Slovakia is a European country that is witnessing major growth in tourism since the past couple of years. Know some fun and interesting facts about Slovakia here.

Facts About Slovakia

Slovakia is situated in Central Europe, bordering the Czech Republic and Austria in the west, Poland in the north, Ukraine in the east and Hungary in the south. It was under the occupation of Czechoslovakia till 1993, the year when it gained independence and laid down its own constitution. Since that year, the country has witnessed major growth in its tourism industry. It has turned from a largely unexplored country to the one which sees an increasing stream of tourists every year. The rich legacy and mesmerizing natural beauty of the country, seen in the form of historical towns and snow-clad mountains, form its most popular attractions. Slovakia enjoys mild summers and mild winters, with the country expecting rains at any time of the year. Slovakia is one of the high-income advanced economies in the world and also the fastest growing as well. To know more about Slovakia, read the information provided below.
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Fast Facts 
 
Continent: Europe
Area: 49,035 km2
Capital: Bratislava
Population: 5,445,324 (2011 estimate)
Currency: Euro
Official Languages: Slovak
Independence Day: From Austria–Hungary as Czechoslovakia: 28 October 1918
    From Czechoslovakia:1 January 1993
Calling Code: +421
Type Of Government: Parliamentary republic
 
Fun & Interesting Facts about Slovakia
  • The official name of Slovakia is the Slovenska Republika (The Slovak Republic).
  • Slovakia is situated in Central Europe and spreads over an area of approximately 49,000 sq km.
  • Slovakia is located between the longitudes 16° and 23° and latitudes 47° and 50°.
  • The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava, which is also the largest city of the country.
  • Majority of the people in Slovakia are Roman-Catholics, followed by Greek-Catholics, Protestants, Reformists and Orthodox.
  • The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. However, Hungarian, Romani, Ukranian, Czech and German are also spoken there. People in some areas in this country also speak English.
  • The currency of Slovakia is Slovenska koruna (Slovak crown).
  • Slovakia follows the system of ‘Parliamentary Democracy’. The Presidential elections happen once in every 5 years and these elections are largely celebrated.
  • Slovakia is a member of the European Union, NATO, OECD, WTO and other international organizations.
  • Slovakia gained independence from Czechoslovakia on 1st January 1993. The same day, it formed its own constitution.
  • Around 90 percent of the Slovaks have had secondary education, amongst the highest rates in the EU.
  • The women of Slovakia, along with Lithuania and Poland, marry the youngest (at around 24 years) in the European Union.
  • Slovakia has been called a European Tiger Economy, along with the Czech Republic.
  • It is estimated that in 2008, Slovakia will be the biggest per capita car producer in the world.
  • Slovakia has plans to adopt Euro as its currency on 1st January 2009.
  • Štefan Baniè, a Slovak, invented the first actively used parachute, patenting it in 1913.
  • Slovakian population constitutes to about 6 million, out of which, 85% are Slovaks, 10% Hungarians and the rest of the population constitute to minorities.
  • The main crops of Slovakia include potatoes, sugar beets, corn, wheat and rye.
  • The natural resources here are mercury, iron ore, zinc, lead and copper.
  • Slovakia livestock are sheep, pigs, goats, chickens and cattle.
  • Poland, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic and The Ukraine are those countries that border Slovakia.
  • The Slovakian National flag comprises of three equal horizontal bands with colors white, blue and red. The emblem of Slovakia also forms part of the flag, which is a cross Lorraine on top of 3 hills in a shield.
  • This country is the main exporter of machinery, manufactured goods and transport tools.
  • Metal, metal products, electricity, gas and certain food items are the flourishing industries here.
  • The life expectancy of the people is 74.
  • There are more than 4000 caves in this country, 12 of which are open to public. About 300 well-maintained castles form part of Slovakia.
  • According to reports, Slovakian women are considered as the youngest women to marry. The women have an average of 1.33 children in her lifetime, which is one of the lowest rates in Europe.
  • Sweet wine is the favorite beverage of the Slovakians.
  • Slovakians enjoy pork, which is considered as the most popular meat here.
  • Slovakia is country that has eight regions or ‘kraje’ since July 24, 1996. These regions include Bratislava Region, Trnava Region, Trencin region, Nitra Region, Zilina Region, Banska Bystrica Region, Kosice Region and Presov Region.

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