Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe that gained independence in 1993 after Czechoslovakia peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The capital and largest city of Slovakia is Bratislava. Slovakia has a population of over 5 million and is mountainous with nine national parks that protect the natural environment. Tourism is important to the Slovak economy, with attractions including medieval castles, caves, mineral springs and spas, and the Tatra Mountains that offer hiking and skiing. Traditional Slovak cuisine includes dishes like halušky and kapustnica cabbage soup.