Prostitution thrived after Slovene independence. After 1991 there was an increase in night bars, strip clubs, and erotic massage parlors. Street prostitution has declined in favor of night bar, hotel, and club prostitution. Prostitutes are mostly women between the ages of 18 and 45 years old, including women not only from Slovenia but also Ukraine, Russia, Romania, and former Yugoslav countries. The clients are from all social classes in Slovenia. There are no appropriate health services or legal protections for prostitutes, thus increasing the threat of sexually transmitted diseases. Prostitution and associated enterprises are illegal, but warrant a relatively small fine. Sanctions are harsh for those who recruit underage persons into prostitution. The study of prostitution in Maribor involved interviews with 230 randomly selected prostitutes (100 men and 130 women). None of the respondents was forced into prostitution by intimidation. They generally chose the work to increase their income or because they enjoyed the work. They viewed their work as worthy of the status of a legitimate vocation that should not be prohibited. They want legislation that will provide health protections, appropriate health insurance, and pension insurance. They wish to be able to sell their services in the same manner as any other business. A majority of the respondents have contemplated getting out of prostitution but fear economic insecurity and a loss of preferred lifestyle. 21 references