Slovakia is a republic located in East Central Europe. It borders the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine. Slovakia has a population of 5 million people within an area of 50,000 square km. The capital and largest city is Bratislava, which has a population of half a million people and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Slovakia has a mountainous landscape and is known for its natural beauty, folklore, castles, and thermal springs.

1. SLOVAKIA

2. Slovakia is republic in East Central Europe. The area is 50,000 square km and population is 5 million. The borders are with the Czech rep., Austria, Poland , Hungary and Ukraine.

3. The Slovak flag is in national colours, white, blue and red. It is derived from the Russian flag from the 19th century. Coat of arms is medieval shield of Hungarian kingdom used since the 11th century. Later, it was used as a shield of Upper Hungary- Slovakia. Double cross is an old Christian symbol from Great Moravia from the 9th century. Double cross was brought by St.Constantine and Metodius Three hills symbolize three historical mountain ranges of Slovakia- Tatras, Fatras and Matra (nowadays in Hungary)

4. Slovakia was always the crossroads of Europe. In ancient times, this area was settled by Celts, Germanic tribes and Romans. Slovaks are descendants of Slavs who settled this area in the 5th century AD. There were important slavic kingdoms, the Samo´s State and Great Moravian Empire. Since the 11th century until 1918, Slovakia was a part of Hungarian Kingdom and the Habsburg Monarchy. This period was very difficult for Slovaks because of attemps to assimilate them.

6. From 1918 to 1993, Slovakia was a part of Czechoslovakia which became world famous country. Despite of the fascist and socialist period, Slovakia was successful and quickly developing country. In 1993, Slovakia seized independence after peaceful split up with Czechs. Today, Slovakia is a member of the European Union with Euro currency.

7. There are plains in the south with agriculture and the river Danube, the biggest european river. Slovakia is a mountainous country. There are the High and Low Tatras, the Big and Small Fatra, the Slovak Ore Mountains, the Štiavnické mountains, etc. These parts are perfect for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. There are big cities with industry and small historical towns with nice scenery. There are a lot of spas, thermal parks, caves and mineral springs in Slovakia.

8. The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava. The population is half million and it is the seat of Slovak president, government and parliament. The city is cultural, economical and political center of Slovakia. St.Martin Cathedral The Bratislava Castle Danube Petržalka

9. Slovak folklore is music, dances, clothing and traditions of various Slovak regions. It is significant for Slovak culture and attractive for foreign visitors.

10. Every Slovak would tell you that our national dish is halušky, dumplings with sheep cheese and fried bacon,...

11. ...but in fact, Slovak national food is codfish salad, breadrolls and draught beer 

12. Slovaks are really proud of their highest mountains, the High Tatras. Beautiful, national peak Kriváň is one of the symbols of the country. It is on euro cents coins.

13. Gerlachovský štít with 2655 metres is the highest peak in Slovakia and in the Carpathians. Folklore in Skalnaté pleso winter resort.

14. There are more than 3,000 caves in Slovakia, but only 13 of them are open for public. Many haven´t been discovered yet. Domica Dobšinská ice cave

15. Two most popular sports in Slovakia. Ice-hockey has been more successful so far. Slovak national team was the world champion in 2002. Ice-hockey Football match Czech rep.vs.Slovakia 1:2

16. Slovakia is the country of fairytales. There were about 1,000 castles in the past. Trenčín Bojnice The Spiš Castle

17. Sites written in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO Town of Bardejov The Spiš Castle Village Vlkolínec ...and Banská Štiavnica. See next ppt presentation 