It's the state part rather than the nation part that makes Slovenia more influential and likely to be learned about. Being a recognized state comes with a lot of power compared to not being one, even if you're East Timor and barely have an army or an economy. It also comes with a lot of recognition.

That said, yes, I think the Iowa as a group is as worthy of being treated with respect and courtesy, including doing basic research when planning on dealing with it, as any other group despite its small size and lack of a formally recognized state. It's just less likely to be something you hear about because it doesn't have a seat in the UN and isn't on the world map.