Definition
Kozice is a small settlement located in the Municipality of Kočevje in southern Slovenia.
Overview
Kozice lies in the traditional region of Lower Carniola (Slovene: Dolenjska) and is presently part of the Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region. The settlement is situated amid the heavily forested terrain characteristic of the Kočevje area, which is known for its mixed coniferous‑broadleaf woods and a low population density. Administrative responsibilities for Kozice fall under the municipal government of Kočevje, the regional centre located approximately 10–15 km to the northeast.
Statistical data from the Republic of Slovenia’s 2002 census record Kozice as a sparsely populated locality, with a total number of inhabitants numbering in the low‑double digits. The settlement’s economy is predominantly based on small‑scale agriculture, forestry, and seasonal labor, reflecting the broader rural character of the Kočevje municipality. Infrastructure within Kozice consists of a limited road network connecting it to nearby villages and the main municipal road network, as well as basic utilities supplied by the municipality.
Etymology/Origin
The toponym Kozice is derived from the Slovene noun koza (“goat”) combined with the locative suffix ‑ice, which is commonly used in Slovene place names to denote a settlement associated with a particular activity, feature, or animal. Consequently, the name is interpreted to mean “place of goats” or “goat settlement.” This etymology aligns with the pastoral and forested nature of the region, where goat husbandry has historically been a component of local livelihoods.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Geography | Situated in a hilly, forest‑dominated landscape typical of the Kočevje region; elevation approximately 500–600 m above sea level. |
| Administrative affiliation | Municipality of Kočevje, Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region, Republic of Slovenia. |
| Population | Small, with census figures from 2002 indicating a low‑double‑digit resident count; recent figures are not publicly available. |
| Land use | Predominantly forest and agricultural land; limited residential structures; no significant industrial activity. |
| Cultural features | Lacks major public institutions; cultural life is integrated with the broader municipal community of Kočevje. |
| Transport | Accessible via local roads linking to the municipal centre; no railway station or major highway directly serving the settlement. |
Related Topics
- Kočevje – the municipality and town that administers Kozice and serves as the local economic and cultural hub.
- Lower Carniola (Dolenjska) – the traditional historical region encompassing Kozice.
- Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region – the contemporary statistical division used for regional planning and EU funding.
- Slovenian settlement nomenclature – the linguistic patterns and suffixes (e.g., ‑ice) used in naming rural localities.
Note: Precise contemporary demographic and economic data for Kozice are not readily published in open sources; figures cited are based on the most recent publicly available census (2002) and may have changed.