Slovakia — 5.5 million inhabitants, 180 castles, High Tatras. 12 facts about Central Europe's youngest country.
- Slovakia was founded on 1.01.1993 after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. The youngest country in Central Europe. Capital Bratislava lies on the Austrian border — 60 km from Vienna.
- Slovakia has 180 castles + 425 chateaus = more castles per capita than any country in the world. Spišský hrad — largest in Central Europe (UNESCO).
- High Tatras — Slovakia's highest mountains Gerlach 2655 m. Smaller range than Poland's (260 km²), but higher peaks on the Slovak side.
- Bratislava is the ONLY world capital bordering 2 countries (Austria + Hungary). The 'UFO' tower over the Danube became Slovakia's symbol.
- Slovakia produces most cars per capita in the EU Volkswagen, Stellantis (PSA), Kia, Jaguar Land Rover. 1 million cars annually, 80% for export.
- Slovakia has 7 UNESCO sites Banská Štiavnica (UNESCO 1993), Spiš Castle, Bardejov, Vlkolínec, wooden Carpathian churches.
- Slovaks use 3 alphabets Latin (official), Cyrillic (Russian-Ukrainian minority in eastern Slovakia), Greek (Eastern Rite churches).
- Wooden Carpathian churches — 8 UNESCO sites along the Polish border. Built without nails (17th-18th c.), still functioning today.
- Slovakia has 1300 caves (40 open to visitors). Demänovská Ice Cave — UNESCO, cave ice doesn't melt in summer.
- Bryndza — national sheep cheese PDO protected. Bryndzové halušky (dumplings with bryndza and bacon) — national dish.
- Slovakia is 2× smaller than Poland (49,035 km²), but has 5× more mid-mountain peaks (1000-2000 m).
- Devín Castle — symbol of Slovak independence 8 centuries on the Austrian border. Czechoslovaks held demonstrations here in the 19th c. for national consciousness.
Sources: Slovak Tourist Board, UNESCO, ŠÚSR (Statistical Office SR).