Slovakia info
Basic information
- Area: 49,036 sq. kilometres
- Location: in the heart of Europe, straddling the north-western end of the Carpathian Mountains
- Bordering countries: Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic and Austria
- Population: 5.4 million inhabitants
- People: Slovak, Hungarian (11%), Romany (1.5%) and Czech (1%)
- Capital city: Bratislava
- Official language: Slovak, Czech & Hungarian
- Constitution: president - government: Parliamentary republic
- Currency: 1 Slovak crown (SK) = 100 hellers
- Country identification mark: SK
- Religious affiliation: 60% Roman Catholic, 30% Protestant
- Time: Central European (GMT+1), summer time - Central European +1 (GMT+2)
- Major industries: Metal products, electricity, gas, coke, oil
Climate
- temperate, four seasons, a mix of ocean and inland climate, changeable winters and warm summers. Tatra Mountains are much cooler year-round.
- average temperature: 14°C
- summer season - July 26°C
- winter season - January -2°C
- Highest mountain: Gerlachovský stit (2655m) is the highest of the mighty High Tatra peaks
- Longest river: The River Donau (Danube) flows through Slovakia, Austria and Hungary
- Wildlife: bears, wolves, lynxes, marmots, chamois, otters and minks live in the High Tatras
Emergencies
- Police: 158
- Ambulance: 155
- Fire Brigade: 150
National Holidays
Jan. 1 and 6, Good Friday & Easter Mon., May 1, July 5, August 29, Sept. 1, Sept. 15, Nov. 1, December 24-26
Speed Limits
- 4-lane controlled access highway: 130 km/h (80 mph)
- open roads: 90 km/h (55 mph)
- build-up areas: 50 km/h (30 mph)
- Speeding fines: 1000 Sk (payable on the spot)
- Seat belts: Compulsory
Tolls
For the highways, your automobile has to have a toll sticker. They are available at border crossings, filling stations and post offices.
More information about Slovakia (in Individual Travel section).
