Basic Information Official name: Slovak Republic Date of the republic's establishment: 1.1.1993 State symbols: state symbol state flag state seal national.

Basic InformationBasic Information Official name:Official name: Slovak Republic Slovak Republic

Date of the republic's establishment:Date of the republic's establishment: 1.1.1993 1.1.1993 State symbols: State symbols:

statestate symbolsymbolstatestate flagflagstate sealstate seal

nationalnational anthemanthem

State organisation: republicPolitical system: parliamentary democracy

Constitutional system: constitutional and legislative power (National Council of the SR), executive power (president of the SR a government of

the SR), judiciary power (constitutional court a courts) Territorial division:

8 Higher-Tier Territorial Units8 regions

state symbolstate flagstate sealnational anthem

General information on the Slovak RepublicGeneral information on the Slovak Republic

Geographical location:Central Europe Area:49 035 km2 Population:5 Geographical location:Central Europe Area:49 035 km2 Population:5 379 455 Borders:Hungary, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, the 379 455 Borders:Hungary, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Ukraine Religions:Catholic Church - 68.9%Ukraine Religions:Catholic Church - 68.9%Evangelical Church - 6.9%Evangelical Church - 6.9%No faith - 13.0%No faith - 13.0%Others - 11.2% Minority groups:   Slovak nationality - 85.5%Others - 11.2% Minority groups:   Slovak nationality - 85.5%Hungarian - 9.7%Hungarian - 9.7%Roma - 1.7%Roma - 1.7%Czech - 0.8%Czech - 0.8%Others - 2.0%Others - 2.0%

Education and schoolsEducation and schools

Slovakia has a modern and well-developed educational system Slovakia has a modern and well-developed educational system ranging from elementary schools to universities. Moreover, it has a ranging from elementary schools to universities. Moreover, it has a wide range of specialised secondary schools focusing on different wide range of specialised secondary schools focusing on different areas of expertise and industries. Slovakia is introducing information areas of expertise and industries. Slovakia is introducing information technologies and Internet connection to all elementary and technologies and Internet connection to all elementary and secondary schools by means of the projects Infovek and eSlovakia. secondary schools by means of the projects Infovek and eSlovakia.

Slovak population according to educationSlovak population according to education

Slovak population according to educationSlovak population according to education

The Government Must Create Environment for The Government Must Create Environment for

Sustainable Development of Car IndustrySustainable Development of Car Industry

It is also stated in the analysis that Slovakia has succeeded to catch It is also stated in the analysis that Slovakia has succeeded to catch the trend of the transfer of capacities of western producers to the east. the trend of the transfer of capacities of western producers to the east. The German car factory Volkswagen (VW) has been operating The German car factory Volkswagen (VW) has been operating successfully here, and its production will soon be completed by the successfully here, and its production will soon be completed by the French company PSA Peugeot Citroën and the Korean car factory Kia. French company PSA Peugeot Citroën and the Korean car factory Kia. At present, the car industry in the SR employees about 55,000 people, At present, the car industry in the SR employees about 55,000 people, while up to 2010 the number should increase over 100,000. By the while up to 2010 the number should increase over 100,000. By the export volume on the total country export it exceeds 32 %, while from export volume on the total country export it exceeds 32 %, while from the total foreign investments in Slovakia almost 25 % flowed to the car the total foreign investments in Slovakia almost 25 % flowed to the car industry. The extensive material was submitted by the Economy industry. The extensive material was submitted by the Economy Department for commenting-on to other ministries. Department for commenting-on to other ministries.

Heraldic Signs of regionsHeraldic Signs of regionsin Slovakiain Slovakia

Trnava Nitra Trenčín

Heraldic Signs of regionsHeraldic Signs of regionsin Slovakia in Slovakia

Žilina

Banská Bystrica Prešov Košice

Brief informationBrief information

79 districts 79 districts Regional capitals:Regional capitals: BratislavaBratislava, , TrnavaTrnava, , NitraNitra, , TrenčínTrenčín, , ŽilinaŽilina, ,

Banská BystricaBanská Bystrica, , PrešovPrešov, , KošiceKošice Official language:Official language: Slovak Slovak Capital city: Capital city: BratislavaBratislava (population 428 672) (population 428 672) Neighbouring countries:Neighbouring countries: CzechCzech RepublicRepublic, , PolandPoland, Ukraine, , Ukraine, HungaryHungary, ,

AustriaAustria Area:Area: 49 035 km2 49 035 km2 Population:Population: 5 379 455 (51.4% women) 5 379 455 (51.4% women) Population density:Population density: 109/km2 109/km2 Ethnicity of the population:Ethnicity of the population: Slovak (85.8%), Hungarian (9.7%), Romany Slovak (85.8%), Hungarian (9.7%), Romany

(1.7%), Czech (0.8%), Rusyn, Ukrainian, Russian, German, Polish and (1.7%), Czech (0.8%), Rusyn, Ukrainian, Russian, German, Polish and others (2%) others (2%)

Population by religion:Population by religion: believers (84.1%) of which: believers (84.1%) of which:Roman Catholic (68.9%), Evangelical (6.9%), Greek Catholic (4.1%), Roman Catholic (68.9%), Evangelical (6.9%), Greek Catholic (4.1%), Reform Christian (2%), undetermined (2.2%), atheist (13.7%) Reform Christian (2%), undetermined (2.2%), atheist (13.7%)

Brief informationBrief information

Main political parties represented in the National Council:Main political parties represented in the National Council: Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ), Christian Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ), Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), Smer, Hungarian Coalition Party Democratic Movement (KDH), Smer, Hungarian Coalition Party (SMK/MK), New Citizen's Alliance (ANO), Movement for a (SMK/MK), New Citizen's Alliance (ANO), Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), Communist Party of Slovakia (KSS) Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), Communist Party of Slovakia (KSS)

President of the republic:President of the republic: Doc. JUDr. Doc. JUDr.IvanIvan GašparovičGašparovič, CSc., , CSc., Dr.h.c. Dr.h.c.

Prime Minister:Prime Minister: Ing. Ing. Mikuláš Mikuláš DzurindaDzurinda Currency:Currency: Slovak crown, 1 Sk = 100 haliers Slovak crown, 1 Sk = 100 haliers Membership of international organisations:Membership of international organisations: EUEU, , NATONATO UNUN, ,

UNESCOUNESCO, , OECDOECD, , OBSEOBSE, , CERNCERN, , WHOWHO, , INTERPOLINTERPOL etc. etc.

Administrative division of the Slovak RepublicAdministrative division of the Slovak RepublicThe following are the self-governing regions, The following are the self-governing regions,

and their administrative centresand their administrative centres

Slovakia airportsSlovakia airports

Slovakia railway transportSlovakia railway transport

Slovak Mountanins Slovak Mountanins TatrasTatras

The unique natural enviroment of the Tatras offers all-year round The unique natural enviroment of the Tatras offers all-year round outdoor activities for visitors of all age grouops whether they are outdoor activities for visitors of all age grouops whether they are active sportsmen, senior citizens or families with small children. active sportsmen, senior citizens or families with small children. Activities such as hiking, rock climbing and skiing are just some of the Activities such as hiking, rock climbing and skiing are just some of the most popular activities. But there are also many others activities most popular activities. But there are also many others activities including mountain cycling, horse riding, paragliding, swimming or including mountain cycling, horse riding, paragliding, swimming or even rafting along local rivers. The only limit for outdoor activities are even rafting along local rivers. The only limit for outdoor activities are those set by the individual. Safety of visitors is provided for by the those set by the individual. Safety of visitors is provided for by the well trained and skilled Mountain Rescue Service. The professional well trained and skilled Mountain Rescue Service. The professional services provided by the Tatras Guides Association, Ski Schools, services provided by the Tatras Guides Association, Ski Schools, Travel Agencies and the Tatra Information Board are available to Travel Agencies and the Tatra Information Board are available to assist visitors to make the best of their visit to the Region. For those assist visitors to make the best of their visit to the Region. For those who prefer the more adventurous activities such as "off-piste" skiing, who prefer the more adventurous activities such as "off-piste" skiing, or free climbing should be aware that any kind of human activity or free climbing should be aware that any kind of human activity outside of marked hiking trails is permitted only with approval of outside of marked hiking trails is permitted only with approval of Tanap - National Park Headquarters.  Tanap - National Park Headquarters.  

Mountain in Slovakia Mountain in Slovakia Tatras Tatras

Mountain Rescue Services in Mountain Rescue Services in Slovakia (HS)Slovakia (HS)

Cultural heritageCultural heritage

The magic and beauty of our country is The magic and beauty of our country is enhanced by its caves and chasms. They enhanced by its caves and chasms. They present a world of silence and darkness present a world of silence and darkness with never-ending underground mazes, with never-ending underground mazes, cascade lakes, drop-stones, aragonite cascade lakes, drop-stones, aragonite flowers and polymorphs. In Slovakia flowers and polymorphs. In Slovakia there are about four thousand registered there are about four thousand registered caves. The best-known ones have been caves. The best-known ones have been declared as a national monuments. declared as a national monuments. Twelve Slovak caves are open for the Twelve Slovak caves are open for the public. They are mostly drop-stone public. They are mostly drop-stone caves, several are glacial. Very caves, several are glacial. Very interesting is Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa interesting is Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Ice cave) which has been inscribed into (Ice cave) which has been inscribed into the List of UNESCO World Natural the List of UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 2000. Unique one is the Heritage since 2000. Unique one is the aragonite cave in Ochtiná. It belongs to aragonite cave in Ochtiná. It belongs to the three caves of its kind in the world the three caves of its kind in the world that are open to the public.that are open to the public.

The Bystrianska caveThe Bystrianska cave

Slovak UNESCO Natural and cultural heritageSlovak UNESCO Natural and cultural heritage

Objects included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage:Objects included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage:

Town of Banska Stiavnica and technical monuments in its surroundings Town of Banska Stiavnica and technical monuments in its surroundings Village of Vlkolinec, historical reservation of folk architecture Village of Vlkolinec, historical reservation of folk architecture Spissky Castle, the most extensive stronghold system in Central Europe, and Spissky Castle, the most extensive stronghold system in Central Europe, and monuments in its surroundings monuments in its surroundings Town of BardejovTown of BardejovSlovak Karst - the greatest karst region in Central EuropeSlovak Karst - the greatest karst region in Central EuropeDobsinska ladova jaskyna (Ice cave)Dobsinska ladova jaskyna (Ice cave)

Objects included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage:Objects included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage:

Town of Banska StiavnicaTown of Banska Stiavnica and technical monuments in its surroundings and technical monuments in its surroundings Village of VlkolinecVillage of Vlkolinec, historical reservation of folk architecture , historical reservation of folk architecture Spissky CastleSpissky Castle, the most extensive stronghold system in Central Europe, and , the most extensive stronghold system in Central Europe, and monuments in its surroundings monuments in its surroundings Town of BardejovTown of BardejovSlovak KarstSlovak Karst - the greatest karst region in Central Europe - the greatest karst region in Central EuropeDobsinska ladova jaskynaDobsinska ladova jaskyna (Ice cave) (Ice cave)

Banska StiavnicaBanska Stiavnica

is the old mining town, with numerous beautiful monuments. From is the old mining town, with numerous beautiful monuments. From 13th to the 18th centuries is the town most important mining centre 13th to the 18th centuries is the town most important mining centre with the deposit of precious metals. The extraction and processing of with the deposit of precious metals. The extraction and processing of precious metals, especially gold and silver, goes back to the Bronze precious metals, especially gold and silver, goes back to the Bronze Age. Banska Stiavnica is also known for its Mining Academy founded Age. Banska Stiavnica is also known for its Mining Academy founded in 1762 as the first institution of higher education of its kind in the in 1762 as the first institution of higher education of its kind in the world. world.

Castles, chateaux and manorsCastles, chateaux and manors

Slovakia, a small scale country in the centre of Europe, by the words Slovakia, a small scale country in the centre of Europe, by the words of a folk song allocated "between Tatra mountains and the river of a folk song allocated "between Tatra mountains and the river Danube", has been a crossroads of Europe since the old times. Danube", has been a crossroads of Europe since the old times. Driveways of traders in the two main directions (approximately North-Driveways of traders in the two main directions (approximately North-South and East West), and even more various invasions had South and East West), and even more various invasions had stimulated construction of fortified settlements aimed to protect stimulated construction of fortified settlements aimed to protect merchants and their goods against bush rangers, or they served as a merchants and their goods against bush rangers, or they served as a refuge during raids (the invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or foreys of refuge during raids (the invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or foreys of Turks in the 16lh century. Many fortresses had never been captured. Turks in the 16lh century. Many fortresses had never been captured. Town castles possessed a remarkable position and importance, Town castles possessed a remarkable position and importance, protecting noble and rich, mainly mining towns of central Slovakia protecting noble and rich, mainly mining towns of central Slovakia where rare metals were exploited.where rare metals were exploited.

Slovak castlesSlovak castles

Slovakia, a small scale country in the Slovakia, a small scale country in the centre of Europe, by the words of a centre of Europe, by the words of a folk song allocated "between Tatra folk song allocated "between Tatra mountains and the river Danube", mountains and the river Danube", has been a crossroads of Europe has been a crossroads of Europe since the old times. Driveways of since the old times. Driveways of traders in the two main directions traders in the two main directions (approximately North-South and East (approximately North-South and East West), and even more various West), and even more various invasions had stimulated invasions had stimulated construction of fortified settlements construction of fortified settlements aimed to protect merchants and their aimed to protect merchants and their goods against bush rangers, or they goods against bush rangers, or they served as a refuge during raids (the served as a refuge during raids (the invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or foreys of Turks in the 16lh century. foreys of Turks in the 16lh century. Many fortresses had never been Many fortresses had never been captured. Town castles possessed a captured. Town castles possessed a remarkable position and importance, remarkable position and importance, protecting noble and rich, mainly protecting noble and rich, mainly mining towns of central Slovakia mining towns of central Slovakia where rare metals were exploited.where rare metals were exploited.

Spis CastleSpis Castle

The Spis Castle is the largest medieval castle in central Europe. It The Spis Castle is the largest medieval castle in central Europe. It dates back to 1113 when it was built as a royal castle on an important dates back to 1113 when it was built as a royal castle on an important trade route to the Baltic Sea. The second part of the historical trade route to the Baltic Sea. The second part of the historical settlement is Spisska Kapitula, founded as an independent religious settlement is Spisska Kapitula, founded as an independent religious community. The last but not least is the village of Zehra where the community. The last but not least is the village of Zehra where the Gothic Church of Holy Spirit with a wonderful interior and Gothic Gothic Church of Holy Spirit with a wonderful interior and Gothic paintings is situated. paintings is situated.

Photos of castlesPhotos of castles

Historical townsHistorical towns

Bardejov is an attractive Gothic Bardejov is an attractive Gothic town from 14th century with the well town from 14th century with the well preserved castle complex and the preserved castle complex and the Gothic and Renaissance houses. St. Gothic and Renaissance houses. St. Egidius Church from the 15th Egidius Church from the 15th century and Town Hall from 1505-century and Town Hall from 1505-1511 are the national cultural 1511 are the national cultural monuments. Bardejov Spa near the monuments. Bardejov Spa near the town itself in a beautiful green town itself in a beautiful green setting and the houses representing setting and the houses representing architectural styles of 19th century. architectural styles of 19th century. In the vicinity there is the Museum In the vicinity there is the Museum of Folk Architecture and many of Folk Architecture and many wooden churches from the 17th - wooden churches from the 17th - 19th centuries in the surrounding 19th centuries in the surrounding villages. villages.

Wooden housesWooden houses

Vlkolinec represents the type of Vlkolinec represents the type of Central Slovakian settlement Central Slovakian settlement with wooden architecture that is with wooden architecture that is widespread in mountain and widespread in mountain and foothill regions in the northern foothill regions in the northern part of Central Slovakia. There part of Central Slovakia. There are more than 40 wooden are more than 40 wooden houses from 15th to 19th houses from 15th to 19th century, which from the outside century, which from the outside look exactly alike. look exactly alike.

Slovak SpasSlovak Spas

SLOVAKIA is a country with a truly extraordinary number of curative SLOVAKIA is a country with a truly extraordinary number of curative springs. It also has extensive deposits of high-quality healing peat and springs. It also has extensive deposits of high-quality healing peat and mud. For a long time people have been taking advantage of these mud. For a long time people have been taking advantage of these resources to cure a variety of diseases and ailments. If we tell you that resources to cure a variety of diseases and ailments. If we tell you that in this little country there are one thousand one hundred and sixty in this little country there are one thousand one hundred and sixty registered mineral and thermal springs, you will get some idea of the registered mineral and thermal springs, you will get some idea of the enormous total healing capacity of these sites. Even Marcus Aurelius´ enormous total healing capacity of these sites. Even Marcus Aurelius´ Roman legions tried out the thermal water and several of the better-Roman legions tried out the thermal water and several of the better-known spas are visited every year by patients from many countries of known spas are visited every year by patients from many countries of the world the world

Places of SPAPlaces of SPA

- - Bardejov spa Bardejov spa (Bardejov) - digestive system diseases respiratory diseases (Bardejov) - digestive system diseases respiratory diseases - - BojniceBojnice ( Prievidza) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases ( Prievidza) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases- - BrusnoBrusno (Banska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases (Banska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases- - CizCiz (Rimavska Sobota) - locomotor apparatus diseaes, Parthes disease of children (Rimavska Sobota) - locomotor apparatus diseaes, Parthes disease of children- - DudinceDudince (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - - KorytnicaKorytnica (Ruzomberok) - digestive system diseases (Ruzomberok) - digestive system diseases - - KovacovaKovacova (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - - LuckyLucky (Povazska Bystrica) - gynaecological diseases (Povazska Bystrica) - gynaecological diseases- - NimnicaNimnica (Povazska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases (Povazska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases- - PiestanyPiestany ( Trnava) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases ( Trnava) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases- - Rajecke TepliceRajecke Teplice (Zilina) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases (Zilina) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases- - Sklene TepliceSklene Teplice ( Ziar nad Hronom) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system ( Ziar nad Hronom) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseasesdiseases- - SliacSliac (Zvolen) - circulatory system diseases (Zvolen) - circulatory system diseases- Smrdaky- Smrdaky (Senica) - skin diseases, locomotor apparatus diseases (Senica) - skin diseases, locomotor apparatus diseases- Trencianske Teplice- Trencianske Teplice (Trencin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system (Trencin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseasesdiseases- Turcianske Teplice- Turcianske Teplice (Martin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, kidney and urinary (Martin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, kidney and urinary tract diseasetract disease

SPAS in Dudince, Piestany, SliacSPAS in Dudince, Piestany, Sliac

Thermal water and swimming poolsThermal water and swimming pools

Slovakia has almost 40 thermal Slovakia has almost 40 thermal water swimming pools which are an water swimming pools which are an ideal environment for family ideal environment for family holidays. Accommodation is holidays. Accommodation is available directly in the swimming available directly in the swimming pools areas, or in their vicinity, for pools areas, or in their vicinity, for instance in campings, pensions and instance in campings, pensions and also in luxury hotels according to also in luxury hotels according to your choice. In order for you to have your choice. In order for you to have some inspiration we provide the some inspiration we provide the description of several well-known description of several well-known swimming pools:swimming pools:

SportSport

Slovakia is a country of sports and recreation.Slovak mountain ranges Slovakia is a country of sports and recreation.Slovak mountain ranges are dissected by thousands of kilometres of tourist paths and tracks. are dissected by thousands of kilometres of tourist paths and tracks. They belong among the best designated ones in Europe. They are They belong among the best designated ones in Europe. They are seen in map sets which are permanently updated. Maps of tracks seen in map sets which are permanently updated. Maps of tracks running along the Danube River and partly over mountain ranges are running along the Danube River and partly over mountain ranges are available for cyclotourist as well. In Slovakia the tourists can perform available for cyclotourist as well. In Slovakia the tourists can perform sports of any kind, including golf, yachting, mountaineering, rafting, sports of any kind, including golf, yachting, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, paragliding and many others. Slovak collective sports teams skiing, paragliding and many others. Slovak collective sports teams are well known all over Europe. Dog cart races are also taking place are well known all over Europe. Dog cart races are also taking place here, althoungh their tradition is not so long as that of horse racing. here, althoungh their tradition is not so long as that of horse racing. Horse riding in the nature is attractive as well. Horse riding in the nature is attractive as well.

- Skiing- Skiing- Ski-alpinism- Ski-alpinism- Paragliding- Paragliding- Snowboarding- Snowboarding- Spelunking- Spelunking