The Republic of Croatia and Republic of Slovenia both became independent states in 1991 after separating from the former Yugoslavia. Despite their common origin, Croatia and Slovenia have very different cultures and traditions, different systems of education, and very different systems of adult education. Most of the differences between the two countries' adult education systems lie not in the organizational models of their education networks but rather in their adult education systems' range, programs, material and technical equipment, funding systems, and accessibility to potential users. Both countries' adult education systems share the same goals, including providing adults with employment-related educational services; enhance their leisure time; and gain qualifications relevant to the areas of economic, technological, cultural, social, and individual development. The adult education institutional networks of both countries are based on the concept of lifelong learning, and both include many of the same types of institutions, including the following: folk high schools, public and private schools and universities, educational centers within companies, people's open education and third age universities, political societies, and unions. However, Slovenia's adult education institutional network is more developed than is Croatia's, including in the areas of research and cooperating with other adult education institutions and organizations. (27 references) (MN)