2. Welcome to Slovakia T h e h e a r t o f t h e E u r o p e

3. We live in one of the smallest and youngest countries of this continent. The Slovak Republic covers 49 035 km 2. It is about the size of Denmark or Croatia......but larger than Netherlands, Belgium or Switzerland. What you can find here?

4. Land of beauty

5. The High Tatras The Low Tatras High mountains, beautiful valleys, deep caves, rivers both calm and turbulent, crystal clear waterfalls, unique fauna and flora......you will fall in love with it all.

6. "It’s water that keeps me going" say the lyrics of a Slovak song. Try out the beneficial effects of thermal waters, give your body a treat and let yourself drift on waves of water. Slovakia has become known around the world for its reputable spas. Their thermal springs and mud, and unique climatic conditions, are traditionally thought to have great curative powers.

7. Castles Bojnice Majestic castles and mansions, the witnesses to our nation’s past, contain many interesting museum displays and offer diversion all the year round.

8. Population: 450 000 Bratislava CastleHouses of Parliament Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in Europe and few people know that during the time it was called Pressburg or Pozsony it was one of the most important cities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bratislava and Vienna are said to be the two closest capital cities in the world - only 64 km Slovak National Theatre Grasalkovic palace – the Official Residence of the President of Slovakia You can find here a resort called „Golden Sands“ just within the city

9. Nowadays Bratislava is experiencing a boom once more. Buildings are popping up, deals being made, people studying, and everything is on the move. Experts regard it as one of the most dynamically developing and most prospective regions in Europe. It welcomes tourists, business people, and investors, who are attracted to this blooming city and its lively atmosphere. There are many cities in Europe that can boast their own special unique charm, and Bratislava is definitely one of them.

10. Let´s have a look at the other (small, but nice) Slovak cities Košice (250 000) Saint Elisabeth Cathedral Prešov (92 000) Nitra (87 000) Žilina (86 000) Banská Bystrica (84 000)

11. S L O The automotive industry is the most dynamically developing sector in the Slovak Republic The GDP growth was 6,6% during the Q2 2006, 2nd highest in the EU (Eurostat).

12. S L O All these three largest Slovak plants could produce more than 800 000 cars a year after 2006, giving the country the highest per capita production in the world. Examples of „Made in Slovakia“: VW TouaregKIA Ceed Porsche Cayenne

13. Members of the national team obtained GOLDEN, silver and bronze medals during the last five world ice-hockey championships. Šatan, Pálffy, Bondra, Demitra, Zednik, Gaborik and others are among the best forwards of the NHL. Stan Mikita and Peter Stastny have entered the Hall of Fame. Isn´t it amazing that a country of 5.5 million inhabitants have won the World Championship? Just imagine the celebrations afterwards...

14. But the most important thing for you to remember is... Slovak women of course! Want to see some up-to-date examples?

15. Nikoleta Košová !!! Miss Europe Junior 2006 !!! 14.10.2006 - 25 contestants from all over the Europe (between the ages of 15 and 20)

16. Katarína Manová !!! Miss Intercontinental 2006 !!! 15.10.2006 - 46 contestants from all over the WORLD She is a 20 years old student at the University of Economics in Bratislava

17. It´s up to you if you choose > 1. Nature, cities, leisure or sport activities 2. Slovak cuisine and cheap beer 3. or... You know www.slovakiatourism.sk