Republic of Slovenia (Republika
Slovenija, [reˈpublika sloˈveːnija]), is a nation state situated in Central Europe at the crossroad of main European cultural and trade routes. It borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Croatia to the south and southeast and Hungary to the northeast. It covers 20,273 square kilometres (7,827 sq mi) and has a population of 2.05 million. It is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union and NATO. Relative to its geography, history, economy, culture, and language, it is a very diverse country distinguished by a transitional character.[clarification needed] It is characterised by a high economic and social level. [not in citation given] Its capital and largest city is Ljubljana.