Slovakia

Introduction to Slovakia

Slovakia (Slovak: Slovensko) is a landlocked republic in Central Europe. It borders the Czech Republic in the northwest, Poland in the north, Ukraine in the east, Hungary in the south, and Austria in the southwest.

Slovakia joined NATO on March 29, 2004 and the EU on May 1, 2004. There were Presidential elections in Slovakia on April 3, 2004 and April 17, 2004.

The Slovak head of state is the president, elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term. Most executive power lies with the head of government, the prime minister, who is usually the leader of the major party or a majority coalition in parliament and appointed by the president. The remainder of the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Slovakia's highest legislative body is the 150-seat unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic (Národná rada Slovenskej republiky). Delegates are elected for four-year terms on the basis of proportional representation. Slovakia highest judicial body is the Constitutional Court (Ústavný súd), which rules on constitutional issues. The 13 members of this court are appointed by the president from a slate of candidates nominated by parliament.

As a member of the United Nations since 1993, Slovakia was, on October 10, 2005, for the first time elected to a two-year term on the UN Security Council for 2006-2007.

The Slovak landscape is noted primarily for its mountainous nature, with the Carpathian Mountains extending across most of the northern half of the country. Amongst them are the high peaks of the Tatra mountains, which are a popular skiing destination and home to many scenic lakes and valleys as well as the highest point in Slovakia, the Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 m. Lowlands are found in the southwestern (along the Danube) and southeastern parts of Slovakia. Major Slovak rivers, besides the Danube, are the Váh and the Hron.

The Slovak climate is temperate, with relatively cool summers and cold, cloudy and humid winters.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Slovakia

The crime rate is high. Petty crime such as mugging, pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, especially in crowded areas such as shopping centres, public transportation, hotels and major tourist attractions, including Bratislava's Old Town area. Foreigners are often targeted. Remain vigilant, especially in the presence of street children, ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure, and avoid signs of affluence. Exercise extra caution on trains, especially when travelling overnight. Avoid public parks in city centres and railway stations after dark. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Travellers have been drugged and subsequently robbed. Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask to see foreign currency and passports. If approached, decline to hand over personal belongings. Offer instead to go to the nearest police station or seek assistance from a local contact. Dial 158 for the police and 155 for emergency care.