All About Slovakia
By: Morgan Filips
Basics
The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava. The Flag of Slovakia consists of the Slovak tricolor and coat of arms (top to bottom-three equal horizontal stripes of white, blue, and red).
Geography
Slovakia is on continent Europe with Asia surrounding it. The major landforms are Ore Mountains, Carpathian Mountains, and Danube River. Bratislava Castle, Devin Castle, Primate`s Palace, and Michael`s gate are some major landmarks of Slovakia. Slovak rivers such as Nitra, Orava, Little Danube, Hron, Hornad, Slana, Bodrog, Latorica, Ondava, and, Slovakian longest river: Vah River are the major bodies of water. The environment effects the citizens lives with land erosion.
Government
The type of government that this country has is republic, with parliamentary democracy. Slovak leader is Andrej Kiska, who was chosen by direct elections. The responsibilities of the citizens is to obey the law though in justice.
Economy
Slovakia is a rich and growing nation, with a kind of money they call "Euro". Their main imports are crude oil, natural gas, machinery, transportation equipment, electrical equipment, base metals, chemicals, and minerals. Slovakia`s life expectancy is 72.4 male and 80.0 female, with the total of 76.3. The birth rate is 10.10 (per 1000 people) and the literacy rate is 99.6%, with a rank of 21 out of 194.
Culture
What people wear in Slovakia are clothes known as "Kroj", women wear shirts and blouses and men wear special shirts with a leather belt. The major language spoken in Slovakia is Slovak. The major holidays are All Saints Day, Struggle For Freedom, Democracy Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Roman Catholics is the main religion of Slovakia. The most popular food is pork, potatoes, dumplings, thick sauces and cheeses, cabbage and sauerkraut.
Climate
The climate can get to -20*c in mountain areas and 33*c in the flat plains. The yearly rainfall is 743 mm per year. Average temperature is 6*c. Climate changes can effect fresh water resources from river runoffs on land and mountains.
History
During World War II, Slovakia was under heavy German influence and protection in the 1930s. They revolted against communist governments that has led to Slovak independence today. Also, Slovak Republic was established on January 1, 1993 where Czechoslovakia was split in two countries: Czech Republic and Slovakia. This has brought a market-driven economy that is one of the best emerging markets in Europe today.
Slovakia Compared To United States
Slovakia`s religion is Roman Catholics when United States only has about 23 percent. Slovakia's government is republic when United States government is federal republic. Unemployment rates differ in that United States is about 7.3% while Slovakia higher at 14.4%. Similarities are literacy rates for both countries are at 99% and both have presidents as leaders of republic countries.