Slovakia is an inconspicuous country in the center of Europe, but very attractive for tourists. Slovakia: interesting information about Slovakia - the land of magical castles Place of birth Slovakia

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. Ultimately, Slovakia 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 mountain ranges 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 average temperature January −1°C, July +21°C. In the mountains, winters are colder and summers are cooler.

Flora and fauna

They occupy almost 40% of the country's territory. Southern slopes mountains are covered with broad-leaved (beech and oak) or mixed forests, while on the northern slopes grow 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 national parks were created:

• 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). Kaitz index (ratio between 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 places Bratislava and High Tatras became. 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 commissioning of factories at 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

Population - 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)
• Krejči, Oskar: Geopolitics of the Central European Region. The view from Prague and Bratislava Bratislava: Veda, 2005. 494 p. (Czech) (unavailable link)

Slovakia is the youngest country in Europe. The state received complete independence only in the early 90s of the 20th century. For a long time, being in the shadow of other powers (Austria-Hungary, Czechoslovakia, etc.), Slovakia does not seem to want to play an important role in the economy or politics of the continent. Remaining a “thing in itself”, the country has preserved all tourism infrastructure, which has been cherished for a century.

They come here for the amazing nature, miraculous mineral springs, clean mountain air, the cheerful character of the Slovaks and excellent cuisine, which has absorbed the best traditions of several peoples at once, while maintaining its originality. Despite the fact that it is difficult to find masterpieces of architecture or painting that would be known throughout the world in Slovakia, every city and every village here is filled with a cozy and warm atmosphere and unique European charm.

The undoubted advantages of traveling to one of the most inconspicuous countries in Europe include very modest prices at high level service. Domestic travel companies most often sell winter, ski tours to Slovakia. And the country offers tourists the most vibrant and memorable beauty all year round.

Budapest

The bus takes 3 hours and the ticket costs 9 euros. Excursion bus- 16 euros. Not everywhere there is an audio guide in Russian. It’s better to stock up on a printed guide – 9 euros.

Krakow

If you don't mind long bus journeys, then from Bratislava you can easily get to Krakow. The trip costs from 34 euros one way, the journey, including all stops in Brno, Olomouc, Ostrava and Katowice, takes at least 9 hours. Better to take the night bus and start exploring ancient capital from early morning.

Overnight in an inexpensive Krakow hotel - from 17 euros. Sightseeing bus with audio guide - 14 euros.

A visit to Slovakia is not only about impressions new country, natural beauties, castles, museums and ski slopes. The location of the country guarantees you impressions of other European cities that you may not have intended to visit. An inconspicuous and “modest” country conceals vast opportunities for those who have not yet “discovered” old light for myself. Forward!

The most popular souvenirs among tourists are ceramics, wooden figurines, toys and dishes, as well as ancient folk musical instruments Slovak people.

Among the Slovak souvenirs, there is a “chrpak”, a special wooden mug decorated with carvings and national ornaments, which was once used for the first sample of sheep’s milk. IN mountainous areas country's most useful souvenir is the “valashka”, a kind of hatchet-staff that makes it easier to move along mountain paths. And the unique Slovak “fujara” (wind instrument) was even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A large selection of Slovak souvenirs is presented in the ULUV chain of stores located in the most important tourist cities Slovakia.

Antique shops in Slovakia (Starozitnosti) will delight their customers with a large selection of beautiful furniture, antique jewelry, paintings and all sorts of interesting trinkets.

An excellent gift brought from Slovakia would be a bottle of delicious wine produced at a small winery, or local brandy from the brands Hradne Brandy, Old Herold Vinjak, Karpatske Brandy O.X. and etc.

Transport

The largest airport in Slovakia is located in Bratislava (Bratislava Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport), from which flights fly regular flights in the majority European capitals(Paris, London, Rome, Copenhagen, Prague, Moscow, etc.), other large cities (Milan, Antalya, Barcelona, ​​Kurgada, etc.). There is one domestic flight Bratislava – Kosice costing 40–60 €.

The country is very well developed railway transport, except international trains, V neighboring countries(Austria, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic) there are many high-speed trains.

Bus transport is used, as a rule, for traveling short distances. The cost of 50 km of travel is approximately 1 €.

When traveling around Slovakia in your own vehicle, you must comply with pan-European rules traffic, including the speed limit (no more than 50 km/h in the city, 90 km/h outside populated areas and 130 km/h on highways), constant use of low beam at any time of the day and any weather. There are large fines for violating traffic rules in the country, for example, 1000 € for drunk driving.

City transport is represented by buses, trams and trolleybuses. Travel tickets can be purchased at bus stops (orange machines) and from drivers. The cost of the trip depends on the travel time (the schedule is published at the stops). There are taxis in every city in Slovakia; they are not expensive, but due to the short distances they are not popular among tourists.

Connection

Mobile communications in Slovakia are provided by 3 operators: T-Mobile, Orange, Telefonica O2. All operators mobile communications They also offer the service of connecting to the Internet via a mobile phone or via a 3G modem (from 8 € per 1 MB of traffic). The cost of a 3G modem is about 50 €, and the modem is passwordless, i.e. it can be used to access the Internet from SIM cards of other operators. Free Wi-Fi is provided by most hotels, guest houses and hostels.

To make calls abroad, you can use a pay phone by purchasing a card at a newsstand or post office.

Safety

Due to the absence of religious, territorial and national conflicts, Slovakia is considered quiet and calm country, but always and everywhere you should observe basic precautions on the roads, in very crowded places and in dark time days. In city transport, pickpocketing is rare, but possible. At ski resorts, you need to be careful about the safety of your sports equipment, especially expensive models.

There is a paid mountain rescue service in the mountains.

Upon request of the police, the foreigner must present an identification document and health insurance.

Business climate

According to World Bank research, registration of a foreign company in Slovakia consists of 8 procedures and lasts 18 days, which is much simpler and faster than in other EU countries.

Enterprises operating in Slovakia are required to pay net profit tax (19%), value added tax (20%), as well as taxes on income from dividends (15%), rent (25%), royalties (25%) .

Tourism is considered the most profitable area of ​​business in Slovakia.

Real estate

In Slovakia there are no restrictions for foreigners buying residential or commercial real estate, the purchase of which automatically acquires ownership of the land. Company registration is also not required when purchasing real estate by foreign investors.

Property prices in major cities Slovakia and the High Tatras are comparable to the cost of real estate in the best Mediterranean resorts. The high cost is explained by the economic prospects, safety and environmental situation in the country. For 1 m2 in Bratislava today on average you will have to pay about 1700 €, in Kosice - 950 €, in Presov - 800 €, etc. The monthly rent of a one-room apartment in Bratislava will be from 350 to 500 €, in Kosice - from 300 to 450 €.

Property owners in Slovakia pay a property tax, the rate of which differs in different regions of the country, on average it is 0.2 € per 1 m2. When selling or renting out real estate, you must pay income tax (19%).

When planning a trip or excursion to national parks Slovakia, you should always think about places to stay overnight in advance, since the number of hotels and campsites here is very limited, and you should set up your own camping strictly prohibited.

At ski resorts, it is more profitable to use the lifts with special weekly ski-pass tickets (approximately 2 €).

It is usually more profitable to exchange currency in banks rather than in exchange offices.

You should not plan your trip to Slovakia in July-August, as at this time the resorts will be crowded with Slovaks themselves who have come on vacation from their cities, and problems with accommodation may arise. The optimal time of year to travel around Slovakia (except ski resorts) is considered the second half of spring, the beginning of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Visa information

Visiting Slovakia is possible with a Schengen visa. A visa is issued upon presentation of a number of documents: a passport valid for more than 3 months from the date of expiration of the visa, with two or more blank pages, a standard application form, 2 color photographs, a document confirming the applicant’s solvency (minimum 56 € per day), international insurance sample, etc.

A visa is issued within approximately 10 days upon payment of a consular fee of 35 €, within 3 days - 70 €. When submitting documents, the person receiving the visa must be present in person.

Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Moscow - st. Yu. Fuchika, 17/19, tel. 956-49-23.

Economy

Slovakia has overcome much of the difficult transition from a centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. The country's government made significant progress in macroeconomic stabilization and structural reforms in 2001. Privatization has largely been completed, the banking sector is almost entirely in foreign hands, and foreign investment is growing. The Slovak economy has exceeded expectations of the early 2000s, with the exception of a decline in exports. A rebound in domestic demand in 2002, thanks in part to rising incomes, offset slowing export growth, helping the economy move toward its strongest growth since 1998. Unemployment, which reached 19.8% at the end of 2001, fell significantly by 2003.

According to a study by the German Chamber of Commerce conducted in March 2004, about half of German investors consider Slovakia as the best place to invest.

Policy

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 wins the majority in parliamentary elections and is appointed by the president. 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 People's Rada of the Slovak Republic (Národná Rada Slovenskej Republiky). 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 highest judicial body is the Constitutional Court (Ústavný súd), which has jurisdiction over constitutional issues. The 13 members of this court are approved by the president from several candidates nominated by parliament.

Story

The first settlements on the territory of modern Slovakia appeared already in the Paleolithic era. This very long era is characterized by alternating glaciations and interglacials. There are traces of various cultures: from Olduvai to Swider. A fragment of the skull of Homo erectus was found in Spišské Podhradie (this part was lost during the Second World War), then the earliest information is that of Heidelberg man. The oldest finds of skeletons are Neanderthals, and the most famous are from the Ganovce site.

The Mesolithic era is characterized by a noticeable retreat of the glacier, the border of which at that time ran along the north of the territory of modern Slovakia. People settled on sandy hills.

There is more information about the Neolithic, when agriculture arose. It is assumed that the people of the Linear Band Ware culture came to the territory of Slovakia around 5000 BC. Remains of settlements, burial grounds (for example, in Nitra and Šturovo), remains of ceramics, votive gifts or cult objects, such as female figurines (“Paleolithic Venuses”) from Nitra Castle or Moravan nad Váhom, have been found. In that era, the culture of linear-band ceramics, the Zhelezovka culture, the Bukovogorsk culture was represented mainly on the territory of Slovakia, and the development of the Lengyel and Polgar cultures began.

The Chalcolithic era is characterized primarily by the beginning of the use of metals (copper and gold; the oldest copper objects found belong to the Neolithic), the division of society into layers (artisans, farmers, cattle breeders, traders) and the beginning of barter trade. Later, agriculture was improved by using animal power (farming tools appeared); The role of men in society has increased (patriarchy). In those days, first of all, the development of the Lengyel and Polgar cultures continued, and later the Baden culture appeared.

In the Bronze Age, characterized by the expansion of the use of bronze, many different archaeological cultures were represented on the territory of Slovakia (Unetice, Magyar, Otoman, single barrow cultures, single urn field cultures, including the Lusatian culture). Bronze sickles and remains of wooden buildings without the use of nails date back to this era.

The Iron Age and its technology came to Slovakia around 800 BC, probably from the Anatolia and/or Italy region. During the Hallstatt era in Slovakia, thanks to favorable climatic conditions, mining of iron, tin, gold and salt is developing. A potter's wheel appeared. Social differentiation continues. At that time, the Hallstatt (namely Kalenderberg) culture, Kushtanovic (Thracians) and Wekertzug (probably Scythians) cultures were represented on the territory of Slovakia; the Lusatian culture still existed in the north. Perhaps the Cimmerians also lived on the territory of Slovakia at that time.

In those days (about the 5th century BC), the Celts came to Slovakia, who can be considered the first known ethnic group on the territory of Slovakia. The Celts came to the Carpathian Basin from the territory of Germany, France and the Alps. Upon arrival, they subjugated the local population. By the end of the La Tène era, they built several fortifications - oppidums, for example, Bratislava. Most of them lived in small fortified structures made of wood and used iron locks. The Celts were skilled artisans - blacksmiths, potters, farmers and traders; they maintained close contacts with the Greek and Roman civilizations, which maintained big influence on their culture. At the end of the 2nd century. BC. Dacians also came to Slovakia and lived in the territory modern Romania. During the time of the first Dacian king Burebista, the Dacians settled and actually annexed Dacia southern part Slovakia, from where they expelled part of the Celts. In 10 BC, however, the Romans defeated the Dacians and extended the borders of the Roman Empire into the Middle Danube. The Romans also founded several settlements in western Slovakia. The Dacian population disappeared from Slovakia around the 1st century. AD, it lingered longest in the east. The liquidation of most of the Celts was completed by the attack of the Germans from the north-west at the beginning of the 1st century. AD However, the Celts remained in the north of Slovakia even until the 2nd century. AD (cats). During the Great Migration in the 4th century, tribes of the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Lombards and Gepids passed through the territory of Slovakia.

In the 5th century the Slavs came here. In the 6th century, the territory fell under the rule of the Avar Khaganate, and in the 7th century the Samo Empire was formed here; a century later, the Nitra Principality arose here, which became part of Great Moravia in 833. In 906, Great Moravia was attacked by Hungarian tribes and Great Moravia gradually disintegrated. Since 1018, the gradual annexation of Slovak lands to Hungary begins. In 1029, the Principality of Nitra fell and by the end of the century the entire territory was annexed to Hungary.

In 1241, the territory of Slovakia was subjected to a Mongol-Tatar invasion. The Mongol-Tatar invasion weakened the power of the king in the territory of Slovakia and so the territory was ruled by oligarchs like Matus Csak. Only Charles Robert, who defeated the oligarchs in the Battle of Rozganovtsy, was able to strengthen the strong royal power. Charles Robert's son, Louis I the Great, did a lot to strengthen the country and during his reign, Hungary became a strong European power. During the time of Sigismund, Hungary again plunged into a series of battles with the Turks and Hussites. The region most affected by the Hussites was Slovakia, on whose territory in 1467, near Velki Kostolyany, Matthias Hunyadi eventually defeated the Hussite troops of the “brothers”. After the defeat from the Turks near Mohács in 1526 and the death of King Lajos II, most of the territory of Hungary, with the exception of western Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia, became part of Ottoman Empire, and lands not subject to the Turks, including Slovakia, became part of the possessions of the Austrian Habsburgs.

After the defeat at Mohács in 1526, two kings were crowned on the Hungarian throne at once - the Turkish ally Janos Zapolyai and the Austrian Ferdinand I of Habsburg. A war broke out between the two sides, which ended in peace in Orada in 1538. In 1536, Bratislava became the capital of Hungary, and the Archbishopric of Esztergom was moved to Trnava. At the same time, the Turks also captured southern Slovakia. The 17th century passed under the banner of the struggle of nobles from Slovakia with the Austrian emperor. In 1605, István Bocskay captured almost all of Slovakia, and a truce was signed in 1606. In 1618, Bethlen captured eastern Slovakia, and in 1619, western Slovakia. In 1622, a truce was signed. In 1643-1645, battles took place on the territory of Slovakia between the Habsburg troops and the rebel Ferenc I Rakoczi. In 1678-1687 Slovakia again became the scene of battles, this time with Imre Thököly, and in 1703-1711 the last uprising took place - Ferenc II Rakoczi.

In the 18th century, Slovakia, devastated by the centuries-long war between the nobles and the emperor, began to rebuild. The first manufactories appeared in Shashtin and Golic, and mining began again. The reforms of Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II had a positive impact on the economy. At the same time, the Slovak revival began - in 1783, the first book written in Slovak by the priest Ignac Bajza appeared. In 1790 Bernolak compiled the first grammar of the Slovak language. The first awakeners (mainly Lutherans) adhered to the view that Czechs and Slovaks were one people. In 1847, Stuhr codified a version of the Slovak language close to the modern one, which was approved by both camps - both Catholics and Lutherans. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49, the Slovak People's Council called on the Slovaks to take up arms against the Hungarians and support the Austrians. In 1867, the Austrian Empire was transformed into Austria-Hungary and the Slovak lands became part of the Hungarian Transleithania, as a result of which the pressure of the Hungarian authorities on the Slovaks increased. In 1875, the Slovak Matica was dissolved, and later other national organizations. In the 1890s, the concept of Czechoslovakism arose and the Slovaks began to receive help from the Czechs. In 1906, the first Slovak party arose - the moderate nationalist Hlinka Slovak People's Party. The emergence of Slovak organizations increased pressure from the Hungarians and prompted attempts at increased Hungarianization of the Slovaks, which continued until the collapse of Austria-Hungary in November 1918.

By the beginning of the First World War, Czech and Slovak politicians had developed a fairly clear concept of the future state of the Czechs and Slovaks. This idea was proposed to the Russian Tsar at the beginning of the war and he approved the creation of the Czechoslovak Legions. On the Czech side, the main representatives were Tomas Masaryk and Eduard Beneš, and on the Slovak side, Milan Stefanik. In 1915, Masaryk officially presented the plan for the creation of Czechoslovakia in Geneva. In October of the same year, emigrant organizations of Czechs and Slovaks in Cleveland signed a joint declaration. The final agreement was signed on May 31, 1918 in Pittsburgh. The first provisional government met in Paris. On October 28, 1918, independent Czechoslovakia was proclaimed. On October 30, 1918, the Slovak People's Council in Martin signed a declaration of entry into Czechoslovakia. On November 14, 1918, Tomas Masaryk became president of the Czechoslovakia.

The first Slovak government met in Skalice, then in Žilina. On February 4, 1919, Bratislava became the capital of Slovakia.

The entry of Slovakia into Czechoslovakia had a number of positive factors. Education in the Slovak language was introduced, in 1919 the Comenius University in Bratislava was created, in 1922 compulsory 8-year education, an 8-hour working day were introduced, Slovak political parties and cultural institutions like the Slovak Matica were allowed, in 1926 it was Slovak Radio was founded, citizens over 18 years of age were given the opportunity to vote, and so on. However, the entry also had a number of negative factors. Thus, many enterprises in Slovakia could not withstand competition with Czech enterprises and in Slovakia, especially in the east, unemployment increased, which caused mass emigration to the USA and Canada (104 thousand people emigrated before 1937), the promised autonomy was not granted, and the concept also caused rejection Czechoslovakism, which argued that Czechs and Slovaks are a single people, and their languages ​​are only dialects of the “Czechoslovak language”. This strengthened the position of nationalist parties, in particular Glinka’s People’s Party.

On September 28, 1938, the Munich Agreement of 1938 was signed in Munich; on October 6, 1938, Slovak politicians in Zilina proclaimed the autonomy of Slovakia within Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovakia government was forced to approve this and appointed Josef Tiso as prime minister of the autonomous government. On November 2, 1938, as a result of the Vienna Arbitration, Hungary and the Third Reich tore away its southern part from Slovakia. On March 13, 1939, Hitler, at a meeting with Tiso, invited him to proclaim the independence of Slovakia, otherwise Slovakia would be divided between Poland and Hungary. On March 14, 1939, the First Slovak Republic was proclaimed, and the next day German troops occupied the Czech Republic, Moravia and Czech Silesia.

The First Slovak Republic was a puppet state that was completely dependent on Germany. This fact caused discontent among the Slovaks; on the eastern front, many Slovak soldiers went over to the Soviet side. So on November 30, 1943, 2,000 soldiers crossed over to the Soviet side near Melitopol. As the Red Army approached Slovakia's borders in 1944, the Slovak National Uprising broke out and ended unsuccessfully. On September 21, 1944, the Red Army crossed the border of Slovakia at Medzilaborec. On January 19, 1945, Bratislava was liberated - the First Slovak Republic fell and Slovakia again became part of the Czechoslovakia.

The first elections took place in 1946. In Slovakia, the Democratic Party won them, with the Communist Party in second place. In February 1948, a political crisis erupted, democratic ministers resigned, and President Benes, under pressure from communist demonstrations, created a government dominated by communists. On May 9, 1948, a constitution was adopted and after the death of Benes, Klement Gottwald became president, under which Czechoslovakia became a socialist state.

On January 1, 1969, after the federalization law, Slovakia became a federal republic within Czechoslovakia, which was called the Slovak Socialist Republic.

In 1989, the communist regime fell (see Velvet Revolution), nevertheless, contradictions between the Czech Republic and Slovakia increased in the Czechoslovakia. In the summer of 1992, the leaders of the republics agreed to divide the country.

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Slovakia- a state in Central Europe. It borders with the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary and Austria. It has no access to the sea.

Most of the country is mountainous ( highest point countries - Gerlachovski-Štit, 2655 m). A third of the country is occupied by the fertile South Slovak and East Slovak lowlands in the southeast and the Danube lowlands east of Bratislava.

Airports of Slovakia

Bratislava Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport

Kosice Barca Airport

Poprad-Tatry Airport

Hotels in Slovakia 1 - 5 stars

Slovakia weather

Temperate continental, with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation on the plains ranges from 450 to 700 mm. per year (mainly in winter and off-season), in the mountains - up to 1600-2100 mm. in year. At the same time, snow in mountainous areas, despite the relatively small height, lies 4-5 months a year, but the weather is quite changeable, so thaws are frequent.

May, June and September are the most convenient months for a “regular” visit to the country; the most favorable period for a ski holiday is from November to March.

Average air temperature in Bratislava t°C

Language of Slovakia

Official language: Slovak

Czech, Hungarian, German, English and, in their places of residence, the languages ​​of ethnic groups are widely spoken.

Currency of Slovakia

International name: SKK

The Slovak koruna is equal to 100 hellers. In circulation there are coins in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 hellers and 1, 2, 5 and 10 kroner (Sk) and banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 kroner. Czechoslovakian coins and banknotes are not valid.

EuroCard and MasterCard credit cards are accepted in almost all banks, as well as VISA, American Express and Eurocheque. They are accepted in most major hotels, gas stations, less often - in restaurants and shops. ATMs are becoming increasingly common in Slovakia, although outside major cities It’s better not to count on them. Slovak ATMs are usually connected to the international payment systems MasterCard, VISA, Plus, Maestro, Cirrus.

Visa

To obtain a visa to Slovakia you need:
- International passport with the personal signature of the owner, which is valid for 6 months after the end of the trip;
- 1 color photo 3.5 x 4.5 and a questionnaire with the tourist’s personal signature;
- Visa for children under 15 years old - issued free of charge
- When turning 15 years old, paid as for an adult.
- Questionnaire for filling out the visa application form.

Customs restrictions

The import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited (a declaration is required if the amount exceeds 150 thousand crowns or its equivalent in currency). When exporting currency, you must provide a document of its origin.

Allowed duty free import(including postage) up to 200 pcs. cigarettes or 100 thin cigars, or 50 regular cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco, up to 1 liter of strong alcoholic drinks (over 38% strength), up to 2 liters of wine, up to 50 ml of perfume, up to 250 ml eau de toilette, as well as personal items worth no more than 30 thousand crowns. Tobacco products can only be imported by persons over 16 years of age, alcoholic products - over 18 years of age. Medicines and medicines can be imported duty-free in quantities necessary to meet minimum personal needs.

Mains voltage

Tips

Tips in restaurants are approximately 10% of the bill. Whether to give them or not is at the discretion of the tourist.

Office hours

Banks are open daily, except Sunday, from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. On Saturday - until 12 p.m. Exchange offices on weekdays they usually work from 7-8 a.m. to 5-7 p.m. with an hour-long lunch break (some work around the clock). On weekends, the work schedule is usually from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Most stores are open every day except Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (large department stores and shopping centers on Thursday they usually work until 19-21 hours). On Saturday, most stores are open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Safety

Street robberies and pickpocketing are quite rare, but in city transport both are quite possible. You should also be especially careful when storing ski equipment and photo and video cameras.

Code of the country: +421

Geographic first level domain name:.sk

Emergency numbers

Police - 158
Emergency and ambulance system on roads - 154
Ambulance - 155
Fire protection - 150

Capital of Slovakia. Bratislava.

Slovakia Square. 49035 km2.

Population of Slovakia. 5500 thousand people

Administrative divisions of Slovakia. Slovakia is divided into 3 regions and a capital equivalent to them.

Form of government of Slovakia. Republic.

Head of State of Slovakia. President, elected for a term of 5 years.

Supreme legislative body of Slovakia. National Council (unicameral parliament), term of office - 4 years.

Supreme executive body of Slovakia. Government.

Major cities in Slovakia. Kosice, Nitra, Presov, Zilina.

Official language of Slovakia. Slovak.

Currency of Slovakia. Slovak koruna = 100 hellers.

Fauna of Slovakia. In Slovakia, wolves, hare, lynx, bear, fox, hedgehog, roe deer, deer are common, and birds include partridge, stork, kingfisher, eagle, etc. There is a lot of fish in the ponds.

Rivers and lakes of Slovakia. Largest rivers- with tributaries Vah and Hron, Morava. Many small lakes.

Sights of Slovakia. In Bratislava there is the Old Castle of the 9th-18th centuries, St. Martin's Cathedral of the 13th-19th centuries, the church of the 13th century, the Old Town Hall of the 13th-18th centuries, and numerous museums. In Kosice - St. Elizabeth's Cathedral, St. Michael's Chapel of the 14th century; in Nitra - a castle of the 13th century, the Basilica of St. Eme Rama; numerous medieval castles countrywide. The High Tatras are a recognized world ski center.

Useful information for tourists

All cities have a public city center. The cost of a travel pass is 5 CZK (in Bratislava - 7 CZK). You can rent a car.

There are electric trains (small ones with 2 or 3 carriages), but their speed is not great, since the area is mostly mountainous. For a bus ride over a distance of 20-30 km you usually have to pay 8-12 CZK, but the fare is not always directly proportional to the distance. Mains voltage - 220 V, current frequency - 50 Hz. Sockets - European standard.

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