Here are some facts about Slovakia.
- Slovakia has a population of 5 million and is located in the heart of Europe. It covers 49,000 square km and borders Austria, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
- During the 9th century, Slovakia became part of Moravia and later part of Hungary, then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, the Slovaks joined the Czechs to become Czechoslovakia.
- In 1993, Slovakia became independent after Czechoslovakia split into 2 countries. The so-called ‘Velvet Divorce’ followed the end of the Communist government during the Velvet Revolution.
- About 10 percent of the country’s population lives in Bratislava, the capital and largest city. It is the only national capital that borders two other countries — Austria and Hungary.
- Bratislava is known for its medieval old town and for having the narrowest house in Europe. It is also famous for its fountains; over 120 of them, including one dating from 1572.
- Kosice, Slovakia’s second city, was European Capital of Culture in 2013. It was the first place in Europe to have its own coat of arms and is known for its Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture.
- Slovakia has over 4,000 caves, some of which are open to visitors.
- The Carpathian Mountains cover most of the country, and there are 29 peaks over 2,900 metres.
- The village of Vlkolinec is a well preserved collection of traditional wooden houses. It is a World Heritage site and has a museum showing daily life in the countryside.
- The food of Slovakia is influenced by its surrounding countries, and deer, rabbit and wild boar are all popular. Most restaurants serve bryndza, a salty cheese made from goat’s milk.
- Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Slovakia, and the country has ranked 8th in the world rankings.
- In the Olympics, the country has been successful at whitewater slalom.
