Is Slovenia a first world country?

Answer 1

The division of the world into three categories was used during the Cold War, so it is not directly applicable to the current political state of the world. At that time Slovenia was still part of Yugoslavia, one of the founding countries of the Non-Aligned Movement. By the original definition Yugoslavia was the "Third World" (Non-aligned), other worlds being the first world (NATO (US + allies)) and the second world Warsaw Pact (Soviet Union + allies).

Independent Slovenia has instead opted for NATO and has become a member in 2004, therefore it could be considered the first world by the original definition.

Mao Zedong has developed an alternative theory where the first world are only USA and Soviet Union, the second world their allies, and the third world the non-aligned countries. By this definition Slovenia would be the second world, being an ally of the USA (NATO member state). This is not a generally accepted theory, today one would not speak e.g of Germany as the second world country.

In terms of economic development Slovenia is one of the developed countries, and member of OECD. Its GDP (PPP) (IMF, 2011 est.) is $28,642, e.g. higher than New Zealand. By such reasoning it could also be described as the 1st world country.