What were the first states to break away from Yugoslavia?

The story behind the answer

Slovenia and Croatia were the first to secede from Yugoslavia, both declaring independence on June 25, 1991. Slovenia’s break triggered the brief Ten-Day War, after which the Yugoslav Army withdrew. Croatia’s path was bloodier, sparking a protracted conflict (1991–1995) as Serb forces opposed its secession.

Context: The breakup followed economic crisis and rising nationalism after Tito’s death and the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Other republics left later—Macedonia in late 1991 (largely peacefully), Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992 (leading to a devastating war), and Montenegro not until 2006. Memory tip: “Slo and Cro go first in ’91”—the two westernmost republics were the first out the door.