About SK
Slovakia is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. Slovakia has a total area of 49,035 square kilometers and a population of approximately 5.5 million people.
The capital and largest city of Slovakia is Bratislava. The official language is Slovak, and the currency is the Euro.
Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country has a developed economy, with a strong focus on manufacturing, services, and tourism.
Slovakia is known for its natural beauty, with the High Tatras mountain range, the Slovak Paradise National Park, and the Danube River being some of its most popular tourist destinations. The country is also famous for its traditional folk culture, which includes music, dance, and handicrafts. Additionally, Slovakia is recognized for its contribution to science and technology, with notable figures such as Ján Bahýľ, who invented the helicopter, and Štefan Banič, who invented the parachute, having been born in Slovakia.
National Culture Objects
Bryndzové Halušky
Bryndzové Halušky is a traditional Slovak dish made of potato dumplings and sheep cheese, often topped with bacon. It symbolizes Slovakia's rich culinary traditions and agricultural heritage.
Fujara
The fujara is a traditional Slovak musical instrument, a large wooden flute. It represents the country’s deep-rooted musical traditions and is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Slovak Folk Costumes
Traditional Slovak folk costumes are known for their colorful embroidery and intricate designs, symbolizing the country's cultural diversity and rich heritage.
Tatras Mountains
The Tatras Mountains, part of the Carpathian mountain range, are a significant natural landmark in Slovakia, representing the country's stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Čičmany Patterns
The unique geometric patterns from the village of Čičmany, used in architecture and folk art, symbolize Slovakia’s distinctive cultural and artistic heritage.
Slovak Crown (Koruna)
The historical Slovak crown, used before the adoption of the euro, represents Slovakia's economic history and national identity.
Kofola
Kofola is a popular Slovak soft drink, often seen as an alternative to Western cola brands. It symbolizes Slovakia's modern cultural identity and local traditions.
The Blue Church (St. Elizabeth's Church)
Located in Bratislava, the Blue Church is an iconic architectural landmark known for its distinctive blue color and Art Nouveau design, representing Slovakia's architectural and religious heritage.
The national anthem of Slovakia is called "Nad Tatrou sa blýska," which translates to "Lightning over the Tatras" in English. It was written by Janko Matúška in 1844 and became the official national anthem of Slovakia in 1993 when the country gained independence from Czechoslovakia.
The anthem is typically performed on official state occasions and public events, and it is often played at the beginning and end of radio and television broadcasts. The melody for "Nad Tatrou sa blýska" was composed by Jozef Nepomuk Štúr.
The first stanza of the anthem, which is typically sung, goes as follows:
"Nad Tatrou sa blýska,
Hromy divo bijú,
Zastavme ich, bratia,
Večnú robotu!
Rozprestierajú
Dakujem, Paneboh,
Zasvieti slnko nad krajinou,
Zdravie daj, Bože, daj!"
Translated into English, the first stanza means:
"Lightning over the Tatras,
Thunderclaps wildly resound.
Let us stop them, brothers,
Their eternal labour.
They spread out,
Thank you, God,
The sun shines over the land,
Give us health, God, give us!"
