Difference between revisions of "Slovakia" - New World Encyclopedia

*Slovenská republika*
Slovak Republic
Slovenská republika Slovak Republic
	Anthem: Nad Tatrou sa blýska; "Lightning Over the Tatras"; ;
	Map showing the location of Slovakia (dark orange) within the EU
Capital; (and largest city)	Bratislava
Official languages	Slovak
Ethnic groups (2011)	80.7% Slovaks; 8.5% Hungarians; 2.0% Roma; 0.6% Czechs; 0.6% Rusyns; 0.1% Ukrainians; 0.1% Germans; 0.1% Poles; 0.1% Moravians; 7.2% unspecified
Demonym	Slovak
Government	Parliamentary republic
Independence
EU accession	1 May 2004
Area
Population
GDP (PPP)	2019 estimate
GDP (nominal)	2019 estimate
Gini (2017)	23.2
Currency	Euro (€)2
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
Internet TLD	.sk3
Calling code	[[++4214]]
	1 Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia; see Velvet Divorce.; 2 Before 2009: Slovak Koruna ; 3 Also .eu, shared with other European Union member states.; 4 Shared code 42 with Czech Republic until 1997.

Revision as of 14:57, 27 April 2023

Slovakia (Slovensko) is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million, bordering the Czech Republic and Austria in the West, Poland in the North, the Ukraine in the East, and Hungary in the South. Its origins date to Celtic settlements in the fifth century. It has a rich ethnic makeup, including Romans, Germanic tribes, Slavs, Hungarians, Mongols, Jews, and Turks. The glorious moments in its history occurred during King Samo's Empire, when the Slavs stopped invading neighboring tribes in favor of developing an agricultural society and formed the first state; the Great Moravian Empire, when Christianity and the first script were introduced, and the National Revival Movement.

The eight hundred years of Hungarian oppression was openly confronted during the Revolutions of 1848 in Europe, albeit unsuccessfully. Historical similarities with the Czech Republic drew the two countries together in the wake of escalated Magyarization in the second half of the nineteenth century, and, ultimately, toward a joint state. Slovakia chose autonomy and aligned itself with the fascist Germany during World War II, as an alternative to a direct German control within the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. The fall of communism in 1989 precipitated the unresolved issues between Czechs and Slovaks, and Slovakia declared independence in 1993. It was admitted to the European Union in 2004. The largest city is its capital, Bratislava.

History

Beginning around 450 B.C.E., Slovakia was settled by Celts, who built powerful settlements in Bratislava and Liptov. Silver coins bearing the names of Celtic kings are the source of the first archaeologically proven use of an alphabet. Around 6 C.E., the expanding Roman Empire began establishing and maintaining a chain of outposts around the Danube. The barbarian Kingdom of Vannius, founded by the Germanic tribe of Quadi, existed in western and central Slovakia between 20 to 50 C.E.

The Slavic tribes settled in Slovakia in the fifth century, with the most glorious periods being those of the King Samo’s Empire and the Principality of Nitra. The latter became part of the Great Moravian Empire.

King Samo’s Empire (623-658)

Slavs inhabiting Slovakia were under the constant threat of nomadic Avars until their defeat in 623, due in part to the Frankish merchant Samo. Being a wealthy man operating in the territory of Central and Eastern Europe, Samo realized that the Slavs, given to feuds and animosity, would benefit greatly from a shipment of weapons, so he armed them and led them to the war against the Avars. The Slavs responded by electing him their king. Samo’s Empire was the first known organized community of Slavs, operating as a confederation of more or less independent principalities in the fashion of the Franks. Samo is credited for spearheading the process of the pacification of Slavic tribes, who were thus able to refocus their energies on agriculture and gave up looting expeditions. After his death, the empire dissolved into principalities, which were later consolidated within the Great Moravian Empire.

The Great Moravian Empire (833-906)

A proto-Slovak state, the Principality of Nitra, rose in the eighth century. Its ruler, Pribina, ordered consecration of the first Christian church in Slovakia in 828. Together with neighboring Moravia, the principality formed the core of the Great Moravian Empire from 833, when the first documented prince of Great Moravia, Mojmír I (830-846), conquered the Principality of Nitra and unseated Pribina.

The empire was booming under Prince Rastislav (846-870), who, aware of the importance of Christianity to the strengthening of his rule, acceptance by the advanced European countries, and political backing by the Byzantine Empire, asked the Byzantine emperor to send a bishop that would spread Christianity in the language understandable to local Slavs. Brothers Cyril and Methodius, Greek by nationality, were dispatched in 863, but before they arrived, the extremely-learned Cyril put together a Slavic alphabet, Glagolitic, and began translating the Scriptures. The language they used was known as Old Slavonic; it resembled the vernacular used in Great Moravia and became the language of worship. The brothers taught their disciples the new language and the alphabet, giving rise to the first works of Slavonic literature. However, Bavarian bishops found their work disrupting and accused them of spreading heresy in a language that was not Latin, prompting the brothers to go to Rome to defend themselves to the pope, who was forced to allow the usage of the language. It played a great role in the history of Slavic languages and eventually evolved into Old Church Slavonic.

Under Svatopluk (870-894), the empire occupied the areas of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, southwestern Poland, southeastern Germany, Hungary, northern and eastern Austria, and western Romania, totaling 350,000 square kilometers with an estimated population of 1.5 million. It was the first joint (proto-)state of Czechs and Slovaks. A crossroads of major European trading routes, it was on par with the neighboring Frankish Empire, with a developed judicial system. It assimilated cultures of the West, penetrating from Western Europe, and the East, symbolized by Christianity spreading from the Byzantine Empire. The cities Nitra and Bratislava were among its major centers.

Svätopluk’s successor Mojmír II (894-906) faced attacks from both the Franks and nomadic Hungarian tribes, and in 906, the Hungarians conquered it, which some historians attribute to the uncontrolled population growth of Hungarians in the southern parts of the empire without safeguarding the same for the Slavic citizens. The Slavs purportedly hoped that the Hungarians would assimilate into the Slavic state. Czechs and Slovaks were to be disjoined for a thousand years, until 1918, when the federal Czechoslovakia would be established.

Kingdom of Hungary

Trenčín Castle

Orava Castle

Bojnice Castle, the only one of its design in Central Europe

The Magyars gradually occupied Slovakia, which, nevertheless, retained its privileges in this new state because of its high level of economic and cultural development. For almost two centuries, Slovakia was ruled autonomously as the Principality of Nitra within the Kingdom of Hungary. Slovak settlements extended to the northern half of present-day Hungary, while Hungarians later settled down in the southern part of Slovakia. The ethnic composition became more diverse with the arrival of the Carpathian Germans in the thirteenth century, Vlachs in the fourteenth century, and Jews.

A huge population loss resulted from the invasion of the Mongols in 1241 and the subsequent famine. However, medieval Slovakia was characterized rather by burgeoning towns, construction of numerous stone castles, and the development of arts. In 1467, King Matthias Corvinus established the first university in Bratislava, although the institution was short-lived.

After the Ottoman Empire began expanding into Hungary and invaded Budapest in the early sixteenth century, the center of the Kingdom of Hungary shifted toward Slovakia, and Bratislava (Pressburg, Pressporek, Pozsonium or Pozsony) became the capital in 1536. The Ottoman wars and frequent insurrections against the Habsburg Monarchy inflicted a great deal of destruction, especially in rural areas.

As the Turks retreated from Hungary in the eighteenth century, Slovakia's standing within the kingdom decreased, although Bratislava retained its position of the capital city of Hungary until 1848, when the capital was moved back to Budapest.

National Revival Movement

The first attempt to enact the literary Slovak language (based on the western Slovakian dialect) came in 1787 by Anton Bernolák, but it was not accepted by Slovak Protestants. Only the 1843 version of the language, authored by Štúr, Hurban, and Hodža and based on the central Slovakian dialect, won the support of general public. Lacking a state structure of its own, Slovakia was forced to enlist assistance with the revival cause from similar ideological movements in Hungary. However, Hungary in the 1840s changed course toward a quest for a unified state independent of Austria, which was not to be endorsed by Slovaks, who had been suppressed by Hungarians since the outset of the Kingdom of Hungary.

In May 1848, Requests of the Slovak Nation were drafted calling for the use of the Slovak language in schools and public offices, but neither Hungary nor Austria took them seriously. Nor did the European Revolutions of 1848 bring about a turnaround, as Hungary stepped up repressions of non-Hungarian nationalities, particularly after the forming of the Dual Monarchy, whereby Hungary became independent of Vienna. In the 1870s, Magyars closed down Slovak high schools and the national institute for the promotion of Slovak culture (Matica slovenská) as Magyarization was forced on Slovaks in all aspects of life. This continued until the emergence of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Still, this was an important period in the life of the nation, as it accelerated the breakdown of feudalism and foreshadowed the emergence of an independent Slovak state later on. It was carried out by intelligentsia, mostly of non-aristocratic background, and as such, the movement was thus more democratic by nature.

Czechs, on the other hand, had to deal with Germanization, which ultimately brought the two nations together. This was also fueled by Slovakia's disappointment with Hungarian reformists who were increasingly unwilling to fit the Slovak agenda within their own, and later crystallized into the idea of a joint state of Czechs and Slovaks, promulgated by Milan Rastislav Štefánik, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, and Eduard Beneš. However, the multi-ethnic makeup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire did not allow for a free pursuit of these goals; therefore, sympathies of the outside world had to be secured—Czechoslovak Legions as well as the Czechoslovak National Council (1916) were formed, and ties were made with European statesmen. In 1915, the Cleveland Agreement laid out an equal position of both countries within the future Czecho-Slovak federal republic.

Twentieth century

Czechoslovak Republic

Bratislava Old Town

In 1918, Slovakia joined the regions of Bohemia and neighboring Moravia to form Czechoslovakia. During the chaos following the breakup of Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was attacked in 1919 by the provisional Hungarian Soviet Republic and one-third of its territory temporarily became the Slovak Soviet Republic.

Although the 1920 Constitution of the Czechoslovak Republic guaranteed certain country-specific rights and privileges to Slovakia, they were not fully respected, in contradiction with the Pittsburgh Agreement of 1918 that stipulated autonomous rights for Slovaks, including the right to the Slovak language as the official language of Slovakia. The policy was based on Czechoslovakism, a doctrine that originated during World War I in an effort to create a joint state of Czechs and Slovaks by means of unification, especially of the two languages. A large number of Czechs came to alleviate Slovakia’s shortage of managers and civil servants, although this became a source of controversy during time when the Czechs continued to control the lucrative posts even after the Slovak intelligentsia was brought up. Frustration gave in to an anti-government demonstration staged by Andrej Hlinka, who formed Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party (HSĽS) as a platform to enforce demands for a separate parliament, administrative bodies, judiciary, and the official language. His party played a major role in the subsequent Slovak State. Nevertheless, historians agree that the existence of Czechoslovakia has benefited Slovakia greatly in that it allowed it to almost close the economic and cultural gap with its western neighbor.

Between World War I and World War II, the existence of the democratic and prosperous Czechoslovakia was jeopardized by revisionist governments of Germany and Hungary, until it was finally split by the Munich Agreement of 1938.

Slovak State

The infamous Munich Treaty of September 1938 resulted in the unification of most political parties around the Party of Slovak National Unity (HSĽS)-sponsored demand for the political autonomy of Slovakia and thus the decentralization of the executive and legislative power of Czechoslovakia. The Prague government of General Jan Syrovy did not oppose these demands, and the acting head of the HSĽS, Jozef Tiso, was appointed as minister for the administration of Slovakia. On November 22, 1938, Slovakia’s political autonomy was signed into law, although part of its territory was taken over by Hungary, and Germany occupied portions of Bratislava. Democratic reforms quickly gave in to an authoritarian rule marked by political censorship and a forceful unification of political parties and social organizations. The HSĽS leadership was gradually overpowered by its radical wing vying for no less than absolute independence of the country, to which the Czechoslovak government responded with intervention and internment of 250 Slovak radicals. To Slovakia, this felt as an attack on its autonomy.

In the meantime, Hitler took advantage of Slovakia's aspirations and invited Tiso to Berlin to coerce him into the secession of Slovakia and thus the liquidation of Czechoslovakia. Should Tiso disagree, Slovakia would be given to Hungary. On March 14, 1939, the Slovak Parliament gave a green light to the Slovak State, with the new government headed by Tiso. However, Czechoslovakia did not cease to exist; it continued its existence via an exiled government and armed forces as well as foreign embassies. At the same time, the independent Slovakia had its hands tied by agreements with Germany and generally had no choice but to align its economy with Hitler's plans, who found it all too easy to control the country headed by the corrupt leadership backed by the Roman Catholic Church. Slovakia even had its own currency, but because Germany did not honor the economic agreements and, paradoxically, incurred a large debt, the Slovak government resorted to anti-Jewish measures to replenish its coffers. In September 1940, the government ordered registration of the Jewish property, which was then confiscated, totaling 3,187,657 Slovak crowns.

Despite plundering by Germany, Slovakia boasted one of the most stable economies among neighboring countries. This was reinforced by the statement used by state officials that Slovakia remains to be an “oasis of affluence amid starving and bleeding Europe.”^[6] The tendency was toward centralization, mergers of businesses and their subsequent state control, and nationalization of natural resources. Employment was at its highest, mostly as a consequence of the resettlement of 20,000 Czech civil servants and the elimination of Jews from the economic life and later on their transport to Nazi concentration camps. Education, science, and arts underwent revitalization.

The plight of Slovak Jews under the Slovak state continues to haunt Slovakia’s past, and the anti-Jewish laws of 1940, mandating Aryanization, prove that anti-Semitism ran amok prior to deportations. Jews were prohibited from the acquisition of businesses, were allowed to lease and handle immovables and movables only with a prior written permission, and their trade licenses were revised and businesses marked as Jewish. In the next batch of legislation, the government assigned itself the right to adopt all measures required to exclude Jews from the Slovak economic and social life and transfer Jewish ownership to Christians, and, finally, to deport them, to be paid with the proceeds from the confiscated Jewish property. These laws had an impact on Slovakia’s economy, as many people, especially the executors of the Aryanization laws, pocketed the Jewish wealth and occupied their vacated apartments.

Slovak National Uprising

In 1943, the Slovak state began experiencing severe problems with supply amid rampant corruption and usury. The “Oasis of Affluence” was losing its luster, and even the fact that Germany and other neighboring countries were under greater deprivation could not stem the growing discontent. Politicians with anti-German leanings publicly acknowledged the existence of Czechoslovakia in the Christmas Agreement and proclaimed allegiance to the joint state of Czechs and Slovaks against Hitler’s Germany. Crucial to the agreement was the preparation of an armed conflict and removal of the HSĽS from power.

Pro-democratic citizens began participating in the resistance movement, and two-thirds of the Slovak currency was made available to the cause. Weaponry, which at one time came in handy to the fascist Germany, was transferred surreptitiously to the designated centers of the uprising. In August 1944, the U.S. Air Force bombed a state-owned refinery in Central Slovakia despite multiple warnings sent to the exiled Czechoslovak government in London that the refinery was crucial to the uprising-in-the-works.

The Slovak National Uprising broke out on August 29, 1944, and a few days later the joint state of Czechs and Slovaks was to be restored as a federal structure. Black market practices and corruption that had been tolerated by the government and paramilitary Hlinka's Guard (Hlinkova Garda) were being reversed. The final stage of the uprising was in the spirit of partisan activities rather than open resistance.

After World War II

After World War II, Slovakia became part of Czechoslovakia as a satellite of the communist Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact. In 1968, Czechoslovakia courted liberation from the communist grip in the events referred to as the Prague Spring, when it made an attempt to reform the regime from within and embark on the path toward liberalization and a multi-party system. Slovak-born Alexander Dubcek became a symbol of these developments. However, the Warsaw Pact armies invaded and crushed Czechoslovakia's hopes under the tanks as the Western world watched. In 1969, Czechoslovakia was reorganized as a federation of the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic.

The end of the infamous 40 years finally came in 1989, during the peaceful Velvet Revolution. Four years later, on January 1, 1993, the country was dissolved once again into two successor states. Slovakia and the Czech Republic went their own ways after the Velvet Divorce but have remained close partners. Slovakia joined the European Union in May 2004.

Geography

Relief of Slovakia

High Tatras

Located at the heart of Europe, Slovakia shares borders with Poland to the north, the Czech Republic in the northwest, Austria in the southwest, Hungary to the south, and the Ukraine to the east. It is a mountainous country with almost 80 percent of its total area above 2,460 feet (750 meters). It encompasses 48,845 square kilometers; 48,800 being land and the remaining 45 square kilometers of water. This makes it approximately twice the size of the U.S. state of New Hampshire.

The Slovak landscape is crowned by the Carpathian Mountains extending across most of the northern half of the country. The most notable range is the Tatras, home to scenic lakes and valleys as well as the highest peak, the Gerlachovský štít (2,655 meters/8,711 feet). South of the Low Tatras the land drops to a fertile plain stretching to the Danube River.

Forests, especially of beech and spruce, cover 40 percent of the country. Wildlife is abundant in the valleys of the High Tatra and includes bears, wolves, lynxes, marmots, chamois, deer, mink]] and otter. Birdlife includes eagles, hawks, vultures, pheasants, partridges, ducks, wild geese, storks, and grouse.

The Danube, Váh, and Hron are the largest rivers. The climate is temperate, with relatively warm summers and cold, cloudy and humid winters.

Demographics

St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral

Slovaks form the majority of the population, with Hungarians being the largest ethnic minority, concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Several municipalities, such as Dunajská Streda, Komárno, Šahy, and Želiezovce, are majority Hungarian. Other ethnic groups include Roma, Czechs, Ruthenians, Ukrainians and Germans.

The majority of Slovaks identify themselves with Roman Catholicism, followed by Lutheranism and Greek Catholicism. Only around 2,000 Jews remain of the 120,000-strong pre-Holocaust population.

The official language is Slovak, a member of the Slavic language family, but Hungarian is widely spoken in the south and enjoys the same status as does Slovak language in some regions.

Society and culture

The development of Slovak culture reflects the country’s rich folk tradition, in addition to the influence of broader European trends. The impact of centuries of cultural repression and control by foreign governments is also evident in much of Slovakia’s art, literature, and music.

A national movement began in the late eighteenth century aimed at fostering Slovak culture and identity. One of its leaders was Anton Bernolk, a Jesuit priest who codified a Slovak literary language based on dialects used in western Slovakia. In the nineteenth century, Protestant leaders Jan Kollar and Pavel Safarik developed a form of written Slovak that combined the dialects used in central Slovakia and the Czech lands.

Poetry remained an important literary form into the twentieth century, and was used by some Slovak writers to address the experience of World War II and the rise of communism. During the communist period, Slovak literary culture suffered from heavy governmental control.

An important aspect of cultural life in Slovakia is its music. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, a national musical tradition began to develop around Slovakia’s impressive folk heritage. Modern Slovak music draws from both classical and folk styles. Traditional Slovakian music is one of the most original of Slavic and European folklore. National Slovakian music was heavily influenced by liturgical and chamber music.

Politics

Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a multi-party system. The head of state is the president, elected in a direct popular vote for a five-year term. Executive power is concentrated in the hands of the prime minister, who is most frequently the leader of the winning party and has to form a majority coalition in the parliament. The prime minister is appointed by the president. The remainder of the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.

The highest legislative body is the 150-seat unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic (Národná rada Slovenskej republiky). Delegates are elected for a four-year term on the basis of a proportional representation. The Constitutional Court (Ústavný súd) is the highest judicial body; its 13 members are appointed by the president.

Slovakia joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, and NATO on March 29, 2004. As a member of the United Nations since 1993, it was elected for the first time to a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council on October 10, 2005.

Administrative divisions

Slovakia is subdivided into eight regions/countries (kraje) named after their respective principal cities. The regions enjoy a degree of autonomy.

Bratislava Region (Bratislavský kraj) (capital Bratislava)
Trnava Region (Trnavský kraj) (capital Trnava)
Trenčín Region (Trenčiansky kraj) (capital Trenčín)
Nitra Region (Nitriansky kraj) (capital Nitra)
Žilina Region (Žilinský kraj) (capital Žilina)
Banská Bystrica Region (Banskobystrický kraj) (capital Banská Bystrica)
Prešov Region (Prešovský kraj) (capital Prešov)
Košice Region (Košický kraj) (capital Košice)

(the word kraj can be replaced by samosprávny kraj or by VÚC in each case)

The regions are further subdivided into 79 districts (okresy).

In terms of economy and unemployment rate, the western regions fare better than the eastern regions.

Economy

Slovakia has transitioned from the centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. Major privatizations are completed, the banking sector is almost completely in private hands, and foreign investment has risen. It now has a developed, high-income economy, although the country has difficulties addressing regional imbalances in wealth and employment. The country adopted the Euro currency in 2009.

The Slovak government encourages foreign investment, since it is one of the driving forces of the economy. Slovakia is an attractive country for foreign investors mainly because of its low wages, low tax rates, well educated labor force, favorable geographic location in the heart of Central Europe, strong political stability, and good international relations reinforced by the country's accession to the European Union. Some regions, mostly at the east of Slovakia have failed to attract major investment, which has aggravated regional disparities in many economic and social areas.

Notes

↑ Tab. 10 Obyvateľstvo SR podľa národnosti – sčítanie 2011, 2001, 1991. Portal.statistics.sk. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
↑ CIA, Slovakia The World Factbook.
↑ Slovakia Population 2019 World Population Review. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 ^4.3 World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019 International Monetary Fund. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
↑ Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income - EU-SILC survey Eurostat. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
↑ Dušan Mihálik, "Slovenský štát – ekonomický zázrak?" Prave Spektrum Magazine, February 26, 2007. Retrieved October 18, 2019.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Axworthy, Mark. Axis Slovakia: Hitler's Slavic Wedge, 1938-1945. Bayside, NY: Axis Europa Books, 2002. ISBN 1891227416
Bartl, Július. Slovak History: Chronology and Lexicon. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2002. ISBN 0865164444
Downs, Jim, World War II: OSS Tragedy in Slovakia. Oceanside, CA: Liefrinck, 2002. ISBN 0971748209
Drobná, Ol̕ga, Eduard Drobný and Magdalena Gocnikova. Slovakia: The Heart of Europe. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers. ISBN 0865163197
Goldman, Minton F. Slovakia Since Independence: A Struggle for Democracy. Westport, CT: Praeger, 1999. ISBN 0275961893
Horn, Alfred. Czech & Slovak Republics. Hong Kong: APA Publications; Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1993. ISBN 0395659876
Humphreys, Rob, and Slawomir Adamczak. The Rough Guide to the Czech and Slovak Republics. New York: Rough Guides, 2006. ISBN 1843535254
Jacobs, Michael. Czech & Slovak Republics. London: A & C Black, 1999. ISBN 071364429X
Junas, Lil. My Slovakia: An American's View. Matice Slovenskej, 2001. ISBN 8070906227
Kirschbaum, Stanislav J. A History of Slovakia: The Struggle for Survival. New York, St. Martin's Press, 1995. ISBN 0312104030
Lazišt̕an, Eugen, Fedor Mikovič, and Ivan Kučma. Slovakia: A Photographic Odyssey. Wauconda, IL, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2001. ISBN 0865165173
Schuster, Rudolf, and M. Mark Stolarik. The Slovak Republic: A Decade of Independence, 1993-2002. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2003. ISBN 0865165688
Wilson, Neil, and Richard Nebeský. Czech & Slovak Republics. Oakland, CA: Lonely Planet, 2001. ISBN 1864502126

External links

All links retrieved January 30, 2023.

Countries of Europe

Albania · Andorra · Armenia² · Austria · Azerbaijan¹ · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus² · Czech Republic · Denmark³ · Estonia · Finland · France³ · Georgia¹ · Germany · Greece · Hungary · Iceland · Ireland · Italy · Kazakhstan¹ · Latvia · Liechtenstein · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Republic of Macedonia · Malta · Moldova · Monaco · Montenegro · Netherlands³ · Norway³ · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Russia¹ · San Marino · Serbia · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain³ · Sweden · Switzerland · Turkey¹ · Ukraine · United Kingdom³ · Vatican City

¹ Has majority of its territory in Asia. ² Entirely in Asia but having socio-political connections with Europe. ³ Has dependencies or similar territories outside Europe.

European Union

Austria • Belgium • Bulgaria • Cyprus • Czech Republic • Denmark • Estonia • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Hungary • Ireland • Italy • Latvia • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Malta • Netherlands • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Slovakia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • United Kingdom

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
Belgium \| Bulgaria \| Canada \| Czech Republic \| Denmark \| Estonia \| France \| Germany \| Greece \| Hungary \| Iceland \| Italy \| Latvia \| Lithuania \| Luxembourg \| The Netherlands \| Norway \| Poland \| Portugal \| Romania \| Slovakia \| Slovenia \| Spain \| Turkey \| United Kingdom \| United States of America

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

Slovakia ^history

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

History of "Slovakia"

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

[1] Tab. 10 Obyvateľstvo SR podľa národnosti – sčítanie 2011, 2001, 1991. Portal.statistics.sk. Retrieved October 18, 2019.

[cia-2] CIA, Slovakia The World Factbook.

[3] Slovakia Population 2019 World Population Review. Retrieved October 18, 2019.

[IMFWEOSK-4] 4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 ^4.3 World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019 International Monetary Fund. Retrieved October 18, 2019.

[eurogini-5] Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income - EU-SILC survey Eurostat. Retrieved October 18, 2019.

[6] Dušan Mihálik, "Slovenský štát – ekonomický zázrak?" Prave Spektrum Magazine, February 26, 2007. Retrieved October 18, 2019.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Claimed}}{{Contracted}}
+{{Copyedited}}{{Paid}}{{Approved}}{{Submitted}}{{Images OK}}
+{{Infobox Country
+| native_name                 = {{native name|sk|Slovenská republika|}}
-{{Infobox Country or territory
+| conventional_long_name     = Slovak Republic
-|native_name             = <span style="line-height:1.25em;">''Slovenská republika''</span>
+| common_name                 = Slovakia
-|conventional_long_name   = <span style="line-height:1.25em;">Slovak Republic</span>
+| image_flag                 = Flag of Slovakia.svg
-|common_name             = Slovakia
+| image_coat                 = Coat of Arms of Slovakia.svg
-|image_flag               = Flag of Slovakia.svg
+| image_map                   = EU_location_SVK.png
-|image_coat               = Coat of Arms of Slovakia.svg
+| map_caption                 =Map showing the location of Slovakia (dark orange) within the EU
-|image_map               = EU_location_SVK.png
+| national_anthem             = ''[[Nad Tatrou sa blýska]]''<small><br/>"Lightning Over the Tatras"</small><br>
-|map_caption               = Map showing the location of Slovakia (dark orange) within the EU ([[:Image:EU location legend.png|legend]]).
+| official_languages         = [[Slovak language|Slovak]]
-|national_anthem         = ''[[Nad Tatrou sa blýska]]''<br>("Lightning over the Tatras")
+| unofficial_languages        =
-|official_languages       = [[Slovak language|Slovak]]
+| ethnic_groups              = 80.7% [[Slovaks]]<br>8.5% [[Hungarians in Slovakia|Hungarians]]<br>2.0% [[Roma in Slovakia|Roma]]<br>0.6% [[Czechs]]<br>0.6% [[Rusyns]]<br>0.1% [[Ukrainians]]<br>0.1% [[Germans]]<br>0.1% [[Poles]]<br>0.1% [[Moravians]]<br>7.2% unspecified<ref>{{cite web |url=https://slovak.statistics.sk/wps/wcm/connect/1f62189f-cc70-454d-9eab-17bdf5e1dc4a/Tab_10_Obyvatelstvo_SR_podla_narodnosti_scitanie_2011_2001_1991.pdf?MOD=AJPERES |title=Tab. 10 Obyvateľstvo SR podľa národnosti – sčítanie 2011, 2001, 1991 |publisher=Portal.statistics.sk |accessdate=October 18, 2019}}</ref>
-|capital                  = [[Bratislava]]
+| ethnic_groups_year          = 2011
-|sz_fok= |sz_perc= |sz_éd= |h_fok= |h_perc= |h_kny= |k_ter=
+| capital                    = [[Bratislava]]
-|largest_city             = Bratislava
+| largest_city               = capital
-|government_type         = [[Parliamentary democracy]]
+| government_type             = [[Parliamentary republic]]
-|leader_title1           = [[President of Slovakia|President]]
+| leader_title1               = [[List of Presidents of Slovakia|President]]
-|leader_title2           = [[Prime Minister of Slovakia|Prime Minister]]
+| leader_title2               = [[Prime Minister of Slovakia|Prime Minister]]
-|leader_name1             = [[Ivan Gašparovič]]
+| leader_name1               = [[Zuzana Čaputová]]
-|leader_name2             = [[Robert Fico]]
+| leader_name2               = [[Igor Matovič]]
-|accessionEUdate         = [[May 1]] [[2004]]
+| accessionEUdate             = 1 May 2004<ref name=cia>CIA, Slovakia ''The World Factbook''. </ref>
-|area_rank               = 130th
+| area_rank                   = 129th
-|area_magnitude           = 1 E10
+| area_magnitude             = 1 E10
-|area                    = 49,037
+| area_km2                    = 49,035
-|areami²                 = 18,933
+| area_sq_mi                 = 18,932
-|percent_water           = negligible
+| percent_water               = negligible
-|population_estimate     = 5,401,000
+| population_estimate = {{increase}} 5,458,003<ref>[http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/slovakia-population/ Slovakia Population 2019] ''World Population Review''. Retrieved October 18, 2019.</ref>
-|population_estimate_rank = 110th
+| population_estimate_rank = 117th
-|population_estimate_year = July 2005
+| population_estimate_year = 2019
-|population_census       = 5,379,455
+| population_census = 5,397,036
-|population_census_year   = 2001
+| population_census_year = 2011
-|population_density      = 111
+| population_census_rank =
-|population_densitymi²    = 287
+| population_density_km2 = 111
-|population_density_rank  = 88th
+| population_density_sq_mi = 287
-|GDP_PPP                 = $87.32 billion <!--cia.gov—>
+| population_density_rank = 88th
-|GDP_PPP_rank             = 60th
+| GDP_PPP = $201.799 billion<ref name="IMFWEOSK">[https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2017&ey=2020&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=42&pr1.y=18&c=936&s=NGDPD%2CPPPGDP%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019] ''International Monetary Fund''. Retrieved October 18, 2019.</ref>
-|GDP_PPP_year             = 2005
+| GDP_PPP_rank = 68th
-|GDP_PPP_per_capita       = $16,041
+| GDP_PPP_year = 2019
-|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank  = 45th
+| GDP_PPP_per_capita = $37,021<ref name="IMFWEOSK"/>
-|sovereignty_type         = [[Independence]]
+| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 37th
-|sovereignty_note        = from [[Czechoslovakia]]
+| GDP_nominal = $109.863 billion<ref name="IMFWEOSK"/>
-|established_event1      = Date
+| GDP_nominal_rank = 61st
-|established_date1        = [[January 1]] [[1993]]<sup>1</sup>
+| GDP_nominal_year = 2019
-|HDI                      = {{profit}} 0.856
+| GDP_nominal_per_capita = $20,155<ref name="IMFWEOSK"/>
-|HDI_rank                = 42nd
+| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 41st
-|HDI_year                = 2004
+| sovereignty_type           = [[Independence]]
-|HDI_category            = <font color="#009900">high</font>
+| established_event1          = {{nowrap|from [[Austria–Hungary]]}}<br><small>as [[First Czechoslovak Republic|Czechoslovakia]]</small>
-|currency                 = [[Slovak koruna]] (1 koruna = 100 haliers)
+| established_date1          = 28 October 1918
-|currency_code           = SKK
+| established_event2          = {{nowrap|[[Dissolution of Czechoslovakia|from]] [[Czech and Slovak Federal Republic|Czechoslovakia]]}}
-|country_code             =
+| established_date2          = 1 January 1993<sup>1</sup>
-|time_zone               = [[CET]]
+| Gini_year = 2017
-|utc_offset               = +1
+| Gini_change = decrease <!--increase/decrease/steady—>
-|time_zone_DST           = [[CEST]]
+| Gini = 23.2<ref name=eurogini>[https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tessi190&plugin=1 Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income - EU-SILC survey] ''Eurostat''. Retrieved October 18, 2019.</ref> <!--number only—>
-|utc_offset_DST           = +2
+| currency                   = Euro ([[Euro sign|€]])<sup>2</sup>
-|cctld                   = [[.sk]]<sup>2</sup>
+| currency_code               =
-|calling_code             = 421<sup>3</sup>
+| country_code               =
-|footnotes               =
+| time_zone                   = [[Central European Time|CET]]
-<sup>1</sup> [[Czechoslovakia]] split into the [[Czech Republic]] and Slovakia; see [[Velvet Divorce]].<br>
+| utc_offset                 = +1
-<sup>2</sup> Also [[.eu]], shared with other [[European Union]] member states.<br>
+| time_zone_DST               = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
-<sup>3</sup> Shared code 42 with [[Czech Republic]] until [[1997]].
+| utc_offset_DST             = +2
+| demonym                    = [[Slovaks|Slovak]]
+| drives_on                  = right
+| cctld                       = [[.sk]]<sup>3</sup>
+| calling_code               = [[Telephone numbers in Slovakia|+421]]<sup>4</sup>
+| footnotes                   = <sup>1</sup> [[Czechoslovakia]] split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia; see [[Dissolution of Czechoslovakia|Velvet Divorce]].<br/><sup>2</sup> Before 2009: [[Slovak koruna|Slovak Koruna]] <br/><sup>3</sup> Also [[.eu]], shared with other European Union member states.<br/><sup>4</sup> Shared code 42 with Czech Republic until 1997.
 }}
-'''Slovakia''' ([[Slovak language|Slovak]]: ''Slovensko'') is a [[landlocked country]] in [[Central Europe]] with a population of over five million. It is a member of the [[European Union]] (since [[May 1]] [[2004]]) and borders [[Czech Republic]] and [[Austria]] in the west, [[Poland]] in the north, [[Ukraine]] in the east and [[Hungary]] in the south. The largest city is its capital, [[Bratislava]].
-==Name==
-The longer form of the name Slovakia is ''Slovak Republic'' ([[Slovak language|Slovak]]: ''Slovenská republika''). The relation between those two name forms is exactly the same as with for example [[Germany]] vs. Federal Republic of Germany or [[France]] vs. French Republic.
-== Before the 5th Century ==
+'''Slovakia''' (''Slovensko'') is a landlocked country in Central [[Europe]] with a population of over five million, bordering the [[Czech Republic]] and [[Austria]] in the West, [[Poland]] in the North, the [[Ukraine]] in the East, and [[Hungary]] in the South. Its origins date to [[Celts|Celtic]] settlements in the fifth century. It has a rich ethnic makeup, including [[Roman Empire|Romans]], Germanic tribes, Slavs, Hungarians, [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]], [[Jew]]s, and [[Turkish people|Turks]]. The glorious moments in its history occurred during King [[Samo]]'s Empire, when the Slavs stopped invading neighboring tribes in favor of developing an [[agriculture|agricultural]] society and formed the first state; the Great Moravian Empire, when [[Christianity]] and the first script were introduced, and the National Revival Movement.
-From around [[450 B.C.E.]], the territory of modern-day Slovakia was settled by [[Celts]], who built powerful [[Enclosed oppidum|oppida]] in [[Bratislava]] and [[Liptov]]. Silver coins with the names of Celtic kings represent the first known use of writing in Slovakia. From 6 [[Anno Domini|AD]], the expanding [[Roman Empire]] established and maintained a chain of outposts around the [[Danube]]. The Kingdom of [[Vannius]], a [[barbarian]] kingdom founded by the [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] tribe of [[Quadi]], existed in western and central Slovakia from 20 to 50 C.E..
+{{toc}}
+The eight hundred years of Hungarian oppression was openly confronted during the [[Revolutions and Revivals of 1848|Revolutions of 1848]] in Europe, albeit unsuccessfully. Historical similarities with the [[Czech Republic]] drew the two countries together in the wake of escalated [[Hungary|Magyarization]] in the second half of the nineteenth century, and, ultimately, toward a joint state. Slovakia chose autonomy and aligned itself with the [[Fascism|fascist]] [[Germany]] during [[World War II]], as an alternative to a direct German control within the Protectorate of [[Bohemia]] and [[Moravia]]. The fall of [[communism]] in 1989 precipitated the unresolved issues between Czechs and Slovaks, and Slovakia declared independence in 1993. It was admitted to the [[European Union]] in 2004. The largest city is its capital, [[Bratislava]].
+== History ==
+Beginning around 450 B.C.E., Slovakia was settled by [[Celts]], who built powerful settlements in [[Bratislava]] and Liptov. [[Silver]] coins bearing the names of Celtic kings are the source of the first archaeologically proven use of an alphabet. Around 6 C.E., the expanding [[Roman Empire]] began establishing and maintaining a chain of outposts around the [[Danube]]. The [[barbarian]] Kingdom of Vannius, founded by the Germanic tribe of Quadi, existed in western and central Slovakia between 20 to 50 C.E.
-==Slavic states ==
+The Slavic tribes settled in Slovakia in the fifth century, with the most glorious periods being those of the King [[Samo]]’s Empire and the Principality of Nitra. The latter became part of the Great Moravian Empire.
-The [[Slavic peoples|Slavic]] population settled in the territory of Slovakia in the 5th century, with the most important periods during King Samo’s Empire and the Principality of Nitra, which later became part of the Great Moravian Empire.
+=== King Samo’s Empire (623-658) ===
+Slavs inhabiting Slovakia were under the constant threat of [[nomad]]ic Avars until their defeat in 623, due in part to the Frankish merchant Samo. Being a wealthy man operating in the territory of Central and [[Eastern Europe]], Samo realized that the Slavs, given to feuds and animosity, would benefit greatly from a shipment of weapons, so he armed them and led them to the war against the Avars. The Slavs responded by electing him their king. Samo’s Empire was the first known organized community of Slavs, operating as a confederation of more or less independent principalities in the fashion of the Franks. Samo is credited for spearheading the process of the pacification of Slavic tribes, who were thus able to refocus their energies on [[agriculture]] and gave up looting expeditions. After his death, the empire dissolved into principalities, which were later consolidated within the Great Moravian Empire.
-===King Samo’s Empire: (623-658)===
+=== The Great Moravian Empire (833-906) ===
-Slavs inhabiting the territory of Slovakia were under the constant threat of nomadic Avars, who were defeated in 623 thanks partly to the Frankish merchant Samo. Being a wealthy man operating in the territory of central and eastern Europe, Samo realized that the Slavs, given to feuds and animosity, would benefit greatly from the shipment of weapons, so he armed them and led them to the war against the Avars. The Slavs then elected him their king. Samo’s Empire was the first known organized community of Slavs, operating as a confederation of more or less independent principalities in the fashion of the Frankish empire. He reigned from 623 to 658. He is credited for spearheading the process of the pacification of Slavic tribes, who thanks to him refocused their energies on agriculture and gave up looting expeditions. After his death, the Empire dissolved into principalities, which were later consolidated within the Great Moravian Empire.
+A proto-Slovak state, the Principality of Nitra, rose in the eighth century. Its ruler, Pribina, ordered consecration of the first [[Christianity|Christian]] church in Slovakia in 828. Together with neighboring [[Moravia]], the principality formed the core of the Great Moravian Empire from 833, when the first documented prince of Great Moravia, Mojmír I (830-846), conquered the Principality of Nitra and unseated Pribina.
-===The Great Moravian Empire: (833-906)===
+The empire was booming under [[Rastislav|Prince Rastislav]] (846-870), who, aware of the importance of [[Christianity]] to the strengthening of his rule, acceptance by the advanced [[Europea]]n countries, and political backing by the [[Byzantine Empire]], asked the Byzantine emperor to send a bishop that would spread Christianity in the language understandable to local Slavs. Brothers [[Cyril and Methodius]], Greek by nationality, were dispatched in 863, but before they arrived, the extremely-learned Cyril put together a Slavic alphabet, Glagolitic, and began translating the Scriptures. The language they used was known as Old Slavonic; it resembled the vernacular used in Great Moravia and became the language of worship. The brothers taught their disciples the new language and the alphabet, giving rise to the first works of Slavonic literature. However, Bavarian bishops found their work disrupting and accused them of spreading heresy in a language that was not [[Latin]], prompting the brothers to go to Rome to defend themselves to the [[pope]], who was forced to allow the usage of the language. It played a great role in the history of Slavic languages and eventually evolved into [[Old Church Slavonic]].
-A proto-Slovak state, the Principality of Nitra, arose in the 8th century, and its ruler Pribina ordered consecration of the first [[Christian]] church in Slovakia in 828. Together with neighboring Moravia, the principality formed the core of the Great Moravian Empire from 833, when the first documented prince of Great Moravia, Prince Mojmír I (830-846), conquered the Principality of Nitra and deposed its Prince Pribina. Great Moravia was booming under Prince Rastislav (846-870), who aware of the importance of Christianity when it came to the strengthening of his rule, acceptance by the advanced European countries, and political backing by the Byzantium Empire, asked the Byzantium emperor to send  a bishop to Great Moravia who would spread Christianity in the language understandable to his subjects. Brothers Cyril and Methodius, Greek by nationality, were dispatched in 863, but before they arrived, the extremely learned Cyril put together a Slavic alphabet, Glagolitic,  and translated part of the Scriptures into it. This Old Slavic language resembled the language spoken in Great Moravia. The brothers’ mission was successful; they taught their disciples the new language and the alphabet, giving rise to the first works of Slavic literature.  However, Bavarian bishops found their work disrupting and accused them of spreading heresy in a language that was not Latin the borthers left for Rome to defend themselves in front of the pope, who was forced to allow the usage of the Old Slavic language.
-Under Svatopluk (870-894), the empire occupied the areas of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, southwestern Poland, southeastern Germany, Hungary, northern and eastern Austria, and western Romania, totaling 350,000 square kilometers with an estimated population of 1.5 million. It was the first joint (proto-)state of Czechs and Slovaks. A crossroads of major European trading routes, it was on par with the neighboring Frankish Empire, with a developed judicial system. It assimilated cultures of the West, penetrating from Western Europe, and the East, symbolized by Christianity spreading from the Byzantium Empire. Slovak cities Nitra and Bratislava were among its major centers.
+Under [[Svatopluk]] (870-894), the empire occupied the areas of the [[Czech Republic]], Slovakia, southwestern [[Poland]], southeastern [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], northern and eastern [[Austria]], and western [[Romania]], totaling 350,000 square kilometers with an estimated population of 1.5 million. It was the first joint (proto-)state of Czechs and Slovaks. A crossroads of major European trading routes, it was on par with the neighboring Frankish Empire, with a developed judicial system. It assimilated cultures of the West, penetrating from Western Europe, and the East, symbolized by Christianity spreading from the [[Byzantine Empire]]. The cities Nitra and [[Bratislava]] were among its major centers.
-Svatopluk’s successor Mojmír II (894-906) faced attacks from both the Franks and nomadic Hungarian tribes, and in 906, Great Moravia was defeated by the Hungarians, which some historians attribute to the uncontrolled population growth of Hungarians in the southern parts of the empire without safeguarding the same for its Slavic inhabitants. The Slavs purportedly hoped that the Hungarians would assimilate into the Slavic state. Czechs and Slovaks were to be disjoined for a thousand years, until 1918, when the federal Czechoslovakia was established.
+Svätopluk’s successor Mojmír II (894-906) faced attacks from both the Franks and nomadic Hungarian tribes, and in 906, the Hungarians conquered it, which some historians attribute to the uncontrolled population growth of Hungarians in the southern parts of the empire without safeguarding the same for the Slavic citizens. The Slavs purportedly hoped that the Hungarians would assimilate into the Slavic state. Czechs and Slovaks were to be disjoined for a thousand years, until 1918, when the federal [[Czechoslovakia]] would be established.
+== Kingdom of Hungary ==
+[[Image:TrencinCastle.JPG|250px|right|thumb|Trenčín Castle]]
+[[Image:Slovakia Oravsky Podzamok.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Orava Castle]]
+[[File:Castle Bojnice SK.jpg|250px|thumb|Bojnice Castle, the only one of its design in Central Europe]]
-===Kingdom of Hungary ===
+The [[Hungary|Magyars]] gradually occupied Slovakia, which, nevertheless, retained its privileges in this new state because of its high level of economic and cultural development. For almost two centuries, Slovakia was ruled autonomously as the Principality of Nitra within the Kingdom of Hungary. Slovak settlements extended to the northern half of present-day Hungary, while Hungarians later settled down in the southern part of Slovakia. The ethnic composition became more diverse with the arrival of the Carpathian Germans in the thirteenth century, [[Vlachs]] in the fourteenth century, and [[Jew]]s.
-[[Image:TrencinCastle.JPG|250px|right|thumb|[[Trenčín Castle]]]]
-After the disintegration of the Great Moravian Empire in the early 10th century, the Magyars gradually occupied the territory of the present-day Slovakia. Because of its high level of economic and cultural development, Slovakia also retained its important position in this new state. For almost two centuries, it was ruled autonomously as the Principality of Nitra, within the Kingdom of Hungary. Slovak settlements extended to the northern half of present-day Hungary, while Hungarians later settled down in the southern part of Slovakia. The ethnic composition became more diverse with the arrival of the Carpathian Germans (from the 13th century), Vlachs (from the 14th century), and [[Jews]].
-[[Image:Slovakia Oravsky Podzamok.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Orava Castle.]]
-A huge population loss resulted from the invasion of the [[Mongoly|Mongols]] in 1241 and the subsequent famine. However, medieval Slovakia was characterized rather by burgeoning towns, construction of numerous stone castles, and the development of art. In 1467, [[Matthias Corvinus]] founded the first university in Bratislava, but the institution was short-lived.
+A huge population loss resulted from the invasion of the [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] in 1241 and the subsequent [[famine]]. However, medieval Slovakia was characterized rather by burgeoning towns, construction of numerous stone [[castle]]s, and the development of [[art]]s. In 1467, [[Matthias Corvinus I|King Matthias Corvinus]] established the first [[university]] in [[Bratislava]], although the institution was short-lived.
-After the [[Ottoman Empire]] started its expansion into present-day Hungary and the occupation of [[Buda|Budapest]] in the early 16th century, the center of the Kingdom of Hungary (under the name of Royal Hungary) shifted towards Slovakia, and Bratislava (known as ''Pressburg'', ''Pressporek'', ''Posonium'' or ''Posony'' at that time) became the capital city of the Royal Hungary in 1536. But the [[Ottoman wars]] and frequent insurrections against the [[Habsburg Monarchy]] also inflicted a great deal of destruction, especially in rural areas. As the Turks retreated from Hungary in the 18th century, Slovakia's influence decreased within the kingdom, although Bratislava retained its position of the capital city of Hungary until 1848, when the capital moved to Budapest.
+After the [[Ottoman Empire]] began expanding into Hungary and invaded [[Budapest]] in the early sixteenth century, the center of the Kingdom of Hungary shifted toward Slovakia, and [[Bratislava]] (''Pressburg'', ''Pressporek'', ''Pozsonium'' or ''Pozsony'') became the capital in 1536. The Ottoman wars and frequent insurrections against the [[Habsburg]] Monarchy inflicted a great deal of destruction, especially in rural areas.
-[[Image:Kosice (Slovakia) - St. Elizabeth's Catedral 1.jpg|250px|thumb|[[St. Elisabeth Cathedral|St. Elizabeth's Cathedral]].]]
+As the Turks retreated from Hungary in the eighteenth century, Slovakia's standing within the kingdom decreased, although Bratislava retained its position of the capital city of Hungary until 1848, when the capital was moved back to Budapest.
-During the [[Revolutions of 1848 in the Habsburg areas|revolution in 1848-49]], the Slovaks supported the Austrian Emperor, with the ambition to secede from the Hungarian part of the Austrian monarchy. But they failed in the end to achieve this aim. During the period of the [[Austria-Hungary|Austro-Hungarian Empire]], from 1867 to 1918, the Slovaks experienced severe oppression in the form of [[Magyarisation]] promoted by the Hungarian government. For example, all three Slovak high schools and Matica slovenská were closed down in 1874-1875.
+=== National Revival Movement ===
+The first attempt to enact the literary Slovak language (based on the western Slovakian dialect) came in 1787 by Anton Bernolák, but it was not accepted by Slovak Protestants. Only the 1843 version of the language, authored by Štúr, Hurban, and Hodža and based on the central Slovakian dialect, won the support of general public. Lacking a state structure of its own, Slovakia was forced to enlist assistance with the revival cause from similar ideological movements in Hungary. However, Hungary in the 1840s changed course toward a quest for a unified state independent of [[Austria]], which was not to be endorsed by Slovaks, who had been suppressed by Hungarians since the outset of the Kingdom of Hungary.
+In May 1848, ''Requests of the Slovak Nation'' were drafted calling for the use of the Slovak language in schools and public offices, but neither Hungary nor Austria took them seriously. Nor did the European [[Revolutions and Revivals of 1848|Revolutions of 1848]] bring about a turnaround, as Hungary stepped up repressions of non-Hungarian nationalities, particularly after the forming of the Dual Monarchy, whereby Hungary became independent of [[Vienna]]. In the 1870s, Magyars closed down Slovak [[high school]]s and the national institute for the promotion of Slovak culture (Matica slovenská) as [[Hungary|Magyarization]] was forced on Slovaks in all aspects of life. This continued until the emergence of [[Czechoslovakia]] in 1918. Still, this was an important period in the life of the nation, as it accelerated the breakdown of [[feudalism]] and foreshadowed the emergence of an independent Slovak state later on. It was carried out by intelligentsia, mostly of non-aristocratic background, and as such, the movement was thus more [[democracy|democratic]] by nature.
-==20th Century==
+Czechs, on the other hand, had to deal with Germanization, which ultimately brought the two nations together. This was also fueled by Slovakia's disappointment with Hungarian reformists who were increasingly unwilling to fit the Slovak agenda within their own, and later crystallized into the idea of a joint state of Czechs and Slovaks, promulgated by [[Milan Rastislav Štefánik]], [[Tomas Garrigue Masaryk]], and [[Eduard Beneš]]. However, the multi-ethnic makeup of the [[Austria-Hungary|Austro-Hungarian Empire]] did not allow for a free pursuit of these goals; therefore, sympathies of the outside world had to be secured&mdash;Czechoslovak Legions as well as the Czechoslovak National Council (1916) were formed, and ties were made with [[Europe]]an statesmen. In 1915, the Cleveland Agreement laid out an equal position of both countries within the future Czecho-Slovak federal republic.
+==Twentieth century==
 ===Czechoslovak Republic===
-In 1918, Slovakia joined the regions of [[Bohemia]] and neighbouring Moravia to form [[Czechoslovakia]]. During the chaos following the breakup of Austrian-Hungarian Empire, Slovakia was in 1919 attacked by the provisional Hungarian Soviet Republic and one-third of its territory temporarily became the Slovak Soviet Republic.
+[[Image:Bratislava View From Petrzalka Old City Part.jpg|240px|thumb|Bratislava Old Town]]
+In 1918, Slovakia joined the regions of [[Bohemia]] and neighboring [[Moravia]] to form [[Czechoslovakia]]. During the chaos following the breakup of [[Austria-Hungary|Austro-Hungarian Empire]], it was attacked in 1919 by the provisional Hungarian Soviet Republic and one-third of its territory temporarily became the Slovak Soviet Republic.
-Although the Constitution of the Czechoslovak Republic of 1920 guaranteed certain country-specific rights and privileges to Slovakia, those were not fully respected, which was in contradiction with the Pittsburgh Agreement of 1918 that stipulated autonomous rights for Slovaks, including the right to the Slovak language as the official language of Slovakia. the policy was based on Czechoslovakism, a doctrine that originated during WWI in an effort to create a joint state of Czechs and Slovaks by means of unification, especially of the two languages. A large number of Czechs came to alleviate Slovakia’s shortage of managers and civil servants, although this became a source of controversy with time when the Czechs maintained the lucrative posts even after the Slovak intelligentsia was replenished. Slovaks maintained demands for their own parliament, administrative bodies, judiciary and official language, mainly through Andrej Hlinka, who formed the Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party (HSĽS) and staged an anti-government demonstration. His party played a major role in the period of the Slovak State. The single state with Czechs benefited Slovakia greatly in that it allowed it to almost close the gap with its western  neighbor in terms of economy and culture.
+Although the 1920 Constitution of the Czechoslovak Republic guaranteed certain country-specific rights and privileges to Slovakia, they were not fully respected, in contradiction with the Pittsburgh Agreement of 1918 that stipulated autonomous rights for Slovaks, including the right to the Slovak language as the official language of Slovakia. The policy was based on Czechoslovakism, a doctrine that originated during [[World War I]] in an effort to create a joint state of Czechs and Slovaks by means of unification, especially of the two languages. A large number of Czechs came to alleviate Slovakia’s shortage of managers and civil servants, although this became a source of controversy during time when the Czechs continued to control the lucrative posts even after the Slovak intelligentsia was brought up. Frustration gave in to an anti-government demonstration staged by [[Andrej Hlinka]], who formed Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party (HSĽS) as a platform to enforce demands for a separate parliament, administrative bodies, judiciary, and the official language. His party played a major role in the subsequent Slovak State. Nevertheless, historians agree that the existence of Czechoslovakia has benefited Slovakia greatly in that it allowed it to almost close the economic and cultural gap with its western neighbor.
-In between World War I and World War II, the democratic and prosperous Czechoslovakia grappled with threats by revisionist governments of Germany and Hungary, until it was finally split by the [[Munich Agreement]] of 1938.
+Between [[World War I]] and [[World War II]], the existence of the democratic and prosperous [[Czechoslovakia]] was jeopardized by revisionist governments of [[Germany]] and [[Hungary]], until it was finally split by the [[Munich Agreement]] of 1938.
-===World War II===
+===Slovak State===
-In 1939, Slovakia became a separate state in lead with president Jozef Tiso. Although the policy fell under the influence of the Nazi Germany, the anti-Nazi resistance movement launched a fierce armed insurrection, known as the Slovak National Uprising, in 1944.
+The infamous Munich Treaty of September 1938 resulted in the unification of most political parties around the Party of Slovak National Unity (HSĽS)-sponsored demand for the political autonomy of Slovakia and thus the decentralization of the executive and legislative power of [[Czechoslovakia]]. The [[Prague]] government of General Jan Syrovy did not oppose these demands, and the acting head of the HSĽS, [[Jozef Tiso]], was appointed as minister for the administration of Slovakia. On November 22, 1938, Slovakia’s political autonomy was signed into law, although part of its territory was taken over by Hungary, and Germany occupied portions of Bratislava. Democratic reforms quickly gave in to an authoritarian rule marked by political censorship and a forceful unification of political parties and social organizations. The HSĽS leadership was gradually overpowered by its radical wing vying for no less than absolute independence of the country, to which the Czechoslovak government responded with intervention and internment of 250 Slovak radicals. To Slovakia, this felt as an attack on its autonomy.
-The Munich Treaty of September 1938 accelerated the political developments in Slovakia, with most political parties unifying around the HSĽS-sponsored demand for the political autonomy of Slovakia and thus the decentralization of the executive and legislative power in Czechoslovakia.  These demands were accepted by the Prague government of General Jan Syrovy and appointed the acting head of HSĽS, Dr. Jozef Tiso, as the minister for the administration of Slovakia. On November 22, 1938, Slovakia’s political autonomy was signed into law. As a result of the Munich Treaty, Slovakia saw part of its territory taken over by Hungary, while Germany occupied parts of Bratislava. Democratic reforms quickly gave in to authoritarian efforts, such as political censorship, forceful unification of political parties and social organizations. The HSĽS leadership was outnumbered by its radical wing striving for absolute independence of the country. The Czech government responded with intervention and internment of 250 Slovak radicals, which Slovakia understood as an attack on its autonomy and Hitler took advantage of for his geopolitical interests.
+In the meantime, [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]] took advantage of Slovakia's aspirations and invited Tiso to [[Berlin]] to coerce him into the secession of Slovakia and thus the liquidation of Czechoslovakia. Should Tiso disagree, Slovakia would be given to [[Hungary]]. On March 14, 1939, the Slovak Parliament gave a green light to the Slovak State, with the new government headed by Tiso. However, Czechoslovakia did not cease to exist; it continued its existence via an exiled government and armed forces as well as foreign embassies. At the same time, the independent Slovakia had its hands tied by agreements with Germany and generally had no choice but to align its economy with Hitler's plans, who found it all too easy to control the country headed by the [[corruption|corrupt]] leadership backed by the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. Slovakia even had its own currency, but because Germany did not honor the economic agreements and, paradoxically, incurred a large debt, the Slovak government resorted to anti-[[Jew|Jewish]] measures to replenish its coffers. In September 1940, the government ordered registration of the Jewish property, which was then confiscated, totaling 3,187,657 Slovak crowns.
-Hitler sa obrátil na odvolaného Tisa a pozval ho na rokovania do Berlína. Žiadal od neho odtrhnutie Slovenska a tým likvidáciu ČSR. V prípade nesúhlasu sa vyhrážal likvidáciou Slovenska hlavne v prospech Maďarska. Tiso súhlasil s podmienkou, že vyhlásenie musí schváliť slovenský parlament. Nemci nenechávali nič na náhodu a pripravovali sa aj na alternatívu možného vojenského zásahu voči Slovensku, o čom predstavitelia Slovenska vedeli.
+Despite plundering by Germany, Slovakia boasted one of the most stable economies among neighboring countries. This was reinforced by the statement used by state officials that Slovakia remains to be an “oasis of affluence amid starving and bleeding Europe.”<ref>Dušan Mihálik, [http://www.prave-spektrum.sk/article.php?529 "Slovenský štát – ekonomický zázrak?"] ''Prave Spektrum Magazine'', February 26, 2007. Retrieved October 18, 2019.</ref> The tendency was toward [[centralization]], mergers of businesses and their subsequent state control, and [[nationalization]] of natural resources. Employment was at its highest, mostly as a consequence of the resettlement of 20,000 Czech civil servants and the elimination of Jews from the economic life and later on their transport to [[Nazism|Nazi]] [[concentration camp]]s. Education, science, and arts underwent revitalization.
-Na rokovaní 14.marca 1939 snem po upozornení na trvaní Nemecka na „bleskurýchlom“ vyhlásení odsúhlasil vznik Slovenského štátu a Snem Slovenskej krajiny sa premenil na Snem Slovenského štátu. Bola vymenovaná i nová vláda s predsedom Dr. J. Tisom.
+The plight of Slovak Jews under the Slovak state continues to haunt Slovakia’s past, and the anti-Jewish laws of 1940, mandating Aryanization, prove that [[anti-Semitism]] ran amok prior to deportations. Jews were prohibited from the acquisition of businesses, were allowed to lease and handle immovables and movables only with a prior written permission, and their trade licenses were revised and businesses marked as Jewish. In the next batch of legislation, the government assigned itself the right to adopt all measures required to exclude Jews from the Slovak economic and social life and transfer Jewish ownership to Christians, and, finally, to deport them, to be paid with the proceeds from the confiscated Jewish property. These laws had an impact on Slovakia’s economy, as many people, especially the executors of the Aryanization laws, pocketed the Jewish wealth and occupied their vacated apartments.
-Likvidácia Československa nenastala ústavnou cestou. Republika nezanikla podľa predpisov platnej ústavy z roku 1920. Vznikla akási dvojkoľajnosť. ČSR pokračovala svoju právnu existenciu vrátane exilovej vlády s určitými mocenskými funkciami vrátane ozbrojených síl a zahraničných ambasád.
+===Slovak National Uprising===
+In 1943, the Slovak state began experiencing severe problems with supply amid rampant [[corruption]] and [[usury]]. The “Oasis of Affluence” was losing its luster, and even the fact that [[Germany]] and other neighboring countries were under greater deprivation could not stem the growing discontent. Politicians with anti-German leanings publicly acknowledged the existence of [[Czechoslovakia]] in the Christmas Agreement and proclaimed allegiance to the joint state of Czechs and Slovaks against Hitler’s Germany. Crucial to the agreement was the preparation of an armed conflict and removal of the HSĽS from power.
-Slovenský štát však tiež spĺňal ústavnoprávne i faktické podmienky suverénneho štátu. Právne, ale i ekonomicky, však suverenitu nového štátu čiastočne obmedzovali zmluvy s Nemeckom.
+Pro-[[democracy|democratic]] citizens began participating in the resistance movement, and two-thirds of the Slovak currency was made available to the cause. Weaponry, which at one time came in handy to the fascist Germany, was transferred surreptitiously to the designated centers of the uprising. In August 1944, the [[United States|U.S.]] Air Force bombed a state-owned refinery in Central Slovakia despite multiple warnings sent to the exiled Czechoslovak government in [[London]] that the refinery was crucial to the uprising-in-the-works.
-Pri posudzovaní Slovenského štátu si treba uvedomiť, že samostatné Slovensko nevyhovovalo len Slovákom, ale hlavne Nemcom. Kontrolovať krajinu za pomoci niekoľkých úradníkov je tajný sen každého diktátora. A to sa na Slovensku Hitlerovi úplne podarilo. Model Slovenského štátu plne zodpovedal nemeckým predstavám – samozrejme len do času „konečného riešenia“
+The Slovak National Uprising broke out on August 29, 1944, and a few days later the joint state of Czechs and Slovaks was to be restored as a federal structure. [[Black market]] practices and corruption that had been tolerated by the government and paramilitary Hlinka's Guard (''Hlinkova Garda'') were being reversed. The final stage of the uprising was in the spirit of partisan activities rather than open resistance.
-Ekonomika Slovenského štátu
+===After World War II===
+After [[World War II]], Slovakia became part of [[Czechoslovakia]] as a satellite of the [[Communism|communist]] [[Soviet Union]] and its [[Warsaw Pact]]. In 1968, Czechoslovakia courted liberation from the communist grip in the events referred to as the [[Prague Spring]], when it made an attempt to reform the regime from within and embark on the path toward liberalization and a multi-party system. Slovak-born [[Alexander Dubcek]] became a symbol of these developments. However, the Warsaw Pact armies invaded and crushed Czechoslovakia's hopes under the tanks as the Western world watched. In 1969, Czechoslovakia was reorganized as a federation of the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic.
-Počas rokovaní v Berlíne (18.-23.marca) podpísali zástupcovia Tisovej vlády Vojtech Tuka a Ferdinand Ďurčanský dôverný protokol, ktorý konkretizoval „Ochrannú zmluvu“ v ekonomickej oblasti. Podľa neho sa mala ekonomika Slovenska vyvíjať a riadiť „so zreteľom na odbytové možnosti v Nemecku“.
+The end of the infamous 40 years finally came in 1989, during the peaceful Velvet Revolution. Four years later, on January 1, 1993, the country was dissolved once again into two successor states. Slovakia and the Czech Republic went their own ways after the Velvet Divorce but have remained close partners. Slovakia joined the [[European Union]] in May 2004.
-„Slovensko“ - stálo v Protokole, „vstúpi do hospodárskych vyjednávaní s inými štátmi až po uzavretí zmluvy s Nemeckom a bude Nemecko o týchto vyjednávaniach priebežne informovať“ Výsledkom protokolu bola kontrola nad poľnohospodárskou produkciou Slovenska,.
+==Geography==
+[[Image:Slovakia_topo.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Relief of Slovakia]]
+[[Image:STRBSKE PLESO.jpg|thumb|500px|righ|High Tatras]]
+Located at the heart of Europe, Slovakia shares borders with [[Poland]] to the north, the [[Czech Republic]] in the northwest, [[Austria]] in the southwest, [[Hungary]] to the south, and the [[Ukraine]] to the east. It is a mountainous country with almost 80 percent of its total area above 2,460 feet (750 meters). It encompasses 48,845 square kilometers; 48,800 being land and the remaining 45 square kilometers of water. This makes it approximately twice the size of the [[United States|U.S.]] state of [[New Hampshire]].
-Aj bankový sektor bo zahrnutý do práce pre Nemecko: „Nemecká ríšska banka sa zúčastní vhodným spôsobom pri založení Slovenskej národnej banky a vyšle do riaditeľstva tejto banky jedného poradcu, ktorý bude spoluúčinkovať pri všetkých dôležitých rozhodnutiach. Slovenská vláda priberie tohto poradcu tiež k zostaveniu štátneho rozpočtu a nebude uzatvárať pôžičky bez jeho schválenia“.
+The Slovak landscape is crowned by the [[Carpathian Mountains]] extending across most of the northern half of the country. The most notable range is the Tatras, home to scenic lakes and valleys as well as the highest peak, the Gerlachovský štít (2,655 meters/8,711 feet). South of the Low Tatras the land drops to a fertile plain stretching to the [[Danube River]].
-SNB vznikla ako účastinná spoločnosť kde Slovenskému štátu patrilo 60 % účastín a zvyšok si pre seba vyhradila nemecká strana prostredníctvom Deutsche Goddiskontbank Berlín. Na čelo SNB sa dostal Imrich Karvaš – veľmi erudovaný odborník v oblasti hospodárskeho a finančného práva (prednášal na Sorbone v Paríži, potom v Nemecku, v Anglicku, v USA – kde sa v roku 1937 stal členom Econometric Society Colorado Springs).
+[[Forest]]s, especially of beech and spruce, cover 40 percent of the country. Wildlife is abundant in the valleys of the High Tatra and includes [[bear]]s, [[wolf|wolves]], [[lynx]]es, [[marmot]]s, [[chamois]], [[deer]], mink]] and otter. Birdlife includes [[eagle]]s, [[hawk]]s, [[vulture]]s, [[pheasant]]s, [[partridge]]s, [[duck]]s, wild [[goose|geese]], [[stork]]s, and [[grouse]].
-I keď medzi stúpencami Tuku a Macha narazila jeho kandidatúra na odpor, vzhľadom na všeobecné pochybnosti o životaschopnosti nového štátu, Tiso potreboval na čelo SNB odborníka vysokej úrovne a tým bezpochyby Karvaš bol. Samozrejme ho však upozornil, že sa od neho očakáva len odborná práca – nie vstup do politiky.
+The [[Danube]], Váh, and Hron are the largest [[river]]s. The [[climate]] is temperate, with relatively warm summers and cold, cloudy and humid winters.
-Karvaš bol spolu s Petrom Zaťkom jadrom skupiny „Hnutie slovenských regionalistov“ ktorí odmietali ľudácky autonomizmus, ale aj pražský centralizmus. Pre vedúcu ľudácku garnitúru a osobne Tisu, predstavovali slovenskí regionalisti jediných dostupných dobrých odborníkov pre vlastnú hospodársku politiku.
+==Demographics==
+[[Image:Kosice (Slovakia) - St. Elizabeth's Catedral 1.jpg|250px|right|thumb|St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral]]
-Zaťko bol nominovaný Tisom na post ministra hospodárstva, ale tu už boli prívrženci Tuku silnejší a kandidatúra neprešla. Obaja – Zaťko i Karvaš – však zostali pre režim nenahraditeľní i napriek odporu značnej časti ľudáckych predstaviteľov. Na Slovensku tak vznikla unikátna situácia, kedy vládnuci režim pre svoju ekonomickú neodbornosť bol odkázaný na spoluprácu nezávislých ekonómov, ktorí sa postupne odčleňovali od štátnych štruktúr a pracovali na zvrhnutí režimu, ktorý ich na tie mesta dosadil.
+Slovaks form the majority of the population, with Hungarians being the largest ethnic minority, concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Several municipalities, such as Dunajská Streda, Komárno, Šahy, and Želiezovce, are majority Hungarian. Other ethnic groups include [[Roma]], Czechs, Ruthenians, [[Ukraine|Ukrainians]] and Germans.
-Značná časť „boja“ nezávislých odborníkov pod vedením Zaťku a Karvaša smerovala k minimalizácii škôd z obchodu z Nemeckom. Vzhľadom na nedostatok devíz prebiehal obchod pomocou bezhotovostného platobného styku, vyrovnávanie vzájomných pohľadávok a záväzkov z tzv. clearing, čo znamenalo, že všetko to, čo Slovensko dodalo Nemecku sa zapísalo na clearingový účet, na ktorom sa potom malo odpočítavať to, čo Nemci dodali Slovensku.
-V praxi sa tieto dohody zo strany Nemcov spravidla nedodržiavali, neponáhľali sa s protidodávkami a to tak dlho, dokiaľ slovenská strana nebola ochotná prijať vnucovaný nepotrebný alebo brakový tovar za ceny, ktoré Nemci nadiktovali. Postupne nemecký dlh voči Slovensku, tzv. clearingová špička, neprimerane narastal. Jednoducho povedané - Nemecko platilo málo, alebo vôbec za tovary a služby (v Nemecku pracovalo striedavo cez 100 000 slovenských robotníkov), ktorých im poskytoval Slovenský štát.
-Vzhľadom na tieto skutočnosti bolo pre prežitie Slovenského štátu nevyhnuté exportovať strategické položky i do iných krajín a dialo sa to napriek rozporom so zmluvami s Nemeckom. Nemci to síce neradi videli, ale vzhľadom na totálnu neschopnosť vyrovnávať si svoje záväzky to museli tolerovať.
-Chýbajúce zlaté rezervy si Slovenský štát snažil vybudovať obchodom s neutrálnymi štátmi, vlastnou ťažbou a v neposlednom rade i v rôznych protižidovských aktivitách po 14.marci 1939 (samozrejme niečo sa „stratilo“ i vo vreckách príslušníkov Hlinkových gárd).
-V septembri 1940 nadobudlo platnosť vládne nariadenie o súpise židovského majetku, túkajúce sa nielen priemyselných podnikov, živností, domového majetku a pôdnych celkov, ktoré už dovtedy boli predmetom arizácií, ale aj peňažných hotovostí uložených v bankách, šperkov, cenných papierov, pohľadávok, nehnuteľností náboženských obcí a pod. Podľa súpisných hárkov bola hodnota tohto majetku (po odčítaní pohľadávok) 3 187 657 000 Ks. Postupne sa tento majetok skonfiškoval.
-„Židovské zlato sa ocitlo v 20 zaplombovaných bedniach. Tuka s Machom chceli toto zlato zameniť za devízy, ale guvernér NBS nesúhlasil a v júli 1944 sa dostalo zlato do Kremnice (vzhľadom na riziko spojeneckých náletov na Bratislavu). Spolu s týmto zlatom skončil v Kremnici i „zlatý poklad slovenského štátu“, ktorý v zlate a devízach predstavoval 750 miliónov Kčs (kurz z roku 1945).
-Napriek drancovaniu zo strany Nemecka zostávalo slovenské hospodárstvo jedným z najstabilnejším (v porovnaní s okolitými štátmi). Používala sa pritom stará téza, zaužívaná na začiatku, hneď po prevrate zo 14.marca 1939, že v susedných štátoch je oveľa horšie a Slovensko zostáva „oázou blahobytu“ uprostred hladujúcej a krvácajúcej Európy. Nadsadene sa slovenskej korune prisudzoval aj názov „podunajský dolár“. Výmenný kurz Slovenskej koruny vzhľadom k nemeckej marke bol 12 : 1 a k protektorátnej korune 1 : 1.
-To, že na Slovensku bola v tom čase pomerne dobrá situácia v porovnaní so susedmi uznávala vo svojich spravodajských hláseniach i vedenie Komunistickej strany Slovenska pri svojich hláseniach do Moskvy.
-Na Slovensku bola vysoká zamestnanosť, ktorá bola spôsobená čiastočne vojnovou konjunktúrou v priemysle, odchodom časti pracovníkov do Nemecka, ale hlavne vysídlením takmer 20 tisíc českých štátnych zamestnancov a vyradením židovských obyvateľov z ekonomického života.
-Slovenskú ekonomiku na čas oživila vojnová produkcia pretože sa pre potreby vojny postavili viaceré závody, mnohé sa rozšírili a budovala sa infraštruktúra – cesty a železnice. Dvadsaťpäť slovenských zbrojných podnikov pracovalo priamo pre Nemecko, ktoré odoberalo všetko čo sa na Slovensku vyrobilo či vyťažilo – drevo, papier, kovy (mangán, ortuť, antimón, magnezit), azbest a hlavne potraviny.
-Vojnová konjunktúra však nebola rovnomerná a mnohé regióny upadli do problémov – hlavne banské revíry. V Handlovej bol aj najväčší štrajk v októbri 1940, kedy štrajkovali spolu nemeckí i slovenskí baníci. Toto bolo veľmi nepríjemné pre slovenskú vládu, ale hlavne Deutsche Partei, ktorá vždy hrdo vyhlasovala, že má svojich ľudí – teda slovenských Nemcov- pod kontrolou.
-Napriek všetkým problémom sa však podarili určité úspechy na poli vedy i umenia. Dobudovala sa bratislavská univerzita i Vysoká škola technická, vznikla Vysoká škola obchodná a v roku 1942 vznikla Slovenská akadémia vied a umení.
-Tieto skutočnosti pomáhali predstaviteľom HSĽS vytvárať o Slovenskej republike obraz ako o ostrove pokoja a blahobytu. Nemohlo to však zakryť čoraz evidentnejší charakter podriadenosti Slovenska nemeckým zámerom a väčšina dôležitých závodov prešla priamo do rúk nemeckých firiem.
-Typickou ukážkou bola výroba najsofistikovajšieho zbraňového systému na Slovensku – útočného lietadla Junkers Ju 87D-5. Slovenská vláda mala už od roku 1940 záujem o dodávky vtedy výkonného stroja (ešte v staršej verzii Ju 87B), ale pre vysokú vlastnú potrebu Nemci žiadosti zamietali.
-V roku 1942 sa situácia zmenila a Nemci sami navrhli slovenskej strane produkciu modernejšieho modelu Ju 87D priamo na Slovensku. Nutným predpokladom však bola podmienka, že celú výrobu budú organizovať nemecké firmy pre Luftwaffe, ako hlavného odberateľa, a že slovenské letectvo dostane len časť vyrobených strojov.
-V tej dobe začala ambiciózna česká (protektorátna) firma Mráz, úspešný výrobca malých športových lietadiel, budovať v Trenčianskych Biskupiciach pobočku svojho slovenského závodu v Nitre. Hoci samotná firma Mráz sa bránila, Nemci rýchlo presadili svoje vojenské záujmy Ríše a v Trenčianskych Biskupiciach sa postupne začala zavádzať výroba Ju 87 v rámci integrovaného strojárenského koncernu „Herman Göring Werke“.
-Ešte pred dokončením prevzala výrobné priestory nemecká firma Weser Bremen, ktorá sa stala skutočným užívateľom rodiacej sa Slovenskej továrne na lietadlá – STL. Je tragickou iróniou osudu, že sa niektoré tieto útočné stroje dostali do rúk Nemcov a úspešne zasahovali proti povstalcom počas SNP. Týkalo sa to Junkersov slovenského letectva (Vzdušných zbraní), ktoré v čase vypuknutia povstania technický personál plne vyzbrojil a vystrojil. Vinou nerozhodnosti niektorých veliteľov slovenskej armády sa dostali tieto lietadlá do rúk príjemne prekvapených Nemcov.
-Pri majetkových pohyboch v rámci odsunu českého obyvateľstva mnohí vedúci predstavitelia Hlinkových gárd poškuľovali po majetku pobočiek českých firiem pôsobiacich na Slovensku, ale keďže materské firmy v Čechách prešli do rúk nemeckého kapitálu tak i pobočky sa stali ich majetkom. Omnoho úspešnejšie pre nich dopadla „židovská otázka“ Židia boli zbavení svojich práv a samozrejme majetku, ktorý skončil v rukách mnohých slovenských arizátorov. O tento majetok mali záujem i slovenskí Nemci, ale i napriek protestom v Nemecku neboli úspešní.
-Židovská otázka je určite najcitlivejšou témou Slovenského štátu. I najväčší priaznivci tohto štátu uznávajú, že to nebola pozitívna vec, ale hneď tvrdia, že sa ináč nedalo, lebo však to Hitler tak chcel a čo sme mali robiť. Je to naozaj tak?
-Diskriminácia Židov v Slovenskom štáte nezačala deportáciami, ale podstatne skôr. Režim postupne obmedzoval židov čo je najlepšie vidieť na protižidovských zákonoch. Pozrime sa na tie ktoré mali veľký ekonomický dosah: „Zákon o židovských podnikoch a o židovských zamestnancoch v podnikoch.“ (1940)– výber:
-§ 1. Židom a židovským sdruženiam sa zakazuje preberať alebo znovu zriaďovať hospodárske podniky (závody) a nadobúdať alebo preberať živnostenské oprávnenia akéhokoľvek druhu.
-§ 2. Židia a židovské sdruženia môžu scudziť, zaťažiť a prenajať (prepachtovať) nehnuteľnosti, práva na nehnuteľnosti, hospodárske podniky (závody), akcie, kmeňové vklady, kuksy, závodné a iné podiely a previesť nájomné (pachtovné) práva tohto druhu len s osobitným písomným povolením. To isté platí pre záväzky nakladať uvedeným spôsobom s vymenovanými predmetmi.
-§ 3. Župný úrad podrobí revízii živnostenské oprávnenia židov a židovských sdružení a odníme ich, ak zistí, že sú proti majiteľovi odôvodnené námietky s hľadiska verejného záujmu, alebo ak sa vyskytnú dôvody sociálne, ktoré vyžadujú odstránenie hospodársky nezdravého vlivu.
-§ 4 Židovskí majitelia sú povinní na nápadnom mieste označiť svoje podniky a závody (prevodzovne) nápisom,, židovský podnik". Dôvodová zpráva: Všeobecné želanie, aby hospodársky život na Slovensku prešiel do rúk kresťanských, preniká stále viac a nachádza svoj výraz v častých vonkajších prejavoch. I keď doterajší stav nedovoľuje úplne odstránenie vlivu židovstva na slovenský hospodársky život, treba sa postarať aspoň o postupné preberanie hospodárskych hodnôt a funkcií od terajších židovských majiteľov, t. j. prevádzať takzvanú arizáciu, pod ktorou rozumieme činnosť majúcu za cieľ obmedzenie neúmerného počtu židov v hospodárstve.
-Tieto obmedzenia židovskej ekonomickej aktivity však nestačili a tak nasledovali ďalší zákon:
-„Ústavný zákon, ktorým sa vláda splnomocňuje, aby činila opatrenia vo veciach arizácie.“ (1940)-výber:
-„Vláda sa splnomocňuje, aby nariadením robila všetky opatrenia, ktoré sú potrebné : a) aby sa vylúčili Židia zo slovenského hospodárskeho a sociálneho života, b) aby majetok Židov prešiel do vlastníctva kresťanov.“
-Posledný dôležitý ústavný zákon ich posielal na smrť.
-Ústavný zákon o vysťahovaní Židov. (1942) – výber:
-§1. Židov možno vysťahovať z územia Slovenskej republiky.
-§2. Židia — slovenskí štátni občania, vysťahovaním podľa § l strácajú štátne občianstvo Slovenskej republiky. Dôvodová zpráva: Podľa dohovorov s príslušnými ríšskonemeckými činiteľmi má Slovenská republika možnosť zbaviť sa všetkých Židov. Vláda nechce túto príležitosť premeškať a preto chce vysťahovaniu Židov dať čo najrýchlejšie zákonný podklad. ... Náklad spojený s premiestením Židov, bude uhradený z majetku židovského.
-Tento zákon bol síce doplnený paragrafmi, ktoré umožňovali udeľovať výnimky prezidentovi štátu, ale to nič nezmenilo na jeho zločinnosti. Tieto zákony mali na slovenskú ekonomiku veľký dosah. Veľké množstvo ľudí (hlavne arizátori) sa dostali k majetku, hnuteľnému i nehnuteľnému. Odchodom značného počtu Židov, ale i príslušníkov Protektorátu ostalo voľných bytov, ktoré samozrejme neostali prázdne. Niečo si zarobil i štát.
-Ako však žila väčšina Slovákov? Na to je najobjektívnejšia odpoveď znovu z archívnych dokumentov Snemu Slovenského štátu: „Zákon o zvýšení dane z liehu“. (1941)
-„Mimoriadnymi hospodárskymi a vojnovými udalosťami zvýšily sa štátne výdavky takou mierou, že na ich krytie pravidelné štátne príjmy nestačia. V snahe zachovať rovnováhu v štátnom rozpočte vzniká potreba hľadať nový vhodný prameň príjmov. Za takýto vhodný zdroj príjmov vláda považovala zvýšenie dane z liehu, ktoré nezaťaží vôbec nevyhnuteľné životné potreby obyvateľstva.“
-„Zákon o stíhaní a trestaní priestupkov podľa niektorých právnych predpisov o cenách a zásobovaní obyvateľstva“. (1942)
-„Súčasné hospodárske pomery, vyvolané vojnovým stavom, nútia štátnu správu urobiť všetky potrebné opatrenia, jednak aby zásoby poľnohospodárskych produktov, zvierat a živočíšnych výrobkov ako aj surovín a tovarov každého druhu sa spotrebovaly a užívaly s úzkostlivou šetrnosťou, jednak aby sa docielila spravodlivá distribúcia všetkých denných potrieb a ostatných tovarov medzi obyvateľstvom v rovnakej miere a najmä, aby vykorisťovanie hmotne slabších vrstiev obyvateľstva bolo bezpodmienečne zamedzené.“
-Je úplne zrejmé, že na Slovensku nebolo až tak zle, ale „zázrak“ sa nekonal. Celkovo mal Slovenský štát sklon k centralizácii vo všetkých aspektoch života vrátane ekonomiky. Bola snaha prevziať prírodné zdroje do rúk štátu. Preferovalo sa zlučovanie podnikov s ich následnou kontrolou štátu a niekedy i predajom do rúk nemeckého kapitálu. Nemecký záujem sa sústreďoval hlavne na ťažký a zbrojársky priemysel. Dosť rýchlo sa budovala infraštruktúra, hlavne cestná. O tom vypovedá dokument z tohto obdobia:
-„Vládny návrh na súhlas Snemu Slovenskej republiky podľa čl. XIII. zákona č. 1/1941 SI. z. s prechodným výdavkom Ks 238,500.000 na financovanie stavby ciest.“ (1941)
-Podľa smluvy uzavretej so schválením vlády Slovenskej republiky zo dňa 16. januára 1941 medzi Ministerstvom dopravy a verejných prác a Generálnym inšpektorom pre veci nemeckých ciest, Hlavnou stavebnou správou v Bratislave, Generálny inšpektor pre veci nemeckých ciest, vzhľadom na to, že celkový cestný stavebný program presahuje finančnú schopnosť Slovenského štátu, prevzal znášanie stavebného nákladu tých cestných ťahov, ktoré podľa smluvy on má previesť.
-Ukázalo sa však, že týmto ustanovením smluvy otázka financovania stavby nie je vyriešená, lebo Generálny inšpektorát tým, že zaplatí do nemecko-slovenského clearingu príslušný peniaz v ríšskych markách, neprodukuje súčasne na slovenskej strane tohto clearingu príslušné množstvo slovenských korún.
-Pri terajšom stave — slovensko-nemeckého clearingu súčasná produkcia slovenských korún je len vtedy možná, ak niekto na Slovensku bude dotyčnú platbu v RM. preddavkové vyplácať, inými slovami tieto RM slovenskými korunami kúpi. Preto vláda Slovenskej republiky dňa 16. januára 1941 rozhodla, aby Slovenská národná banka poskytla štátu na financovanie nemeckého stavebného cestného programu v r. 1940/41 kontokorentný úver a to do výšky 31,000,000 Ks bezúročné, nad to na 3% úrok s dobou splatnosti na 10 rokov. Úroky mala snášať Slovenská republika.
-Čo v preklade znamenalo, že teoreticky Nemecko financovalo Slovensku cesty, ale v praxi Slováci za vlastné peniaze budovali Nemecku infraštruktúru na vedenie vojny. Nebol to jediný prípad. Bol to i problém pracovníkov v Nemecku:
-„Z p r á v a rozpočtového výboru o vládnom návrhu finančného z zákona Slovenskej republiky, ktorým sa určuje štátny rozpočet na rok 1943“ (1942) – výber:
-...že vláda bude musieť hľadať cesty a možnosti, ako snížiť zaťaženie štátnej pokladnice z titulu poukazov úspor robotníkov pracujúcich v Nemeckej ríši, ktoré výdavky nie sú síce v rozpočte zahrnuté, ale finančný zákon s nimi počíta.
-Slováci v Nemecku pracovali zadarmo a na ich platy sa skladali rodáci na Slovensku. To všetko zabezpečoval clearingový systém. Z hľadiska nemeckej Ríše to bol naozaj „zázrak“.
-V sociálnej politike sa preferovalo sociálne cítenie a pomoc štátu s odvolaním sa na kresťanské hodnoty. Bola snaha o zabezpečenie detí pracujúcich a zaviedli sa rodinné prídavky. Tieto sociálne vymoženosti sa však nevzťahovali na všetkých občanov, ale len na tých „správnych“.
-V roku 1943 sa v slovenskom hospodárstve začali prejavovať viaceré krízové javy, ktoré sa postupne premietali aj do životnej úrovne obyvateľstva. Boli problémy so zásobovaním, rástla korupcia a rozmáhal sa čierny trh s neobyčajne úžerníckymi cenami, ktoré si mohli dovoliť platiť iba majetnejší obyvatelia.
+The majority of Slovaks identify themselves with [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]], followed by [[Protestant|Lutheranism]] and Greek Catholicism. Only around 2,000 [[Jew]]s remain of the 120,000-strong pre-[[Holocaust]] population.
-Úmerne s rastom týchto hospodárskych ťažkostí rástla aj nespokojnosť obyvateľstva. „“Výkladná skriňa“ začala strácať lesk. Fakt, že v susedných krajinách vrátane Nemecka bola situácia horšia, nemohol trvale zadržať nespokojnosť.
+The official language is Slovak, a member of the Slavic language family, but Hungarian is widely spoken in the south and enjoys the same status as does Slovak language in some regions.
-Ekonomická príprava povstania
+== Society and culture ==
+The development of Slovak culture reflects the country’s rich folk tradition, in addition to the influence of broader [[Europe]]an trends. The impact of centuries of cultural repression and control by foreign governments is also evident in much of Slovakia’s art, literature, and music.
-Protinemecky orientovaní politickí reprezentanti Slovenska koncom decembra 1943 deklarovali uznanie Československej republiky a to zjednotením politických strán ku spolupráci vytvorením Slovenskej národnej rady (SNR) tzv. Vianočná dohoda. SNR sa prihlásila k zahraničnému odboju proti Hitlerovi a k spoločnému štátu Čechov a Slovákov. Najdôležitejším bodom tejto dohody bola príprava ozbrojeného povstania a zvrhnutie nadvlády HSĽS.
+A national movement began in the late eighteenth century aimed at fostering Slovak culture and identity. One of its leaders was Anton Bernolk, a [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] priest who codified a Slovak literary language based on dialects used in western Slovakia. In the nineteenth century, [[Protestantism|Protestant]] leaders [[Jan Kollar]] and [[Pavel Josef Šafařík|Pavel Safarik]] developed a form of written Slovak that combined the dialects used in central Slovakia and the Czech lands.
-Najvyšší predstavitelia ekonomického života si uvedomovali, na rozdiel od politickej reprezentácie Slovenského štátu, neudržateľné postavenie Slovenského štátu v rámci Druhej svetovej vojny a postupne sa napájali na odbojové skupiny (neskôr i na SNR) a začali sa pripravovať na ozbrojené povstanie. Vďaka I. Karvašovi sa 2/3 hotovosti slovenskej meny dostalo do filiálky SNB v Banskej Bystrici a tým ju dali k dispozícií budúcemu povstaniu.
+[[Poetry]] remained an important literary form into the twentieth century, and was used by some Slovak writers to address the experience of [[World War II]] and the rise of [[communism]]. During the communist period, Slovak literary culture suffered from heavy governmental control.
-Vojenská výzbroj a výstroj sa presúvala smerom do pripravovaných centier povstania a to skryto, pod rôznymi zámienkami. Najväčšiu úlohu v tejto „materiálnej skrytej vojne“ mal úrad „Ústredňa pre hospodárstvo surovinové a priemyselné“ na čele s predsedom P. Zaťkom. Tento úrad dokonca zabezpečoval materiálnu pomoc pre partizánske skupiny.
+An important aspect of cultural life in Slovakia is its music. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, a national musical tradition began to develop around Slovakia’s impressive folk heritage. Modern Slovak music draws from both classical and folk styles. Traditional Slovakian music is one of the most original of Slavic and European [[folklore]]. National Slovakian music was heavily influenced by liturgical and chamber music.
-Veľmi dôležitou časťou prípravy bolo vytvorenie značných rezerv pohonných hmôt na území stredného Slovenska, ktoré výrazne pomohli povstalcom v povstaní. Najväčšou stratou v tomto smere bolo, paradoxne, bombardovanie Štátnej rafinérie v Dubovej 20. augusta 1944 americkým letectvom a to napriek tomu, že povstalecké miesta dvakrát upozornili exilovú Benešovu vládu v Londýne na to, že rafinéria bude potrebná pre pripravované povstanie.
-Ekonomické fungovanie povstania
-Po vypuknutí povstania 29. augusta 1944 sa SNR ujala moci a utvorila ako výkonný orgán Zbor povereníkov, ktorý fakticky predstavoval povstaleckú vládu. Podľa Deklarácie SNR, prijatej 1. septembra 1944, Česko-Slovensko malo byť obnovené prakticky ako federatívny štát. SNR uznala Benešovu exilovú vládu.
-Beneš sa však snažil obnoviť ČSR ako unitárny štát a pokúšal sa vydávať Povstanie za svoju akciu a to vzbudilo v SNR značné rozpaky. Na priebeh povstania to však nemalo žiadny podstatný vplyv.
-Ihneď po vypuknutí povstania sa ukázala užitočnosť jeho ekonomickej prípravy. V závodoch na povstaleckých územiach sa okamžite rozbehla výroba zbraní a všetky tieto aktivity boli finančne zabezpečené.
-Všetky sociálne dávky, mzdy atď boli riadne vyplácané. Boli dokonca čiastočne vyplácané i na už stratených územiach. Neexistovali žiadne oficiálne rekvizície bez odplaty. Každý materiál potrebný pre povstanie sa okamžite vyplácal v hotovosti.
-Povereníctvo SNR stanovilo povinné odovzdávanie niektorých položiek (napr. pri zabíjačke), ale za odplatu. Väčšina potravín nebola zahrnutá do povinností, ale normálne sa odkupovala. Pracovníci vykonávajúci činnosti spojené s povinným odovzdávaním potravín boli kontrolovaní a v prípade nekalej činnosti tvrdo postihovaní a potláčaný bol i čierny trh.
-Vzhľadom na nedostatok ťažkých zbraní, bola veľmi dôležitá výroba troch pancierových vlakov vo zvolenských železničných opravovniach. Železiarne Podbrezová (za Slovenského štátu si ich prisvojil „Herman Göring Werke“). Sandrik Hodruša Hámre a iné menšie podniky sa pustili do výroby munície, mín a ostatného materiálu potrebného pre bojovú činnosť povstaleckých vojsk.
-V závere povstania boli maximálne využité existujúce zdroje na zabezpečenie prechodu z otvoreného spôsobu boja na partizánsky spôsob. Vyplatili sa všetky platy a sociálne dávky na tri mesiace dopredu.
-V noci zo 14. na 15. októbra bola časť zlata z Kremnice prepravená letecky do ZSSR a zvyšok bol ukrytý tak dobre, že ho Nemci neobjavili a po vojne bol k dispozícii pre ekonomickú obnovu povojnovej ČSR.
-Dr. Tiso sa dozvedel o zapletení Karvaša do prípravy povstania a vydal ho gestapu. 27. apríla 1945 bol odsúdený na smrť, ale prežil. Toto bola „odmena“ Tisa človeku, ktorý zabezpečil to, že mnohí Slováci označujú jeho Slovenský štát, za štát blahobytu (Po vojne si Karvaš „užil“ pozornosti i od komunistov a bol dvakrát odsúdený za velezradu, ale neskôr rehabilitovaný).
-Za kým stáli ľudia?
-Pri otázke akceptácie Slovenského štátu, hlavne v konfrontácii so Slovenským národným povstaním, si musíme uvedomiť ako sa v tomto ťažkom období zachovali naši rodáci. V podstate však existovali dve skupiny. Prvá čo chcela nejako prežiť toto obdobie a ostala pasívna. Druhá časť sa aktívne zapojila do povstania.
-Nejaké percento ľudí samozrejme stálo pri vtedajšom režime – hlavne tých čo profitovali v časoch Slovenského štátu. Nemci (spolu s časťou slovenských Nemcov) si museli vystačiť sami a ich podpora bola vo všeobecnosti zanedbateľná. Ľudia nielen bojovali, ale i kopali zákopy, pracovali v „zbrojárskom“ priemysle povstalcov, opravovali letiská po bombardovaní, starali sa o zásobovanie atď. Nedá sa určite hovoriť o nejakej občianskej vojne. Bola to vojna povstalcov s Nemcami a Tiso so svojou vládou boli v tomto zápase len bezmocnými trápnymi figúrkami.
-Väčšina pronemeckých režimov sa s postupným oslabovaním Nemecka a príchodom frontu ku svojim krajinám snažili o prechod na druhú stranu, ale režim Slovenského štátu bol totálne neschopný reálne ohodnotiť meniacu sa situáciu. Určite k tomu prispelo i vedomie vlastných zločinov (hlavne voči Židom a Rómom), ktoré zabetónovalo Dr. Tisa a jeho vládu v tomto beznádejnom postavení.
-Často sa dnes vyslovujú teórie na tému možného obsadenia „neposlušného“ Slovenska v časoch Slovenského štátu ako o neustálej hrozbe. Slúži to na ospravedlnenie deportácií a spolupráci Slovenska s Nemeckom. Treba si uvedomiť, že Hitler mal počas celej vojny neustále málo divízií na riešenie svojich akútnych potrieb. Samozrejme, že robil svaly na všetky strany, ale jeho možnosti boli dosť obmedzené. A pre trochu skúseného politika nemalo byť problém tento jeho „trik“ odhaliť.
-Ťažko je už dnes zistiť, čo čakali predstavitelia Slovenského štátu od takej slepej spolupráce s Nemeckom. Hitler sa vôbec netajil osudom slovanských národov a bezpochyby by po víťaznej vojne pracoval na likvidácii Slovanov ako takých a tam by už Tiso nemal pre Nemcov žiadnu hodnotu.
-===1945 On===
-After [[World War II]], Czechoslovakia was reassembled and came under the influence of the [[Soviet Union]] and its [[Warsaw Pact]] from 1945 onward. In 1969, the state became a federation of the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic.
-The end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989, during the peaceful Velvet Revolution, was followed once again by the country's dissolution, this time into two successor states. Slovakia and the [[Czech Republic]] went their separate ways after January 1, 1993, an event sometimes called the Velvet Divorce, but Slovakia has remained close partners with the Czech Republic, as well as with other Central European countries within the Visegrad Group. Slovakia became a member of the [[European Union]] in May 2004.
-==Geography==
-[[Image:Slovakia_topo.jpg|220px|thumb|Relief]]
-The Slovak landscape is noted primarily for its mountainous nature, with the Carpathian Mountains extending across most of the northern half of the country. Amongst them are the high peaks of the Tatra mountains, where the High Tatras are a popular skiing destination and home to many scenic lakes and valleys as well as the highest point in Slovakia, the Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 metres (8,711&nbsp;ft). Major Slovak rivers, besides the [[Danube]], are the Váh and the Hron.
-The Slovak climate is temperate climate, with relatively warm summers and cold, cloudy and humid winters.
-==Demographics==
-[[Image:Bratislava View From Petrzalka Old City Part.jpg|250px|thumb|Bratislava Old Town]]
-The majority of the inhabitants of Slovakia are ethnic [[Slovakia|Slovaks]] (86%). [[Hungary|Hungarians]] are the largest ethnic minority (9.7%) and are concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Several municipalities, such as Dunajská Streda, Komárno, Šahy, and Želiezovce, are majority Hungarian. Other ethnic groups include [[Roma (people)|Roma]], [[Czech Republic|Czechs]], Ruthenians, [[Ukraine|Ukrainians]] and [[Germany|Germans]]. The percentage of Roma is 1.7% according to the last census (that is based on their own definition of the Roma), but around 5.6% based on interviews with municipality representatives and mayors (that is based on the definition of the remaining population). Note however that in the case of the 5.6%, the above percentages of Hungarians and Slovaks are lower by 4 %age points in sum.
-The Slovak constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of Slovak citizens (68.9 %) identify themselves with the [[Roman Catholicism]] (although church attendance is lower); the second-largest group are people without confession (13%). About 6.93% belong to [[Lutheranism]] and 4.1% are [[Greek Catholicism]], [[Calvinism]] has 2.0%, other and non-registered churches 1.1% i.e., other Eastern Catholic and some 0.9% are [[Eastern Orthodox]]. It is estimated that there are about 5,000 [[Islam|Muslims]] in Slovakia. About 2,300 [[Jew]]s remain of the large estimated pre-WWII population of 120,000. The official state language is [[Slovak language|Slovak]], a member of the Slavic languages, but [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]] is also widely spoken in the south of the country and enjoys a co-official status in some (southern) regions of Slovakia.
-In 2004 Slovakia had a fertility rate of 1.25 (i.e., the average woman will have 1.25 children in her lifetime), which is one of the lowest numbers among EU countries. The fertility rate is currently increasing again.
 ==Politics==
+Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a multi-party system. The head of state is the president, elected in a direct popular vote for a five-year term. Executive power is concentrated in the hands of the prime minister, who is most frequently the leader of the winning party and has to form a majority coalition in the parliament. The prime minister is appointed by the president. The remainder of the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.
-[[Image:Bojnice_Castle.JPG|250px|thumb|Bojnice Castle, the only one of its design in Central Europe.]]
+The highest legislative body is the 150-seat unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic (''Národná rada Slovenskej republiky''). Delegates are elected for a four-year term on the basis of a proportional representation. The Constitutional Court (''Ústavný súd'') is the highest judicial body; its 13 members are appointed by the president.
-Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a multi-party system. The last parliamentary elections were held on June 17, 2006 and two rounds of presidential elections took place on April 3, 2004 and April 17, 2004.
-The Slovak head of state is the president (Ivan Gašparovič, 2004 - 2009), elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term. Most executive power lies with the head of government, the prime minister Róbert Fico, 2006 - 2010), who is usually the leader of the winning party, but he/she needs to form a majority coalition in the parliament. The prime minister is appointed by the president. The remainder of the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.
-Slovakia's highest legislative body is the 150-seat unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic (''Národná rada Slovenskej republiky''). Delegates are elected for a four-year term on the basis of proportional representation. Slovakia's highest judicial body is the Constitutional Court (''Ústavný súd''), which rules on constitutional issues. The 13 members of this court are appointed by the president from a slate of candidates nominated by parliament.
-Slovakia is a member state of the [[European Union]] since May 1, 2004 and of [[NATO]] since March 29, 2004. As a member of the [[United Nations]] (since 1993), Slovakia was, on October 10, 2005, for the first time elected to a two-year term on the [[UN Security Council]] (for 2006-2007). Slovakia is also a member of WTO, OECD, OSCE, and other international organizations.
+Slovakia joined the [[European Union]] on May 1, 2004, and [[NATO]] on March 29, 2004. As a member of the [[United Nations]] since 1993, it was elected for the first time to a two-year term on the [[United Nations Security Council]] on October 10, 2005.
 ==Administrative divisions==
-As for administrative division, Slovakia is subdivided into 8 ''kraje'' (singular - ''kraj'', usually translated as regions, but actually meaning rather county), each of which is named after its principal city. Regions enjoy a certain degree of autonomy since 2002. Their self-governing bodies are referred to as Self-governing (or autonomous) Regions (sg. ''samosprávny kraj'', pl. ''samosprávne kraje'') or Upper-Tier Territorial Units (sg. ''vyšší územný celok'', pl. ''vyššie územné celky'', abbr. VÚC).
+Slovakia is subdivided into eight regions/countries (''kraje'') named after their respective principal cities. The regions enjoy a degree of autonomy.
 [[Image:Slovakiakrajenumbers.png|right|350px]]
-# Bratislava Region (''Bratislavský kraj'') (capital [[Bratislava]])
+# Bratislava Region ''(Bratislavský kraj)'' (capital [[Bratislava]])
-# Trnava Region (''Trnavský kraj'') (capital Trnava)
+# Trnava Region ''(Trnavský kraj)'' (capital Trnava)
-# Trenčín Region (''Trenčiansky kraj'') (capital Trenčín)
+# Trenčín Region ''(Trenčiansky kraj)'' (capital Trenčín)
-# Nitra Region (''Nitriansky kraj'') (capital Nitra)
+# Nitra Region ''(Nitriansky kraj)'' (capital Nitra)
-# Žilina Region (''Žilinský kraj'') (capital Žilina)
+# Žilina Region ''(Žilinský kraj)'' (capital Žilina)
-# Banská Bystrica Region (''Banskobystrický kraj'') (capital Banská Bystrica)
+# Banská Bystrica Region ''(Banskobystrický kraj)'' (capital Banská Bystrica)
-# Prešov Region (''Prešovský kraj'') (capital Prešov)
+# Prešov Region ''(Prešovský kraj)'' (capital Prešov)
-# Košice Region (''Košický kraj'') (capital Košice)
+# Košice Region ''(Košický kraj)'' (capital Košice)
 (the word ''kraj'' can be replaced by ''samosprávny kraj'' or by ''VÚC'' in each case)
-The "kraje" are subdivided into many ''okresy'' (sg. ''okres'', usually translated as districts). Slovakia currently has 79 districts.
+The regions are further subdivided into 79 districts (''okresy'').
-In terms of [[economics]] and unemployment rate, the western regions are richer than eastern regions; the relative difference is not bigger however than in most EU countries having regional differences.
+In terms of economy and unemployment rate, the western regions fare better than the eastern regions.
 ==Economy==
+Slovakia has transitioned from the centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. Major privatizations are completed, the banking sector is almost completely in private hands, and foreign investment has risen. It now has a developed, high-income economy, although the country has difficulties addressing regional imbalances in wealth and employment. The country adopted the [[Euro]] currency in 2009.
-Slovakia has mastered much of the difficult transition from a centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. The Slovak government made progress in 2001 in macroeconomic stabilization and structural reform. Major privatizations are nearly complete, the banking sector is almost completely in foreign hands, and foreign investment has picked up. Slovakia's economy exceeded expectations in the early 2000s, despite recession in key export markets.
+The Slovak government encourages foreign investment, since it is one of the driving forces of the economy. Slovakia is an attractive country for foreign investors mainly because of its low wages, low tax rates, well educated labor force, favorable geographic location in the heart of Central Europe, strong political stability, and good international relations reinforced by the country's accession to the European Union. Some regions, mostly at the east of Slovakia have failed to attract major investment, which has aggravated regional disparities in many economic and social areas.
-Solid domestic demand boosted economic growth to 4.1% in 2002. Strong export growth, in turn, pushed economic growth to a still-strong 4.2% in 2003 and 5.4% in 2004, despite a downturn in household consumption. Multiple reasons entailed a GDP growth of 6% in 2005, the 4th highest rate in the [[European Union|EU]] (after the  three Baltic states). The GDP growth is expected to reach at least 7.7% in 2006 (the year-to-year growth  amounted to unexpected 9.8% in the 3th quarter, which helped to increase the overall year economy growth expectation to 7.7%), and 6.5% in 2007. The 9.8% growth came as a surprise to local analysts (6 % were expected), given that the big foreign investor Kia is going to launch its production only in late 2006.
-Unemployment, rising from 14.9 % at the end of 1998 to 19.2% at the end of 2001 (seasonally adjusted harmonised rate) during the radical reforms introduced by the Slovak government since 1999, decreased again to some 12% (autumn 2006), but still remains among the highest ones in the EU.
-[[Inflation]] dropped from an average annual rate of 12.0% in 2000 to just 3.3% in the election year 2002, but it rose again in 2003-2004 because of increases in taxes and regulated prices. It reached 3.7 % in 2005.
-Slovakia plans to adopt the [[Euro]] currency on 1 January 2009 and has already entered the European Exchange Rate Mechanism for this purpose Slovak euro coins).
-Slovakia is among the most attractive countries in the EU for foreign investors mainly because of its low labour costs (a 2005 survey by the prominent consultant firm Deloitte shows that Slovakia has the lowest labour costs in the European Union) and low tax rates. This issue has sparked criticism from some other EU countries, which accuse Slovak government of social and tax dumping. In recent years, Slovakia has been pursuing a policy of encouraging foreign investment. However, that has not shown any benefits so far in innovation capabilities within the country.
-Despite a sufficient number of researchers and a solid secondary educational system, Slovakia (as well as some other post-communist countries) still faces many challenges in the field of modern knowledge economy. Within the EU, Slovakia ranks next to last on knowledge creation and last for innovation and entrepreneurship. The business and public Research and development expenditures are deeply below EU average. World Bank urges Slovakia to upgrade information infrastructure and reform education system, OECD states that a stronger product market competition would help.
-==Tourism==
-Because it is in Central Europe and has been inhabited for a relatively long time, Slovakia features interesting natural landscapes, mountains, deep caves, medieval castles and cities, folk architecture and ski resorts. [[Image:STRBSKE PLESO.jpg|thumb|500px|left|[[High Tatras]]]]
-==Further reading==
-* Kirschbaum, Stanislav J, ''A history of Slovakia : the struggle for survival'', New York, St. Martin's Press, 1995, ISBN 0312104030 - ISBN 9780312104030 OCLC 30783512
-* Axworthy, Mark, ''Axis Slovakia : Hitler's Slavic wedge, 1938-1945'', Bayside, N.Y., Axis Europa Books, 2002, ISBN 1891227416 OCLC 51251521
-* Jacobs, Michael, ''Czech & Slovak Republics'', London, A.&C. Black, 1999, ISBN 071364429X -ISBN 9780713644296 - ISBN 0393319326 - ISBN 9780393319323 OCLC 41469127
-* Horn, Alfred, ''Czech & Slovak republics'', Hong Kong, APA Publications; Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1993, ISBN 0395659876 -  ISBN 9780395659878 OCLC 28178634
-* Wilson, Neil; Nebeský, Richard, ''Czech & Slovak republics'', Oakland, CA, Lonely Planet, 2001, ISBN 1864502126 - ISBN 9781864502121 OCLC 46613911
-* Junas, Lil, ''My Slovakia : an American's view'' Martin, Slovakia, Vydavatelśtvo Matice slovenskej, 2001, ISBN 8070906227 OCLC 52032147
-* Humphreys, Rob; Adamczak, Slawomir, ''The rough guide to the Czech and Slovak Republics'', New York, Rough Guides, 2006, ISBN 1843535254 - ISBN 9781843535256 OCLC 63916632
-* Drobná, Ol̕ga; Drobný, Eduard; Gocnikova, Magdalena, ''Slovakia, the heart of Europe'', IL, USA; Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, Bratislava; Perfekt, 1996, ISBN 0865163197 OCLC 34933760
-* Bartl, Július, ''Slovak History: Chronology & Lexicon'', Wauconda, IL, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2002, ISBN 0865164444 - ISBN 8008004002 OCLC 43607496
-* Lazišt̕an, Eugen; Mikovič, Fedor; Kučma, Ivan, ''Slovakia: A Photographic Odyssey'', Wauconda, IL, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2001, ISBN 0865165173 OCLC 45827909
-* Schuster, Rudolf; Stolarik, M Mark, ''The Slovak Republic: A Decade of Independence, 1993-2002'', Wauconda, Ill, Bolchazy-Carducci, 2003, ISBN 0865165688 - ISBN 9780865165687 OCLC 53099019
-* Goldman, Minton F, ''Slovakia Since Independence : A Struggle for Democracy'', Westport, Conn., Praeger, 1999, ISBN 0275961893 - ISBN 9780275961893 OCLC 38885236
-* Downs, Jim, ''World War II: OSS Tragedy in Slovakia'', Oceanside, Californa, Liefrinck, 2002, ISBN 0971748209 - ISBN 9780971748200 OCLC 55487996
+==Notes==
+<references/>
+==References==
+* Axworthy, Mark. ''Axis Slovakia: Hitler's Slavic Wedge, 1938-1945''. Bayside, NY: Axis Europa Books, 2002. ISBN 1891227416
+* Bartl, Július. ''Slovak History: Chronology and Lexicon''. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2002. ISBN 0865164444
+* Downs, Jim, ''World War II: OSS Tragedy in Slovakia''. Oceanside, CA: Liefrinck, 2002. ISBN 0971748209
+* Drobná, Ol̕ga, Eduard Drobný and Magdalena Gocnikova. ''Slovakia: The Heart of Europe''. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers. ISBN 0865163197
+* Goldman, Minton F. ''Slovakia Since Independence: A Struggle for Democracy''. Westport, CT: Praeger, 1999. ISBN 0275961893
+* Horn, Alfred. ''Czech & Slovak Republics''. Hong Kong: APA Publications; Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1993. ISBN 0395659876
+* Humphreys, Rob, and Slawomir Adamczak. ''The Rough Guide to the Czech and Slovak Republics''. New York: Rough Guides, 2006. ISBN 1843535254
+* Jacobs, Michael. ''Czech & Slovak Republics''. London: A & C Black, 1999. ISBN 071364429X
+* Junas, Lil. ''My Slovakia: An American's View''. Matice Slovenskej, 2001. ISBN 8070906227
+* Kirschbaum, Stanislav J. ''A History of Slovakia: The Struggle for Survival''. New York, St. Martin's Press, 1995. ISBN 0312104030
+* Lazišt̕an, Eugen, Fedor Mikovič, and Ivan Kučma. ''Slovakia: A Photographic Odyssey''. Wauconda, IL, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2001. ISBN 0865165173
+* Schuster, Rudolf, and M. Mark Stolarik. ''The Slovak Republic: A Decade of Independence, 1993-2002''. Wauconda, IL: Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2003. ISBN 0865165688
+* Wilson, Neil, and Richard Nebeský. ''Czech & Slovak Republics''. Oakland, CA: Lonely Planet, 2001. ISBN 1864502126
 ==External links==
-{{sisterlinks|Slovakia}}
+All links retrieved January 30, 2023.
-{{portal|Slovakia|Flag of Slovakia.svg}}
-* [http://www.government.gov.sk/english Information], ''The Slovak Republic Government Office'', Accessed February 5, 2007
-* [http://www.nrsr.sk/default.aspx?lang=en National Council of the Slovak Republic], ''National Council of the Slovak Republic'', Accessed February 5, 2007
-* [http://www.prezident.sk Slovak president official website], ''Prezidenta Slovenskej republicky'', Accessed February 5, 2007
-* [http://www.slovakia.org Slovakia.org], ''The Guide to the Slovak Republic'', Accessed February 5, 2007
-* [https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/lo.html Slovakia], ''The World FactBook'', Accessed February 5, 2007
-* [http://www.bratislava.sk Capital city of Slovakia], ''Bratislava'', Accessed February 5, 2007
-* [http://www.statistics.sk/webdata/english/index2_a.htm Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic], ''Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic'', Accessed February 5, 2007
-* [http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&t=k&ll=48.821333,19.654541&spn=5.367856,11.623535&t=h Google satellite map of Slovakia]
-* [http://www.slovakspectator.com The Slovak Spectator]
-* [http://www.slovensko.com Guide to Slovakia]
-* [http://www.discoverslovakia.info/en-index.php Discover the beauties of Slovakia]
-* [http://www.slovakiatourism.sk/ Slovakia Tourism from The Slovak Tourist Board]
-* [http://www.slovakia.com Picture Gallery of Slovakia]
-* [http://www.iloveslovakia.com/ Picture gallery of Slovakia]
-* [http://www.yesterdays.sk/hladanie.php?q=slovensko Vintage photogallery]
-* Krejčí, Oskar: [http://book.publica.cz/ "Geopolitics of the Central European Region. The view from Prague and Bratislava"] Bratislava: Veda, 2005. 494 p. (Free download)
-Velkomoravská říše byla rovnocenným partnerem východofrancké říši.
-http://www.valka.cz/newdesign/v900/clanek_10462.html
-http://www.maturita.cz/referaty/referat.asp?id=7127
-http://www.maturita.cz/referaty/referat.asp?id=1860
-http://www.maturita.cz/referaty/referat.asp?id=654
-http://www.maturita.cz/referaty/referat.asp?id=3442
-Dušan Mihálik http://www.prave-spektrum.sk/article.php?529
+* [http://www.nrsr.sk/default.aspx?lang=en National Council of the Slovak Republic]
+* [http://www.prezident.sk Slovak Presidential Office]
+* [http://www.slovakia.org Slovakia.org: Guide to the Slovak Republic]
+* [http://www.discoverslovakia.info/en-index.php Discover Slovakia]
+* [https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/slovakia-visa/ Slovakia Visa Application Requirements]
+* [https://tripedia.info/location/europe/slovakia/ Slovakia Travel Guide]
 {{Countries of Europe}}
 {{EU members}}
-{{Visegrád Group}}
 {{NATO}}
-{{UN Security Council}}
-{{La Francophonie}}
-{{Slavic-speaking}}
+{{credit|104736234}}
-<!--Categories—>
+[[Category:Europe]]
-[[Category:Nations and places]]
+[[Category:Geography]]
-[[Category:European cities]]
+[[Category:Countries]]
-{{credit|104736234}}