SLOVAKIA FROM A-Z

Information about Slovakia for each letter of the alphabet
Click on highlighted word for more information.

• About half of Slovakia is used for AGRICULTURE and has a variety of soils The Southwestern part of the country is a fertile region and much of the agriculture is produced in this area. Products include grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, and fruit. Livestock includes pigs, cattle, and poultry. In other areas, particularly in the mountainous regions in the central and northern parts of the country there are species-rich habitats. Patchwork landscape is the result of strip farming that is found in many parts of the country. Agro Web provides information on agriculture in the country. The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra provides students with scientific knowledge of agriculture.
• Slovakia is rich in ARCHAEOLOGY Sites. The oldest artefacts in the country date back to 270,000 BCE. Archaeological research shows the Jasovksa Cave dates to the Paleolithic era. The Slovak Academy of Science in Nitri specializes in archaeology in Solvakia. The earliest form of architecture in Slovakia dates from 1002 - the Romanesque remains of a Benedictine monastery at Diakovce.

• Slovakia is home to over 300 species of BIRDS including several endangered species. Pheasants, partridges, and eagles nest in the mountains and geese winter at the lowlands.

• Slovakia has many BRIDGES and viaducts. Motorway Bridge over the village of Podturen is the longest bridge in Slovakia.

• Bratislava is the CAPITAL of Slovakia and was named after a 5th century Slav leader. It is the largest city in the country and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Bratislava was the seat of Hungarian Kings from 1563 to 1830 and was known as Pozsony.

• Slovakia has nearly 300 CASTLES. Bojnicky Zamok Castle with medieval roots was reconstructed at the end of 19th century and has a late-Gothic altar from the mid of 14th century. It has a variety of activities and an annual International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits. Bratislava Castle is perched high about the Danube and is one of the most striking examples of Austrian castles. The city of Trencin is a classic Austro-Hungarian city and has a lovely white castle above it that is centuries old. It has been restored and contains several exhibitions. Somoska Castle is in good condition and has an environmental trail with sites explained along the way. Filakovo Castle offers a walking tour. Orava Castle in Central Slovakia dates from 1267 is one of the most complete castles in Slovakia.

• Slovakia has many forms of COMMUNICATIONS including newspapers, magazines, radio stations, tv stations, and telephone. Internet access is available and there are several Internet Service Providers in the country. The Internet Code is .SK and the calling code is 421. The mailing code is SK.

• CURRENCY in Slovakia includes the crown (koruna), with smaller sums denominated in hellers (halier). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 crowns (Sk) and 10, 20 and 50 hellers. Bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 Sk. The National Bank of Slovakia has a museum of coins and medals.

• Slovakia has many DAMS including Rubber Tube Dams. Swift rivers power several Hydroelectric Power Plants. Rakovec is the oldest and Cierny Vah is the largest. The country has 6 Nuclear Power Reactors that generate electricity, and more Nuclear Power Plants are more under construction.

• During the Mesozoic Era, the region of the Tatra mountains was an island where DINOSAURS lived. A footprint of one of them has been found by geologists in Ticha Valley in the Western Tatras.

• Slovakia experiences EARTHQUAKES. The U.S. Geology Survey provides information about earthquakes around the world.

• Slovakia has a free EDUCATION system. Schooling is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15. Students can then continue on to schools of general education, vocational schools, or teacher-training institutes.

• Slovakia has many specieis of FISH. The technical high school at Ivanka nad Dunajom offers a 4 year course in fisheries and fish farming.

• The Slovak FLAG is composed of three equal horizontal bands of white, blue and red. A double cross can be seen in the middle-left position, above three mountains. The national emblem has a red, early Gothic shield with a silver double cross mounted on the central peak of the blue three hill group. Many regions, districts, municipalities, and cities have their own flag. Over a hundred cities have swallowtailed flags and some cities are entitled to double-swallowtailed flag.

• Traditional Slovak FOOD has been influenced by Slav, Hungarian, Austrian, and German cooking. The diet relies heavily on pork. Noodles with goat cheese, and Hungarian dishes including goulash are widely enjoyed. Slovakia celebrates World Food Day. The selection of restaurants in Slovakia is excellent although European cuisine prevails, and a lot is Austrian influenced.

• Slovakia has 2 Geological formations. The country has several minerals including copper, lead, zinc, manganese, and iron. The Nitra Valley has rich deposts of coal. Southern Slovakia has magnesite. Copper and iron are found in the Kras region. Limestone and gravel pits supply the construction industry. Banska Stiavnica is the oldest mining town in Slovakia. The Slovak Ore Mountains are named for their mineral deposits. The country also has mineral and thermal springs. The most famous thermal springs are in the Liptovska Kotlina Valley.

• The GLOBAL POSTION of Slovakia is approximately 47 south latitude to 49 degrees north latitude, and 22 degrees east longitude to 18 degrees west longitude. The highest place is Gerlachovsky Stit a peak in the High Tatry Mountains. The lowest place is the Bodrog River. Slovakia is the geographic center of Europe. Geocaching is a popular activity in Slovakia, and there are several Geocaches in the country.

• The GOVERNMENT of the Slovak Republic is appointed by the President of the Slovak Republic on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. It is responsible to the Slovak parliament and has the authority to make major policy on the matters of national economy and social security. Other functions of the Government include making proposals on the state budget, issuing government regulations, and managing foreign policy. As established by law, the Government can discuss in its proceedings a confidence vote motion, cases of pardoning criminal offenders, and appointment or removal from office of senior civil servants.

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• Slovakia has many Historic Sites including the Hrad, the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, and the Primates' Palace. The protection and conservation of Cultural Heritage in Slovakia is regulated by legislature. The country has 5 World Heritage Sites. The oldest building in Banska Bystrica is the 13th century Romanesque Parish "Church of Our Lady".

• The HISTORY of Slovakia dates back to about 400 a.d. when Slavic people settled near the Danube River. In recent history, Slovakia was considered part of the Greater Hungary until 1918 when it united with other countries to form Czechoslovakia. In 1939 it declared its independence but was eventually reunited to Czechoslovakia from 1948 until 1989 during which time it was ruled by a Soviet-style regime. In 1993 Slovakia again became independent.

• Slovakia has several INDUSTRIES. Bratislva is the main industrial center. Kosice is an industrial city, Nitra is a food-processing center, Presov is known for electrical-engeering, Banska Bystrica is a mining and manufacturing area, and Zilina is a business center.

• Slovakia has a variety of INSECTS including nearly 300 species of butterflieds & moths. Because of its favorable climate, beekeeping has a long tradition in the country.

• Slovakia has ISLANDS on lakes and in rivers. Slanicky Island was created when Orava Dam was built. The very southern part of Slovakia is called Zitny Island and is bordered by the Danube and Maly Dunaj. It is the biggest river island in Europe. This region has the biggest reservoir of fresh water in Central Europe. Dunajská Streda, an ancient settlement, lying in the heart of Rye Island, is the chief town of the district.

• Jazz is a popular form of music in Slovakia and there are several Jazz Clubs in the country. Bratislava has a Jazz Days Festival.

• Slovakia has KARST, caves, and caverns. The Slovak Karst National Park is the most extensive & develped karst area in the country. Slovensky Kras has almost all the karst pheonoma of climates and is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. The Baradla Cave System and wetlands is a complex karst area. The country has 4,000 registered caves and many have been designated a national monument. Twelve of the caves are open to the public including Belianske Cave is a show cave and offers a guided tour. Some of the best caves in the country are Demanovska Cave (ice and karst cave), Dobsinska Cav (ice cave), and Ochtina Aragonit Cave which is one of only three aragonite caves in the world. Jasovska Cave is one of the oldest caves in the world. Domica Cave is one of the largest in the world and has an underground river. Hamanecka is one of the most beautiful caves in the country.

• Slovakia uses the metric system of measurement including KILOMETERS which is a unit that measures distance. Almost every country in the world uses this system except the United States and part of the United Kingdom.

• Slovakia has many LAKES. Small glacier lakes are located in the High Tatra Mounains. Strbske Pleso is the biggest lake in the Tatra mountains and Morskie Oklab is the most beautiful. Zemplinska Sirava is a man-made lake and is also known as The Slovak Sea.

• Slovak is the official LANGUAGE of Slovakia. In 1994 a law was passed allowing the use of Hungarian as the official language in areas of the country where at least 20 percent of residents speak Hungarian. This was retracted by a subsequent law, passed in November 1995, which makes Slovak the only language that can be used in the civil service, on road signs, and in advertisements. (The author is not sure what is correct as of 2004). Other languages spoken include Ukrainian, Romany, and Czech. Most people speak Slovak in addition to their own native language.

• Slovakia has several LIBRARIES including 12 state scientific libraries, 473 libraries affiliated with universities and institutions of higher learning, and 2600 public libraries. The University Library in Bratislava, founded in 1919, contains more than 2 million volumes and is the country’s most important library. The Slovak National Library (1863 in Martin includes a collection of materials relating to Slovak culture.

• Slovakia has several MOUNTAINS and mountain ranges. The Carpathian Mountain extend across much of the northern and northwestern part of the country. It encompasses the Little Carpathians, the White Carpathians, and the Tatra, the highest Carpathian range. Other mountains include the Low Tatra, the Lesser and Greater Tatra ranges, and the Ore Mountains. The High Tatras Mountains have meadows and forests, and each has its own name, shape, history.

• Many MUSEUMS and Galleries are located throughout Slovakia. Each cultural region has its museums and exhibits. Most of the museums and galleries are housed in rare historical buildings, renovated castles, and manor houses. Exhibits at the Slovak National Gallery include Gothic and Baroque statuary, as well as a collection of modern paintings by local artists. There is a Hummel Museum in Bratislava and an Air Museum in Kosice. Visiting exhibits in Slovakia are of a high quality, and recent shows have included the works of Andy Warho (who was of Slovak ancestry). Bibiana is an International House of Art for Children. Kammerhoff Museum is devoted to mining and its history.

• In Slovakia, tradition is sometimes kept alive in the form of MUSIC and dance. The Slovak National Theatre holds opera, ballet and drama performances. Trencin has medieval, classical, and folkloric concerts. A variety of instruments accompany Slovak song and dance. There are more than 100 types of flutes including the fan forka which is almost 6 feet long. A number of historical buildings are connected great musicians and have exhibitions of musical instruments. Franz Schubert taught music in southern Slovakia, and there is a museum dedicated to his memory. In the early 19th century Beethoven stayed in the village of Dolná Krupá, where he composed his famous Moonlight Sonata. The extensive musical heritage of Slovakia is reflected in an exhibition of keyboard instruments in Markušovce.

• The NAME Slovak came from the Slavonic Tribes from which the Slovak people descended. The Slovak Republic is the official name of Slovakia but is not often used. The short form (Slovakia) is lingustically and historically more correct than the long one. The country is called the Heart of Europe. Tarnva is one of the oldest cities in Slovakia and nicknamed "The Slovak Rome">

• The Slovak National Anthem was written in 1884 by Janko Matúška. In December 1918, the first stanza became part of the national anthem of the Czechoslovak Republic. Since January 1993, the first two stanzas have constituted the national anthem of the Slovak Republic.

• Slovakia has several OBSERVATORIES, planetariums, and astronomy groups. The Astronomical Observatory at Modar has special events. The Astronomical Institute provides information about astronomy in Slovakia.

• Slovakia is a member of several International Organizations including the United Nations (U.N), the Council of Europ (CE), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organizatio (NATO). In 2004 The country became part of the EuropeanUnion (EU).

• Slovakia has 5 National Parks , nature parks and water parks. The Paradise National Park is a protected natural area with a variety of natural riches including underground galleries, caves, waterfalls, and animal and botanical reserves. The country has 2 new Water Parks.

• Slovakia has a POPULATION of over 5 million people, and over half of them live in urban areas. Slovaks comprise about 86 percent of the inhabitants of the country. Most of the Hungarians live in the southern parts of Western and Central Slovakia. The Ruthenians and Ukrainians are concentrated in the northern regions of Eastern Slovakia. Many Famous People came from Slovakia including rulers, politicians, saints, writers, scientists, inventors, composers, painters, and sportsmen.

• Slovakia has 2 major ports. The Port of Bratislavia is the busiest and handles freighters and ferries that transport goods. The Port of Komarno has shipyards that manufacture and repair ships.

• Quilting and other needlecrafts including tapestry and batik are popular in Slovakia. The picture of the quilt shown was done by Anabeth Dollins to show the Slovak Heritage of 3 towns in the country - Brezova pod Bradlom, Banovce nad Bebravou, Myjava, and Detva.

• Take a Quiz about Slovakia.Just for fun try some games about the country.

• Slovakia is divided into 3 geographic REGIONS - Western Slovakia, Central Slovakia, and Eastern Slovakia. The country has 8 administrative regions named after the main city in each region. Each region, in turn, is divided into several counties and certain counties are further divided into districts. Representation in the parliament (National Council) is partly based on these demarcations. However, they are mainly used to delegate local authority. Traditionally Slovakia is divided into 18 regions each with its own emblem.

• Slovakia has a wide variety of REPTILES and amphibians including the European tree frog, field frog, Carpathian newt, crested newt. The marsh tortoise is the only tortoise living on the Slovak territory. On the stream banks, occassionally otter and returning beaver can be spotted. The basalt columns at Somoska Castle are a haven for snakes and lizards.

• Many RIVERS flow through Slovakia including The Danube, Vah, Hron, Ipel, Nitra, Ondava, Laborec, and Hornad. The Danube is the main navigable river in Slovakia and the 2nd longest waterway in Europe.

• Many SPORTS are played in Slovakia including basketball, bowling, equestrian, fishing, golf, skiing and hiking. Ice Hockey and Soccer are important team sports. The mountains of Slovakia are centers of winter sports. An International Marathon - Run for Peace - has been held in Kosice since 1924 and is one of the oldest marathons in the world.

• Slovakia has many species of TREES including fir, spruce, oaks, birches, and lindens. Nearly half of the country is forested and there are several Primal Forests. The research at the Institute of Forest Ecology covers both forests and adjacent ecosystems.

• Slovakia has all forms of TRANSPORTATION and Public transportation is extremely good. About half of the railways are electric and link all of the major cities and many smaller towns in the country. Tram and light rail networks have been developed in Bratislava and Kosice where the main airports are located. Slovakia has 5 International Airports. Stefanic is the largest. There are many Road Tunnels in the country and more are under construction. The longest tunnel, near Levoča in eastern Slovakia, forms part of the northern highway route between Bratislava and Košice currently under construction. The country has a variety of License Plates.

Slovakia has several UNESCO sites. Four caves in the country are on the UNESCO list of natural heritage sites and also a church in Zehra. Other world Heritage sites in the country include Banska Stiavnica, the Bardejov Town Conservation reserve, and Vlkolinec. In the city of Kosive, the 14th century Cathedral of St. Elizabeth is being carefully restored with funding from UNESCO, which has declared the cathedral an historical pearl of Europe. Spis Castle is one of the biggest castles in Central Europe and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Slovakia has many institutions of higher education including UNIVERSITIES and Technical school. Comenius University of Bratislava was founded in 1467 and is the oldest university in the country. Technical universities are located in Bratislava, Kosice, Zilina, and Nitra.

• Because of the shape of Slovakia, VEGETATION is arranged by altitude. The Botanic Garden of Comenius University has over 5,000 plant species. Wild poppies in Southern Slovakia provide a vital oil to cooks. The country has 3 Biosphere Reserves.

• Slovakia does not have any active VOLCANOES but it has a volcanic past. Somoska, a ruin on the Slovak/Hungarian border has rare volcanic formations. Polana Biosphere Reserve is one of the biggest extinct volcanoes in Europe and the highest volcanic mountain in the country. It is a Biosphere Reserve. Klipper Belt

• Slovakia has many waterfalls including Rohacsky, Sutovsky, Vajansky, and Skok. White Valley has a huge waterfall and a large ravine with waterfalls. "Stone Waterfall" is one of only a few basalt lava formations found in the world.

• The WEATHER in Slovakia includes 4 distinct seasons. Springs are mild, Winters are cold and dry, Summers tend to be hot and humid, and Autumns are wonderful. In areas of high altitude, snow is often present for nearly half of the year.

  Solvakia has a variety of WILDLIFE including foxes, rabbits, squirrels, weasels, wolves,and muskrats. Many species of wildlife that are rare in Europe are found in Slovakia including brown bears, wild boars, lynxes, marmots, otters, and chamois. Many animals are endangered due to urbanization, deforestation, & pollution. The Slovak Wildlife Society helps endangered wildlife.

• XMAS is the abbreviation for Christmas which is celebrated in Slovakia much as it is in the rest of the world. Slovakia has many special Christmas Traditions. In some towns and villages St. Nicolas arrives in a horse-drawn carriage. The Three Kings is a traditional holiday in Slovakia. September 1 is Constitution Day (I am looking for a link to information about this day. Please leave it on my guestbook. On the other hand, I can ask the president or prime minister of Slovakia. Bet they know. Thank you. Hmm. Does anyone read this?)

• Slovakia has YMCA organizations. (The page I linked to is in Slovak. Is there one in English?). Slovenska Scouting is the largest youth organization in Slovakia.

• YOUTH HOSTELS are located through Slovakia. Bratislava has several.

• Slovakia is in the Central European Time Zone also called MET (Middle European Time Zone) UTC+1.

• Slovakia has several Zoos. The Bratislava Zoo has been the habitat of hyenas for 25 years. The Bojnice Zoo has a variety of species including endangered animals. The Kosice Zoo focuses on Euro-Asian species and has an aquarium. Part of a park around Bojnicky Zamok Castle is a zoo.

©2004