Slovakia is located in the heart of Central Europe and borders Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. The country became an independent state in 1993 when Czechoslovakia was divided. Except for a period during World War II when the country was a protectorate under Nazi Germany, the country has never before existed as its own nation.
| Capital: | Bratislava |
| Biggest city: | Bratislava |
| State: | republic within the EU |
| Language: | Slovak |
| Religion: | catholicism |
| Surface: | 48 845 km² |
| Population: | 5.4 million (2013) |
| Population density: | 112 residents per km² |
| Life expectancy: | 75 years |
| Illiteracy: | 0% |
| Currency: | Slovak krona (SKK) |
| GDP per capita: | $ 22,200 (2010) |
| Time difference: | +0 hours |
| Electricity: | 220 V AC, 50Hz |
| National Day: | 1 September |
| Country area code: | 421 |
| 2-Letter country abbreviation: | SK (See more abbreviations on Abbreviationfinder) |
| Business: | service sector 44%, industry 44%, agriculture 12% |
| Climate: | temperate; cold winters and hot, humid summers |
The Slovak landscape is characterized by a multitude of mountains and valleys and the Carpathians stretch across the northern part of the country. The mountain peaks in the Tatra Mountains have several popular ski resorts. The country has many nice villages, where horse with carriage is still the most preferred vehicle.
Fortresses on many mountain tops bear witness to Slovakia’s long history of invasions. Bratislava, where the Hungarian kings were once crowned, has a rich architectural heritage from the Middle Ages and the Baroque. The traditional dishes include potato dumplings with sheep cheese and cabbage soup with sausages.
Andy Warhol’s parents came from Miková in northeastern Slovakia. A small village with only 158 residents.
WORLD HERITAGE
The following objects in Slovakia are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The year in which the item was added to the list is indicated in parentheses.
- Staden Banská Stiavnica (1993)
- Levoča Historical Center and Spisský Hrad Castle (1993)
- Traditional buildings in Vlkolínec (1993)
- Slovak Karst Caves (1995)
- Medieval city of Bardejov (2000)
- Bokurskogarna i Karparterna (2007)
- The wooden churches in the Carpathians (2008)
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
Electricity and electrical outlets in Slovakia
Voltage: 230 V
Frequency: 50 Hz
Type of plug: E
Need an adapter: Yes, Swedes need an adapter.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Weather in Bratislava
| Climate | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Christmas | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average temperature °C | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Day °C | 2 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 26 | 22 | 16 | 7 | 3 |
| Night °C | -4 | -3 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 6 | 1 | -1 |
| Rain (mm) | 40 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 60 | 70 | 40 | 60 | 50 | 30 | 60 | 50 |
| Rainy days | 13 | 11 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 |
| Soltim / day | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Bratislava
According to Countryaah, Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and has about 426,000 residents (2007). The city is located on the banks of the Danube, near the state border with Austria. The distance to Vienna is about 65 kilometers.
Between 907 and 1918, Bratislava was part of Hungary. It was the capital of the country between the years 1536 and 1784 and the seat of the Hungarian parliament from 1542 to 1848. The city gradually developed into a suburb of Vienna and a tram line was established between the two cities. In 1919, the city became part of Czechoslovakia, and it was even then that the city’s Slovak name became its official name. At the initiative of Germany, the state of Slovakia was established and between 1939 and 1945 Bratislava was again the capital. After that, the city became Czechoslovak again, and then became the capital of Slovakia again in 1993.
Today, Bratislava is the seat of the Slovak parliament, government and president. The Presidential Palace is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Bratislava Castle, located on a mountain, offers a view of the city. Bratislava is a modern city in classical style with many cultural institutions. The city is characterized by a number of mixed ethnic groups such as Hungarians, Germans (mainly Austrians) and Slovaks.