Following World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the town officially became Novo mesto although it had been informally known as such since its founding. It also became known as Neustadtl in German. During World War II the town passed back and forth between Germany and Italy, finally settling in German hands.
In 1958, a highway between Ljubljana and Zagreb in Croatia was finished. It passed through Novo Mesto and connected the cities of the former Yugoslavia. Now this highway is part of the European E70 highway. With the construction of this highway, Novo Mesto became much better connected to the rest of Slovenia and the rest of Yugoslavia, and began to grow as an important regional center.
Today, tourism is increasing in Slovenia, and Novo Mesto is feeling some of the effects of this. The Krka Valley is becoming a place for wine enthusiasts who take tours throughout the Lower Carniola region, tasting the locally produced Cvicek wine, a wine made from several different varieties of local grapes.
Census data
According to the census of 2002, it has 40,925 inhabitants, 20,017 male and 20,908 female. The average age of the inhabitants is 39.58.
On average, there is 29.25 m² of residential area, and the inhabitants live in a total of 13,796 households and 11,408 families.
Statistical data
The municipality of Novo Mesto has a working-age population of 19,579, of whom 2,118 are unemployed. The average gross monthly wage in August 2003 was €1,099.27 (263,432 tolars) and the average net monthly wage was €687.90 (164,851 tolars). There are 1,725 students in the municipality.