Slovakia

Full name of country: Slovak Republic

Region: Europe

Official language: Slovak

Population: 5,563,649 (2024 est.)

Nationality: Slovak(s) (noun), Slovak (adjective)

Land area: 48,105 sq km (18,573 sq miles)

Water area: 930 sq km (359 sq miles)

Capital: Bratislava

National anthem: "Nad Tatrou sa blyska" (Lightning Over the Tatras), by Janko Matuska/Traditional

National holiday: Constitution Day, September 1 (1992)

Population growth: -0.08% (2024 est.)

Time zone: UTC +1

Flag: The flag of Slovakia features three equally sized horizontal bands of white (top), blue (middle), and red (bottom), which are the pan-Slavic colors. In the vertical center stripe (and off to the left, or hoist, side) is the Slovak coat of arms, which features a white, double-barred cross above three blue hills superimposed on a red shield edged in white.

Independence: January 1, 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)

Government type: parliamentary republic

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal system: civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; note—legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal system

Slovakia (known in Slovak as Slovensko) is a country in Central Europe that was once part of the former nation of Czechoslovakia. In 1993, Czechoslovakia was peacefully dissolved into the independent nations of Slovakia and Czechia (also known as the Czech Republic), reflecting the main ethnic division. During much of the twentieth century, Slovakia was part of the Soviet-controlled Eastern Bloc; after independence the country moved toward a free-market economy and joined the European Union (EU).

Besides Czechia, which lies to the northwest, Slovakia is bordered by Austria to the southwest, Hungary to the south, Ukraine to the east, and Poland to the north. Slovakia is one of the more prosperous countries of Central Europe, with a well-developed infrastructure. After the fall of communism tourism increased, with visitors enjoying the scenic Carpathian Mountains and River Danube, and well-preserved historic cities such as Bratislava.

Note: unless otherwise indicated, statistical data in this article is sourced from the CIA World Factbook, as cited in the bibliography.

People and Culture

Population: Slovakia's population is largely comprised of ethnic Slovaks, who comprise 83.8 percent of the population (2021 estimate). Since the mid-1990s, Slovak has been the official language. There is a large Hungarian minority, representing around 7.8 percent of the population (2021 estimate). Other sizeable minorities include Romani (Roma) and Ruthenians.

The Romani officially represent about 1.2 percent of population, though there are indications from local governments that the number may be higher, between 7 and 11 percent (2021 estimate). The Romani face a certain amount of discrimination and have even suffered violent attacks from far-right White supremacist groups.

Slovakia has been largely Christian since the ninth century. A large percentage of the population belongs to one of the various branches of Christianity, mostly Roman Catholic (an estimated 55.8 percent of the population in 2021). The once-large Jewish community suffered heavy losses in the Holocaust.

The Slovak language is part of the Slavic family, and is closely related to the Czech and Polish spoken in neighboring countries. It is derived from the "Old Slavonic" language, the ancestor of all the Slavic tongues, and is written using Latin letters. The three main dialects are based geographically, on the western, central, and eastern parts of the country. Around 81.8 percent of the population speak Slovak (2021 estimate). There are also large Slovak populations in the United States, Czechia, and Canada; of these, thousands of individuals are still fluent in Slovak.

Despite the problems of the communist era, Slovakia entered the twenty-first century with a relatively well-developed infrastructure and a well-educated workforce.

Indigenous People: During Roman times, what is now Slovakia was known as Pannonia, and was inhabited by Celtic tribes. In the fifth century, as Rome declined, Slavs began settling the region. During the ninth and tenth centuries, Slovakia was part of the Slavic realm known as known as Moravia.

The Hungarians or Magyars conquered the Slovaks in the tenth century and dominated the region until the establishment of Czechoslovakia after World War I. From the late nineteenth century until the fall of the empire, the Hungarians sought to "Magyarize" the Slovaks and make them speak Hungarian. During this period, the Slovaks began developing their language as a way to preserve their national identity within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Jewish and German communities in Slovakia also date from the Middle Ages.

Education: Slovakia has a generally well-educated population, as well as a highly skilled work force. Almost the entire population is literate. Slovak is the language of instruction, although students from the leading minority groups can take classes in their own languages. School is compulsory for children from the age of six through the age of fifteen.

As in many other European countries, secondary education provides separate tracks for vocational education and university preparatory studies; the preparatory schools are known as "gymnasiums." Slovakia has private and parochial schools in addition to the state-run system.

Major universities include Comenius University in Bratislava (founded 1919), named for Renaissance scholar Jan Comenius (1592–1670), and the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (founded 1937).

Health Care: Slovakia's health-care system is well-developed and has moved toward a more market-based system. There are many private hospitals and physicians in addition to the state-run system inherited from the communist era. The infant mortality rate is low, at 5.1 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024 estimate). Life expectancy at birth was 73.7 years for men and 81 years for women in 2024.

Many health problems in Slovakia are related to environmental problems (particularly air pollution) created during the country's Cold War–era industrialization. Conditions have improved as the government has shut down old factories. Other problems are related to lifestyle. Many Slovak citizens are heavy smokers and drinkers and have a diet heavy in cholesterol. Spas, many of them based at mineral springs or hot springs, are a popular means of improving health. Sports are also popular in the country, which helps promote better health. In 2022 the country was ranked 45 out of 193 countries and territories on the United Nations Human Development Index.

Food: Slovak cuisine has been strongly influenced by Hungarian and German cooking, and is generally rich and hearty. Traditional dishes are often meat-based (usually beef, pork, or poultry), and are accompanied by potatoes or rice. Dumplings, often filled with meat, are popular. Halusky is a popular pasta-based dish that contains many different ingredients.

Many Slovaks enjoy beer and wine, both of which are produced locally. Lunch is the main meal of the day; Slovaks generally eat only lightly for breakfast and supper.

Arts & Entertainment: For much of their history, the Slovaks have been under foreign rule or influence, a fact which has affected their arts. In particular, the Slovaks have emphasized folklore and patriotic themes, not only in their literature but also in their handicrafts.

Slovak came to prominence as a literary language in the nineteenth century as part of the nationalist revival. Leading figures were Jan Kollar (1793–1852), L'udovit Stur (1815–56) and Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav (1849–1921). Like other nationalist movements of the Romantic era, Slovak poetry and literature emphasized the country's folk heritage, making use of folk songs and legends. Music was an important part of the nationalist revival, and traditional instruments such as the bagpipes and flute remain in use today.

Slovakia has an active mass media, most of which is privately owned. Censorship was abolished with the fall of communism. Despite this, international observers have expressed concerns about too much state control of Slovakia's media. Most publications are in Slovak, although there are several periodicals in Hungarian.

Slovak culture has a strong connection to sports. Many Slovaks have found fame in North American hockey, including Marián Hossa, Marián Gáborík, Zdeno Chara, and the Stasny brothers (Peter, Anton, and Marian). Slovakia's mountains and rivers mean that winter sports such as skiing and water sports such as canoeing are popular. Slovakia has an internationally acclaimed soccer team, which has competed in numerous European and world championships.

Holidays: Slovakia's national holiday is January 1, which commemorates the 1993 establishment of the Slovak Republic out of the former Czechoslovakia. May 8 is known as Victory over Fascism Day, commemorating the end of World War II. August 29 commemorates the 1944 uprising against Nazi rule. September 1 commemorates the 1992 adoption of the independent Slovak Republic's constitution.

Several important Slovak holidays are related to the country's Christian heritage. September 15 is the Feast of the Seven Sorrows, honoring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Slovakia's patron saint. July 5 is St. Cyril and Methodius Day, honoring the arrival of those Slavic missionaries to the empire of Great Moravia.

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (November 17) commemorates a 1939 demonstration against Nazi occupation, as well as the 1989 demonstration in Prague that marked the start of the Velvet Revolution, the downfall of communism in Czechoslovakia.

Environment and Geography

Topography: Slovakia's geography is largely mountainous in the northern and central parts of the country, while the southern part is covered by lowlands, home to most of the country's farms.

The Carpathian Mountain range covers much of the western part of the country. The Tatras range, part of this chain, includes the country's highest point, the Gerlachovsky Stit, which rises 2,655 meters (8,711 feet) above sea level. Several large rivers flow through the Slovak lowlands, including the Vah, the Hornad, and the famous Danube.

Natural Resources: Slovakia is a naturally rich land, with many mineral resources as well as fertile land and extensive forests. The country's industrialization has been supported over the years by the presence of minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, as well as coal and lignite. Unfortunately, heavy mining has also produced environmental problems, such as acid rain. Hydroelectric power is produced from the country's major rivers.

Plants & Animals: Slovakia's mountain regions are heavily forested and are home to many large wild species, including large game. Large mammal species include sizeable populations of brown bear, lynx, and wolves.

The forests are a mixture of coniferous and deciduous species. Evergreens include Norway spruce and silver fir. Deciduous varieties include maple and pine. In the lowlands, one finds mixed forests containing beech and many varieties of oak.

The country has nine national parks; many of them, such as Tatra National Park, protect mountainous areas.

Climate: Slovakia has a temperate, continental climate. The country receives between 63 and 100 centimeters (24 to 40 inches) of precipitation per year; though much of this falls in the western mountains as heavy snowfall during the winter months. In much of the country, however, including the Carpathian foothills, snow rarely accumulates more than 1 meter (approximately 3 feet).

Winters are relatively mild, with average temperatures of around -3 degrees Celsius (27 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are cool, though the southern and eastern parts of the country can receive temperatures around 20° Celsius (68° Fahrenheit).

Like other countries, Slovakia had also experienced a consistent increase in its average annual temperature related to climate change.

Economy

Slovakia's economy grew rapidly in the postcommunist era, although the 1990s were somewhat rocky due to political corruption and excessive government spending. The economy stabilized toward the end of the decade, and in 2004 Slovakia was accepted for membership in the European Union. It joined the Eurozone in 2009.

In 2023, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Slovakia was estimated at US$213.219 billion. The per capita GDP that year was estimated at US$39,300. 

Industry: In the twenty-first century, Slovakia has become a major site for foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing. The automobile industry has grown thanks to the presence of skilled workers but relatively low wages. The unemployment rate was estimated at 5.84 percent in 2023.

Other major industries include metal and metal products, energy industries, earthenware and ceramics, chemicals, synthetic fibers, wood and paper products, machinery, textiles, electrical and optical apparatus, rubber products, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Mining has been a major industry since the Middle Ages, when Slovakia was a major producer of gold and silver.

Slovakia's main trading partners are European, particularly the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Entry into the European Union offered the prospect of improved trade, but raised questions about Slovakia's ability to compete against EU countries with even lower wages. Slovakia joined the Eurozone in 2009.

Agriculture: Although manufacturing has become a major part of the Slovakia economy, agriculture remains important. The southern part of Slovakia, in particular, is heavily agricultural in comparison to the more industrialized north.

The main food crops include grains, potatoes, and sugar beets. Grape-growing is another important farm activity, to support the country's wine industry. Livestock include cattle, pigs, and poultry.

Tourism: Slovakia's tourist trade has grown steadily since the fall of communism. Tourists come to enjoy the beautiful landscape, as well as the historic sites in cities such as Bratislava, which boasts the medieval Bratislava Castle, two palaces (the Primate's Palace and the Mirbach Palace), and numerous museums and universities.

Government

The Slovaks were under Hungarian rule from the Middle Ages until the twentieth century. From the nineteenth century onward, they grew increasingly nationalistic and sought to establish their own independent state. This became possible after World War I, with the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Slovaks joined with the Czechs to create the independent nation of Czechoslovakia. This nation was dissolved briefly during World War II, when the Slovaks established an independent "Slovak Republic" controlled by Nazi Germany, but after the war the Communists reestablished a unified Czechoslovakia.

After the so-called Velvet Revolution that led to the fall of Communism in 1989, Czechoslovakia became a parliamentary republic, but the Slovaks continued to call for an independent state. Czechoslovakia was peacefully dissolved in 1993 to create independent Czech and Slovak republics. Since 2004, Slovakia has been part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU).

Today, Slovakia is a parliamentary republic. The president, elected directly by popular vote, serves a five-year term as head of state. Duties include serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and vetoing legislation. The prime minister is the head of government and holds most of the actual power; they are appointed by the president from the majority party or ruling coalition. The president appoints the cabinet officers based on the prime minister's recommendations.

Slovakia has a single-house legislature of 150 members, known as the Narodna Rada (National Council). Members are elected to four-year terms, under a system of proportional representation.

Slovakia's highest courts are the thirteen-member Constitutional Court, whose function is to rule on cases of constitutional law, and the Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic. Members of the Constitutional Court are appointed by the president from nominees selected by the National Council of the Republic. The Supreme Court is the highest appellate court; it consists of a court president, vice president, and seventy-nine judges who are organized into criminal, civil, commercial, and administrative divisions, with three- and five-judge panels. Members of the Supreme Court are appointed by the president from nominations provided by the Judicial Council, a body comprised of top legal experts.

Slovakia has seventy-nine okresy (administrative districts), which are grouped into eight kraje, or counties. Municipalities elect their own governments directly. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, Slovakia has made efforts to give local governments more authority.

In 2024 newly re-elected Prime Minister Robert Fico was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt. The event highlighted the country's extreme political divisions.

Interesting Facts

• The Slovak capital of Bratislava was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary.
• During the era of Hungarian rule, Bratislava was known as Pressburg.
• The division of Czechoslovakia into the separate Czech Republic and Slovak Republic became known as the "Velvet Divorce" (a reference to the "Velvet Revolution" of 1989, which overthrew Czechoslovakia's Communist government).
• Juraj Jánošík (1688–1713), born in Terchová, was a highwayman and is a central figure in Slovak and Polish folklore. He is known as the Slovak Robin Hood for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.
• In 2016 Slovakia took on the presidency of the European Union, which rotates between member countries.
• Slovaks elected their first female president in 2019.

Bibliography

Human Development Report 2021/2022. United Nations Development Programme 2022, 13 Mar 2024, hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2021-22pdf‗1.pdf. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

"Slovak Republic." The World Bank, 2023, data.worldbank.org/country/slovak-republic. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.

"Slovakia." The World Factbook, Central Intelligence Agency, 16 Jan. 2025, www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/slovakia/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

"Slovakia." BBC News, 5th June 2024, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17847682. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.