The study analyzes the spatial fragmentation in the Slovenian settlement area
in Italy and highlights assimilation and demographic processes that exert influence on
the Slovenian-speaking minority. The work builds on the current status of research and
is based on official data, their evaluation through qualitative investigations as well as
on further results of own research on site. The Slovenian-language population in Friuli
Venezia Giulia is currently estimated at about 46,000 people. The main settlement area
is the eastern border zone of this region, which is characterized by different cultural
and regional identities. While the Slovenian-speaking population of Friuli (Val Canale
and Slavia) focuses more on its cultural and regional distinctions, the majority of the
Slovenian-language group in Venezia Giulia considers itself a “national minority.” Thus,
the overall assessment of the possible future of the Slovenian-language group varies
thus from region to region.
