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A Mediterranean climate along the coast, lush vineyards and fields of sunflowers inland, virgin forests, snow capped mountains and sky resorts -- no, we're not talking about California. You'll find all this plus gothic cathedrals, baroque palaces and more in Slovenia, a tiny country no bigger than New Jersey. From Slovenia you could go to Venice, Italy, for a Sunday outing and be back in time for dinner. Oddly enough, many people haven't even heard of it, and others confuse it with Slovakia. Slovenia broke away from Yugoslavia in 1990 while Slovakia broke with the Czech Republic in 1992. Of the two, Slovenia is the more prosperous. Slovenia has a many advantages for expats seeking a beautiful country with European ambiance and convenience. As the first republic to break away from Yugoslavia, Slovenia escaped the turmoil that and violence that occurred in the region over the past decade. It secured its independence in a mere 10 days of fighting. The richest republic in the former Yugoslavia, it has been dubbed "the golden goose that got away."  Today it has the highest GDP per capita of the countries in transition in this region. The rate of inflation is about 6%.

The infrastructure and the economy are sound. Privatization and capital market reform are underway in such areas as banking, telecommunications and public utilities. The government is easing restrictions on foreign investments, and expats are being welcomed to invest, work, study or retire. The language is a difficult one for most foreigners. However, the population is well educated, with a literacy rate of 99.6%, and most speak a second language. According to the 1991 census; 37% said they speak English and the proportion has probably increased since then. Slovenia publishes 15 books per 10,000 inhabitants per year as opposed to the European average of 10 per 10,000. Foreign films are shown in their original language.

Knowing Italian or German can be an asset here. As Steve Fallon points out in Lonely Planet, Slovenia, the Slovenian language, more than any other single factor, kept the culture alive during centuries of domination by other countries. Any attempt to speak it is greatly appreciated.
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AVERAGE PRICES (US$) breakfast $2.50 glass of wine 1.00 bottle of wine 12.00 beer 1.50 tea 1.00 coffee 1.00 non-alcoholic drinks 1.50 men's haircut 10.00 women's hair styling 23.00 permanent 45.00 movie ticket 4.00 theater, concert  11.00 bus token for city bus .50 taxi, 1 km  .70 COST OF COMMON ITEMS loaf of bread  250 Sit milk, 1 liter  140 Sit apples, 1 kg  150 Sit gasoline, 1 liter   153 Sit meal for two in a medium priced restaurant  5000 Sit Rate of exchange $1 = 250 SIT.  For the exchange rates see the web site: https://elba.n-lb.si/slo/tecaji/dnevni/tl-men-e.html The information on costs was supplied by Jasmina Dizdareviµ of the Slovenian Tourist Board.

LIVING IN SLOVENIA Living costs are well above third world levels, though generally less than in Western Europe. "It's a chardonnay lifestyle on a beer budget," writer Carolyn Vicars wrote in Ljubljana Life. Diane Taylor estimates that $2,000 per month would be required to live really well in the city. She notes, too that housing here is very scarce.  Ljubljana, just 50 km from the Julian Alps and Lake Bled and 100 km from the seaside resorts, is a very cosmopolitan city with an ancient castle, baroque churches and graceful public buildings. It offers a rich cultural life for a city of its size with two symphony orchestras, opera, ballet and jazz. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR SLOVENIA Tourists may visit for 90 days without a special visa. Students, people with job assignments and people wanting to start businesses must declare their attention and obtain the proper visa. Temporary residency permits are granted for up to one year. Those who wish to retire in Slovenia with permanent residency must have proof of health insurance, statements indicating sufficient steady income and a permanent address, which can be a rental but cannot be a hotel.