Profile
According to the 2002 census, there were 38,964 Serbs in Slovenia. Serbs speak Serbian and are mainly Christian Orthodox.
Similarly to other non ethnic Slovenes from former Yugoslavia, Serbs face discrimination and exclusion from all spheres of life.
Historical context
Most Serbs came to Slovenia during the period of communist rule for work.
Current issues
Serbs are not recognised as a minority by the authorities of Slovenia, and face problems with exercising their rights, including as regards language use, education of mother tongue and culture (although there are some classes offered in Serbian), participation in public affairs. They also face economic and social exclusion, partly because of widespread prejudice and hidden discrimination, and partly because some remain without residence papers, and as such have no access to basic services such as health care and pensions.
Updated June 2015
