Slovakia is a republic located in central Europe. Bratislava is the capital city with a total population of 5.4 million people. Slovakia borders five countries and joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2009. The economy relies heavily on automobile production from companies like Volkswagen, PSA Peugeot-Citroën, and Kia. Slovakia also has great potential in tourism due to its natural beauty, caves, water features, historic castles and manor houses, traditional foods, and sports.