Skip to main content
CountryReports

Select language

ENEnglishESEspañolZH中文HIहिन्दीFRFrançais
Sign In
Slovakia flag

Slovakia

Slovensko

Capital:Bratislava
Population:5.8M
Currency:Euro (EUR)
Language:Slovak (official), Hungarian
Bratislava, Slovakia

Declare Your Relationship to Slovakia

See full leaderboard →

CountryReports Community

  • Studying2
  • From Slovakia0
  • Slovakia heritage2
  • Visited0
  • Want to visit0

Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Slovakia.

Slovakia Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Slovaks are proud of their rich cultural heritage. Slovaks are usually outgoing and value good humor and hard work. They are also generous. Education, modesty, and honesty are admired.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Land of the Double Cross and Three Mountains

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

JoinORSign InInstant Access $2

Holidays

  • Constitution Day

    9/1

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia and under Soviet rule until 1993. Since that time holiday customs and begun to incorporate Christian traditions. On St Nicholas Day, Sväty Mikuláš (St. Nicholas), an angel, and a devil parade about giving treats and quizzing youngsters about their catechism. Children usually set out their shoes by the window sill on St Nicholas’s Eve to receive treats.

    Central to Christmas Eve is Holy Supper at which all family members gather after having fasted all day. The table center piece is usually a small crèche. The meal commences upon the sighting of the first star of the night symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. The meal traditionally consists of 12 meatless dishes symbolic of Christ’s 12 apostles. Along with oplatky and honey, there may be porridge, bobalky (small, baked biscuits with a topping of milk, honey and poppy seeds), Christmas cake, fruit compote, mushroom soup, sauerkraut soup, pirohy (boiled pastries filled with mash potatoes, cheeses, dried fruit or sauerkraut) beans, peas, fish, breads, rolls and nuts.

    On Tri Krále (Epiphany or Three Kings Day) which ends the holiday season, the clergy travel about, blessing the homes.

Dates of Interest

  • September

    Modra, known for its wine, hosts an annual grape harvest festival in September. The event includes a parade, traditional music, wine tasting, and the crowning of the "Grape King."

How do people greet each other in Slovakia?

Shaking hands is the most common greeting, and formal titles are important, with people addressed as Pan (Mr) or Pani (Mrs) followed by any professional title and surname.

Do

  • Shake hands when greeting
  • As a man, wait for a woman to extend her hand first
  • Use Pan or Pani with the surname and any professional title

Don’t

  • Don't use first names until mutual consent among friends or the young

What are the dining customs in Slovakia?

Slovaks eat continental style with three meals a day, and meals often end with a small cup of Turkish coffee.

Do

  • Keep both hands above the table
  • Use napkins on the table
  • Try bryndzove halusky, the national dish of small dumplings with sheep cheese
  • Expect soup and fresh-baked bread as staples

Don’t

  • Don't rest your elbows on the table
  • Don't put napkins in your lap

Good to know

  • The main meal is at midday with meat, dumplings or potatoes, and a vegetable
  • When guests are present, women typically serve the meal but may not eat at the table
  • Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are common

What etiquette should I follow when visiting a Slovak home?

Impromptu visits happen only among close friends and family; guests remove hats and shoes and often bring a small gift.

Do

  • Remove your hat and shoes indoors (hosts often provide slippers)
  • Wait for the host to invite you to sit
  • Bring a gift such as flowers, wine, or liquor
  • Politely decline offers before eventually accepting

Good to know

  • Modesty and honesty are admired, and generosity is valued

How should I dress in Slovakia?

Urban dress is fashionable while older rural people are more conservative; businessmen wear suits and women wear dresses and skirts.

Good to know

  • Jeans and T-shirts are popular
  • Short pants are increasingly common in summer

Are there gestures I should be aware of in Slovakia?

Hand gestures are frequently used to emphasize speech, and smiling is considered courteous.

Don’t

  • Don't yawn in public
  • Don't chew gum during polite social interaction

What is family life like in Slovakia?

Typical families have two or three children, and while most women work, they are usually also responsible for the home and children.

Good to know

  • Some men are beginning to share household duties
  • Popular dating activities include dancing and going to the movies and theater

What do Slovaks do for recreation?

Ice hockey and soccer are the most popular team sports, with winter sports in the mountains and water sports in summer.

Good to know

  • Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating
  • The Poprad-Tatry region is a longtime winter sports venue
  • Summer water sports include swimming, sailing, canoeing, rafting, and fishing
  • Basketball, volleyball, baseball, and tennis are also enjoyed

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Slovakia

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
euro (EUR)
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC,. during Standard Time)
Climate
The climate in Slovakia is a mixture of continental and ocean climates and has four distinct seasons. The mountain regions affect the weather much more than the geographical location of the country. The warmest and driest regions are the southern Slovak plains and the Eastern Slovak lowlands where the average temperature is 10 degrees C and average annual precipitation is approximately 500 mm. In the High Tatras the average temperature is 3 degrees C and annual precipitation is 2,000 mm. The coldest month is January; the warmest is July. During winter the temperatures in the mountain valleys are substantially lower than on the mountain peaks, and temperature inversions are quite common. Bratislava is moderately dry with average temperatures ranging from –1 degree C to –4 degrees C in January and from 19.5 degrees C to 20.5 degrees C in July. The maximum daily temperature in July is approximately 32 degrees C. Annual rainfall varies from 61 to 101 cm. Bratislava ranks among the warmest places in Slovakia. During the winters in Bratislava the sun rises at 7:30 and sets about 16:00. The skies are often overcast, and snow and ice storms occur. During the summer, sunrise is before 5:00 and sunset is about 21:00.
Airports
34
Premium Content

Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.

View full travel guide

Recipes

Featured Dish

Bryndzové Halušky

Main Dish

Browse all 6 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Great Moravia

    833 – 907

    The Great Moravian Empire united Slovak and Czech lands under a single Slavic polity, encompassing present-day Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and portions of Poland, Hungary, and Germany. Byzantine missionaries Saints Cyril and Methodius arrived in 863, introducing a Slavic liturgy and the Glagolitic script. The empire collapsed within roughly eighty years under pressure from Magyar invasions and internal political strife.

  2. Hungarian Kingdom

    907 – 1918

    Following the Magyar conquest, Slovak lands were absorbed into the Kingdom of Hungary, where they remained for approximately one thousand years. Bratislava served as the Hungarian capital for nearly two and a half centuries after Ottoman forces overran the Hungarian heartland in the 1520s. The 19th century brought rising Slovak nationalism, the codification of the Slovak literary language by Ľudovít Štúr in 1846, and intensifying Magyarization policies under the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy formed in 1867.

  3. Czechoslovakia

    1918 – 1939

    Following the collapse of Austria-Hungary, Slovaks and Czechs united to form Czechoslovakia in October 1918, with Tomáš Masaryk as its first president after signing the Pittsburgh Agreement. The new democratic republic brought significant modernization and civil liberties to Slovakia, though tensions over Slovak autonomy within the centralized state persisted throughout the interwar decades. The 1938 Munich Agreement forced territorial cessions to Nazi Germany and effectively ended the first republic.

  4. War & Communist Rule

    1939 – 1989

    Slovakia declared autonomy and became a Nazi puppet state under the Catholic priest Jozef Tiso, during which thousands of Slovak Jews and Roma were deported to concentration camps. The Slovak National Uprising of 1944, a broad armed resistance involving Slovaks, Soviet-aligned forces, and Jews, was ultimately suppressed by the Wehrmacht. After liberation and reunification with Czechoslovakia in 1945, the Communist Party seized power in February 1948, imposing Soviet-style rule interrupted only by Alexander Dubček's brief Prague Spring reforms of 1968, which were crushed by a Warsaw Pact invasion.

  5. Velvet Revolution

    1989 – 1993

    Mass public protests beginning on November 17, 1989 — known as the Velvet Revolution — brought down communist rule in Czechoslovakia without violence. Dissident movements including Public Against Violence in Slovakia helped form a transitional government and oversee the first free elections since 1948. Growing Slovak demands for autonomy, championed by Vladimír Mečiar's Movement for a Democratic Slovakia after the 1992 elections, led the Slovak parliament to declare sovereignty and the federation to dissolve peacefully on January 1, 1993.

  6. Independent Slovakia

    1993 – present

    The Slovak Republic emerged as a fully independent state on January 1, 1993, navigating an early period of authoritarian tendencies under Prime Minister Mečiar before consolidating democratic governance in the late 1990s. Slovakia joined NATO and the European Union in 2004, cementing its Euro-Atlantic orientation, and adopted the euro in 2009. The country has since developed as a significant Central European industrial economy while managing ongoing challenges of regional development, rule of law, and geopolitical positioning.

Overview

Slovak history can find its roots in the Great Moravian Empire, founded in the early ninth century. The territory of Great Moravia included all of present western and central Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and parts of neighboring Poland, Hungary, and Germany. Saint Cyril and Methodius, known for the creation of a Cyrillic alphabet, came to Great Moravia in the early tenth century as missionaries to spread Christianity upon the invitation of the king.

Premium ContentJoinORSign In
Instant Access $2

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1918

    Slovakia asked for the creation of Czechoslovakian state.

    Slovakia asked for the creation of Czechoslovakian state. Slovaks joined the Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. During World War II, Slovakia existed as puppet state of Nazi-run Germany.

  2. 1944

    The Slovak National Uprising broke out against the Germans.

    The Slovak National Uprising broke out against the Germans.

  3. 1945

    Slovakia reunited with the Czechs.

    Slovakia reunited with the Czechs.

  4. 1993

    Independence after Czechoslovakia splits.

    Independence after Czechoslovakia splits.

  5. 1995

    Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Hungary signed.

    Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Hungary signed, guaranteeing the existing border and ethnic minority rights.

  6. 1999

    A new law allowing for president to be directly elected by the people.

    Parliament ends nearly a year of constitutional crisis by passing a new law allowing for president to be directly elected by the people.

  7. 2004

    Slovakia admitted to Nato.

    Slovakia admitted to Nato.

View full timeline (8 events)
Premium Content

Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.

View expanded history

Interesting Facts

  • Slovak violin virtuoso Charles (Karol) Dobias has been concertmaster with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet orchestra, the Stratford Festival orchestra and the National Ballet orchestra.

  • The national emblem of Slovakia is a red Gothic shield with a silver double cross mounted on the central peak of three blue mountains, which represent the three ranges of the Carpathian mountains (Tatra, Fatra, Matra).

  • The hill known as Krahule near the town of Kremnica, Slovakia, is the geographic centre of Europe.

  • Svätopluk I, Ruler of Great Moravia from 871 to 894, is considered the greatest leader of the first western Slavic state. Under his reign, Great Moravia reached the peak of its power and territorial expansion.

  • Unlock with membership
  • Unlock with membership
Premium Content

See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.

View all interesting facts

Geography and Environment

Slovakia, located in the very heart of Europe, has an area of 18,859 square miles (48,845 square kilometers). The terrain includes the high Carpathian Mountains (The Tatras) in the north, the low Carpathian mountains in the center, the foothills to the west, and the Danube River Basin in the south. Slovakia is mostly mountainous; approximately 80% of the territory is 750 meters or more above sea level. The highest point is Gerlachovský Peak, 2,655 meters above sea level.
Terrain
rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south
Climate
The climate in Slovakia is a mixture of continental and ocean climates and has four distinct seasons. The mountain regions affect the weather much more than the geographical location of the country. The warmest and driest regions are the southern Slovak plains and the Eastern Slovak lowlands where the average temperature is 10 degrees C and average annual precipitation is approximately 500 mm. In the High Tatras the average temperature is 3 degrees C and annual precipitation is 2,000 mm. The coldest month is January; the warmest is July. During winter the temperatures in the mountain valleys are substantially lower than on the mountain peaks, and temperature inversions are quite common. Bratislava is moderately dry with average temperatures ranging from –1 degree C to –4 degrees C in January and from 19.5 degrees C to 20.5 degrees C in July. The maximum daily temperature in July is approximately 32 degrees C. Annual rainfall varies from 61 to 101 cm. Bratislava ranks among the warmest places in Slovakia. During the winters in Bratislava the sun rises at 7:30 and sets about 16:00. The skies are often overcast, and snow and ice storms occur. During the summer, sunrise is before 5:00 and sunset is about 21:00.
Natural Hazards
NA
Current Environmental Issues
air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests
Premium Content

Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.

View full geography

People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Slovak (official), Hungarian

  • Hungarian
  • Slovak

Population

Population
5,795,199
Population in Major Urban Areas
BRATISLAVA (capital) 434,000
Nationality Noun
Slovak(s)
Ethnic Groups
Slovak 85.7%, Hungarian 10.6%, Roma 1.6% (the 1992 census figures underreport the Gypsy/Romany community, which is about 500,000), Czech, Moravian, Silesian 1.1%, Ruthenian and Ukrainian 0.6%, German 0.1%, Polish 0.1%, other 0.2% (1996)
Language Note
Slovaks speak Slovak. Hungarian is the second most commonly spoken language, especially in the south. German is widely understood, while English is the language of choice to study in school. The Slovak Republic was formed at the time of the division of the Czech Republic in 1993.

Education

Literacy Definition
NA

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Slovakia stands at approximately 77 years overall, with notable differences between men and women. Slovak women can expect to live to around 80–81 years, while men have a life expectancy closer to 73–74 years. This gender gap of roughly seven years is consistent with broader trends observed across Central and Eastern Europe. Slovakia's life expectancy figures place it in a mid-range position among European Union member states. While the country has made significant health improvements since transitioning from a communist-era centrally planned system to a modern market economy in the early 1990s, it still lags behind Western European nations such as Spain, Switzerland, and Italy, where life expectancy often exceeds 83 years. Several factors influence life expectancy outcomes in Slovakia. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for a substantial share of premature mortality in the country. High rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity — particularly among working-age men — contribute significantly to the gap between male and female longevity. Dietary habits, historically featuring high fat and caloric intake, have gradually shifted in urban areas but remain a concern in rural regions. Slovakia's healthcare system, which provides universal coverage, has undergone considerable reform over the past two decades. Access to medical care has improved, and infant mortality rates have declined sharply, now sitting below 6 deaths per 1,000 live births. These improvements have contributed positively to overall life expectancy trends. Environmental factors also play a role. Air quality challenges, particularly in industrial regions of the country, have been associated with respiratory conditions and related health burdens. Government and EU-level initiatives aim to address pollution and encourage healthier lifestyles through public health campaigns. Over the longer term, life expectancy in Slovakia has trended upward, reflecting improved nutrition, expanded medical technology, and greater health awareness. Continued investment in preventive care and chronic disease management is expected to support further gains in the coming decades.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Slovakia stands at approximately 77 years overall, with notable differences between men and women. Slovak women can expect to live to around 80–81 years, while men have a life expectancy closer to 73–74 years. This gender gap of roughly seven years is consistent with broader trends observed across Central and Eastern Europe. Slovakia's life expectancy figures place it in a mid-range position among European Union member states. While the country has made significant health improvements since transitioning from a communist-era centrally planned system to a modern market economy in the early 1990s, it still lags behind Western European nations such as Spain, Switzerland, and Italy, where life expectancy often exceeds 83 years. Several factors influence life expectancy outcomes in Slovakia. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, accounting for a substantial share of premature mortality in the country. High rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity — particularly among working-age men — contribute significantly to the gap between male and female longevity. Dietary habits, historically featuring high fat and caloric intake, have gradually shifted in urban areas but remain a concern in rural regions. Slovakia's healthcare system, which provides universal coverage, has undergone considerable reform over the past two decades. Access to medical care has improved, and infant mortality rates have declined sharply, now sitting below 6 deaths per 1,000 live births. These improvements have contributed positively to overall life expectancy trends. Environmental factors also play a role. Air quality challenges, particularly in industrial regions of the country, have been associated with respiratory conditions and related health burdens. Government and EU-level initiatives aim to address pollution and encourage healthier lifestyles through public health campaigns. Over the longer term, life expectancy in Slovakia has trended upward, reflecting improved nutrition, expanded medical technology, and greater health awareness. Continued investment in preventive care and chronic disease management is expected to support further gains in the coming decades.
Premium Content

Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.

View full people and society

Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Slovakia
Full Country Name
Slovak Republic
Local - Long
Slovenska Republika
Local - Short
Slovensko

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy
Legal System
civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Peter PELLEGRINI (since 15 June 2024) head of government: Prime Minister Robert FICO (since 25 October 2023); Deputy Prime Ministers Robert KALINAK, Tomas TARABA, and Peter SZIJJARTO (since October 2023) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president elected by direct, popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 23 March and 6 April 2024 (next to be held in 2029); following National Council elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president election results: Peter PELLEGRINI elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Peter PELLEGRINI 53.1%, Ivan KORCOK 46.9%; Robert FICO appointed prime minister in October 2023 following parliamentary elections the previous month note: government coalition - SMER-SSD, SNS, HLAS-SD
Legislative Branch
unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or Narodna Rada Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members are elected on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 30 September 2023 (next to be held in 2027) election results: percent of vote by party - Smer-SD 22.9%, Progressive Slovakia 17.9%, Hlas-SD 14.7%, Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLaNO) 8.9%, Slovak National Party (SNS) 5.6%, KDH 6.8%, SaS 5.0%; seats by party - Smer-SD 42, Progressive Slovakia 32, Hlas-SD 27, OLaNO 16, KDH 12, SNS 10, SaS 11; the government coalition is formed by Smer-SD, Hlas-SD, and SNS, with Robert Fico serving as Prime Minister following the election (2024)
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council); Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of nominees approved by the National Council); Special Court (judges elected by a council of judges and appointed by president)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
ratified 1 September 1992, fully effective 1 January 1993; changed in September 1998 to allow direct election of the president; amended February 2001 to allow Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU membership
Independence
1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)
National Holiday
Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Capital City

Capital Name
Bratislava
Capital - geographic coordinate
48 09 N, 17 07 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC,. during Standard Time)

the name was adopted in 1919 after Czechoslovakia gained its independence and may derive from later transliterations of the 9th century military commander, Braslav, or the 11th century Bohemian Duke BRETISLAV I; alternatively, the name may derive from the Slovak words brat (brother) and slava (glory)

Military

Branches: Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojene Sily Slovenskej Republiky): Land Forces (Pozemne Sily), Air Forces (Vzdusne Sily)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy, Bratislava

Address: Hviezdoslavovo námestie 4, 811 02 Bratislava

Mailing address: U.S. Embassy, P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia

Telephone: (421)(2)5443 0861 or (421)(2) 5443 3338

Emergency after-hours telephone: (421) 903 703 666

Facsimile: (421)(2) 5441 8861

Email: consulbratislava@state.gov

Premium Content

Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.

View full government details

Economy

Slovakia has successfully completed its transition from a centrally planned economy to a modern market-based system and is now a member of the European Union, the eurozone, the OECD, and NATO.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Euro (EUR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$43,070,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
1.2%
Gini Index
25.8
Premium ContentJoinORSign In
Instant Access $2

News & Weather

Current Weather

Loading current conditions…
Loading forecast…

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

The climate in Slovakia is a mixture of continental and ocean climates and has four distinct seasons. The mountain regions affect the weather much more than the geographical location of the country. The warmest and driest regions are the southern Slovak plains and the Eastern Slovak lowlands where the average temperature is 10 degrees C and average annual precipitation is approximately 500 mm. In the High Tatras the average temperature is 3 degrees C and annual precipitation is 2,000 mm. The coldest month is January; the warmest is July. During winter the temperatures in the mountain valleys are substantially lower than on the mountain peaks, and temperature inversions are quite common. Bratislava is moderately dry with average temperatures ranging from –1 degree C to –4 degrees C in January and from 19.5 degrees C to 20.5 degrees C in July. The maximum daily temperature in July is approximately 32 degrees C. Annual rainfall varies from 61 to 101 cm. Bratislava ranks among the warmest places in Slovakia.

During the winters in Bratislava the sun rises at 7:30 and sets about 16:00. The skies are often overcast, and snow and ice storms occur. During the summer, sunrise is before 5:00 and sunset is about 21:00.

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Slovakia?
The population of Slovakia is approximately 5.8M.
How do people greet each other in Slovakia?
Shaking hands is the most common greeting, and formal titles are important, with people addressed as Pan (Mr) or Pani (Mrs) followed by any professional title and surname. Do: Shake hands when greeting As a man, wait for a woman to extend her hand first Use Pan or Pani with the surname and any professional title Don't: Don't use first names until mutual consent among friends or the young
What are the dining customs in Slovakia?
Slovaks eat continental style with three meals a day, and meals often end with a small cup of Turkish coffee. Do: Keep both hands above the table Use napkins on the table Try bryndzove halusky, the national dish of small dumplings with sheep cheese Expect soup and fresh-baked bread as staples Don't: Don't rest your elbows on the table Don't put napkins in your lap The main meal is at midday with meat, dumplings or potatoes, and a vegetable When guests are present, women typically serve the meal but may not eat at the table Mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks are common
What etiquette should I follow when visiting a Slovak home?
Impromptu visits happen only among close friends and family; guests remove hats and shoes and often bring a small gift. Do: Remove your hat and shoes indoors (hosts often provide slippers) Wait for the host to invite you to sit Bring a gift such as flowers, wine, or liquor Politely decline offers before eventually accepting Modesty and honesty are admired, and generosity is valued
How should I dress in Slovakia?
Urban dress is fashionable while older rural people are more conservative; businessmen wear suits and women wear dresses and skirts. Jeans and T-shirts are popular Short pants are increasingly common in summer
Are there gestures I should be aware of in Slovakia?
Hand gestures are frequently used to emphasize speech, and smiling is considered courteous. Don't: Don't yawn in public Don't chew gum during polite social interaction
What is family life like in Slovakia?
Typical families have two or three children, and while most women work, they are usually also responsible for the home and children. Some men are beginning to share household duties Popular dating activities include dancing and going to the movies and theater
What do Slovaks do for recreation?
Ice hockey and soccer are the most popular team sports, with winter sports in the mountains and water sports in summer. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating The Poprad-Tatry region is a longtime winter sports venue Summer water sports include swimming, sailing, canoeing, rafting, and fishing Basketball, volleyball, baseball, and tennis are also enjoyed
What is the capital of Slovakia?
Bratislava is the capital and largest city of Slovakia, situated on the Danube River near the country's borders with Austria and Hungary. The city served as the historic capital of the Kingdom of Hungary for nearly 250 years and today functions as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country. Its compact medieval old town, dominated by Bratislava Castle, reflects the layered Central European history that has shaped the region for centuries.
Where is Slovakia located?
Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, nestled in the heart of the continent. It emerged as an independent state on 1 January 1993 following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, a union that had existed since 1918. Notably, the hill of Krahule near the town of Kremnica is recognized as the geographic centre of Europe, placing Slovakia quite literally at the continent's core.
What countries border Slovakia?
Slovakia shares borders with five countries: Austria to the west, the Czech Republic to the northwest, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, and Hungary to the south. This central position has historically made Slovakia a crossroads of cultures, empires, and trade routes, contributing to the diverse influences visible in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions across different regions.
What is the predominant religion in Slovakia?
Roman Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Slovakia, practiced by approximately 69 percent of the population. Greek Catholicism, a Byzantine-rite church in full communion with Rome, accounts for around 7 percent, reflecting strong ties to Eastern Christian traditions particularly in the country's eastern regions. Roughly 13 percent of Slovaks identify as atheist or non-religious, a legacy in part of the decades of Communist rule that discouraged religious practice throughout much of the twentieth century.
What currency does Slovakia use?
Slovakia uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, having adopted it in 2009 after meeting the economic criteria set by the European Union. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004, two years after receiving its invitation alongside a broader wave of Central and Eastern European nations. The adoption of the Euro replaced the Slovak koruna and further integrated the country's economy with the wider European single market.
What language is spoken in Slovakia?
Slovak is the official language of Slovakia, a West Slavic language closely related to Czech and Polish. Hungarian is also officially recognized and widely spoken, particularly in southern regions near the Hungarian border where significant Hungarian-speaking communities have lived for centuries. Slovak uses the Latin alphabet with diacritical marks and is the primary language of government, education, and media throughout the country.
What is Slovakia known for?
Slovakia is known for its striking Carpathian mountain landscapes, including the dramatic High Tatras range, which draw hikers, skiers, and climbers from across Europe. The country is celebrated for its dense network of medieval castles — among the highest concentrations per capita in Europe — as well as UNESCO-listed wooden churches in its eastern regions. Slovak folk traditions remain vibrant, expressed through embroidered costumes, folk music, and regional festivals. The national emblem itself features the silver double cross on three blue peaks representing the Tatra, Fatra, and Matra ranges of the Carpathians.
What is the geography of Slovakia like?
Slovakia is a landlocked country dominated by the Western Carpathian Mountains, which cover much of its northern and central territory, including the towering High Tatras — the highest range in the Carpathians. The terrain transitions to fertile lowland plains in the south and southwest, drained by the Danube and its tributaries. This variety of landscapes — alpine peaks, forested hills, river valleys, and agricultural plains — gives Slovakia a diverse natural character despite its relatively compact size in Central Europe.

Last reviewed 2026

Video LibraryCompareArticlesGlobal ContentActivitiesLessonsRecipesBlogInternet CitationGlossary