Where is Slovakia? Slovakia map in Russian. Capital of Slovakia, flag, history of the country. Detailed map of Slovakia with cities and roads Where is Slovakia located

Physical map of Slovakia

Slovakia(Slovakian: Slovensko), official name - The Slovak Republic(Slovakian: Slovenská republika) is a state in Central Europe. The population is 5,443,120 people (December 2017), the territory is 48,845 km². It ranks 112th in the world in terms of population and 127th in terms of territory.

The majority of believers (about 70% of the population) profess Catholicism.

Slovakia is a member of NATO and the EU. An industrial country with a dynamically developing economy. The GDP volume for 2011 amounted to 127.111 billion US dollars (about 23,384 dollars per capita). The monetary unit is the euro.

The country's independence was declared on January 1, 1993. Throughout history, the territory of the country was part of many powers and state entities, starting from the State of Samo in the 7th century until Czechoslovakia in the 20th century. During the Second World War, there was a Slovak state dependent on the Third Reich, which in 1945 again became part of Czechoslovakia.

Etymology

The first written mention of Slovakia dates back to 1586. The name comes from the Czech word Slováky; previous German forms were Windischen landen And Windenland(XV century). Self-name Slovensko(1791) comes from an older ethno-horonym of the Slovaks - Sloven, which may indicate its origins before the 15th century. The original significance was geographical (rather than political), since Slovakia was part of the multinational Kingdom of Hungary and did not create a separate administrative unit during this period.

Story

Nitra principality of the ancestors of the Slovaks, which existed in the 9th century

The Slavs settled the territory of Slovakia in the 6th century, during the Great Migration. Slovakia was part of the center of Samo in the 7th century, and later the Principality of Nitra was located on its territory. The Slavic state, known as Great Moravia, reached its greatest development in the 9th century with the arrival of Cyril and Methodius and expansion under the leadership of Prince Svyatopolk I. Slovakia eventually became part of the Kingdom of Hungary in the 11th-14th centuries, and then later was part of Austria-Hungary until its collapse in 1918. In the same year, Slovakia united with Subcarpathian Ruthenia and the state of Czechoslovakia was formed.

In 1919, during the campaign to the north of the Hungarian Red Army, the Slovak Soviet Republic was formed for some time on part of the territory of Slovakia.

Following the collapse of Czechoslovakia following the Munich Agreement of 1938, Slovakia became a separate republic controlled by Nazi Germany.

After World War II, Czechoslovakia was restored and came under the influence of the Soviet Union from 1945.

At the same time, in Slovakia, the bodies of national self-government of the Slovaks that emerged during the war were preserved - the Slovak National Council and local national committees - while the Czechs did not have such bodies (the so-called asymmetrical national-state structure). Then, in October 1968, the Constitutional Law on the Federation was adopted, which came into force on January 1, 1969, according to which the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic (Czechoslovak Socialist Republic - as Czechoslovakia was officially called since 1960) was divided, like the USSR and the SFRY (Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) , into two constituent republics of the federation - the Czech and Slovak socialist republics.

The end of socialist Czechoslovakia in 1989 during the peaceful Velvet Revolution also meant the end of Czechoslovakia as an entire state and led to the creation of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic in March 1990, and then, on January 1, 1993, two separate states - Slovakia and the "Velvet" divorce"). Slovakia became a member of NATO on March 29, 2004, the European Union on May 1, 2004, entered the Schengen zone on December 21, 2007, and entered the Euro zone on January 1, 2009.

Physiographic characteristics

Gerlachovsky Shtit

Slovakia is surrounded from the north and northeast by the mountain ranges of the Western Carpathians. Greatest height they reach in the High Tatras, where the highest point of the country is located - peak Gerlachovsky-Štit (2655 m), peaks Krivan, Dumbiere, whose height exceeds 1850 m. To the south of the Carpathians, hills predominate, separated by fertile valleys, along which numerous rivers flow into the Danube rivers. The largest of them are Vag, Nitra and Gron. Although almost 80% of Slovakia's territory lies at an altitude of 750 m above sea level, the country also has the fertile Central Danube Lowland, located closer to the Danube in the region of Bratislava and Komárno, which is the country's breadbasket.

Water resources

The Danube River forms the country's southwestern border. Many Carpathian rivers flowing in a southern direction flow into it. The largest tributaries of the Danube are the Vag, Nitra and Hron. In the east, the Carpathian rivers, such as Laborets, Torisa and Ondava, belong to the basin of the Tisza River, the largest tributary of the Danube.

Climate

The climate of Slovakia has a pronounced continental character. Winter is cold and dry; summers are warm and humid. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the mountains. Annual precipitation amounts exceed 1000 mm in the mountains, and on the plains they are less than 500 mm per year. In Bratislava the average temperature in January is −1°C, July is +21°C. In the mountains, winters are colder and summers are cooler.

Flora and fauna

They occupy almost 40% of the country's territory. The southern slopes of the mountains are covered with broad-leaved (beech and oak) or mixed forests, while the northern slopes are covered with coniferous forests, consisting mainly of spruce and fir. The country is dominated by broad-leaved species (53%), primarily beech (31%) and oak (10%), and the most common conifers are spruce (29%) and fir (9%). Higher in the mountains there are alpine meadows.

In the mountain forests of Slovakia there are deer, lynxes, wolves and bears, and small animals - foxes, squirrels, weasels.

National parks

Slovak Paradise National Park

National parks are only part of the system of environmental areas and sites, which is managed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. From 1949 to 2002, nine were created national parks:

• Velka Fatra,
• Mala Fatra,
• Muranska Planina,
• Low Tatras,
• Pieniny,
• Polonyny,
• Slovak Karst,
• Slovak Paradise,
• Tatras.

Mineral resources

Relief of Slovakia

Oil, natural gas and brown coal are produced in Slovakia, which are used for the needs of the economy. Oil covers 1% of domestic energy needs, gas - 3%, and brown coal - about 80%. The rest is compensated by imports from the Czech Republic. The country has reserves of uranium, coal and shale gas, but currently they are not being developed due to high costs. The country has large reserves of non-metallic materials. In particular, magnesite is actively mined, which is exported and accounts for about 6% of world production. In the past, significant quantities of gold, silver, etc. were mined in Slovakia. Currently, precious metals are mined in small quantities in the Hodruša-Homre area.

State structure

The head of state in Slovakia is the president, elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term. Most executive power is vested in the head of government, the prime minister, who is usually the leader of the party or coalition that received the majority in parliamentary elections and is appointed by the president. The executive body is the Government of the Slovak Republic. The remainder of the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.

The highest legislative body of Slovakia is the 150-seat unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic. Delegates are elected for a 4-year term on the basis of proportional representation.

Parliament can dismiss the president if three-fifths of the total number of deputies votes for it. The president can dissolve parliament if he does not approve the government's policy statement three times within a month after the elections.

The body of constitutional supervision is the Constitutional Court, which has jurisdiction over constitutional issues. The 10 members of this court are approved by the president from several candidates nominated by parliament. Highest court - Supreme Court, courts of first instance - regional courts, the lowest level of the judicial system - district courts.

Political parties

Rights

• Slovak National Party - nationalist, right-wing populist,
• People's Party - Movement for a Democratic Slovakia - right-wing populist,
• The People's Party - our Slovakia - is far-right.

Center-right

• Ordinary people - conservative,
• Slovak Democratic and Christian Union - Democratic Party - Conservative,
• Christian Democratic movement - conservative,
• The new majority is conservative,
• The Liberal Party is Conservative.

Centrists

• Freedom and Solidarity (party) - liberal.

Left

• Course - social democracy - social democratic,
• Party of the Democratic Left - Social Democratic,
• Communist Party of Slovakia - communist,
• Union of Workers of Slovakia - left-populist,
• 99% - civil voice - left-wing populist.

Off the spectrum

• "Bridge" - Hungarian national, for interethnic dialogue,
• The Hungarian Coalition Party is the Hungarian National Party.

Unions

The largest trade union center is the Confederation of Trade Unions of the Slovak Republic.

Administrative division

Administrative divisions of Slovakia

Slovakia is divided into 8 regions (NUTS-3 units). In 2002, each region received some autonomy.

1. Bratislava region,
2. Trnava region,
3. Trencin region,
4. Nitra region,
5. Zhilina region,
6. Banská Bystrica Region,
7. Presov region,
8. Kosice region.

The region is divided into several districts. There are currently 79 districts in Slovakia.

Economy

National Bank of Slovakia in Bratislava.

Slovakia is a developed industrial-agrarian country. Relatively developed diversified agriculture is based on modern material and technical base and infrastructure.

In 2018, the minimum wage in Slovakia is 480 euros per month. The average salary in 2017 was 925 euros per month. In the Bratislava region, the average salary in 2017 was 1,527 euros per month. As of February 2018, the unemployment rate was 5.88%. From January 1, 2019, the minimum wage is 520 euros (gross) and 430.35 euros (net). The Kaitz index (the ratio between the minimum and average wages in the country) in Slovakia as of 2019 (average 1106 euros and minimum 520 euros) is about 47%.

Advantages: increased production, especially in the Bratislava area.

Tourism

Slovakia has significant tourism potential. Its nature, mountains, caves, ski resorts, castles and cities attract many tourists. In 2006, about 1.6 million tourists visited the country, and the most popular destinations were Bratislava and the High Tatras. The majority of tourists were from the Czech Republic (26%), followed by Poland (15%) and Germany (11%). Many citizens of the country travel abroad. For example, in 2012, the outbound tourist flow amounted to 3,017 thousand people.

Automotive industry

By the time of the collapse of Czechoslovakia in the early 1990s, there was no automobile production on the territory of Slovakia. In Bratislava there was only the Bratislava Automobile Plant, which produced components for Czech Skoda cars. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, thanks to the policy of attracting investment, large foreign TNCs began building automobile plants in the country. Plants were built for Volkswagen in Bratislava (on the territory of the Bratislava Automobile Plant), Peugeot in Trnava and Kia Motors in Žilina. According to OICA data, 182 thousand cars were produced in Slovakia in 2000. In 2005, 218 thousand cars were produced in Slovakia. By 2010, with the plants reaching full capacity, car production increased to 557 thousand units. Slovakia has become the world leader in car production per capita; with a country population of 5.4 million people, almost 640 thousand cars were produced in 2011, the bulk of which were exported to other European countries (the share of cars in the country’s exports exceeded 25%).

International trade

The republic's foreign trade is focused on EU countries. The main export trading partners in 2017 were: Germany 20.7%, Czech Republic 11.6%, Poland 7.7%, France 6.3%, Italy 6.1%, Great Britain 6%, Hungary 6%, Austria 6 %; total exports amounted to $80.57 billion, and the main items were vehicles and spare parts 27%, equipment and electrical goods 20%, metallurgical machinery, furnaces and similar equipment 12%, iron and steel 4%. The main trading partners for imports in 2017 were: Germany 19.1%, Czech Republic 16.3%, Austria 10.3%, Poland 6.5%, Hungary 6.4%, South Korea 4.5%, Russia 4.5%; the total volume of imports amounted to $77.96 billion, and the main items were machinery and equipment 20%, vehicles and components 14%, power equipment 12%, fuel 9%.

Population

Number, settlement

The population is 5.5 million people. Distributed fairly evenly throughout the area. There is a high population density in the southwest, due to the fact that the terrain in that area is more suitable for agriculture.

Peoples of Slovakia

Hungarian minority (2011)

The majority of the inhabitants of Slovakia are ethnic Slovaks (85.8% according to the 2001 census). Hungarians are the largest national minority (9.7%), living mainly in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Other ethnic groups include Roma, Czechs, Ruthenians, Ukrainians, Germans and Poles.

Religion

In general, Slovakia is a rather religious country, especially compared to its neighboring country. The Slovak Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of Slovak citizens (69%) are Catholics; the second largest group are Protestants (11%, Lutherans (mainly Slovaks) and Reformed (mainly Hungarians)), Greek Catholics (4%) and Orthodox (1%).

Languages

The official state language is Slovak, which belongs to the group of Slavic languages. The Hungarian language has equal circulation in southern Slovakia; according to Slovak law, it can be used as an official language along with Slovak in those regions where Hungarians make up over 21.7 percent of the population.

The mother tongue of the majority of the inhabitants of Slovakia is Slovak: 78.6% of the inhabitants (4,240,453 people), according to the 2011 census. 9.4% of the population (508,714 people) called Hungarian their native language. Romani is the native language of 2.3% of the population (122,518 people). The Rusyn language is in fourth place in terms of the number of people who call it their native language - 1% of the population (55,469 people). The remaining languages ​​scored less than 1%.

Culture

• Music of Slovakia
• Literature of Slovakia
• Slovak National Theater

Armed forces

Slovakian military police officer

The armed forces of Slovakia consist of ground forces and air force, air defense troops, border troops and civil defense troops. The army consists of 14,000 soldiers and officers. In 2004, Slovakia became a member of NATO. On August 1, 2005, universal conscription was abolished, and a transition to a professional army took place. The military budget in 2009 was $1.35 billion. Slovakia takes part in UN peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo and Metohija.

Public holidays

• January 1 - Foundation Day of the Slovak Republic,
• May 8 - Victory Day over Nazism,
• July 5 - Day of St. Cyril and St. Methodius,
• August 29 - Day of the Slovak National Uprising,
• September 1 - Constitution Day of the Slovak Republic,
• November 17 - Day of struggle against totalitarianism,
• December 25 - Christmas,
• In the spring, Easter is declared a public holiday, the date of which is determined every year in accordance with Catholic traditions.

see also

• Moravian Slovakia

Notes

1. World Atlas: Maximum detailed information / Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017. - P. 18. - 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
2. (undefined) . www.imf.org.
3. Report for Selected Countries and Subjects (undefined) . www.imf.org.
4. Report for Selected Countries and Subjects (undefined) . www.imf.org.
5. Report for Selected Countries and Subjects (undefined) . www.imf.org.
6. Human Development Indicators(English) . United Nations Development Program (2018). - Human Development Report on the UN Development Program website. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
7. Gorodetskaya I. L., Levashov E. A. Russian names of residents: Dictionary-reference book. - M.: Russian dictionaries: Astrel: AST, 2003. - P. 266.
8. Until 2009 - Slovak koruna
9. http://chartsbin.com/view/edr
10. Stav obyvateľstva v SR k 31. December 2017(words) . Štatistický úrad Slovenskej republiky.
11. Uličny, Ferdinand. Toponymum Slovensko – pôvod a obsah názvu (undefined) // Historický časopis. - Historický ústav SAV, 2014. - No. 3. - P. 548. - ISSN 0018-2575.
12. Slovaks distinguish between Uhorsko(historical state) and Maďarsko(modern state), while both of these place names refer to Hungary.
13. Minimalna mzda 2018 (undefined) . Minimalnamzda.sk
14. Priemerná mzda (undefined) . www.minimalnamzda.sk. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
15. Nezamestnanosť ďalej klesá, bez práce je 5.88 percenta ľudí (undefined) . ekonomika.sme.sk. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
16. Minimalna mzda 2019
17. Votruba, Martin Regional Wealth (undefined) . Slovak Studies Program. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved May 12, 2010. Archived August 22, 2011.
18. Turistov na Slovensku je čoraz viac. Prichádzajú turisti aj z Číny - Ammado.sk
19. Archived copy (undefined) (unavailable link). Retrieved August 28, 2012. Archived October 9, 2007.
20. Trukhachev A.V., Ivolga A.G. Analysis of the influence of factors on inbound and outbound tourist flows using the example of individual countries // Modern problems of science and education. - 2014. - No. 5. - P. 369
21. OICA 2000 statistics
22. OICA 2005 statistics
23. OICA 2010 statistics
24. OICA 2011 statistics
25. Slovakia according to the CIA directory
26. Slovakia in the CIA World Factbook(English) . Retrieved October 30, 2010.
27. Final results of the census in Slovakia in 2011(words) . Retrieved August 22, 2012. Archived October 14, 2012.
28. http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2010_06/20100610_PR_CP_2010_078.pdf

Links

• Slovakia in the Open Directory Project (dmoz) link directory
• Official government website
• Official website of the President
• Národná Rada - Official website of the National Council (country's parliament)
• Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Moscow
• Maps of Slovakia
• SK TODAY News from Slovakia. Independent online publication. (English)
• Krejčí, Oskar: Geopolitics of the Central European Region. The view from Prague and Bratislava Bratislava: Veda, 2005. 494 p. (Czech) (unavailable link)

Slovakia is a long and narrow strip stretching from the fertile plains of the Danube basin to the mountain peaks of the High Tatras - amazingly beautiful mountain range. These mountain ranges have long impeded the processes of industrialization and modernization, and therefore Slovakia is more like countryside and retained its pristine freshness (sometimes to the point of indecentness).

Until 1918, what is now Slovakia was called Upper Hungary and was ruled by the Magyars for almost a millennium, and Bratislava was even the Hungarian capital when it took over the rest of the country. But in 1918, the Slovaks, together with their Slavic neighbors the Czechs, formed a single state - Czechoslovakia, which lasted for 75 years until the “Velvet Revolution” of 1993. In 2004, Slovakia joined the EU. The republic has a very diverse population: over half a million ethnic Hungarians live in the south of the country, along with thousands of gypsies leading a rather miserable existence, and several thousand Rusyns in the east.

The country's capital, Bratislava, has had some unflattering reviews in the past, but this small, ancient city has been well restored over the past decade and now looks very attractive. Poprad is located transport node High Tatras - the most spectacular mountain range in Slovakia, where tourist routes through the interesting medieval towns of the Spis region in the eastern part of the country. Even further to the east is the cultural center of the Rusyns, and Slovakia's second largest city boasts a beautiful Gothic cathedral, a multi-ethnic population and is strikingly different from many other places in the country.

Transport and accommodation in Slovakia

Two-thirds of the country's railways are single-track, so traffic is slow, but some trips are worth taking to admire the local scenery. The Slovak Railways (Zeleznice Slovenskej republiky) operate fast trains (rychlik) with stops in major population centers, while local trains (osobny vlak) stop everywhere. For domestic travel, tickets (listok) can be purchased at the station (stanica) the day before or on the day of departure. For Euro City trains, sometimes for Intercity and Expres trains you will have to pay extra.

ZSR trains have sleeping cars (luzkovy vozen) and berths (lezadlovy vozen) at reasonable prices, which must be booked no later than six hours before departure. Inter Rail cards are valid in the country; Eurail cards require an additional payment. Bus service is faster and covers a larger area. In most cities, train stations and bus stations are located nearby. State bus company– Slovenska automobilova doprava, or SAD. Usually a ticket is purchased from the driver, since the ticket office is often closed. For weekends and early flights, tickets must be booked in advance.

• Accommodation in Slovakia

In all cases, it is a good idea to book your accommodation as early as possible. Some hotels double their rates for foreigners, but for the most part a simple room for 10 euros is not difficult to find anywhere except Bratislava. Old state hotels and resort complexes at the springs they are slowly being restored (the rooms there are usually small and expensive). At the same time, new hotels and guesthouses are opening - especially in well-known tourist areas - and often very good ones. A good option is private housing in many places; for this you need to look for the Zimmer frei sign. Prices here start from 8 euros per day.

There are no real chain hostels here, although some belong to the HI system or operate as part of the SCM student travel agency. There are several private hostels in Bratislava with different levels of comfort. Everywhere, local travel agencies or SCM branches provide information about cheap student accommodation in university cities in July and August. In the High Tatras, in addition to housing in panel houses on the waters, you can find several houses (chalets or chatas) scattered along the mountain slopes. Some of them are hotels with a price sleeping place about 15 euros, and much less in simpler establishments and in more secluded places. There are many campsites with simple bungalows, where prices start from 8 euros per bed.

Food and drink in Slovakia

Slovak cuisine is quite hearty, and Hungarian, Polish and Ukrainian influences can be seen in different regions of the country. In the mornings, in stand-up canteens (bufet), they usually eat parek - a hot cutlet with mustard and horseradish in a white bun. The national dish is bryndzove halusky, or dumplings with sheep's cheese and bacon, fried in breadcrumbs, which also has a Hungarian influence. Goulash is very popular (though in a softer and not as thick and spicy form as in) and langose ​​- fried dumplings with different fillings. Most menus start with soup (polievka), which is eaten both during the day and in the evening. The main dishes are based on pork or beef; trout and carp are usually present; you can try carp or catfish, and if you’re lucky, you can also enjoy lamb.

Most second courses are served with potatoes (zemiaky), but fresh salads and vegetables are still rare in local restaurants. In addition to cakes (palacinky) with chocolate, fruit and cream, apple strudel, homemade cheese pie and ice cream are always present among Slovak desserts. More and more restaurants offer international cuisine from fast food outlets and pizzerias. Their opening hours are also extended; in remote regions these points close at 21.00 or 22.00; in larger settlements, restaurants are open until 23.00 and later. Coffee (kava) is drunk here black, and in big cities - espresso, although sometimes in towns and villages they simply dilute ground coffee with boiling water (although they call it “Turkish”, turecka).

Confectionery shops (cukraren) play an important role in public life, especially on Sunday afternoons, when they are the only ones open. Regardless of the season, Slovaks eat a daily portion of ice cream (zmrzlina). The vineyards of the southern part of Slovakia produce good white wines that are not inferior to Hungarian and Austrian ones. The most popular local drink is slivovitz, or plum vodka, which is ubiquitous. Having lived for almost seventy years side by side with the Czechs, the Slovaks are accustomed to draft beer, but still there are fewer pubs (pivnica) here than in. Slovaks tend to visit restaurants or wine bars (vinaren), often open late, like nightclubs.

Iconic sights of Slovakia

1). – The small Slovak capital is a beautiful, well-restored ancient city full of Baroque palaces, shady squares and lively street cafes;

2). – These peaks are the most beautiful mountains Slovakia - rising above the Poprad plain;

3). – An attractive medieval town, surrounded by a wall and originally inhabited by the Saxons;

4). Spis Castle- Big medieval castle in the east of the country it impresses with its ruins on the top of the mountain.

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The best places in Slovakia. What to see in Slovakia? Where to relax? The most beautiful places Interesting Facts and general information

The content of the article

Slovakia is a small and colorful country in central Europe. More than two decades ago, after the collapse of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia became an independent and independent country.

Large cities: Kosice, Nitra, Presov, Zilina

Climate

The climate in Slovakia is moderate continental. If you're visiting Slovakia during the summer months, it can get quite hot, so bring light clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses. In winter it can be very cold, you need to take warm clothes and shoes. Autumn can be quite rainy, so it's worth taking an umbrella with you.

Population

About 5.5 million people live in Slovakia. The main part of the population are Slovaks, Hungarians, Ukrainians, Roma, Germans, Poles, Czechs and Rusyns.

Language

The official language is Slovak. Also popular languages ​​in the country are: Hungarian, Gypsy, Ruthenian.

Form of government

Parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president.

Religion

The majority of Slovak citizens are Catholics (69%).

Currency

The national currency of Slovakia is the euro.

Telephone code

Emergency numbers

Traditional cuisine

To truly learn the culture of a country, you need to try its cuisine! Historically, Slovakia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was later united with the Czech Republic as Czechoslovakia. Thanks to Slovakia's central location and complex history, many Slovak dishes also exist in neighboring countries. Of course, you can taste dumplings in other countries of Central Europe, but real dumplings with Brindzin sheep cheese can only be found in Slovakia.

Slovak national cuisine contains quite a lot of meat (especially pork, poultry), potatoes, cheese and thick sauces. Although rice does not grow in Slovakia, it is widely used in Slovak homes and restaurants. As a rule, there are not very many vegetables, well, except for huge portions of sauerkraut.

Most Slovak people have breakfast very early, with the main course for breakfast being various types of bread with butter, cheese, ham, fried or boiled eggs, sausages, vegetables, jam or honey. The main meal of the day is considered to be lunch. A typical Slovak lunch consists of soup and a main course. The main course is meat, pasta or a sweet dish.

The Slovak people have several favorite drinks, naturally these are beer, wine and the traditional Slovak slivovitz.

In Slovakia, it is customary to bring a bottle of wine or other alcoholic drink as a gift if you are invited to visit

Conclusion

Today Slovakia is not like that popular destination among Russians, such as the neighboring Czech Republic, but completely undeservedly. On the territory of Slovakia there are so many beautiful places and attractions that you will definitely want to visit while in this hospitable country.

The content of the article

SLOVAKIA, The Slovak Republic is a state in Central Europe, formed on January 1, 1993 after the collapse of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic (CSFR). From 1918 to 1992 inclusive – component Czechoslovakia; until 1918 – for almost nine centuries – part of Hungary. The country's area is 49,035 square meters. km, population – 5.34 million people (1995). It borders in the north with Poland, in the east with Ukraine, in the south with Hungary, and in the west with Austria and the Czech Republic. The capital is the city of Bratislava. see also CZECHOSLOVAKIA.

ECONOMY

Since 1990, Slovakia, which was part of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, began the transition from a centrally planned economic system to a market economy.

In 1990–1992, 9,500 small businesses, mostly in the retail and service sectors, were sold at auction. By the beginning of 1993 there were approx. 16 thousand private enterprises, of which approximately 2 thousand were joint stock enterprises, and 800 were owned by foreign companies. The privatization of large and medium-sized state-owned enterprises in 1993 was carried out through the issuance and sale of vouchers.

In 1991, there was a slowdown in the rate of economic development of the Slovak economy as a result of a sharp decrease in foreign trade, the transition to market relations and the almost complete absence of the influx of foreign investment. In 1992, Slovakia's gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 30%, and by 1993 the unemployment rate exceeded 10%. Both agriculture and industry suffered. Agriculture suffered significant losses due to high costs and decreased demand for food products associated with rising retail prices and declining household incomes, as well as the termination of government subsidies. In industry, the decline in output was especially large in the manufacturing industries.

A very serious problem for the Slovak economy was the conversion of the military industry. 35 engineering enterprises that were engaged in the production of military equipment for the Warsaw Pact countries found themselves in a difficult situation. Since 1993, after the collapse of the CSFR, Slovakia continued the process of economic reform, revising the reform scenario towards strengthening social support and government regulation.

In 1993, GDP amounted to 367.3 billion crowns, in 1994 – 385.0, in 1995 – 414.7 billion crowns. In terms of growth rates, the country was among the leaders in the transition economies of the countries of Central Europe, and in terms of the depth of economic reform, it came in fourth place after Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, based on the sum of points scored in assessing the adopted market measures. In 1996, the country achieved high GDP growth rates (6.9%), a further increase in production volumes in industry (2.5%), construction (3.7%), agriculture(2.3%). There was a decrease in inflation (to 5.9%), unemployment decreased slightly (to 12.6%). The share of the private sector in GDP creation has increased noticeably (76% versus 63% in 1995). The main source of economic growth was the increase in domestic consumption: while the share of exports in GDP decreased to 57.5%, the share of imports, on the contrary, increased to 68.1%.

Positive macroeconomic results, expressed in GDP growth for several years now, have not led to a noticeable increase in the living standards of the majority of the country's population.

Foreign trade and investment.

In 1989, 67% of Slovakia's exports went to the USSR and other Eastern European countries and 27% to the countries of the European Union and other states Western Europe. In the same year, 50% of all imports came from Eastern Europe and 32% from Western Europe. By 1993, the picture had changed: 53% of Slovakia's exports went to Western Europe and 35% to Eastern Europe, while 46% of all imports came from Western Europe and 42% from Eastern Europe. The main items of Slovak export are semi-finished products for the manufacturing industry, machinery and chemical products. The main import items are cars and various types of fuel.

Foreign investment since 1990 has been less than might have been expected. By 1993 they reached only 234 million dollars. The main investors are Germany, Austria and the USA. Already in 1996, there was a noticeable deterioration in the situation in the financial and budgetary sphere and in the field of foreign trade. The state budget deficit of Slovakia increased to 4.4% of GDP (compared to 1.6% in 1995). The volume of mutual non-payments in the economic sphere, which decreased in 1995 by 32% compared to the previous year, in 1996 increased by 16 billion crowns and reached 102 billion crowns.

If in 1995 the trade balance was reduced to a small positive balance (1.79 billion crowns), then in 1996, in conditions of predominant growth in imports, a huge trade deficit emerged on a national scale in the amount of 64.5 billion crowns. To limit the growth of the negative balance of trade and payments, the Slovak government introduced a 7% import surcharge in July 1997, covering more than 75% of all imported goods, and also took a number of other measures to reduce imports. In 1997, exports increased by 9.9%, and imports by only 4.5%.

In 1996, Slovakia's foreign debt increased from 5.8 to 7.8 billion dollars, and by the end of 1997 it amounted to about 10.27 billion dollars; its growth trend did not stop in 1999. At the same time, its main part was the debt of enterprises and commercial banks.

Monetary system.

The monetary unit is the freely convertible Slovak koruna. Inflation during this period ranged from 10 to 15% per year. By 1993, Slovakia's external debt amounted to $3.3 billion. In 1997, inflation in the country, despite a slowdown in imports and an increase in some regulated prices, amounted to only 6.5–6.7%, slightly exceeding the previous year's figure (5.8%). ).

In 1996, the country's foreign exchange reserves increased, but their growth was significantly lower than the growth of Slovakia's external debt, which increased by $2 billion and by the end of 1996 reached $7.2 billion (of which public debt was $1.7 billion .). At the same time, Slovakia in terms of external debt per capita ($1,360) differs markedly from other Central European countries (for the Czech Republic this figure is $2,300, for Hungary – $3,000).

STORY

The history of Slovakia is divided into four major periods: the period preceding the Hungarian conquest in the 10th century; era of Hungarian rule until 1918; the Czechoslovak period (1918–1992) and the period of the independent Slovak Republic (from January 1, 1993). The ancestors of modern Slovaks settled southern slopes Carpathians from about the 5th century. In the 9th century The Great Moravian State was created, which included both the Slovaks and their neighbors, the Czechs. Apostles of the Slavs Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century. converted the Slovaks to Christianity. At the beginning of the 10th century. During the Hungarian invasion, the Great Moravian Empire was destroyed. Slovakia, having separated from the Czech and Moravian lands, came under the rule of the Hungarians.

Hungarian rule.

The country conquered by Hungary was populated mainly by peasants. Hungary behaved towards the Slovaks as if they were a defeated people. In the 13th century The territory of Slovakia was subjected to a devastating invasion by the Mongols who invaded Hungary. Later, with the advent of settlers (mainly from Germany), economic development Slovak lands. Cities grew, and a class of Slovak burghers emerged. In the 13th–14th centuries. ties between the Slovaks and Czechs were restored. The Hussite movement in the Czech Republic also affected Slovakia.

The result of the Turkish victory at Mohács in 1526 was the division of the Kingdom of Hungary into three regions: the central one under the rule of the Turks, Transylvania under the control of local princes, and the so-called. Royal Hungary under Habsburg rule; Slovakia was also included in the latter. Slovakia occupied a central position in the Kingdom of Hungary, and Bratislava was the capital of the Habsburgs until the final expulsion of the Turks and the liberation of all of Hungary at the end of the 17th century. Protestantism became widespread in the region, but under the Habsburgs the forces of the Catholic Counter-Reformation intensified.

The period of enlightened absolutism under Emperor Joseph II (reigned 1765–1790) was particularly important for the development of Slovakia. Although social reforms and religious tolerance had a beneficial effect on Slovakia, the introduction German language in Hungary caused outrage among the local population, which in turn affected the Slovaks. The growth of Hungarian national consciousness contributed to the Slovak national revival; a similar movement occurred among the Czechs. Slovak writers such as Jan Kollar and Josef Safarik played equally important roles in both the Czech and Slovak revivals. Both wrote in classical Czech language. Some writers began to use the Slovak dialect as a literary language. This was a reaction to the policy of Hungary, which in 1836 declared only Hungarian as the official language. In 1845, the Slovak writer and patriot Ludovit Štur began publishing the first periodical in the Slovak language, the Slovak People's Newspaper.

The patriotic upsurge and spread of revolutionary ideas in Hungary continued to have a stimulating effect on the Slovak patriotic movement. During the revolution of 1848, the “Demands of the Slovak People” program was developed - the first expression of the political demands of the Slovaks. The program called for the use of the Slovak language in schools, courts, local government, and for the election of the Slovak parliament on the basis of universal suffrage. This led to confrontation between the Slovaks and the Hungarians; some Slovak revolutionaries moved to Prague. The defeat of the Hungarian revolution and the victory of the Austrian reaction did not improve the situation of the Slovaks. In 1861, the “Memorandum of the Slovak People” was adopted, which contained a demand for local autonomy. The cultural and educational society "Matica Slovak" was founded.

The creation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867) increased the Slovaks' dependence on Budapest. The Hungarians, inspired by the idea of ​​unifying their part of the empire, pursued the policy of Magyarization with great zeal. Matica Slovakskaya and Slovak higher education institutions were closed, and the Slovak language was allowed only in primary schools. Political discrimination against Slovaks continued; Slovak deputies were extremely rarely elected to the Hungarian parliament. There were no mechanisms for the formation of the Slovak elite; The role of political leader was often assumed by the clergy. On the eve of the First World War, Slovak patriots worked closely with other peoples of the Austro-Hungarian Empire; It was at this time that the idea of ​​​​creating a Czechoslovak state began to take clear shape.

During the First World War, Czechs and Slovaks demanded a unified state. Slovak General Milan Stefanik, along with Czech leaders Tomas Masaryk and Eduard Benes, spent the war years in the West, seeking support from France and Great Britain. In Slovakia itself towards the creation new country priest Andrei Glinka and Vavro Shrobar called; Milan Goggia became the spokesman for Czechoslovak and Slovak interests in Vienna. As soon as the independence movement gained momentum within Slovakia and abroad, Slovaks in the United States took the initiative to sign an agreement with the Czechs, which contained plans for the creation of a Czechoslovak state. The Pittsburgh Declaration of May 30, 1918, signed in the presence of Masaryk, did not have the status of an official document; it stated that Slovakia should become an autonomous part of the new state with its own parliament, administration, judicial system, and the Slovak language was supposed to be used as the official language.

Education of Czechoslovakia.

On October 28, 1918, the Czech National Council proclaimed the independence of Czechoslovakia in Prague, and on October 30, the Slovak National Council in Turčanský Sveti Martin (modern Martin) announced the separation of Slovakia from Hungary and the creation of a Czechoslovak state (the so-called Martin Declaration). The joint state was recreated on the basis of the unification of two peoples after ten centuries of separation, but the question of a clear relationship between them remained open. In the constitutional debate, the centralist tendency won, receiving the support of the majority of Czechs. Czechoslovakia was proclaimed a single and indivisible republic. The idea of ​​a single nation using a common language found support both in Prague and among part of the Slovak population. And yet the centralist character new republic did not suit many citizens of Slovakia, primarily supporters of Hlinka’s People’s Party, as well as Josef Tiso, who demanded complete autonomy for this part of the country and received 32% of the Slovak votes in the elections of 1925. Some of the votes in Slovakia were also received by more moderate parties who opposed autonomy. Catholics played a leading role in the more extremist movements.

As a result, the Slovak question became the central problem of the new state, and antagonism and tension between Czechs and Slovaks often obscured genuine achievements in Slovak development. Some of its more moderate leaders held high positions in the Czechoslovak government.

In 1938, after the Munich Agreement, many Slovaks from the extremist wing of the autonomists came out with demands for complete separation from the Czechoslovak state. As a result of this agreement, the line towards the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia prevailed; Hungary and Poland annexed parts of the territory of Slovakia. When Hitler captured Prague in March 1939, German and Slovak Nazis created a separate Slovak state. His government was a Nazi dictatorship led by President Tiso. Later, Slovak troops were sent to the Soviet-German front to demonstrate support for the German invasion of the USSR.

During the war years, some Slovak leaders (Stefan Osuski, Juraj Slavik, etc.) collaborated with the exile government of Czechoslovakia, headed by Benes; a group of Slovak communists, who did not have much influence in Slovakia, began active activities in Moscow. In December 1943, the Slovak National Council was created, which became the head of the underground resistance movement, in which communist and non-communist forces participated. The Council opposed the Tiso regime, recognized the need to restore Czechoslovakia on the basis of an equal partnership between Czechs and Slovaks, and began preparing an armed uprising. It began in August 1944 in the area of ​​​​Banska Bystrica under the leadership of communist partisans. Despite assistance provided by the Soviet advance from Poland, the Slovak partisans were routed by superior German forces.

At the end of the war, the Slovak National Council took control of all of Slovakia. Using the slogans of Slovak nationalism, the communists sought to retain power, but in the 1946 elections, non-communist parties received 63% of the seats in the council. Then the communists changed their tactics, relying not on persuasion, but on violence; Mass arrests began in the country. After the communists seized power in 1948, Slovakia for the first time received broad autonomy, which was subsequently largely curtailed. The sovereignty of Slovakia became one of the main goals of the 1968 liberation movement in Czechoslovakia. Despite the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the armed forces of the Warsaw Pact countries in August 1968, a constitutional law was adopted on October 30, 1968, establishing in Czechoslovakia federal state. The new law, which came into force on January 1, 1969, granted broad powers to the Czech and Slovak regional administrations and established a bicameral national assembly, in one of the chambers of which Czechs and Slovaks had equal representation.

Demonstrations in November 1989 brought an end to communist rule. In the Czech Republic, the Civil Forum (CF) movement arose, and in Slovakia, the Public Against Violence (OPV). The country received a new name - the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. In the 1990 elections, the OPN and the Christian Democratic Movement (CDM) gained greatest number votes.

On the way to independence.

At the end of 1990, the federal parliament granted Slovakia the right to manage its budget, without resolving the issue of guarantees of its sovereignty. In 1991, federal, Czech and Slovak government circles held a series of meetings at which issues of granting autonomy to Slovakia were considered, but no agreement was reached. The OPN movement split, in particular on the issue of separatism, and in the 1992 elections new organization Patriotic forces - the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (MZDS, founded in 1991) - received a majority of seats in the Slovak legislature. In June 1992, the leaders of the federal, Czech and Slovak governments agreed on the peaceful division of Czechoslovakia. On January 1, 1993, two independent states emerged: the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.

SLOVAK REPUBLIC AFTER 1993

After the establishment of Slovakia as a sovereign political entity, the development of its political system was characterized by processes of regrouping and polarization of forces. The initial period of the political history of the Slovak Republic is associated with the name of Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar. During his first term as Prime Minister (January 1993 - March 1994), Meciar advocated gradualism in privatization. In addition, holding the post of Prime Minister twice, as well as important economic positions in the government, Mečiar rendered big influence on foreign policy, which led to aggravation of relations with Hungary. Josef Moravcsik, who had previously been Minister of Foreign Affairs in Meciar's government, made accusations against him and in early March 1994 Meciar did not receive support in the Slovak National Council when discussing the issue of a vote of confidence.

On 16 March, Moravcsik was elected head of a provisional coalition government, which included representatives of the following opposition parties: the Democratic Union (DU), the Democratic Left Party (PLD), the Christian Democratic Movement (CDM) and the National Democratic Party (NDP). However, the victory of Meciar's opponents turned out to be short-lived: the opposition did not have enough time to create a real alternative to Meciar. In September 1994, early parliamentary elections were planned.

The first national elections in Slovakia after its independence were held from September 30 to October 1, 1994. 18 parties and movements and 76% of all registered voters took part in them. The Movement for a Democratic Slovakia by V. Mečiar received a predominant number of votes. The Common Choice bloc (PLD, Social Democratic Party of Slovakia, Green Party, Agrarian Movement) received 10.41% of the votes (18 mandates), Hungarian Coalition (Hungarian Christian Democratic Movement, Coexistence Movement and Hungarian Civic Party) – 10.18% (17 mandates), CDA – 10.08% (17 mandates), Democratic Union – 8.57% (15 mandates), Union of Workers of Slovakia – 7.34% (13 mandates), Slovak National Party – 5.4% (9 seats).

The DZDS originates from the Public Against Violence (OPV) movement, which arose after the Velvet Revolution. Mečiar was one of the founders of the OPN and served as Minister of the Interior in the Slovak government from January–June 1990. During the debate about the future of Czechoslovakia in March 1991, Mečiar suffered his first political defeat and was forced to resign as Prime Minister of Slovakia because he was accused of damaging Czech-Slovak relations with his position on full autonomy for Slovakia. Meciar left the ranks of the OPN and organized the DZDS.

Mečiar remained in power from 1994 to 1998. During this time, he became involved in a protracted struggle with President Michal Kovac, his former associate in creating the DZDS and rival in the presidential elections. On September 25–26, 1998, parliamentary elections were held in the country, in which 17 parties took part. Meciar was opposed in the struggle for power by the opposition - the Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDC), which united five parties, including Christian conservatives, the Green Party and Socialists; it was headed by Mikulas Dzurinda. KFOR received approx. 23% of the vote, and parties in opposition to Meciar won about two-thirds of the seats in the national assembly (93 out of 150).

In addition, the National Assembly was represented by the Civil Accord Party (CCP), led by Rudolf Schuster; the center-right Christian Democratic Party (CDP); the Party of Left Democrats (PLD), successor to the Communist Party of Slovakia led by Josef Migaš, which received 15% of the vote in the elections; the three-party Coalition of Hungarian Parties (CHP). Although the DZDS, led by Meciar, achieved the support of 27% of the votes, i.e. More than any other party, it has lost almost a quarter of its former electorate. The DZDS coalition partner, the Slovak Workers' Party (SWP), received only 1% of the votes, failing to cross the 5% threshold required for representation in parliament. The Slovak National Party (SNP), another member of the DZDS coalition, received 9% of the vote. Having received 57 seats in the national assembly (jointly with the SNP), Meciar was not re-elected as prime minister.

In the spring of 1999, the political crisis associated with the absence (since March 2, 1998) of the country's president was resolved in Slovakia: Michal Kovac, elected by the parliamentary majority in 1993, came into conflict with the country's Prime Minister V. Meciar, and left his post. Having been defeated in the parliamentary elections in September 1998, Mečiar announced his retirement from the political scene, but after the Slovak parliament adopted a decision in January 1999 to hold direct popular elections for the presidency, he announced his candidacy. Its support was the parliamentary opposition, mainly the DZDS, which received the largest number of votes (about 500 thousand out of 3 million voters). The opponent was the mayor of Kosice, 65-year-old Rudolf Schuster, former chairman of the Slovak parliament in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, member of the central committee of the Communist Party of Slovakia. Shuster, the candidate of the government coalition, received 57% of the votes in the second round of elections (May 30, 1999), while Meciar received 32%. The presidential elections strengthened the position of the parliamentary majority, and also strengthened the country’s pro-Western course in foreign policy: a desire was declared to join NATO as quickly as possible (in the spring-summer of 1999, the government supported NATO during the military operation against Yugoslavia, providing airfields and transport communications to Western countries and refusing to provide air corridors to Russian aircraft) and the European Union (tightening the monetarist course and curtailing trade relations with Russia and neighboring countries).

Slovakia has exactly two “chips” - but what kind! Healing thermal springs with the full periodic table and a crazy number of medieval castles (with ghosts, of course). Cozy Bratislava, treatment in Smrdaky and Dudince - all about Slovakia: tours, holidays, prices and photos.

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According to some, not too experienced tourists, Slovakia serves as a kind of “addition” to the market Czech Republic. Let's be honest: this opinion is not only offensive, but also fundamentally wrong. This country with its beautiful nature, spectacular mountain peaks, numerous castles and fortresses (each first one with its own ghost and every second one with its own dramatic story) may well compete with the “veterans” of excursion tourism.

Time difference from Moscow

− 2 hours in summer −1 hour

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Moderate continental, with pronounced altitudinal zonation. Average temperatures in July are +19...+21 °C on the plains and +8...+12 °C in the mountains, January +1...+4 °C on the plains and up to −10 °C in mountainous areas. The coldest month is January, the warmest months are July and August. It often rains in autumn, and in winter it is often windy in the mountains. The ski season lasts from November to March. The most comfortable time to visit the country for the purpose of treatment and broadening your horizons is from May to September. On thermal resorts It can be chilly in the evenings, so it is advisable to take a sweater with you.

The import and export of currency is not limited. When entering from non-EU countries, amounts over 10,000 EUR are subject to mandatory declaration. Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos or 50 regular cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco is allowed; 1 liter of alcoholic drinks with a strength over 22 °, 2 liters of wine; 50 ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette, as well as personal items worth no more than 430 EUR. Prices on the page are indicated for October 2018.

Medicines and medicines can be imported duty-free in quantities necessary to meet minimum personal needs. Tobacco products can only be imported by persons over 16 years of age, alcoholic products - over 18 years of age.

The import and export of weapons, explosives, pornographic products, narcotic substances, as well as cultural and historical values ​​that do not have documentary evidence of the legality of their acquisition are prohibited.

It is prohibited to import products containing meat or milk into the territory of the European Union, including sausage, canned food, lard and even chocolates. If they are found, they will be confiscated and the passenger will be fined. The ban does not apply to baby food and special preparations necessary for people with certain diseases (in this case, the products must be carefully packaged and their weight should not exceed 2 kg).

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Tax Free

In Slovakia there is a system Tax free: by forking over 175.01 EUR in one check, you can get back up to 20% VAT. First, you will need to take a special form at the checkout with a list of purchased goods and enter your passport data there. At the airport, the completed form (along with the usual cash receipt, passport and freshly purchased items in undamaged packaging) must be presented to the customs officer to receive a stamp, and then exchanged for cash at the Global Blue pick-up point. If time is short, you can send a stamped Tax free check to the Bratislava office (but no later than 3 weeks from the date of registration) and wait for a refund to your bank card.

How to get to Slovakia

The second largest Slovak airport is in Košice. From Moscow, LOT (157 EUR one way, from 4 hours with a transfer in Warsaw), Czech Airlines (165 EUR, from 10 hours via Prague) and other carriers deliver here. Connecting flights from St. Petersburg are organized by Czech Airlines (223 EUR one way, 23 hours via Prague), Austrian Airlines (260 EUR, 21 hours 40 minutes via Vienna) and Turkish Airlines» (399 EUR, 29 hours 20 minutes via Istanbul).

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Transport

The country is small in size and most transport is carried out by trains and buses. The main railway line Kosice - Bratislava goes through Spisska Nova Ves, Poprad, Zilina and Trencin. Tickets are sold at the office. on the carrier’s website (in English), you can get from the capital to Trencin for 6-8 EUR, to Ruzomberok for 11-23 EUR, to Kosice for 13-40 EUR (morning flights are cheaper). The Slovak Expres system operates on popular routes (office site in English): round-trip tickets for night trains cost 18-27 EUR.

There are in the country and water transport: The Danube connects Bratislava with neighboring cities and abroad (Vienna and Budapest). The cost of a sightseeing cruise around the capital's waters is 7 EUR for adults, 4.50 EUR for children (schedule - on the carrier's official website in English).

In Slovakia, there is a system of youth and student discounts; on weekends and holidays, travel on intercity buses becomes cheaper.

Public transport within cities

Trams, buses and trolleybuses serve as urban transport. Travel is paid with coupons, which are sold in orange machines at stops - they must be punched in the passenger compartment. Tickets have a limited validity period (15, 30 or 60 minutes), so you should buy them strictly before your trip. Single tickets cost 0.7-3.1 EUR, 3-day passes - 8 EUR. They can be purchased at DPHMB offices, underground passages, kiosks and railway station ticket offices.

Taxis in Slovakia are inexpensive, equipped with meters and small sizes cities are not very popular. Ordering them by phone is more profitable than catching them on the street. The standard tariff is 1-2 EUR per landing plus 0.50-1 EUR for each km.

Rent a Car

By renting a car in compact Slovakia, you can explore its main attractions in a few days: medieval cities, castles, national parks. The roads are good (though some of them are toll), there are few traffic jams, the drivers are polite and careful. There may be problems with parking: the ancient streets are not adapted to the abundance of modern vehicles. Most parking lots are paid: special coupons and cards are sold in tobacco and newsstands; an hour in an indoor parking lot will cost 1-3 EUR per hour (depending on the location - the center is the most expensive).

Rent a compact car - from 30 EUR, a standard model - from 52 EUR, a station wagon - from 56 EUR per day. The cost of gasoline is 1.44 EUR per 1 liter.

Car rental is possible if you have a driver’s license (both international and Russian), passport and credit card. Cash is often accepted for payment, but a credit card as collateral is required. Sum rent depends on the car and rental period, as well as on the day of the week - on weekends (from 15:00 Friday to 9:00 Monday) and holidays it is slightly higher (not taking into account the distance). The driver must be at least 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience. The cost of renting Czech car brands is significantly lower than all others.

The maximum permitted speed within settlements- 50 km/h, outside of them - 90 km/h, on highways - up to 130 km/h. Low beams must always be on and seat belts must be worn. Drinking any alcohol (even beer) and talking on a cell phone while driving are prohibited. Radar detectors are illegal in Slovakia. For exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h, the driver will have to pay a fine of 100 EUR, and by 70 km/h - already 650 EUR. Driving while intoxicated can cost up to 2,500 EUR.

It is worth additionally taking out insurance against accidents (around 10 EUR per day) and against theft (for the same money). Insurance will cover any damage to the car only if the driver is sober.

Communications and Wi-Fi

There are several mobile operators in Slovakia: Orange, O2, Telekom and Swan. Orange is a leader in the number of subscribers and quality of communication. SIM cards costing from 3-15 EUR are sold in company offices and supermarkets (you need a passport for registration), the balance is topped up via the Internet or using scratch cards. For the Orange operator, calls to Russia cost 0.47 EUR per minute, for Telekom - 0.30 EUR.

There are payphones on Slovak streets that accept telephone cards with a value of 5-10 EUR. They can be bought at post offices and newsagents and called as local numbers, and abroad. Communication with your homeland from a call center will cost 10-15%, and from a hotel - 30% more than from a payphone.

Free Wi-Fi is available in hotels, catering establishments (you will have to order something to gain access) and on the central streets of Bratislava. In large cities, Internet cafes are common, offering connections for 2-4 EUR per hour. Here and there you can find free Internet kiosks that allow you to check your email, send a message, or surf the web (but the connection speed is annoyingly slow).

Hotels in Slovakia

There are few 5* hotels in the country, most of them are located in Bratislava. The basis of the number of rooms in Slovakia are “three rubles” and “fours”. The price/quality ratio is as follows: 5* mainly belong to the world hotel chains, the level is appropriate, 4* - very expensive and very good, 3* - from expensive and good to inexpensive and simple. Most leisure opportunities are in a hotel rather than a resort. In 90% of hotels, check-in is at 14:00, check-out is at 10:00.

Moreover, in the country wide choose private apartments, campsites and sanatoriums, many of which, built under socialism, are now being modernized with all their might. The hostels are for the most part clean, tidy, but possible disadvantages include old furniture, poor sound insulation, cramped rooms and problems with Wi-Fi.

Electrical voltage - 220 V, 50 Hz, two-pin sockets with a safety plug.

Police: 158, emergency and first aid on roads: 154, ambulance: 155, fire brigade: 150, emergency service: 112.

City codes: Bratislava - 2, High Tatras resorts - 52, Low Tatras resorts (Jasna) - 44.

Stunning views of Slovakia

Diving

Near Bratislava good conditions for diving - on the Senec Lakes and Lake Gulaska, and with good visibility (early spring and late autumn) - also on the Golden Sands and Štrkovecki lakes. You can also dive on the Danube Island, in the vicinity of the towns of Banska Stiavnica (lakes Rihnavskoe, Vindshakhtskoe) and Kraljovani (Shutovo), at the Liptovska Mara reservoir, at the Dedinki and Ruzhin dams.

The best time for diving is late spring and early autumn. The water in Slovak lakes is surprisingly clear, but almost always cool, so you’ll have to prepare for it in advance. thrill. The bottom is mostly rocky, overgrown with all kinds of greenery; carp, eels, pike and small fish are found in the depths. Diving equipment can be rented from schools and clubs located in Bratislava and some other cities. The average cost of a two-hour rental is 10-15 EUR, a dive with an instructor will cost 55-70 EUR, two-week diving courses with theory and practice - from 350 EUR.

Skiing

Rafting

In Slovakia 63 water flow, suitable for water tourism. People travel along the local rivers by boats, kayaks, kayaks and canoes. In Eastern Slovakia the most popular rivers are Poprad, Gornad, Torisa, Toplja, Ondava and Laborec, in Central - Hron, Orava and Slana, in Western - Vah, Nitra, Small Danube and Danube.

A two-hour rafting trip on Bela or Vagu will cost 23-30 EUR, taking into account equipment and an instructor.

The wildest river in Slovakia is the Bela, which is flown down from April 15 to September 30. Less difficult is rafting along the Vah River in the area from Červeny Klastor or along the bend of this river through the Great Fatra under the ruins of Strečna Castle. Beginners and even families with children have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature during an easy descent along the Orava River (from Parnice in Žaškovy Brod to Kraljován). Vivid sensations are promised by the descent along the Dunajec in the Pieniny National Park and the mountainous sections of the Hron River, which is characterized by alternating quiet and stormy currents.

Rafting in Slovakia

Treatment in Slovakia

Tourists often come to Slovakia to improve their health: there are more than 1,200 thermal and mineral springs. Most resorts are located in the mountains: enjoying clean air, idyllic landscapes, peace and quiet in itself provides a healing effect. Doctors are also not lagging behind, creating effective wellness programs based on local ingredients for patients with any diagnosis and offering a high level of service in a European manner.

Nature of Slovakia

Cuisine and restaurants of Slovakia

The cuisine of Slovakia combines the features of European schools and strong national components. Local sheep cheeses, “oshtepki” and “parenitsy” are especially popular, and the hallmark of the local cuisine are vegetable soups, broths and various complex soups of meat and vegetables, dumplings with cheese, potato dumplings, cheese dumplings, as well as poultry dishes . You should definitely try the national cabbage soup (made from sauerkraut) and Segedin goulash.

Slovakia produces excellent local wines that occupy worthy place among the best European varieties, and at the same time very inexpensive. The most popular strong alcoholic drinks are “slivovitz” (plum vodka) and “borovichka” (juniper vodka), as well as a variety of herbal liqueurs. The best desserts are walnut roll “Orekhovnik”, steamed buns with plum jam, poppy seed cake “Makovnik”, strudels and “trdelniki” (spiral tubes of yeast dough).

Most resorts have traditional restaurants "salash" and "koliba" where you can taste national dishes accompanied by authentic Slovak music.

Pivnitsa beer bars also offer a wide selection of local treats: by the way, prices there are often lower than in other eateries. In major cities there are establishments with French, Italian, Chinese and Indian menus. Confectionery shops, pubs, wineries, coffee shops - there are places to satisfy both hunger and thirst. Lunch in an inexpensive cafe will cost 10-15 EUR per person (the farther from the center, the cheaper), a fast food snack - 5-8 EUR, dinner in a restaurant - from 35-40 EUR for two, excluding alcohol.

Guides in Slovakia

Entertainment and attractions

A tour of the sights of Slovakia is a fascinating journey through time: the elegant architecture of centuries past stands side by side with modern monuments. A striking example of this is Bratislava: the eclectic Old Town Hall, the elegant Capuchin Church, the Cathedral of St. Martin crowned with a gilded crown, the solemn Presidential Palace - witnesses of a glorious past. And nearby is the impressive SNP bridge, the Slavin memorial complex in honor of the soldiers of World War II, numerous museums and street sculptures - heroes of today.

Trencin not only has a majestic castle, churches and chapels, but also the Milos Bazovsky Gallery with an interesting collection of Czech and Slovak modern art.

The pride of Kosice is the luxurious St. Elizabeth Cathedral, built in the 14th century in the best Gothic traditions. Neo-Baroque ceiling opera house decorated with frescoes on the themes of Shakespeare's plays, and the jets of a singing fountain, illuminated by hundreds of light bulbs, soar to a 17-meter height. In the town of Komárno, works of Hungarian culture have been preserved, and in the village of Vlkolínec - traditional Carpathian farmsteads.

Castles of Slovakia

Slovakia is a magnet for fans of scary ghost tales and heart-warming love stories: countless local castles carefully guard their legends. For example, an inconsolable young lady, separated from her lover, once jumped from one of the towers of the Devin castle - the Maiden Tower. But on the other hand, much later, one resourceful comrade flew on a hang glider from socialist Czechoslovakia straight to unenslaved Austria.

Bojnice Castle annually hosts International festival spirits and ghosts: a lot of them have probably accumulated here over 10 centuries.

The mighty Bratislava Castle, towering over the Danube, stood in ruins for many years: they say that in the 19th century it was burned by drunken Austrian soldiers, and it only came to reconstruction towards the end of the next century. To build the Kezmar Castle, a small church had to be destroyed: there were not enough materials, and earthly values ​​turned out to be more important to the owner than spiritual ones.

In Orava Castle there is a bench, sitting on which you can get rid of infertility. And in the largest Slovak castle, Spissky Castle, the ghost of the nanny Hedwig still wanders, grieving for her stolen pupil.

National parks

There are 16 protected areas in the country natural areas and 9 national parks. The most picturesque - "Low Tatras" with karst caves, full of bizarre limestone cascades, stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the park is occupied mountain ranges: not tall, but very impressive. Through beech and coniferous forests, alternating with lawns and alpine fields, laid tourist routes different levels of difficulty.

In the Low Tatras you can meet bears, wolves and lynxes: they keep a respectful distance from people and do not pose a danger.

The Tatra National Park contains the highest point in the country - Mount Gerlachovský Štit. Here you can find endemic animals (for example, the Tatra chamois), many birds, several species of reptiles and amphibians; Both walking and cycling routes have been created for visitors. In the “Great Fatra” there is the largest yew grove in Europe, in the “Little” there is the Vratnaya Valley, beloved by skiers, the ancient village of Stefanova and the ruins of several castles. The main treasure of the Polonyny park is the virgin Carpathian forests, the Pieniny park is famous for the beauty of the Dunajec River gorge, and the Slovak Paradise is famous for its stormy waterfalls, the highest of which is the 70-meter Zavojovi.

The best photos of Slovakia Adrenaline Rush, Slovakia

Speleology in Slovakia

There are about 4,000 registered caves of all types in Slovakia: rock, ice and aragonite. 12 of them are open to visitors. Of particular interest are the Dobshinskaya Ice Cave, Gombasetskaya and Yasovskaya Caves, the Domitsa Cave and the Okhtina Cave - all of them are included in the UNESCO List.

The Freedom Cave in the Demanovska Valley is popular for its colorful limestone formations: “mushrooms”, “trees”, pillars and icicles, painted in soft pink, terracotta and other shades. The Prepost Cave in Bojnice has been turned into the Museum of Ancient Man: the artifacts found here - tools, bones, jewelry - are more than 30 thousand years old. There are as many as 250 cave systems in the Muranska Platina National Park, but all of them are dangerous and therefore closed to tourists. But the “Slovak Karst” is a haven for adventure seekers: endless labyrinths of grottoes, passages and faults keep many amazing secrets.

Fishing

Fish from the carp and salmon families, including trout and grayling, are caught in the rivers and lakes of Slovakia. The most popular among fishermen are the rivers Danube, Váh, Hron, Turiec, Orava, Gornad, Ondava, Latorica, Laborec, Nitra, Ipel, Dunajec, Liptovska Mara reservoir, Zemplinska Širava, Oravska dam, Velka Domasa, Slnjava, Duhonka, Ruzhin, Teply Wierch and Dedinki.

Holidays and Events

January 1 in Slovakia - not only New Year, but also Republic Day, so the fun is in full swing. The main holiday of spring is Easter with solemn services, warm family dinners and ancient customs such as general dousing with water. May 1 is Labor Day (greetings from the socialist past), May 8 is Liberation Day from Fascism. On July 5, Cyril and Methodius are honored, who once visited Moravia on a Christian mission. August 29 is the Day of the National Uprising against the dictator Tiso, September 1 is Constitution Day. On November 1, deceased relatives are remembered, and November 17 honors students who participated in the 1989 demonstrations.

December passes under the sign of Christmas: a special, fairy-tale atmosphere reigns in decorated cities throughout the month.

Slovakia loves festivals: the capital hosts Jazz Days in the fall, and Coronation Day with colorful theatrical processions in the summer. The local analogue of Maslenitsa is Fashanka with songs, dances and street fairs; on Ivan Kupala (St. John) there are round dances and fortune telling for the betrothed. Starts in Kosice in October International Marathon world, in December cities pass the baton of the Febiofest film festival to each other. Trencianske Teplice hosts music shows all summer long, a large crafts fair is organized in Kezmarok in July, and in Pezinka in September they organize “Vinobranie” - a wine festival with competitions for the title of the best Slovak alcohol.

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