Slovakia located in the center of Eastern Europe , on the territory of the Tatra and Carpathian mountain systems. Most of the country is mountainous. Almost 80% of Slovakia is located above 750 meters above sea level.
The highest point of the country is a mountain Gerlachowski-Shtit, whose height is 2655 meters. The territory of Slovakia is dissected by rather deep valleys of large river systems. The rivers mainly belong to the Danube basin. The border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic runs along the Morava River.
A third of the country is occupied by fertile South Slovak And East Slovak lowlands in the southeast And Danube lowland east Bratislava. The southern and eastern parts of the country are dominated by lowlands, in the north Slovakia occupies most of Carpathian mountains.
The deepest river state is Danube, which forms part of the southern boundary. Main rivers of Slovakia are: vag, gron, Bodrog, Poprad, Gornad, Ondava And Orava. The longest river on the territory of Slovakia is considered vag, 12 dams of the Povazhsky cascade are located on it. highest waterfall- Kmetev, it is located in the High Tatras, and its height is 80 meters. There are many transparent high-mountain lakes in the mountains.
In the north country borders with Poland, in the east - with Ukraine, on South - with Hungary, in the West - with Austria and the Czech Republic. Slovakia has no access to the sea. Total area of the territory country is about 49 thousand sq. km.
capital is the city Bratislava.
Slovakia has temperate continental climate with pronounced altitudinal zoning. January average temperatures make up here from -1 C to -4 C on the plains And up to -10 C in mountainous areas.
July average temperatures constitute from +19 C to +21 Con the plains And up to +8-12 Cin the mountains.
On the plains precipitation falls annually from 450 to 700 mm. (mainly in winter and off-season), in the mountains -up to 1600-2100 mm. in year. Snow in mountainous areas lies 4-5 months a year. However, the weather is quite changeable, so thaws often occur. The best time to visit countries can be named May, June and September.
For holidays in ski resorts it is best to choose a rest period November to March.
Visas, entry rules, customs rules
Citizens of Russia and the CIS to enter the country need to apply for a visa. Slovakia is part of the Schengen area. You can apply for a visa at the consular section of the Embassy of Slovakia and at the Consulate General of Slovakia in the Russian Federation.
When entering the country by car must be presented documents for it, as well as a Green Card international auto insurance policy and an international driver's license.
Import and export of currency is not limited. Amounts exceeding 10 thousand euros, when entering from the territory of countries outside the EU, necessary indicate in the declaration.
Duty free allowed to bring into the country a large number of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, as well as goods for personal use at the rate of 430 euros per person.
Without permission cannot be imported drugs and narcotic drugs, medications, firearms and ammunition, explosives, pornographic materials, plants, flowers, animals and birds into the country. For the import of hunting weapons in advance need to get a license at the local police station.
To the territory of the EU countries from May 1, 2009 cannot be imported products that contain meat or milk. This ban even extends to chocolates.
Does not apply it is for baby food and special preparations that are needed by people suffering from certain chronic diseases. But they should be packed carefully, and their weight should not exceed 2 kilograms. Violators of this rule waiting confiscation prohibited foods and payment of a fine.
At customs at the entrance desirable provide a list of all valuable personal items and effects, this will facilitate their removal from the country.
Plants, animals and plant productsnecessary present to quarantine officials. For pets need to receive a certificate of vaccinations, as well as a medical certificate issued no earlier than 10 days before departure.
From the country forbidden to export objects and things that are of historical or artistic value. To export works of art and objects of arts and crafts, you need from the seller get a certificate, confirming the possibility of exporting these goods outside the country.
Population, political condition
The population of the country is about 5.4 million people. Most of it is Slovaks (85% ), Hungarians(11% ), Romanians And gypsies, and Czechs, Moravians, Silesians, Rusyns, Germans And Poles.
Politically Slovakia is independent parliamentary democratic republic which was established in 1993. It happened as a result of the collapse of Czechoslovakia. At the head of the state costs the president who is elected by secret ballot for a term of five years. supreme legislative body country is National Council who is elected for 4 years.
Administratively, the territory countries are divided on 8 regions with self-government and 79 districts.
State language is Slovak, it belongs to the group of West Slavic languages and is close to Czech. Widespread Also Czech, Hungarian, German, English And, in their places of residence - ethnic group languages.
Used in writing Latin alphabet. In Southern Slovakia equal walking wears also Hungarian.
What to see
In Slovakia many attractions. One of them is the numerous mineral springs and caves. Mineral springs are about 1 400 things. There are caves throughout the country about 4 thousand, in Bratislava there are more than a dozen of them. However, less than a quarter of them have been studied. A unique geyser in Europe located in Gerlyany in the east of Slovakia. It throws out a thirty-meter jet of cold mineral water at regular intervals.
Most Interest for tourists is Demänovská cave system located in the valley of the same name on the northern side of the Low Tatras. Also noteworthy Belianska caves near Tatranska Lomnica, Bistrianskie And Harmanech caves close to Banska Bystrica, Gombasekska caves, Yasovska, Domica, which included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as a unique aragonite Ochta cave located close to Kosice.
In winter, numerous tourists come to the ski resorts of the country.
Bratislava is the capital of the country and one of the most interesting cities for tourists in Eastern Europe. The city lies in the picturesque spurs of the Carpathians near the border with Austria. Bratislava was founded in 907, A from 1541 it was the capital of Hungary.
This city is not large. All of it the main attractions are concentrated in the center. It is very convenient that you can get around them on foot.
Tourists must see Old Town Hall dating back to the thirteenth century, Primate's Palace who is famous hall of mirrors And fountain of St. George.
Cathedral of St. Martin(XIV-XV centuries) is the place of coronation of many Hungarian monarchs. At the Redoubt Palace currently located Bratislava Concert Hall.
Also interesting: Palace of Grassalkovich, main square ("main estate"), where you can see Roland's fountain, Franciscan church, which was built in 1297. Opposite it is Mirbach Palace.
Worth a visit also Church of the Holy Trinity, the former building of the Hungarian Parliament - royal chambers, Presidential palace, building of the Slovak National Theater, Janka Kralja's garden, Segner's mansion. Bratislava Royal Castle dates back to IX-XIX centuries.
The most attractive streets for tourists are: Zamoska, Zizkova,Kapitulska, clarisca, Laurinska And Panska.
The most famous museums Bratislava are: Slovak National Gallery, Pharmaceutical Museum,Museum of Folk Music, Municipal Museum located in the building of the Old Town Hall, Hummel Music Museum in his house Museum of Decorative Arts, Wine Museum, Museum of Jewish Culture, Museum of Carpathian German Culture, City Museum of Bratislava, Historical Museum etc.
Around Bratislava you can visit the extensive Devin castle complex which is located 10 km. west of the capital and is a national monument of nature and culture. 7 km. northeast of Bratislava lies lake resort Zlati Pieski. In Rusovtsy can see ancient Herulata. East of the capital famous wine-growing Lesser Carpathian region.
50 km. east of Bratislava located old Slavic fortified settlement Nitra, it is interesting their castle, colonnade, palace, Franciscan Church And monastery.
City of Komarno located in Southern Slovakia. He is center of the country's Hungarian community. In it you can see vintage fortifications relating to the XIV-XVIII centuries., picturesque bridge over the Danube, Church of St. Andrew. Other attractions of this city include Danube Museum, which has interesting historical and artistic collections, Serbian Orthodox Church , City Hall And Museum of Lehár and Yokai.
50 km. northeast of the capital located famous Trnava. Here it is Trnava Archbishopric, university buildings relating to the XVII-XVIII centuries. The old part of the city is quite picturesque.
In Western Slovakia located city of Trencin which is worth on the site of the Roman camp of Laugaricio. It's worth seeing main square Mierové namestije,parish church, city gate, art gallery located in the building of the convent. Also noteworthy well of love", the depth of which is 70 meters, famous Roman inscription about the victory of the 2nd Roman legion over the Germanic tribes dated 179 AD. e. And Museum of Trencin.
Trencian castle is one of the most beautiful military castles in the country. He was built on the site of a Great Moravian castle from the 11th century. Graceful Matus Czak Tower has at the base more 100 sq. meters.
14 km. northeast of the city you can visit Spa Trencianske Teplice. He is famous for his baths"hammam"in neo-Moorish style and hot healing sulfur springs.
Mountains Mala Fatra stretched across the entire northwestern part of the country for hundreds of kilometers. They form an extensive eponymous national park . His main attraction considered to be the picturesque valley of Vratna. She is famous for her numerous ski resorts And lots of hiking trails.
West of the spurs of Mala Fatra, 80 km. from Trencin, located Zilina city. It was founded in the 13th century and is the third largest city in the country.
It is interesting for its provincial appearance and peace. Very colorful central square of this city. Here you can also see attractions such as the picturesque church with covered gallery, Zilina Museum located in a 16th century castle. The city has many shops, cafes and restaurants.
Kosice located in Eastern Slovakia and is considered the main city of this region.
There are many historical sights here. Cathedral of St. Elizabeth considered one of the most beautiful Gothic temples in the world. He is interesting tomb of Ferenc Rakoczi. Deserves attention city theater building built in 1899. In front of his entrance you can see musical fountain. ancient City Hall building was built in 1780. " House of the Kosice Program"is famous for the fact that in 1945 the program of the Popular Front was proclaimed in it.
Currently located here art Gallery. Urbana Tower dates back to the 16th century, now works here Museum of Metal Jewelry.
Worth noting also St. Michael's Church,plague column, old prison"Miklusova Vazhnitsa", Slovak Technical Museum, Zoo museum V Bastion of the Executioners, State Theater, Hungarian theater "Waist".Museum of Eastern Slovakia interesting for its cozy park and old wooden church.
Presov lies 36 km. north of Kosice. It attracts tourists gothic church of St. Nicholas built in the 14th century evangelical church And Wine Museum. Museum of Presov has quite interesting collections on archeology and natural history.
Bardejov located north of Presov. It deserves attention parish church of St. Aegidius, old city hall, which now houses a museum, Historical Museum And Museum of Icons.
Bardejovske Kupele lies 6 km. north of Bardejov. He is one of the best water resorts in the country. Here with late XVIII centuries with local mineral waters from 8 different springs treat diseases of the digestive tract and lungs. Sharishsk- the best in the country ethnographic open-air museum.
City of Poprad is a modern industrial center. It is not particularly attractive for tourists, but it is located Poprad-Tatry International Airport. In the vicinity of this city you can visit a large number of resorts and sports centers. Nearby are located massifs of the High Tatras And Slovenian Paradise, which are distinguished by a very picturesque nature.
Slovenian Paradise National Park lies southeast of the town of Spisska Nova Ves. It was created in 1988 and allows visitors to get acquainted with the beauties of the Gornad river gorge.
Tatra National Park is first national park based in the former Czechoslovakia. Its area is 888 sq. km. It forms a single whole with a similar park in Poland. This park is considered one of the best active recreation centers in Europe. It contains hiking trail network, which stretches for 600 km. and links all the Alpine valleys and many peaks. In its surroundings famous resorts such as Stari Smokovec,Strbske Pleso, Tatranska Lomnica. Dunajec River Gorge counts excellent water tourism center.
Levocha lies 26 km. from Poprad. It was founded in the 13th century and attracts tourists with its medieval walls(XV century), churches of St. James, Mariana Gora etc., as well as old narrow streets.
Other attractions of this place can be called Spis District Museum, located in the building of the old Town Hall, art gallery, Museum of Master Pavel And picturesque central square.
Between Poprad and Presov you can visit fortified abbey complex in Spisska Kapitula. It belongs to the XIII century and attracts tourists with its medieval fortress gates, the magnificent Cathedral of St. Martin And picturesque houses, which are located along the only street.
Banska Bystrica located in Central Slovakia, in the southern spurs of the Low Tatras. She included in the World cultural heritage UNESCO. This old mining town dates back to 1255. It has interesting medieval buildings: fortress church, Church of the Holy Cross(XV century), Mining buildings And Forest Academy, Old lock. Here you can see a large number of medieval houses in the German style. Not far from this city is one of the largest winter sports centers countries - Donovaly.
Much to the south lies city of Banska Stiavnica. He is famous for his interesting Geological Museum, old houses And monuments of the mining industry. Between these two cities lies Zvolene where you should definitely visit Castle of Louis the Great.
The territory of this country was the first Slavs settled in 5th century. IN 7th century Slovakia was part of the center Powers of Samo. After some time, on its territory was located Principality of Nitra. protoslovak state was called Great Moravia. It reached its peak in 9th century with coming. At this time, the appearance Kirill And Methodius and expansion led by Prince Svyatopolk I.
The economic development of the country fell on the Middle Ages - new cities began to be built, and trade was carried out with neighboring states.
IN XI-XIV centuries the country became part Kingdom of Hungary. She later joined Austria-Hungary until its collapse, which occurred in 1918. Then it happened unification of Slovakia with the Czech Republic And Subcarpathian Rus. This is how the state was formed. Czechoslovakia.
Then happened collapse of this state. According to the Munich Agreement1938, Slovakia became a separate republic which was controlled by Nazi Germany.
Czechoslovakia was restored after World War II. WITH 1945 it fell under the influence of the USSR and the countries of the Organization Warsaw Pact.
End of communist Czechoslovakia came to 1989 during the peace Velvet revolution. Was created two separate states - Slovakia And Czech. After January 1, 1993 the two countries went their own ways of development.
May 1, 2004 Slovakia became a member of the European Union, A December 21, 2007 the country entered Schengen area. January 1, 2009 Slovakia is included in eurozone.
International trade
Country sells for exportcars,electrical equipment And cars, metals, chemical And minerals , plastics. Maincountry's export partners are: Germany, Czech,France, Poland, Hungary,Austria, Italy And Great Britain.
Slovakia imports cars And transport, semi-finished products,fuel, chemical substances And finished goods.
Main import partners are the following countries: Germany, Czech, Russia, Hungary, South Korea , Austria, Poland And China.
The shops
Almost all shops in the country are opendaily With 9.00 before 18.00 , day off is Sunday.Large supermarkets and shopping centerson Thursday usually work until 19.00-21.00 . Grocery stores usually open from 7.00-9.00 before 18.00-19.00 . Often they have May belunch break.On Saturday most shops are open from 8.00 before 12.00 . At night time work large supermarkets and specialty night shops.
From Slovakia you can bring the following souvenirs and gifts: painted easter eggs,ceramic products, grain figurines, Borovichka- Slovak juniper vodka, wooden figurines,sheep wool products, handmade dolls « supolka". The country has a single retail network for the sale of handicrafts -ULUV, its stores are in almost all major cities.
Demography
Birth rate 10 newborns per 1000 people. Mortality rate - more than 9 deaths per 1000 people. population growth is only 0,13% .
average life expectancy local residents is 77.32 years old. Average life expectancy for men- 74 years old, women - 80,84 .
Child mortality rate is 66 deaths per 1000 children.
77 % population of Slovakia lives in cities, the largest of which are Bratislava, Kosice, Nitrate, Presov. Rest 23 % population are rural residents.
Average population density in Slovakia is 109 inhabitants per 1 sq. km.
Migration rate is only 0.3 migrants per 1000 people.
Industry
Currently in Slovakia the most well developed industries are the following: electronics, automotive, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, information Technology.
Automotive sector in Slovakia belongs to the fastest growing sectors. This is due to recent large investments by automotive giants such as Volkswagen, Peugeot And Kia Motors.
vegetable and animal world
Near 40% territories of Slovakia cover forests. On the southern slopes of the mountains forests are mainly oak And beech. In forests on the northern slopes of the mountains dominated by tree species such as fir And spruce. On the heights stretch alpine meadows.
From animals most common in Slovakia deer,wolves, lynx, the Bears, squirrels, foxes And petting.
Capital of Slovakia. Bratislava.
Slovakia Square. 49035 km2.
Population of Slovakia. 5500 thousand people
Administrative divisions of Slovakia. Slovakia is divided into 3 regions and the capital equivalent to them.
Form of government in Slovakia. Republic.
Head of state of Slovakia. President elected for a term of 5 years.
Supreme legislative body of Slovakia. National Council (unicameral parliament), term of office - 4 years.
Supreme executive body of Slovakia. Government.
Major cities in Slovakia. Kosice, Nitra, Presov, Zilina.
State language of Slovakia. Slovak.
Currency of Slovakia. Slovak crown = 100 hellers.
Fauna of Slovakia. In Slovakia, a wolf, a hare, a lynx, a bear, a fox, a hedgehog, a roe deer, a deer are common, among birds - a partridge, a stork, a kingfisher, an eagle, etc. There are a lot of fish in the ponds.
Rivers and lakes in Slovakia. The largest rivers are with tributaries Vah and Gron, Morava. Lots of small lakes.
Sights of Slovakia. In Bratislava - the Old Castle of the 9th-18th centuries, the Cathedral of St. Martin of the 13th-19th centuries, the church of the 13th century, the Old Town Hall of the 13th-18th centuries, numerous museums. In Kosice - the Cathedral of St. Elizabeth, the chapel of St. Michael of the XIV century; in Nitra - the castle of the 13th century, the basilica of St. Eme-ram; numerous medieval castles throughout the country. The High Tatras are a recognized world ski center.
Useful information for tourists
In all cities there is a public city. The cost of a travel ticket is 5 kroons (in Bratislava - 7 kroons). You can rent a car.
Electric trains run (small - with 2 or 3 wagons), but their speed is not great, because the area is mostly mountainous. For travel by bus for a distance of 20-30 km, you usually have to pay 8-12 crowns, but the fare is not always directly proportional to the distance. Mains voltage - 220 V, current frequency - 50 Hz. Sockets - European standard.
Slovenian Republic
St. Elizabeth's Cathedral is located in the city of Kosice, on the central square. This is the largest temple in the country, its length is more than 60 meters, its width is about 40 meters, the northern tower of the church rises at a height of almost 60 meters. The pearl of the temple is the main altar of St. Elizabeth, which was built at the end of the 15th century, it contains a large collection of European Gothic altar paintings. Among the liturgical instruments there are works of the 18th century, they were made by the blacksmith Sgilassi.
Baroque Marian column, or "plague column", was erected in 1750 by Bishop Esterhazy in memory of those who died during the plague between 1710 and 1739. This column is one of the most beautiful in the country.
Holy Trinity Square, founded in the 16th century, is the "heart" of Banska Stiavnica. Its form is determined by the building of the city hall and the church of St. Catherine. Luxurious mansions rise around the square, in the center there is a column dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It depicts the figures of the seven holy defenders of the city, as well as the patrons of the miners.
1. Currency exchange in Slovakia should be carried out in banks and official points, it is better to store large amounts in a hotel safe.
2. If you use taxi services, check immediately if the meter is turned on, or ask for a receipt.
3. In hotels, information centers and banks better speak english or german, italian and French less common.
4. Before long excursions, find out if overnight accommodation is provided. IN national parks There is a shortage of hotels and campsites in the country, and it is forbidden to put up a tent yourself, so it is better to think about accommodation in advance.
Official name - The Slovak Republic.
IN X century, the territory of Slovakia became part of the Hungarian state, in 1918 it became part of Czechoslovakia. In 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia split and declared themselves independent states.
Territory- 48,845 sq. km.
Population- 5.4 million people (July 2000). National composition: Slovaks (85.7%), Hungarians (10.6%), Gypsies (1.5%), Czechs (1%), Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Germans.
Languages: Slovak (state), Hungarian.
Religion- Catholics (60%), Protestants (8%), Orthodox (4%), others.
Capital- Bratislava.
Largest cities - Bratislava (442 thousand), Kosice (235 thousand), Nitra (90 thousand), Presov (87 thousand).
Administrative division - 8 regions (territories).
State structure - republic.
head of state - the president.
Head of the government - Prime Minister.
Currency- Slovak crown.
State in Central Europe. In the north it borders with Poland, in the east - with Ukraine, in the south - with Hungary, in the west - with Austria and the Czech Republic. The area of Slovakia is 49035 km2. In the west of the country are the Carpathian Mountains. In the north, in the High Tatras, there is highest point countries - Mount Gerlakhovsky-Shtit (height 2655 m). The east of the country is flat. The Danube flows along a section of the southern border, while the main rivers of the country are the Vag, Gron, Bodrog, Poprad, Gornad and Ondava.
Slovakia is an amazing and beautiful country that is rich in cultural and natural attractions. The main ones are numerous mineral springs and caves. There are more than a dozen caves in Bratislava, and about 4 thousand of them are scattered throughout the country, and less than a quarter of them have been explored.
The most interesting are the Demanovska cave system (Freedom Cave, Ice Cave, etc.) in the valley of the same name on the northern side of the Low Tatras, the Belianska caves near Tatranska Lomnica, the Bistriansky and Harmanechsky caves near Banska Bystrica, the Vazhechka cave in Liptovsky Mikulas, the Dobshinskaya ice cave a cave in the Stratena National Reserve, the Gombaszechska, Jasovska, Domica caves and the unique aragonite Ochta cave near Kosice, the Drina cave near Smolenice, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, etc.
Slovakia is famous for having five national parks and 16 protected areas on its territory. natural areas, of which the most interesting are the Tatra People's Park (888 sq. km.), the Low Tatras National Park (802 sq. km.), the Pieninsky People's Park (21 sq. km.), People's Park Mala Fatra (198 sq. km.), the karst area of Slovensky Paradise, etc. And since many parks are located on the territory of ski resorts and many picturesque areas open to tourists, winter views can be freely combined in these parts.
In Bratislava, such sights as Stara Radnica (Old Town Hall, XIII century), the Primate's Palace (1778-1781) with the famous Mirror Hall and the fountain of St. George, the coronation site of many Hungarian monarchs - the Cathedral of St. Martin (XIV- XV centuries), the Reduta Palace (1914, now the Bratislava Concert Hall is located here), the Grassalkovich Palace (1760), the Main Square ("Head of the Estate") with the Roland Fountain (1572), the Franciscan Church (1297 ) opposite the Mirbach Palace (1770), the Church of the Holy Trinity (1725), the former building of the Hungarian Parliament - the Royal Chambers (1756), the Bratislava Royal Castle (Bratislava Castle, IX-XIX centuries), the Presidential Palace ( XVII century), the Segner mansion (XVII century), the most colorful streets of Zamoska, Zizkov, Kapitulska, Klarisk, Laurinska and Panska, the building of the Slovak National Theater (1886).
This will seem surprising, but last years The increase in the number of tourists in Slovakia is due to the sporting events held in this country. This means that Slovakia is still an unknown country for most tourists. Meanwhile, in Slovakia there is everything that tourists need - a thousand-year history, a large number medieval castles and fortresses, the amazing nature of the Tatras and Carpathians, numerous thermal resorts and wonderful ski resorts.
Geography of Slovakia
Slovakia is located in Central Europe. In the west, Slovakia borders on the Czech Republic and Austria, in the north - on Poland, in the east - on Ukraine, and in the south - on Hungary. The total area of Slovakia is 49,000 square kilometers, and the total length state border– 1,524 km.
A significant part of the territory of Slovakia is occupied by mountains. East of Bratislava is the Danube Lowland. The entire north of the country is occupied by the Carpathian Mountains, near the border with Poland are the Low and High Tatras. The highest peak in Slovakia is Gerlachovský Štit (2,655 meters).
The main rivers in Slovakia are the Danube, Vah, Hron and Ipel.
Capital
The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava, where more than 470 thousand people live. On the site of modern Bratislava, human settlements have existed since the Neolithic.
Official language
The official language in Slovakia is Slovak, which belongs to the West Slavic subgroup of the Slavic languages. language family. The Hungarian language is widely spoken in southern Slovakia.
Religion
More than 60% of the population of Slovakia consider themselves Catholics belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Another 6% of Slovaks profess Protestantism, and 4.1% are Orthodox Christians.
State structure
Slovakia is a parliamentary republic in which the head of state, according to the Constitution, is the President, elected for 5 years by direct universal suffrage.
Legislative power belongs to the unicameral parliament - the National Council of the Slovak Republic, consisting of 150 deputies.
Climate and weather in Slovakia
In general, the climate in Slovakia is continental. Although Slovakia is a small country, the weather there can be noticeably different in the north, where mountains predominate, and in the flat south.
The warmest region of Slovakia is Bratislava and the south of the country, where in summer the temperature can rise above +30C. In winter in Bratislava, the daily air temperature ranges from -5C to +10C.
In the mountains of Slovakia, snow lies in winter all the time, until April. Summer in the north of Slovakia is mild, with an average temperature of +25C.
Rivers and lakes
Several large (by the standards of this country) rivers flow through the territory of Slovakia - Vah (403 km), Hron (298 km) and Ipel (232 km). Slovak rivers are of great interest for rafting enthusiasts.
Lakes in Slovakia are popular destinations summer holidays for Slovaks and foreign tourists. The largest of them are Velké Gintsovo Pleso, Zemplinska Shirava, and Strbske Pleso. There are over 180 mountain lakes in Slovakia.
History of Slovakia
Ancient people on the territory of modern Slovakia lived in the early Paleolithic era. Roman legions came to Slovakia in the 6th century AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Slovakia was invaded by Germanic tribes and Goths. Around the end of the 8th - beginning of the 9th centuries, Slavic tribes settled in Slovakia, and the Principality of Nitra was formed, which then became part of Great Moravia, and later - part of Hungary.
under the blows Ottoman Empire In the 16th century, the Kingdom of Hungary broke up into three parts, and in 1526 Slovakia became part of the Holy Roman Empire.
Only after the end of the First World War, Slovakia gained independence from Austro-Hungarian Empire, and united with the Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia was formed).
In 1939, Slovakia, as, indeed, the entire territory of Czechoslovakia, was occupied by German troops.
After World War II, the Communist Party came to power in Czechoslovakia. In 1968, the troops of the Warsaw Pact countries suppressed the attempts of the leadership of Czechoslovakia to build "socialism with a human face", and instead of Alexander Dubcek, Gustav Husak began to lead the country.
In 1998, the Communist Party lost power in Czechoslovakia, and, in the end, in January 1993, this country split into two independent states Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In 2004, Slovakia was accepted into the NATO military bloc, and in 2009 it became a member of the European Union.
culture
Slovakia is a country with rich cultural traditions and folk customs. Slovaks are very proud of their culture and cherish the traditions of their ancestors. Each Slovak region has its own typical folk costumes and customs. Slovak folk culture is known for its dances, music and songs.
Every summer, many Slovak cities host folklore music festivals, some of which have already become international.
Cuisine of Slovakia
Slovak cuisine is unique. She was greatly influenced by Austrian and Hungarian cuisines. The main products of Slovak cuisine are pork, poultry, cabbage, potatoes, flour, cheese, onions, and garlic.
Traditional Slovak dishes are cheese dumplings, draniki (potato pancakes), pasta (pasta) with potatoes, breaded cheese, schnitzel, and cabbage soup.
The traditional alcoholic drink in Slovakia is slivovitz (plum vodka). Beer is also very popular in Slovakia.
Sights of Slovakia
In Slovakia, curious tourists will find a large number of interesting sights. The top ten attractions in Slovakia, in our opinion, include the following:
Cities and resorts in Slovakia
The largest cities in Slovakia are Bratislava, Kosice, Presov, Zilina, Banska Bystrica, Trnava, Nitra, and Trencin.
Every year in Europe, the ski resorts of Slovakia are becoming more and more popular, combining beautiful nature and excellent skiing infrastructure. The most famous of them are Strbske Pleso, Liptovsky Mikulas, Tatranska Lomnica, Smokovec, Jasna, and Podbanske.
There are 1,470 mineral and thermal water springs on the territory of Slovakia. Resorts have been built near many of them. The most popular of them are Piestany, Smrdaky, Sliac, Sklenne Teplice, Trencianske Teplice, and Luchki.
Souvenirs/Shopping
From Slovakia, tourists most often bring dolls in folk Slovak costumes, giant shepherd flutes ("fujara"), shepherd's hatchets, ceramics, glassware and porcelain, wine, chocolate, and sheep cheese.
