The historical background, political changes, migration processes, EU membership and the current socio-linguistic situation have all influenced language policy and language planning in Slovenia. This article presents the most important aspects of language policy in Slovenia with a focus on the concept of linguistic diversity. The ethnic make-up of Slovenia, including the differing statuses and rights of specific groups, is described in order to facilitate an understanding of language policy. The role of language within education is explored, in particular in relation to bilingual education in ethnically mixed areas. Two models of bilingual education (involving Slovene plus Italian or Hungarian) are presented and finally pupils' attitudes towards these models and the minority language involved, obtained through an empirical research project, are discussed. (Contains 6 notes and 1 table.)