Slovakia is a scenically diverse, landlocked country which is located in Central Europe, east of the Czech Republic and Austria, and between Poland to the north and Hungary to the south. It is a small country of less than 50,000 square kilometres, or roughly 400 kilometres from east to west and 200 kilometres from north to south. Generally considered to be a mountainous region, the bulk of the mid and northern parts of Slovakia are comprised of the Carpathian Mountains, and the rugged Tatra Mountains which contain the highest point of Gerlach Peak at 2,655 metres. The remainder of the country is a mixture of two substantial lowland areas which are located in the south-west and south-east, and the mountain foothills which are interrupted by picturesque valleys. The River Danube forms 150 kilometres of the south-western border of Slovakia and connects the capital of Bratislava with its neighbours of Vienna and Budapest. The historic city of Bratislava is the political, economic and cultural heart of the country and home to an estimated 430,000 of the country’s population of 5.4 million.
Over 40% of the country is covered in forests and woodland, with 50% used for agriculture which includes 15% for permanent pastures, but it is still possible to see some of the original steppe grasslands and enjoy the untouched beauty of the mountain regions. Slovakia is a country of history and culture, home to picturesque villages and mountain top castles, chateaus, monuments and museums, and contains great natural wonders such as the awe inspiring mountains, lakes and steep valleys of the Tatras, over 1,200 limestone caverns and countless thermal spas. Boasting nine national parks and 35 protected areas, Slovakia also contains five U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Sites, the historic town of Banska Stiavnica a completely preserved medieval village – Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve an exceptionally complete fortified medieval town – the 13th and 14th century Spissky Hrad and the town centre of Levoca – the traditional log houses of Vlkolinec, and eight unique, 16th and 18th century, wooden Slovak churches that are located in the Carpathian Mountain area. There are also two natural sites listed by U.N.E.S.C.O. which are the limestone caves of the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, and the primeval beech forest of the Carpathians.
Slovakia has a growing tourist industry with people attracted primarily for the natural beauty and outdoor activities that the spectacular High Tatra Mountains provide. The Tatras are dotted with tiny villages whose residents retain their deep peasant traditions and the mountains offer fantastic hiking and skiing opportunities. The remainder of Slovakia also provides great scenery and many attractions which make the country a great touring destination. From castle tours and folk festivals, to historic towns and villages, Slovakia welcomes all visitors to this spectacular county.
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