| Slovenia:
A Proud History, a Promising Future |
| by Ruth
Halcomb |
| 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. |
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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.
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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%. |
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| 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. |
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Offshore
Resources Gallery
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| 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.
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 |
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movie ticket
4.00
theater, concert
11.00
bus token
for city bus 0.50
taxi, 1 km
0.70
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
LIVING IN
SLOVENIA
Living costs
are well above third world levels, though generally less than in Western
Europe. |
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that expats, and wantabe expats turn to for information. Our archives
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the cold war and the advent of the world wide web of global communications
& commerce. Ten years and over one hundred issues! We're
just getting started - Gilly Rich - Editor |
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| "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. |
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Article
Index ~ Balkans
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