1. Basic Information Official name: Slovak Republic Date of the republic's establishment: 1.1.1993 State symbols: state symbol state flag state seal national anthem state symbol state flag national anthem state symbol state flag national anthem

2. State organisation: republic Political system: parliamentary democracy Constitutional system: constitutional and legislative power (National Council of the SR), executive power (president of the SR a government of the SR), judiciary power (constitutional court a courts)National Council of the SRpresident of the SRgovernment of the SRconstitutional court Territorial division: 8 Higher-Tier Territorial Units 8 regions state symbol state flag state seal national anthem

3. General information on the Slovak Republic Geographical location:Central Europe Area:49 035 km2 Population:5 379 455 Borders:Hungary, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Ukraine Religions:Catholic Church - 68.9% Evangelical Church - 6.9% No faith - 13.0% Others - 11.2% Minority groups: Slovak nationality - 85.5% Hungarian - 9.7% Roma - 1.7% Czech - 0.8% Others - 2.0% Geographical location:Central Europe Area:49 035 km2 Population:5 379 455 Borders:Hungary, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Ukraine Religions:Catholic Church - 68.9% Evangelical Church - 6.9% No faith - 13.0% Others - 11.2% Minority groups: Slovak nationality - 85.5% Hungarian - 9.7% Roma - 1.7% Czech - 0.8% Others - 2.0%

4. Education and schools Slovakia has a modern and well-developed educational system ranging from elementary schools to universities. Moreover, it has a wide range of specialised secondary schools focusing on different areas of expertise and industries. Slovakia is introducing information technologies and Internet connection to all elementary and secondary schools by means of the projects Infovek and eSlovakia. Slovakia has a modern and well-developed educational system ranging from elementary schools to universities. Moreover, it has a wide range of specialised secondary schools focusing on different areas of expertise and industries. Slovakia is introducing information technologies and Internet connection to all elementary and secondary schools by means of the projects Infovek and eSlovakia. Slovak population according to education Slovak population according to education

5. Slovak population according to education

6. The Government Must Create Environment for Sustainable Development of Car Industry It is also stated in the analysis that Slovakia has succeeded to catch the trend of the transfer of capacities of western producers to the east. The German car factory Volkswagen (VW) has been operating successfully here, and its production will soon be completed by the French company PSA Peugeot Citroën and the Korean car factory Kia. At present, the car industry in the SR employees about 55,000 people, while up to 2010 the number should increase over 100,000. By the export volume on the total country export it exceeds 32 %, while from the total foreign investments in Slovakia almost 25 % flowed to the car industry. The extensive material was submitted by the Economy Department for commenting-on to other ministries. It is also stated in the analysis that Slovakia has succeeded to catch the trend of the transfer of capacities of western producers to the east. The German car factory Volkswagen (VW) has been operating successfully here, and its production will soon be completed by the French company PSA Peugeot Citroën and the Korean car factory Kia. At present, the car industry in the SR employees about 55,000 people, while up to 2010 the number should increase over 100,000. By the export volume on the total country export it exceeds 32 %, while from the total foreign investments in Slovakia almost 25 % flowed to the car industry. The extensive material was submitted by the Economy Department for commenting-on to other ministries.

7. Heraldic Signs of regions in Slovakia TrnavaNitraTrenčín

8. Heraldic Signs of regions in Slovakia ŽilinaŽilina Banská Bystrica PrešovPrešov KošiceKošice

9. Brief information 79 districts 79 districts Regional capitals: Bratislava, Trnava, Nitra, Trenčín, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Prešov, Košice Regional capitals: Bratislava, Trnava, Nitra, Trenčín, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Prešov, KošiceBratislavaTrnavaNitraTrenčínŽilinaBanská BystricaPrešovKošiceBratislavaTrnavaNitraTrenčínŽilinaBanská BystricaPrešovKošice Official language: Slovak Official language: Slovak Capital city: Bratislava (population 428 672) Capital city: Bratislava (population 428 672)Bratislava Neighbouring countries: Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria Neighbouring countries: Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, AustriaCzech RepublicPolandHungary AustriaCzech RepublicPolandHungary Austria Area: 49 035 km2 Area: 49 035 km2 Population: 5 379 455 (51.4% women) Population: 5 379 455 (51.4% women) Population density: 109/km2 Population density: 109/km2 Ethnicity of the population: Slovak (85.8%), Hungarian (9.7%), Romany (1.7%), Czech (0.8%), Rusyn, Ukrainian, Russian, German, Polish and others (2%) Ethnicity of the population: Slovak (85.8%), Hungarian (9.7%), Romany (1.7%), Czech (0.8%), Rusyn, Ukrainian, Russian, German, Polish and others (2%) Population by religion: believers (84.1%) of which: Roman Catholic (68.9%), Evangelical (6.9%), Greek Catholic (4.1%), Reform Christian (2%), undetermined (2.2%), atheist (13.7%) Population by religion: believers (84.1%) of which: Roman Catholic (68.9%), Evangelical (6.9%), Greek Catholic (4.1%), Reform Christian (2%), undetermined (2.2%), atheist (13.7%)

10. Brief information Main political parties represented in the National Council: Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ), Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), Smer, Hungarian Coalition Party (SMK/MK), New Citizen's Alliance (ANO), Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), Communist Party of Slovakia (KSS) Main political parties represented in the National Council: Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ), Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), Smer, Hungarian Coalition Party (SMK/MK), New Citizen's Alliance (ANO), Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), Communist Party of Slovakia (KSS) President of the republic: Doc. JUDr.Ivan Gašparovič, CSc., Dr.h.c. President of the republic: Doc. JUDr.Ivan Gašparovič, CSc., Dr.h.c.Ivan GašparovičIvan Gašparovič Prime Minister: Ing. Mikuláš Dzurinda Prime Minister: Ing. Mikuláš DzurindaMikuláš DzurindaMikuláš Dzurinda Currency: Slovak crown, 1 Sk = 100 haliers Currency: Slovak crown, 1 Sk = 100 haliers Membership of international organisations: EU, NATO UN, UNESCO, OECD, OBSE, CERN, WHO, INTERPOL etc. Membership of international organisations: EU, NATO UN, UNESCO, OECD, OBSE, CERN, WHO, INTERPOL etc.EUNATOUN UNESCOOECDOBSECERNWHOINTERPOLEUNATOUN UNESCOOECDOBSECERNWHOINTERPOL

11. Administrative division of the Slovak Republic The following are the self-governing regions, and their administrative centres

12. Slovakia airports

13. Slovakia railway transport

14. Slovak Mountanins Tatras The unique natural enviroment of the Tatras offers all-year round outdoor activities for visitors of all age grouops whether they are active sportsmen, senior citizens or families with small children. Activities such as hiking, rock climbing and skiing are just some of the most popular activities. But there are also many others activities including mountain cycling, horse riding, paragliding, swimming or even rafting along local rivers. The only limit for outdoor activities are those set by the individual. Safety of visitors is provided for by the well trained and skilled Mountain Rescue Service. The professional services provided by the Tatras Guides Association, Ski Schools, Travel Agencies and the Tatra Information Board are available to assist visitors to make the best of their visit to the Region. For those who prefer the more adventurous activities such as "off-piste" skiing, or free climbing should be aware that any kind of human activity outside of marked hiking trails is permitted only with approval of Tanap - National Park Headquarters. The unique natural enviroment of the Tatras offers all-year round outdoor activities for visitors of all age grouops whether they are active sportsmen, senior citizens or families with small children. Activities such as hiking, rock climbing and skiing are just some of the most popular activities. But there are also many others activities including mountain cycling, horse riding, paragliding, swimming or even rafting along local rivers. The only limit for outdoor activities are those set by the individual. Safety of visitors is provided for by the well trained and skilled Mountain Rescue Service. The professional services provided by the Tatras Guides Association, Ski Schools, Travel Agencies and the Tatra Information Board are available to assist visitors to make the best of their visit to the Region. For those who prefer the more adventurous activities such as "off-piste" skiing, or free climbing should be aware that any kind of human activity outside of marked hiking trails is permitted only with approval of Tanap - National Park Headquarters.

15. Mountain in Slovakia Tatras Mountain Rescue Services in Slovakia (HS) Mountain Rescue Services in Slovakia (HS)

16. Cultural heritage The magic and beauty of our country is enhanced by its caves and chasms. They present a world of silence and darkness with never-ending underground mazes, cascade lakes, drop-stones, aragonite flowers and polymorphs. In Slovakia there are about four thousand registered caves. The best-known ones have been declared as a national monuments. Twelve Slovak caves are open for the public. They are mostly drop-stone caves, several are glacial. Very interesting is Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Ice cave) which has been inscribed into the List of UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 2000. Unique one is the aragonite cave in Ochtiná. It belongs to the three caves of its kind in the world that are open to the public. The magic and beauty of our country is enhanced by its caves and chasms. They present a world of silence and darkness with never-ending underground mazes, cascade lakes, drop-stones, aragonite flowers and polymorphs. In Slovakia there are about four thousand registered caves. The best-known ones have been declared as a national monuments. Twelve Slovak caves are open for the public. They are mostly drop-stone caves, several are glacial. Very interesting is Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (Ice cave) which has been inscribed into the List of UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 2000. Unique one is the aragonite cave in Ochtiná. It belongs to the three caves of its kind in the world that are open to the public. The Bystrianska cave The Bystrianska cave

17. Slovak UNESCO Natural and cultural heritage Objects included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage: Town of Banska Stiavnica and technical monuments in its surroundings Village of Vlkolinec, historical reservation of folk architecture Spissky Castle, the most extensive stronghold system in Central Europe, and monuments in its surroundings Town of Bardejov Slovak Karst - the greatest karst region in Central Europe Dobsinska ladova jaskyna (Ice cave) Objects included in the UNESCO list of the world cultural and natural heritage: Town of Banska Stiavnica and technical monuments in its surroundings Village of Vlkolinec, historical reservation of folk architecture Spissky Castle, the most extensive stronghold system in Central Europe, and monuments in its surroundings Town of Bardejov Slovak Karst - the greatest karst region in Central Europe Dobsinska ladova jaskyna (Ice cave)

18. Banska Stiavnica is the old mining town, with numerous beautiful monuments. From 13th to the 18th centuries is the town most important mining centre with the deposit of precious metals. The extraction and processing of precious metals, especially gold and silver, goes back to the Bronze Age. Banska Stiavnica is also known for its Mining Academy founded in 1762 as the first institution of higher education of its kind in the world. is the old mining town, with numerous beautiful monuments. From 13th to the 18th centuries is the town most important mining centre with the deposit of precious metals. The extraction and processing of precious metals, especially gold and silver, goes back to the Bronze Age. Banska Stiavnica is also known for its Mining Academy founded in 1762 as the first institution of higher education of its kind in the world.

19. Castles, chateaux and manors Slovakia, a small scale country in the centre of Europe, by the words of a folk song allocated "between Tatra mountains and the river Danube", has been a crossroads of Europe since the old times. Driveways of traders in the two main directions (approximately North- South and East West), and even more various invasions had stimulated construction of fortified settlements aimed to protect merchants and their goods against bush rangers, or they served as a refuge during raids (the invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or foreys of Turks in the 16lh century. Many fortresses had never been captured. Town castles possessed a remarkable position and importance, protecting noble and rich, mainly mining towns of central Slovakia where rare metals were exploited. Slovakia, a small scale country in the centre of Europe, by the words of a folk song allocated "between Tatra mountains and the river Danube", has been a crossroads of Europe since the old times. Driveways of traders in the two main directions (approximately North- South and East West), and even more various invasions had stimulated construction of fortified settlements aimed to protect merchants and their goods against bush rangers, or they served as a refuge during raids (the invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or foreys of Turks in the 16lh century. Many fortresses had never been captured. Town castles possessed a remarkable position and importance, protecting noble and rich, mainly mining towns of central Slovakia where rare metals were exploited.

20. Slovak castles Slovakia, a small scale country in the centre of Europe, by the words of a folk song allocated "between Tatra mountains and the river Danube", has been a crossroads of Europe since the old times. Driveways of traders in the two main directions (approximately North-South and East West), and even more various invasions had stimulated construction of fortified settlements aimed to protect merchants and their goods against bush rangers, or they served as a refuge during raids (the invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or foreys of Turks in the 16lh century. Many fortresses had never been captured. Town castles possessed a remarkable position and importance, protecting noble and rich, mainly mining towns of central Slovakia where rare metals were exploited. Slovakia, a small scale country in the centre of Europe, by the words of a folk song allocated "between Tatra mountains and the river Danube", has been a crossroads of Europe since the old times. Driveways of traders in the two main directions (approximately North-South and East West), and even more various invasions had stimulated construction of fortified settlements aimed to protect merchants and their goods against bush rangers, or they served as a refuge during raids (the invasion by Tatars in 1241 - 1242 or foreys of Turks in the 16lh century. Many fortresses had never been captured. Town castles possessed a remarkable position and importance, protecting noble and rich, mainly mining towns of central Slovakia where rare metals were exploited.

21. Spis Castle The Spis Castle is the largest medieval castle in central Europe. It dates back to 1113 when it was built as a royal castle on an important trade route to the Baltic Sea. The second part of the historical settlement is Spisska Kapitula, founded as an independent religious community. The last but not least is the village of Zehra where the Gothic Church of Holy Spirit with a wonderful interior and Gothic paintings is situated. The Spis Castle is the largest medieval castle in central Europe. It dates back to 1113 when it was built as a royal castle on an important trade route to the Baltic Sea. The second part of the historical settlement is Spisska Kapitula, founded as an independent religious community. The last but not least is the village of Zehra where the Gothic Church of Holy Spirit with a wonderful interior and Gothic paintings is situated.

22. Photos of castles

23. Historical towns Bardejov is an attractive Gothic town from 14th century with the well preserved castle complex and the Gothic and Renaissance houses. St. Egidius Church from the 15th century and Town Hall from 1505-1511 are the national cultural monuments. Bardejov Spa near the town itself in a beautiful green setting and the houses representing architectural styles of 19th century. In the vicinity there is the Museum of Folk Architecture and many wooden churches from the 17th - 19th centuries in the surrounding villages. Bardejov is an attractive Gothic town from 14th century with the well preserved castle complex and the Gothic and Renaissance houses. St. Egidius Church from the 15th century and Town Hall from 1505-1511 are the national cultural monuments. Bardejov Spa near the town itself in a beautiful green setting and the houses representing architectural styles of 19th century. In the vicinity there is the Museum of Folk Architecture and many wooden churches from the 17th - 19th centuries in the surrounding villages.

24. Wooden houses Vlkolinec represents the type of Central Slovakian settlement with wooden architecture that is widespread in mountain and foothill regions in the northern part of Central Slovakia. There are more than 40 wooden houses from 15th to 19th century, which from the outside look exactly alike. Vlkolinec represents the type of Central Slovakian settlement with wooden architecture that is widespread in mountain and foothill regions in the northern part of Central Slovakia. There are more than 40 wooden houses from 15th to 19th century, which from the outside look exactly alike.

25. Slovak Spas SLOVAKIA is a country with a truly extraordinary number of curative springs. It also has extensive deposits of high-quality healing peat and mud. For a long time people have been taking advantage of these resources to cure a variety of diseases and ailments. If we tell you that in this little country there are one thousand one hundred and sixty registered mineral and thermal springs, you will get some idea of the enormous total healing capacity of these sites. Even Marcus Aurelius´ Roman legions tried out the thermal water and several of the better- known spas are visited every year by patients from many countries of the world SLOVAKIA is a country with a truly extraordinary number of curative springs. It also has extensive deposits of high-quality healing peat and mud. For a long time people have been taking advantage of these resources to cure a variety of diseases and ailments. If we tell you that in this little country there are one thousand one hundred and sixty registered mineral and thermal springs, you will get some idea of the enormous total healing capacity of these sites. Even Marcus Aurelius´ Roman legions tried out the thermal water and several of the better- known spas are visited every year by patients from many countries of the world

26. Places of SPA - Bardejov spa (Bardejov) - digestive system diseases respiratory diseases - Bojnice ( Prievidza) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Brusno (Banska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases - Ciz (Rimavska Sobota) - locomotor apparatus diseaes, Parthes disease of children - Dudince (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Korytnica (Ruzomberok) - digestive system diseases - Kovacova (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Lucky (Povazska Bystrica) - gynaecological diseases - Nimnica (Povazska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases - Piestany ( Trnava) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Rajecke Teplice (Zilina) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Sklene Teplice ( Ziar nad Hronom) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Sliac (Zvolen) - circulatory system diseases - Smrdaky (Senica) - skin diseases, locomotor apparatus diseases - Trencianske Teplice (Trencin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Turcianske Teplice (Martin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, kidney and urinary tract disease - Bardejov spa (Bardejov) - digestive system diseases respiratory diseases - Bojnice ( Prievidza) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Brusno (Banska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases - Ciz (Rimavska Sobota) - locomotor apparatus diseaes, Parthes disease of children - Dudince (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Korytnica (Ruzomberok) - digestive system diseases - Kovacova (Zvolen) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Lucky (Povazska Bystrica) - gynaecological diseases - Nimnica (Povazska Bystrica) - digestive system diseases - Piestany ( Trnava) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Rajecke Teplice (Zilina) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Sklene Teplice ( Ziar nad Hronom) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Sliac (Zvolen) - circulatory system diseases - Smrdaky (Senica) - skin diseases, locomotor apparatus diseases - Trencianske Teplice (Trencin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, nervous system diseases - Turcianske Teplice (Martin) - locomotor apparatus diseases, kidney and urinary tract disease Bardejov spa BojniceBrusnoCizDudinceKorytnicaKovacovaLuckyNimnicaPiestanyRajecke TepliceSklene TepliceSliacSmrdakyTrencianske TepliceTurcianske TepliceBardejov spa BojniceBrusnoCizDudinceKorytnicaKovacovaLuckyNimnicaPiestanyRajecke TepliceSklene TepliceSliacSmrdakyTrencianske TepliceTurcianske Teplice

27. SPAS in Dudince, Piestany, Sliac

28. Thermal water and swimming pools Slovakia has almost 40 thermal water swimming pools which are an ideal environment for family holidays. Accommodation is available directly in the swimming pools areas, or in their vicinity, for instance in campings, pensions and also in luxury hotels according to your choice. In order for you to have some inspiration we provide the description of several well- known swimming pools: Slovakia has almost 40 thermal water swimming pools which are an ideal environment for family holidays. Accommodation is available directly in the swimming pools areas, or in their vicinity, for instance in campings, pensions and also in luxury hotels according to your choice. In order for you to have some inspiration we provide the description of several well- known swimming pools:

29. Sport Slovakia is a country of sports and recreation.Slovak mountain ranges are dissected by thousands of kilometres of tourist paths and tracks. They belong among the best designated ones in Europe. They are seen in map sets which are permanently updated. Maps of tracks running along the Danube River and partly over mountain ranges are available for cyclotourist as well. In Slovakia the tourists can perform sports of any kind, including golf, yachting, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, paragliding and many others. Slovak collective sports teams are well known all over Europe. Dog cart races are also taking place here, althoungh their tradition is not so long as that of horse racing. Horse riding in the nature is attractive as well. Slovakia is a country of sports and recreation.Slovak mountain ranges are dissected by thousands of kilometres of tourist paths and tracks. They belong among the best designated ones in Europe. They are seen in map sets which are permanently updated. Maps of tracks running along the Danube River and partly over mountain ranges are available for cyclotourist as well. In Slovakia the tourists can perform sports of any kind, including golf, yachting, mountaineering, rafting, skiing, paragliding and many others. Slovak collective sports teams are well known all over Europe. Dog cart races are also taking place here, althoungh their tradition is not so long as that of horse racing. Horse riding in the nature is attractive as well. - Skiing - Ski-alpinism - Paragliding - Snowboarding - Spelunking - Skiing - Ski-alpinism - Paragliding - Snowboarding - SpelunkingSkiingSki-alpinismParaglidingSnowboardingSpelunkingSkiingSki-alpinismParaglidingSnowboardingSpelunking