Basic information about Slovakia

Slovakia offers the visitor a varied and enchanting country. It is country with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and is recognised as such by the UNESCO-protected sites. Many fortified castles, constructed during different historical eras, are located in exceptionally beautiful sites, most of which have been restored. Each city contains museums which allow visitors to discover Slovakia`s cultural treasures, unique thanks to folklore which is still alive today. These museums record the many historical developments which have changed Europe through the ages. The wonderful natural beauty of the country is however the most striking thing to the casual visitor.

Slovakia is a country with a dynamic and efficient economy and a large industrial base. We know how to respect and protect our natural riches. Slovakia offers a complete and varied list of activities for tourists. Thanks to an integrated network of communication and transport routes (airports, buses, trains, taxi...) ease of travel within the country is assured.

In summer, thanks to the many beautiful mountainous regions of Slovakia, hiking is a favourite activity which allows the visitor to discover the impressive landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains and to take advantage of the national parks and state nature preserves.

In winter, because of favourable snowfalls, skiing is a favourite sport in Slovakia with its extensive ski areas, which are easily accessible and which offer all modern conveniences and security. Top-level equipment in an exceptional natural environment (High Tatras, Low Fatra, Low Tatras) makes it possible to welcome skiers from all Europe, and all of this at very reasonable prices. Many other activities await you: hiking, rock-climbing, cycling, swimming, exploring the natural landscape, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and many more...

Slovakia is also well-known for its spa towns. The best-known of them, Piestany, attracts visitors from all over Europe and internationally. Slovakia has a unique cave network, including ice caves, which is comparable to any throughout the world. Several of the worlds biggest caves are to be found in Slovakia.

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Slovakia Summary

Population: 5.5 million inhabitants
Area: 49 035 square kilometres

Neighbouring countries and frontiers:

Hungary 679 km (South)
Ukraine 98 km (East)
Poland 597.5 km (North)
Czech Republic 265 km (West)
Austria 127.2 km (South-West)

Topography: The North is mostly mountainous, the South of the country is mainly flat.
Highest mountain range: The High Tatra Mountains - Gerlachovsky Peak (2 655 m)
Main rivers: Danube, Vah, Hron, Hornad, Nitra, Poprad

National parks:

The Tatra National Park (TANAP)
The Low Tatra National Park (NAPANT)
Pieniny National Park National Park (PIENAP)
Slovak Paradise National Park
Low Fatra National Park
Muranska Plateau National Park
Poloniny Natinal Park

Main towns:

Bratislava (Capital) (pop. 500 000)
Kosice (pop. 250 000)
Banska Bystrica (pop. 90 000)
Nitra (pop. 90 000)
Presov (pop. 90 000)
Zilina (pop. 90 000)
Trnava (70 000)

Administrative regions:

Bratislavsky
Trnavsky
Nitriansky
Trenciansky
Zilinsky
Banskobystricky
Presovsky
Kosicky

Official language: Slovak language
Religion: Roman Catholic 60.4% Evangelic 6.2% Greek Orthodox 3.1% Calvinist 1.6% Orthodox 0.7%
Timezone: Central European Time (+ 1 hour from Greenwich)
Currency: EURO (EUR) 1 EUR = 100 cents

Climate:

Temperate climate zone, four seasons, average temperature 10°C
The coldest month - January with temperatures as low as -20°C
The warmest month - July with temperatures about 32°C
Some mountains are covered by the snow about 130 days of the year

Visa:

Not required for the citizens of most European countries and for: Brasil, Thailand, Singapore, USA, Canada, Republic of South Africa

Electricity: 220V/50Hz

Location of Slovakia