Despite the fact that Slovakia has more than 70 years spent side by side with the Czech Republic, not to mention the centuries spent under the rule of Hungary and the Habsburgs, the country now has formed its own unique image. In a small Slovakian some of the best conditions for skiing and snowboarding in Europe. Country interesting medieval castles and fortresses, mineral water and healthy air. Slovakia draws fast and convenient way, and affordable prices.
Geography
The total area of 49 square kilometers It has borders with Poland to the east - to Ukraine, in the south - with Hungary in the west - with Austria and the Czech Republic.
For the Slovak landscape is characterized by mountainous nature, with the Carpathian mountains, passing through the greater part of the northern part of the country. The highest portion of the Carpathian Mountains - High Tatras, is a popular ski places, with many scenic lakes and valleys and is the highest point of Slovakia and Carpathian Gerlachovsky Stit (Gerlachovský štit) height 2655 m
The lowlands are in the south-west (along the Danube) and south-eastern parts of Slovakia. The main rivers of Slovakia, in addition to the Danube, are also Vah and Hron.
Climate
Slovakia is located in the temperate zone with a continental climate and a distinct alternation of four seasons. The average daytime temperature in winter -2 C, 21C in the summer. The coldest month - January, the warmest in July and August. In mountainous snow keeps up to 130 days a year.
Slovakia temperate climate with relatively warm summers and cold, cloudy, wet winters.
Capital
Bratislava. It has its own special atmosphere of quiet mixing ancient and modern vibrant and it is beautiful in its own way. Slovaks proudly call their capital "the pearl of the Danube". It is possible that the Austrians also called Vienna and Hungary - Budapest. But Bratislava rightfully can be called jewel. Maybe not the biggest, not the most sparkling. But this city has a modest refinement, which is often more expensive than the brightest shine.
Population
Population - 5,380,000 people.
Most of the inhabitants are ethnic Slovaks in Slovakia (86%). Hungary - the largest minority (10%), concentrated mostly in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Other ethnic groups include Gypsies, Czechs, Ruthenians, Ukrainians, Germans and Poles.
Language
Clovatsky (official), Hungarian
Currency
Slovak koruna (Sk) = 100 hellers. In circulation are coins of 10, 20 and 50 heller and 1, 2, 5 and 10 crowns (Sk) and the denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 crowns. Czechoslovak coins and notes are not valid.
Any convertible currency can be exchanged for CSK in exchange offices or banks are open daily, except Sundays (Saturdays - 12.00). Money is more profitable to trade in exchange offices, banks as a course below. When leaving the country, some banks provide repurchase SKK. You need a passport and receipt of prior purchase euros in the bank.
Time zone
Behind from Kiev at 1:00.
Religion
The Slovak constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of Slovak citizens (69%) - Roman Catholics, the second largest group - Protestants (11%, Lutheran (mostly Slovaks) and Reformed (mostly Hungarians)), Greek Catholic (4%) and Orthodox (1%). About 2,300 Jews remained of pre-war population numbered approximately 120,000.
Political Structure
The head of state in Slovakia is a president elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms. Most of the executive power is vested in the head of the government, the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the party or coalition won a plurality in the parliamentary elections and was appointed president. The rest of the cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Slovakia's highest legislative body is a 150-seat unicameral People's Council of the Slovak Republic (Národná Rada Slovenskej Republiky). Delegates are elected for a four-year term on the basis of proportional representation.
Customs regulations
Customs restrictions. Restrictions on movement in the country do not. When leaving the country, some banks provide repurchase SKK. You need a passport and receipt of prior purchase euros in the bank.
Import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency are no limits. Duty-free import of cigarettes - 200 pcs., Alcoholic beverages - 1 liter of wine - 2 liters, personal things in the amount of up to 30 000 CZK (approximately one thousand U.S. dollars).
When importing the cultural and historical values to their declaration, and when they are exported to the resolution of the Ministry of Culture of Slovakia. Prohibits the importation and exportation of arms, explosives, pornography and drugs.
Personal jewelry made of precious metals are not subject to tax. When importing products from precious metals in commercial quantities they pass customs valuation, are taxed at a rate of 7% of the cost and are subject to certification.
Imported into the territory of Slovakia vehicles must Slovak border crossing be declared at customs as used on the territory of Slovakia. Issued at the border transit number, and determined the period during which the vehicle must be in the division of Customs Slovakia (typically 3 days).
Visa regime in Slovakia. You need a valid passport (and not European maps identity). In the Slovak Republic visa-free relations with all the countries of Europe, with the U.S. (for U.S. citizens), Brazil, South Africa, China, etc.
Transport. Car rental.
The main form of urban transport in Bratislava - trams. They are complemented by buses and trolleybuses. Individual tickets are $ 0.15. Travel for the day is $ 1, for two days - $ 2 for three - $ 3. Bratislava - a small town. Its central part can be viewed at all without using any transportation. Taxis may only need to travel to the international airport (8 kilometers from the city center). All taxis have meters in Bratislava. The road to the airport costs about $ 6. One kilometer of travel by taxi - 20-30 crowns. Traveling by car in the country - not cheap because of the high cost of fuel, one liter of petrol in Slovakia cost about $ 1.
Rent a car in Slovakia easy. True, this service is offered only to local firms. Known international companies such as Avis or Buget, in Slovakia do not work. Usually offer "Skoda Felicia" and "Skoda Octavia" rate of $ 35 per day. We accept cash, but in the form of a pledge need to keep a credit card.
Link
Public phones operate on telephone cards (available at newsagents and post offices, 150 and 200 Sk) and coins (from 1 Sk). Abroad can call from a payphone, as well as the negotiation of (rate higher by 10-15%) and hotels (more expensive by about 30%). For IDD dial 00 - country code - city code - phone number. To call in the country you need to dial 8 - beep - 10 - 421 - area code - phone number.
Codes of some cities of Banská Bystrica - 88, Bratislava - 7 Vrbove - 968, Galant - 707, Dubnica nad Vahom - 827, ZA - 89, Zvolen - 855, gold-Moravce - 814 Ilawa - 827, Kezmarok - 968, Komarno - 819, KE - 95-Kralevsko Hlmets - 949, Kremnica - 857, Krupin - 856, Levoca - 966, Liptovsky Mikulas - 849, Lučenec - 863, Martin - 842, Medzilaborce - 939 Michalovce - 946, Nitra - 87, Novak - 862, Pezinok - 704, Poprad - 92, Prešov - 91, Pukhov - 825, Revúca - 941, Rimavská Sobota - 866, Rožňava - 942, Ružomberok - 848, Swidnik - 937, Snina - 932, Stara Tura - 834, Stropkov - 938, Tverdoshin - 847, Čadca - 824 steps - 812, Samorin - 708 Shenkvitse - 704, jars - 943.
Useful telephone numbers:
Information and help - 120 (0120).
Telegrams by phone - 127 (0127).
Background on the international phone number - 0149.
Background on Fax number - 252083.
International telegraph, telephone, fax - 01325.
Bratislava Information Centre - 277-21-95.
Police - 158.
Alarm system and emergency roadside assistance - 154.
Ambulance - 155.
Fire - 150.
Electricity
Electrical supply - 220V, frequency - 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets used the European model.
Tip
10% of the total bill (to give them or not - depends on the willingness of tourists).
Weekends and holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day, the proclamation of the Slovak Republic
January 6 - The Appearance of Christ, the Adoration of the Magi Christmas and Orthodox Christians
March / April - Good Friday, Easter Monday,
May 1 - Labor Day
8 May - Liberation Day
July 5 - Saints Cyril and Methodius Day
August 15 - The Assumption
August 29 - The anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising
1 September - Constitution Day
November 1 - All Saints Day
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 25-26 - Christmas.
Public holidays - outside, and almost all the shops and offices are closed!
Main Attractions
In Slovakia, the many natural attractions: ice caves, more than 1,300 mineral and thermal springs, geysers, High Tatras mountain range. Mountains, forests and lakes fascinate by its beauty and is ideal for leisure and summer and winter sports. The longest cycle route in Europe passes through the country. There are popular winter sports centers in the mountainous areas, of which the Tatras are the best.
In Slovakia, 5 national parks and 16 protected natural areas. These places almost untouched by man. Low Tatras National Park covers the second, the highest mountain range of the Western Carpathians. Within the boundaries of the national park there are several ski resorts.
There are also numerous lakes and rivers of the glacial landscape, offering excellent fishing, boating and swimming.
The country offers a great wealth of thermal springs, thermal spas, climatic resorts and natural mineral waters, known all over the world. Bardejovske kupele resort was founded in the XIII century. His healing water is said to cure indigestion, various breathing problems. Source Dudins rated as the best in their mineral composition suitable for the treatment of internal organs, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The world-famous thermal resort Peshtany specializes in the treatment of rheumatism. Trencianske Teplice is located near Sulphur Springs, and is suitable for the treatment of the feet.
In Slovakia you can find monuments from all periods of history. Near the castles, manors and historic buildings of tourists waiting for a great natural beauty: the high mountains and peaceful valleys, rivers, mountain lakes with crystal clear water and extensive cave system.
Trnava was the center of the church administration in Hungary for 250 years from 1541. University buildings seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. are beautiful landmarks.
Nitra - the center of the same name of the principality - is the oldest Slavic fortified settlement. City Attractions: Castle complex, the monastery, Franciscan Church, the Palace (1779), Column (1739) and Abbey Library, housed in the old seminary XVIII century.
Mining tradition Banska Stiavnica ancient past. In the city center you can find burghers houses in the Renaissance style. Among other attractions - Old Castle (1548), the building of the Mountain and Forest Academy. Given the importance of Banska Stiavnica and monuments mining town in 1993, was included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Located in central Slovakia Banská Bystrica was first mentioned in 1255 deposits of silver ore, copper determined the prosperity of the city, as the mining center. His face is determined by several Gothic and Renaissance buildings, including two Gothic churches, the city hall and city building with turrets and Barbican.
Spis region has numerous historical medieval towns, villages and other settlements. Here in the city Levoča, is the world's highest Gothic altar.
In Kezmarok worth visiting XV century Gothic castle chapel with its XVII century. All over the city - the ruins of the city walls and the castle, dating XIV and XVI centuries.
Center of the medieval town of Bardejov is oblong square, surrounded by a beautiful Gothic burgher houses with additions made during the Renaissance.
In Kosice - the center of eastern Slovakia are beautiful Gothic buildings, bearing the imprints of its rich history. Above the city rises the monumental Cathedral of St. Elizabeth, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.
