Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe that borders the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. It has a population of 5 million people and its capital and largest city is Bratislava. Slovakia has a long history and was once part of the Kingdom of Hungary and the Austro-Hungarian Empire before gaining independence in 1993. The country is mountainous and known for its natural beauty, with the Tatras mountains and numerous caves, castles and towns contributing to its cultural heritage and status as a popular tourist destination.

1. SLOVAKIASLOVAKIA

2. Slovakia isSlovakia is
republicrepublic
inin
East CentralEast Central
Europe.Europe.
The area isThe area is
50,000 square50,000 square
km and population is 5 million.km and population is 5 million.
The borders are with the Czech rep.,The borders are with the Czech rep.,
Austria, Poland , Hungary and Ukraine.Austria, Poland , Hungary and Ukraine.

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

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

5. National leaders of SlovaksNational leaders of Slovaks
•M.R.ŠtefánikM.R.Štefánik
•French general in WW IFrench general in WW I
•member of exilemember of exile
Czechoslovak governmentCzechoslovak government
•died in an airplane crashdied in an airplane crash
in 1919in 1919
•Ľudovít ŠtúrĽudovít Štúr
•leader of national movement inleader of national movement in
1848 revolution1848 revolution
•established first Slovak assemblyestablished first Slovak assembly
•codified official Slovak languagecodified official Slovak language

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

7. There are plains in the south with agriculture and the riverThere are plains in the south with agriculture and the river
Danube, the biggest european river.Danube, the biggest european river.
Slovakia is a mountainous country. There are the High andSlovakia is a mountainous country. There are the High and
Low Tatras, the Big and Small Fatra, the Slovak OreLow Tatras, the Big and Small Fatra, the Slovak Ore
Mountains, the Štiavnické mountains, etc.Mountains, the Štiavnické mountains, etc.
These parts are perfect for hiking in summer and skiingThese parts are perfect for hiking in summer and skiing
in winter.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 ofThe capital of
Slovakia isSlovakia is
Bratislava.Bratislava.
The populationThe population
is half millionis half million
and it is theand it is the
seat of Slovakseat of Slovak
president, governmentpresident, government
and parliament.and parliament.
The city is cultural, economical and political center ofThe city is cultural, economical and political center of
Slovakia.Slovakia.
St.Martin Cathedral
The Bratislava Castle
Danube
Petržalka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. Slovakia is the country of fairytales. There wereSlovakia is the country of fairytales. There were
about 1,000 castles in the past.about 1,000 castles in the past.
TrenčínTrenčín
BojniceBojnice
The Spiš CastleThe Spiš Castle

17. Sites written in the list of world cultural heritageSites written in the list of world cultural heritage
UNESCOUNESCO
Town of BardejovTown of Bardejov
The Spiš CastleThe Spiš Castle
Village VlkolínecVillage Vlkolínec
...and Banská Štiavnica....and Banská Štiavnica.
See next ppt presentationSee next ppt presentation