Slovenians in Africa

Due to the geographical location, the information obtained during the project and - from the Slovenian perspective - cultural differences, the inquiry about Slovenian compatriots was extended to the countries of the Middle East. The project covered Slovenians in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The purpose and goal of the project was achieved or even exceeded, especially when it comes to the Republic of South Africa and Kenya, as well as Jordan and Israel. The number and importance of Slovenians who emigrated to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula are significantly greater/different from the ideas held by Slovenian experts and the general public. Slovenians in the aforementioned geographical area have resided or reside for different reasons, in different historical periods and due to different social circumstances. The countries where a relatively large number of Slovenians currently live are: Egypt, the Republic of South Africa, Kenya, Jordan, and Israel. After the research, the amount, course, methods and causes of the emigration of Slovenians to Africa are much clearer, and above all, we have a completely fresh image of the state of preservation or the presence of Slovenians in Africa (partly also on the Arabian Peninsula). This at least partially fills a big gap in knowledge of Slovenian emigration. Above all, the findings and achievements (through formal organization of Slovenians) will be important for Slovenian cultural, foreign and also economic policy. The result of the research is the monograph Izzivi drugačnosti. Slovenci v Afriki in na Arabskem polotoku. Migracije 3, ZRC SAZU, Ljubljana, 2003.