Slovenian history dates back to the early Slavic settlements in the 6th century. The region was influenced by various empires, including the Roman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the 20th century, Slovenia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia. In 1991, Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia, following a brief ten-day war. The country then transitioned to a democratic government and joined the European Union in 2004. Today, Slovenia is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, reflecting its diverse history.