For centuries Slovenian artists have made great contributions to the development of a versatile culture. In addition, the Romans, the Crusaders and the armies of Napoleon, Hitler, Suvorov, Austria and Turkey have left their imprints in Slovenia’s culture. Many medieval trade routes passed through the territory of Slovenia and the country was a conduit of many ideas of the Italian Renaissance.
A nation boasting more than a 1000-year long history, a pioneer in many fields with groundbreaking achievements often attributed to others, the Slovenians still have to work on the issues big nations take for granted.
Officially, Slovenia is subdivided into 211 municipalities (eleven of which have the status of urban municipalities).
The municipalities are the only body of local autonomy in Slovenia.