The Slovaks and the Czechs had united to form Czechoslovakia. After World War II, Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-ruled Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993.
Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.
Facts and Figures
National Name
:
Slovak Republic / Slovakia / Slovensko
Size
:
48,845 sq km
Population
:
5,431, 363
Capital
:
Bratislava
Largest Cities
:
Komarno, Martin, Poprad
Main Religion
:
Roman Catholic
Monetary Unit
:
Slovak koruna
Climate
:
Temperate
Economy
Slovakia has skillfully mastered the difficult transition from a centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. The Dzurinda Government made excellent progress during 2001-04 in macroeconomic stabilization and structural reform. Major privatizations are nearly complete, the banking sector is almost completely in foreign hands, and the Government has helped facilitate a foreign investment boom with business-friendly policies, such as labor market liberalization and a 19% flat tax.
Slovakia's economic growth exceeded expectations in 2001-04, despite the general European slowdown. Unemployment, at an unacceptable 15% in 2003-04, remains the economy's Achilles heel.
Slovakia joined the EU on 1 May 2004.
Industries
Metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The telephone service is becoming increasingly accessible owing to a modernization and privatization program, which is also aiming at reducing the waiting time for new subscribers, and generally improving the quality of service.
Watch this space for updates ! 
Information 
