Slovakia

Overview

The Slovak Republic is a landlocked country located in Central Europe.

By 2020, the country recorded a population of 5.458 million and covers an area of 49,035 km2.

Its capital and largest city is Bratislava.

The second-largest city is the city of Kosice.

Other major cities are Presov, Zilina, Banska Bystrica, Nitra, Trnava and Martin.

Bratislava Castle and Old Town, Bratislava

History

Between 1918 and 1992 the Republic of Czechoslovakia compromised of Czech, Slovak and Ruthenian regions. The countries separated forming two independent countries Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

It joined NATO and the European Union in 2004. It adopted the Euro as its currency in 2009.

Food & culture

The culture of the country is influenced by its geographical location in Central Europe. It’s similar to that of Austria, Germany, Poland and Hungary.

The main crops are sugar beets, cereals, potatoes, fruits and vineyards. The popular dishes are bryndzove halusky, zemiakove placky, lakes, fried cheese, sheep cheese and chicken noodle soup.

Wildlife

The common wildlife animals living here include wolves, lynx, bears, red deer, roe deer, otters, chamois, marmots, minks and martens.

Festivals & events

The main celebrated events are International Festival of Ghosts and Monsters, Junifest, Kosice Music Spring Festival and Vychodna Folklore Festival.

Things to see

There is the Bratislava Castle, which is the main country’s castle built on a rugged hill in Bratislava.

There is also the Devin Castle, which is also a castle in Devin.

Then there is the St. Martin’s Cathedral, which is a Roman Catholic Cathedral Church in Bratislava.

Other must-visit places are Michael’s Gate, Spis Castle and Most SNP.

Interesting facts

The official language is Slovaks.

The country’s capital city is the only one in the world bordered by two countries; Austria and Hungary.

The official religion of the country is Christianity.

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Bratislava

Slovakia

At a glance

Before you go