Success tips when doing business in Slovenia in 2024
Business meetings
- As with most Western and Central European countries, punctuality is important, and lack of it shows lack of respect;
- Gift exchange during a business meeting is not widely accepted, but foreigners are welcomed to bring a souvenir from their country;
- Conservative attire is preferred by Slovenes, including predominantly dark suits. Provocative clothing for women is generally frowned upon;
- Maintaining confident eye contact is important throughout the meeting.
Other useful tips
- While top management will always have the final say in any business environment in Slovenia, every team member is considered as valuable and their feedback is welcomed;
- If you are invited in a Slovenian home, shoes must stay at the front door;
- There is no formal etiquette on the exact manner of business card exchange;
- If you are suggested to use the first name of your Slovenian business partner, you are welcomed to do so.
Interesting facts about Slovenia?
Business and economics
- The main export partner of Slovenia is Germany with 19.1% of total exports;
- Slovenia joined the EU in 2004 and is also part of the Eurozone;
- The country’s unemployment rate is moderate at 11.2%;
- Slovenia’s GDP per capita amounts to US$21,660;
- Since 2016, the country experiences negative inflation of -0.1%.
Geography
- Slovenia is a moderately small country with only 20,273 sq. km of land;
- There are more than 10,000 caves in tiny Slovenia;
- The coastline of Slovenia is just above 50km;
- Half of Slovenia is covered in forest;
- Triglav national park is one of the oldest national parks in Europe.
Society and culture
- The country’s population is just over 2 million people;
- The Slovenian capital roughly translates as “The Loved One”;
- The largest foreign populations living in the country are Hungarian and Italian;
- Bled Island is the most popular destination to get married in Slovenia.