Although technology may seem like a contemporary development, humans have been using technology since they began converting natural resources into tools. For example, the understanding of fire and its use in prehistoric cooking could be considered a facet of technology.

Slovenia (Slovenija) is a member of the European Union, Schengen Agreement and NATO. Previously one of Yugoslavia's six constituent republics, present-day Slovenia became independent in 1991. Slovenia has four universities, located in Ljubljana, Maribor, Nova Gorica and Koper.