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Inside Melania Trump’s humble Slovenian hometown: a tourist destination since Donald Trump was first elected president in 2016, Sevnica now has a statue and salami dedicated to the FLOTUS

Melania Trump’s humble hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, has a statue and salami dedicated to the FLOTUS. Photos: Reuters; Getty Images
Melania Trump’s humble hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, has a statue and salami dedicated to the FLOTUS. Photos: Reuters; Getty Images

Melania grew up in this small, picturesque town until her family moved to Ljubljana while she was in high school; visitors have flocked here to see her old home and school since the 2016 US election

Before Melania Trump became a fashion model and first lady of the United States, she was Melanija Knavs, the Slovenian daughter of a car salesman and a textile factory worker.

Melania is the second first lady born outside the US. The first was John Quincy Adams’ wife, Louisa Catherine Adams, who was born in London. John Adams was president from 1825 to 1829.

President-elect Donald Trump with Melania Trump at the Capitol, in Washington DC, on January 8. Photo: AP
President-elect Donald Trump with Melania Trump at the Capitol, in Washington DC, on January 8. Photo: AP
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Melania’s hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, has become a tourist destination since Donald Trump was first elected US president in November 2016, as people travel to see where the first lady spent her early years.

Here’s what to know about Melania’s upbringing and her hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia.

Melania Trump grew up under communist rule in the former Yugoslavia

A view of Melania Trump’s picturesque hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia. Photo: Getty Images
A view of Melania Trump’s picturesque hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia. Photo: Getty Images

Melanija Knavs was born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, in April 1970. She spent her childhood in Sevnica, a small town 45km (28 miles) away.

Sevnica is located along the Sava River in central Slovenia. It has a population of 17,611, according to data collected by the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia in 2022.

When Melania was born, Slovenia was a communist country ruled by President Josip Tito and known as Yugoslavia. Slovenia became independent in 1991.

Sevnica, Slovenia, has a salami named after Melania

Melania Trump-themed Sevnica honey at a tourist information centre and shop in Sevnica, Slovenia. Photo: Getty Images
Melania Trump-themed Sevnica honey at a tourist information centre and shop in Sevnica, Slovenia. Photo: Getty Images