Country Profile of Slovenia: Sport Policy System in a Small State

ABSTRACT The profile provides an overview of the contemporary sport policy system in the small, and relatively young, state of Slovenia. The paper begins by outlining some of the specific characteristics of Slovenia which provide important contextual understanding. A brief overview of the historical development of sport in Slovenia after gaining independence in 1991 is also included. Next, a detailed description of the contemporary structure of the sport policy system in Slovenia is provided, including relevant organisational and financial structures. The paper then discusses some of the specificities of the Slovene context that have also influenced the contemporary sport policy system including characteristics of scale, culture, and the natural environment. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting the contextual factors that may be relevant to the future of the sport policy system in Slovenia.