This paper discusses a model developed for evaluating the division of Slovenia into provinces based on 19 criteria. We used them to evaluate six models of provinces. Due to the similarities between some of the models, this paper presents only the results of the divisions into one, three, six, and fourteen provinces. The quantitative evaluation results show that the division into three provinces seems to be the most appropriate solution. However, if there is a desire to have sufficiently large provinces that are able to independently direct their development in line with the principles of sustainable development and in accordance with the principles of the protection of natural and cultural heritage values, thereby simultaneously responding to the challenges of globalisation and climate change, then we, the authors of this paper, believe that the division of Slovenia into six provinces is the most appropriate solution. These provinces are already small enough so that their population can identify itself with them.
KEYWORDS: • province • region • province model • number of provinces • evaluation of provinces • Slovenia
