Overview of Slovakia
A parliamentary republic in central Europe landlocked by nature, featuring the majestic Tatra Mountains and medieval townscapes.
Profile
Slovakia is a landlocked country bordered by Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and Austria, covering approximately 49,000 km². The landscape ranges from the highlands of the Carpathian Mountains to the Danube River plains. After peacefully separating from Czechoslovakia in 1993, Slovakia joined the EU, NATO, and OECD, adopted the euro in 2009, and has developed its economy centered on the automotive industry. Rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites, intangible cultural heritage, and thermal springs, the official language is Slovak.
- Official name
- Slovak Republic
- Common name
- Slovakia
- Numeric code
- 703
- Alpha-3 code
- SVK
- Alpha-2 code
- SK
- Population
- Approximately 5.4 million (2023)
- Population density
- Approximately 111
- Primary languages
- Slovak
- Major religions
- Catholic, Lutheran
- National anthem
- Nad Tatrou sa blýska (Lightning Over the Tatras)
- Calling code
- +421
- Internet TLD
- .sk
History
Once part of the Kingdom of Hungary, Slovakia peacefully separated from Czech Republic in 1993 to become independent.
After the 7th-century Samo's Empire and 9th-century Great Moravian Empire, Slovakia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Hungary for approximately 1000 years from the 10th century. Following World War I, it joined with Czech to form Czechoslovakia, though briefly existed as a Nazi protectorate during World War II. After the war, it rejoined Czechoslovakia under socialist rule. Following the 1989 Velvet Revolution and democratization, the 'Velvet Divorce' on January 1, 1993, established the Slovak Republic. Since then, it has progressed as a stable parliamentary democracy while joining Western European institutions.
Geography & climate
Compact coexistence of plains, hills, and high mountains formed by the Danube lowlands and Carpathian Mountains, with limestone plateaus and numerous caves scattered throughout.
Transitional climate from temperate humid to humid continental
- Area
- Europe / 49035 km²
- Capital
- Bratislava
- Largest city
- Bratislava
- Coastal status
- No
- Bordering countries
- Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria
Politics
Government: Parliamentary democratic republic
Economy
Currency: Euro (EUR)
GDP (nominal): 129.2 billion US dollars (2023)
GDP (PPP): 180 billion international dollars (2023)
Language & timezone
Primary languages: Slovak
Time zone: CET, CEST
Culture & customs
Ethnic groups
Slovak, Magyar, Roma, Czech, Rusyn, Ukrainian, German, Polish
Life expectancy
78.1
Literacy rate
99.6
National sports
Soccer, Ice Hockey, Canoe Slalom, Skiing, Cycling Road Race, Biathlon
Flag
Emblem
