Regions have been in Slovene history from olden times, though maybe differently named, in different sizes, and with different traditions. Terms such as »region,« »province,« »district« often denote the same thing; just as many times, however, they do not. Provinces are the most important units, brought about our development through history. They did not, however, originate in Slovenia, but were the result of the development of a much broader area. Therefore there was only one among the provinces that was fully Slovene. Provincial autonomy resulted in increasing differences among the provinces. The idea of United Slovenia conflicted with provincial division and awareness. In connection with tradition and according to given geographical features, different times and circumstances, larger or smaller regions (subparishes, deaneries, dioceses, regional areas, districts, political and judicial circuits, etc.) have always played an important role in our past.