Slovenian Arts

Poetry and literature have played a vital role in the cultural life of Slovenia, and in its development as a nation-state. Slovenian poets and writers, were politically active, among the first to call for democracy and to articulate the Slovenian identity. The foundation for Slovenian national identity was laid by the poet France Prešeren, who also established Slovenian language as a literary art form. His poem 'Zdravljica’ ‘A Toast’ of 1844 was selected as the national anthem, chosen for its affirmation of equality of Slovenia with other European states, and his belief in the brotherhood of men and nations.