Slovakia Capital city: Bratislava (population 428 672 as of 31.12.2005) Population: 5 389 180 (of which 51,5 % female) as of 31.12.2005 Population density: 110/km2 Official language: Slovak Nationalities / Ethnic groups: Slovak (85,8%), Hungarian (9,7%), Roma (Gipsy) (1,7%), Czech (0,8%), Ruthenian, Ukrainian, German, Polish and other (2%) Currency: Slovak crown (ISO code SKK, local acronym Sk), 1 SKK=100 hallers, from 1.1. 2009 the EURO should be used

National holidays (are at the same time days off):

• 1st January - Day of Slovak Republics Establishment
• 5th July - St. Cyril and Metod Day
• 29th August - Slovak National Uprising anniversary
• 1st September - Day of Slovak Republics Constitution
• 17th November - Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

Border countries: Hungary (679 km), Poland (597,5 km), Czech Republic (265 km), Austria (127,2 km), Ukraine (98 km)

Slovakia is a peaceful country, with beautiful scenery, inexpensive shopping and tourism and hospitable people.

Slovakia is becoming one of Europe's focal points for travel and tourism. "Slovensko" in the native language of Slovak, officially named the Slovak Republic, the country enjoys moderate weather and a prime map location, bridging east and west.

Slovakia's capital city Bratislava is a growing hub of culture, as well as the national seat of politics and business. Its thousand year history offers a great deal to visitors. The second-largest city of Kosice is a centre of heavy industry, but also of architecture and multiculturalism.

Most people spend their free time in Slovakia on one of three activities: outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and architectural sightseeing. All age groups enjoy all three of these at many different levels - and, at the top level, Slovakia can compare with the best in Europe and the world.