A part of the former Yugoslavia and another of the former Soviet Bloc nations, the small country of Slovenia distances itself from its ex-Communist neighbours by being one of the most prosperous, calm and politically stable countries in Europe. The whole country is set amongst differing, yet all idyllic settings, with the Julian Alps in the North, the endless stunning forestry throughout and the utterly picturesque lakes littering the countryside. The country achieved accession to the EU and NATO in 2004 and has proven itself year after year to be both economically stable and strong, whilst still holding a position of relative obscurity in the tourist market – though this position is changing more and more with each year.

After a few empires had occupied Slovenia including the Holy Romans, the country fell under Austro-German control for a few centuries, leaving lasting effects on the social structure of the country and a ‘Germanising’ of culture that can still be seen to this day. At the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Slovenia joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes – renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The country was soon annexed in the Second World War by Nazi Germany, and the lands were placed under German, Italian and Hungarian control – but at the end of World War II the country was once again incorporated into Yugoslavia.

This time under Communist rule, the government intentionally distanced itself from Moscow’s influence, leading to a more liberal style of governance than the rest of the Soviet Bloc nations experienced. Internal discontents with Slobodan Milosevic and Belgrade’s central rule over Yugoslavia pushed the Slovene people to hold the first free elections of any Yugoslav republic in 1990, and by 1991 the country had declared autonomy from Yugoslavia. The response from Belgrade was to send in their ordinance to reclaim the region, but the army was not prepared for the fierce Slovene resistance it met, and fighting lasted just ten days before troops pulled out of the region and a ceasefire, brokered by the EC, was put into effect. Whilst lives were lost in the fighting, Slovenia managed to get off relatively lightly when compared to the other former Yugoslav nations, and on October 8th the nation declared itself formally independent. The EC formally recognised Slovenia in January of 1992 and the nation was soon admitted to the UN. A steady political situation followed in the next decade, with the government focusing foreign policy on European integration – by 2004 the country had achieved EU accession and NATO membership, along with a stable and strong economic situation.

Slovenia is an ideal spot for holidays or second home investment, with traditional and friendly people, unspoilt landscapes and a stable political and economic situation. Tourism is a growing market in the region and is bound in increase at a massive rate over the next few years following EU accession and positive word of mouth, meaning investments are bound to appreciate with time. Slovenia has always had the reputation of being the most affluent and glamorous of the former Yugoslav nations, and it really is proving itself on an international stage – even though prices aren’t as low as they are in other Central and Eastern European countries, they are still low compared to Western standards, meaning the country is still a sound venture for potential off plan investors.

The standard of healthcare in Slovenia is generally good, and a reciprocal healthcare agreement is in place, meaning British citizens receive free medical treatment on production of a valid passport. Medical insurance is still recommended and most prescription drugs have to be purchased.

Mobile phone coverage is very good through the whole country. Landlines are of a good standard. Internet cafes are available throughout Slovenia.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0830 to 1230 and from 1400 to 1700, Mondays to Fridays, as well as from 0830 to 1100 or 1200 on Saturdays. Usual office hours are from 0800 to 1600, Mondays to Fridays. Shopping hours are normally from 0800 to 1900 Mondays to Fridays, and from 0800 to 1300 on Saturdays.

Suits should be worn for business meetings, and a batch of business cards should come in useful. General etiquette applies and the Slovenes are often favourably compared to the Germans and Austrians for their efficient business nature.

Tips are expected in hotels, taxis and restaurants, usually of around ten percent.