of them being from the Bosnian ethnic group. Most of them live in and around cities.
According to the 2002 census, most of Slovenia's immigrants originate from the former Yugoslavia, including Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian descent.
Population age structure
Slovenia has a distinct aging profile among European countries, mainly due to low birth rates and increased life expectancy. Almost all residents over the age of 64 are retired, and the differences between genders are not obvious. According to 2011 data, the average life expectancy for women is 81.8 years, while for men it is 74.6 years. Despite some dynamism brought about by immigration, the population of working-age groups continues to shrink.
Religious beliefs in Slovenia
Traditionally, Slovenia has been predominantly Catholic, and according to the 2002 census, 57.8% of residents self-identified as Catholic. However, this proportion has declined significantly since 1991. Against the background of the gradual secularization of society and the gradual increase in identification with other religions, Muslims have become the second largest religion in Slovenia, accounting for 2.4%, mainly from Bosnia and Kosovo.
Catholicism has long played an important role in Slovenian social and political life, but since 1990, the influence of religion has gradually weakened.
Language features
As the official language, Slovenian has a rich diversity of dialects, and according to the 2002 census, about 88% of residents regard it as their mother tongue. This also makes Slovenia one of the countries in the EU that is relatively homogeneous in terms of linguistic diversity. Slovenian also has a considerable number of dialects, with seven to nine main dialect groups existing.
Economic Situation and Immigration
As the economy continues to improve, Slovenia's demographics continue to change. After Slovenia joined the EU in 2004, the number of immigrants every year increased rapidly, especially a group of young people from other countries, who injected fresh blood into the local labor market. According to 2019 data, 143,192 foreigners live in Slovenia, which is 6.87% of the national population.
Health and Lifestyle
Slovenia's lifestyle is reflected in its health indicators, such as life expectancy and suicide rate. Although Slovenia has a relatively high life expectancy, its suicide rate is among the highest in Europe. This paradoxical phenomenon has raised widespread concerns about the mental health of the country's residents. In 2009, Slovenia's suicide rate was 22 per 100,000 people, illustrating the government's mental health challenges.
Conclusion
Overall, Slovenia is known for its unique demographics and diverse culture. From low population density to religious diversity and openness to immigrants, Slovenia is unique among European countries. In a changing social environment, can we better understand the impact of these demographic characteristics on Slovenian society in the future?
