The Slovenian Raba region lies along the Raba River near Szentgotthárd in the Vas county between the Austrian and Slovenian borders. Geographically, linguistically, culturally and ethnically it is part of the Prekmurje region, to which it was closely linked until 1919, when Prekmurje was incorporated into Yugoslavia. The Raba region, however, remained part of Hungary. The region covers an area of 94 square kilometres. There are seven villages in the region with Slovenian population (Gornji Senik/Felsőszölnök, Dolnji Senik/Alsószölnök, Sakalovci/Szakonyfalu, Slovenska ves/Rábatótfalu, Števanovci/Apátistvánfalva, Verica-Ritkarovci/Kétvölgy, Andovci/Orfalu).

Szentgotthárd is the economic and cultural centre of the Raba region where Hungarians and Slovenians live. The Slovenians also live outside the Raba region in Szombathely and in other villages of the Vas county, the county of Győr-Moson-Sopron and Budapest, as well as dispersedly all over Hungary. Various estimates suggest that there are between 4000 and 5000 Slovenians in the country. The Slovenian minority is one of 13 minorities recognised in Hungary and protected under Hungarian legislation.

Two Slovenian organisations are active in the Raba region. In October 1990, following the dissolution of the Democratic Association of South Slavs in Hungary, a group of young intellectuals together with some older activists established a supra-party organisation called the Association of Slovenians in Hungary, based in Szentgotthárd. The Association of Slovenians in Hungary is involved in activities which ensure the development of Slovenian identity. The Association publishes the weekly newspaper Porabje (since 1991). Since 1979 a Slovenian programme has been aired on Radio Győr, and since 1992, the television programme Slovenski utrinki has been broadcast. Radio Monošter (Szentgotthárd), the first independent Slovenian radio station, has been broadcasting since 2000. The radio and editorial board have been operating since 1998 at the Slovenian Cultural and Information Centre in Szentgotthárd. Numerous cultural groups help preserve the rich folk culture under the auspices of the Association of Slovenians in Hungary.

The adoption of the National and Ethnic Minorities Act in Hungary in 1993 provided Slovenians with the possibility of setting up minority self-governments in Slovenian villages and the National Slovenian Self-Government based in FelsÅ‘szölnök and with a representation in Budapest.  The National Slovenian Self-Government has a role in all aspects of life of the Slovenian minority – from education to economic development. The present composition of the National Slovenian Self-Government was elected on 9 January 2011.

The Association of Slovenians in Hungary and the National Slovenian Self-Government actively cooperate, since the functions of the two organisations in all areas of life of the Slovenian minority overlap and complement each other.

 

Contact points

Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia in Szentgotthárd
9970 Monošter/Szentgotthárd
Kossuth Lajos u. 39.
Phone: +36 94 553 111
Fax: +36 94 383 164

Slovenian Cultural and Information Centre in Szentgotthárd
9970 Monošter/Szentgotthárd
Gárdonyi G. u. 1.
Phone/fax: +36 94 383 060

Union of Slovenes in Hungary
9970 Monošter/Szentgotthárd
Gárdonyi G. u. 1.
Phone/fax: +36 94 380 208

National Slovenian Self-Government
9985 Gornji Senik/Felsőszölnök
Cerkvena pot 8/Templom u. 8
Phone: +36 94 534 024

Szlovén Vidék Közhasznú Nonprofit Kft.
9970 Szentgotthárd, Gárdonyi u. 1.
Telefon: +36 30 217 5455
Fax: +36 94 383 061

Slovenian Association in Budapest
1075 Budapest
Rumbach Sebestyén u. 12.
Phone/fax: +36 1 342 2721

Hotel Lipa
9970 Szentgotthárd
Gárdonyi Géza u. 1.
Tel.: +36 94 383 060
Fax: +36 94 383 061