What really counts is not material wellbeing expressed as GDP per person, but the broader quality of life – the concept Slovenians are familiar with. Expats in Slovenia can enjoy a high quality of life without familiar bugbears from back home such as long working hours and the high cost of living.

National Geographic Traveler has listed 133 places  with attributes to attract responsible travellers based on six criteria: environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural integrity; condition of historic buildings and archaeological sites; aesthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and outlook for the future. Slovenia’s score (78) puts it on par with Vermont in the USA, Kakadu National Park in Australia and Medieval Granada and the Alhambra in Spain and not so far behind the best-placed Fjords Region in Norway (85). Slovenia’s natural beauties and historical sights make it a prime tourist destination but its diversity makes it unique. As the relief changes, so do the climate, flora and fauna. From Ljubljana, Slovenia’s administrative, business, education and cultural centre, you can reach the ski slopes of the Julian Alps or the Adriatic beaches. There are a dozen of mineral water spas and wellness centres. The climate is made for outdoor enjoyment and recreation year round and there are many amateur and professional sports venues and events. After one of energetic pursuits you will most certainly enjoy high cuisine restaurants or treat yourself to a national dish and superb local wines. Slovenia’s forest ecosystem is the third largest in Europe covering 60% of its territory. The heavily forested range of the Julian Alps rises to 2,864 m (Mt. Triglav).

Colourful, vibrant and authentic Ljubljana charms visitors with the castle overlooking the cobbled streets adorned by 16th century façades, baroque churches, and fine restaurants. It is home to the national opera, ballet, several professional repertoire theatres and two symphonic orchestras plus world-class museums in and outside Ljubljana.

Slovenia’s political stability and security help family and community life, climate and geography guarantee a pleasant stay, international schools, good affordable housing and strong health insurance are boons to foreigners moving to Slovenia. Slovenia’s score compiled by the 2010 Legatum Prosperity Index ™ puts it on the enviable 21th place of 110 countries with highest marks for the country’s education system, safety & security, democratic institutions and governance.

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