France Prešeren

France Prešeren (1800 - 1848) was the first and remains the foremost Slovenian poet. His statue has been erected in the central square of the city Ljubljana, called in his honour Prešernov trg - Prešeren Square. His poem Zdravljica - The Toast has been chosen as the national anthem of the independent Republic of Slovenia, expressing Prešeren's pride in his people and embracing all peoples as neighbours rather than foes.