Acta Geographica Slovenica, 43-1, 2003, str. 127–147 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ROMANY IN PREKMURJE DEMOGEOGRAFSKE ZNA^ILNOSTI ROMOV V PREKMURJU Damir Josipovi~ Peter Repolusk Romany settlement near Dobrovnik (photography Damir Josipovi~) Romsko naselje pri Dobrovniku (fotografija Damir Josipovi~) 127 Damir Josipovi~, Peter Repolusk, Demographic Characteristics of the Romany in Prekmurje Demographic Characteristics of the Romany in Prekmurje Damir Josipovi~ Peter Repolusk UDC: 911.3:314(497.4=214.58) COBISS: 1.01 Abstract The paper deals with the demographic and settlement characteristics of the Romany in Prekmurje (north- eastern Slovenia). Along with ethnic characteristics, there is a series of weaknesses in their socioeconomic structure, particularly poor education and a high proportion of unemployment, that separates them from the rest of the population of the region. Social marginality is a reason that social integration is often linked with ethnic assimilation. Statistical sources indicate that the number of Romany is largely underestimated. KEY WORDS: Romany, Roma, ethnic geography, demogeography, demography, Prekmurje, northeastern Slovenia. The editiorialship received this paper for publishing in June 15th 2003. Address: Damir Josipovi~, M. Sc. Anton Melik Geographical institute SRC SASA Gosposka ulica 13 SI – 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia Phone: +386 (1) 200 27 29 Fax: +386 (1) 200 27 34 E-mail:
[email protected] Peter Repolusk, B. Sc. Anton Melik Geographical institute SRC SASA Gosposka ulica 13 SI – 1000 Ljubljana