Slovakia is a power that is located in the center of Europe. The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava. The population of the capital is about 470 thousand people. The country is not washed by the seas, and its neighbors are Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Austria. The area of the state is 49,000 km 2 , and the length of the borders is 1,524 km.
A brief history of the state
The history of Slovakia (the population even then lived on these lands) began in the early Paleolithic era, it is distinguished by almost constant wars. In the VI century AD e. these lands were captured by the Roman legions, but after the fall of the empire, Goths and German communities came to their place. And only closer to the beginning of the 9th century the Slavic tribes settled the country, which formed the Principality of Nitran and joined Hungary.
In the XI-XIV centuries, Slovakia was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. In 1526, when the Kingdom of Hungary was overthrown by the Ottoman Empire, Slovakia joined the Roman Empire. Until 1918, it was part of Austria-Hungary. And only in 1938, Slovakia became an independent republic, but was under German control. The Communists came to power after the Second World War. In 1998, the Communist Party was overthrown.
Independent Slovakia
In July 1992, the Slovak National Council adopted the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Slovak Republic. On September 1, 1992, the first Constitution was adopted. The federal Czechoslovak state ceased to exist on December 31, 1992.
Mikhail Kovacs is the first president of Slovakia. He began his reign in February 1993. On March 29, 2004, Slovakia joined NATO. May 1, 2004 the country became part of the European Union. December 21, 2007 joined the Schengen zone, and January 1, 2009 - to the eurozone.
The head of the state is the president, who has held his high post for 5 years. The population of Slovakia by voting selects the president. The party or coalition leader is the prime minister. According to the recommendations of the Prime Minister, the main part of the cabinet is elected with a term of office of 4 years. The president has the right to dissolve the council after three times of disapproval of a government policy statement.
Slovakia geography, nature, climate
The population of this country possesses vast natural resources. Most of the country is mountain peaks. The Western Carpathians are located in the north and northeast, and the High and Low Tatras are located on the border with Poland. Gerlachowski-Shtit is the highest point in the country (2 655 meters).
In the south-west of the country, the Danube River flows. Other small mountain streams flow into this river. In the east, the Carpathian rivers flow, which belong to the Tisza basin: Toris, Laborets, Ondava. The largest rivers from the tributaries of the Danube are the Gron, Vag, Nitra.
The climate of the country is temperate continental. If winter in Slovakia is dry and cold, in summer it is warm and humid. In January, the temperature in the capital of the state is approximately -1 degree, and in July +21 - +24 degrees. In the highlands, winter and summer are colder.
40% of the state occupies forests. If the southern slopes of the mountains are covered with mixed and deciduous forests, then coniferous forests grow on the northern ones. The following trees are most common in Slovakia: beech (about 31% of forests), spruce (29%), oaks (10%), fir (9%).
In the mountains are alpine meadows. There are a lot of diverse animals in the forests: deer, bears, lynxes, weasels, squirrels, foxes. This is a country with unusually clean air, healing springs and ice caves.
Religion and official languages
Slovak is the official language of the people of Slovakia (native to 78.6% of the population). It belongs to the group of Slavic languages, very similar to Russian and Ukrainian. Most of the population of Slovakia speaks not only the official language, but also Czech, German, Hungarian (about 9.4%), Gypsy (2.3%) and English.
A large part of the population is believers. The state recognizes freedom of religion. Considering the total population of Slovakia, 60% of believers are Catholics, 0.7% are Orthodox, and the rest are communities of other religions. About 10% of the inhabitants consider themselves atheists. There are 13 churches, 28 male and female orders, as well as a religious community of Jews in the state.
Traditions and customs of the state
Despite the fact that the Slovak people have been controlled by Hungary for more than nine centuries, the inhabitants of the country have not forgotten their culture, customs and native language. This is a significant pride of the nation. Today, residents of the state really do not like when their native language is called phonetically similar to other European or Slavic languages.
All holidays and customs, one way or another, are associated with nature. It was with her for a long time that the people of Slovakia themselves were united, previously living mainly in villages, engaged in agriculture and, in general, leading a quiet life. Ancient traditions are remembered and honored today, treating the past with respect and special trepidation. Slovaks firmly believe that without the past there can be no future.
Almost every village has its own unique customs. Most of the population celebrates the following holidays:
- the feast of the Three Kings is celebrated at the end of Christmas week (Carols);
- Feast of the Presentation of Morena, which symbolizes the end of winter (like the Russian Shrovetide);
- the holiday of Lucia falls on December (according to a long tradition, during the celebration of the girl they are divining the future bridegroom);
- “Maypole” - this tradition has been preserved since ancient times (according to legend, it is necessary to plant a tree in front of the window of your girlfriend).
Population and ethnic composition
The population of Slovakia is 86% Slovaks. Another 10% are Hungarians, and 4% are Gypsies, Poles, Germans, Ukrainians and representatives of other nationalities. At the end of 2016, the population was 5.5 million people (over the year the number of citizens increased by three thousand). The average density is 110 people. on 1 km 2 . In general, the demography of Slovakia for 2016 is represented by such indicators:
- 56,998 people were born;
- 53,361 people died;
- the birth rate exceeds the death rate by 3 637 people;
- 217 people amounted to migration growth;
- in Slovakia, 2 641 551 men and 2 790 714 women.
Slovakia, the total population of which as of December 2017, according to analysts, will be 5,436,122 people, will increase by 3,857 people. The excess of fertility over mortality will be 3,640. About 57 thousand people will be born during the whole year (approximately 156 children per day). The natural growth is positive, the number of citizens is increasing, albeit at a very slow pace.
Migration growth will average 1 person per day. This means that a significant influx of migrants who will occupy jobs of Slovak citizens is not expected.
Economic features of the state
Power for a long time was a part of different states. Demography, economics, and the population of Slovakia have long been part of something larger (Czechoslovakia or Austria-Hungary). And only at the dawn of an independent state the economy began to develop.
The basis of the economy today is engineering and industry. More than 50% of the products are exported. Since the country's economy was built on openness and transparency, Slovakia acquired the enterprises of many world industry giants. Factories of the Korean manufacturer KIA motor, German - Volkswagen and the French concern Peugeot were created on the territory of the country. About half a million cars are produced per year. In the production of cars, Slovakia is one of the first places in the world.
The country of Slovakia itself (geography, population, language) is so colorful and colorful that it cannot but attract tourists. Mountains, lakes, rivers and forests are the main attractions. Therefore, tourism is not the last place in the state economy. Every year, two million tourists visit the country.
In recent years, employment in Slovakia has grown significantly. A good breakthrough is observed in the labor market. In 2017, the country's unemployment rate decreased to a coefficient of 9%. Grew up by 3% and the level of wages of the population.
Literacy of citizens of the state
The population of Slovakia is competent. According to analysts, about 4.6 million people over fifteen can write and read (99.62%). About 17,441 people remain illiterate.
The male literacy rate is 99.59%, where 8,929 people remain illiterate. The female literacy rate is 99.64%, where 8,512 women cannot write and read. A similar indicator among young people (from 15 to 24 years old) is 99.37%: for boys and 99.53% for girls, respectively.
Education system
Education of citizens of the country can be divided into the following stages: primary education (from 6-7 to 14-15 years), secondary (from 14-15 to 18-20 years) and higher. Higher education institutions are divided into state, private and public. Comenius University in Bratislava, the University of Economics in Bratislava and the Technical University in Kosice are considered the best universities in the country.
The Ministry of Education is responsible for the education sector in the state. Its composition is appointed by the president of Slovakia himself. On March 23, 2016, Petr Plavchan was appointed Minister of Education.
Country Culture
The people are very proud of their distinctive and vibrant culture. Each region of the country is characterized by folk costumes and unique customs. The national culture of the state is known throughout the world for dancing, songs and music. It is Slovakia, the description of the country, the population - the main topics of folklore. Almost every summer, residents organize folklore festivals.
Today, 12 state scientific libraries have been built in the state, 473 of these institutions are associated with universities, and there are 2,600 public libraries. The university library in Bratislava was founded in 1919, contains about 2 million documents and is considered the country's most important library. In the city of Martin in 1863, the Slovak National Library was built, which contains unique materials related to the culture of this country.
About 50 museums were built in the state. In 1893, the Slovak National Museum was created in Bratislava, which houses exhibits from the fields of archeology, musicology, and Slovak history. This is the most famous museum in the country.
Folk art and music
Folk art, especially in rural areas, includes: wood carving, painting, weaving, wood construction. Folk art has developed over the centuries, as evidenced by archaeological excavations. The traditions of folk crafts are not forgotten today, as they have always been passed down from generation to generation. They are supported by the ULUV Folk Art Gallery. Since 1945, all gallery expositions are exhibited in 28 countries.
Since the 19th century, music has not been the last in the culture of the people. Slovak modern music is written based on folk and classical styles. Famous works of the XX century include the opera of Jan Kicker and the composition of A. Moises. Slovak traditional music is one of the most unusual and original in Europe. You can list such famous Slovak orchestras as the Radio Symphony Orchestra in Bratislava, the Slovak Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra in Kosice and Bratislava.