Description

This country that was once part of Czechoslovakia, is landlocked and is now bordered by the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary and the Ukraine. 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 these mountain ranges are the high peaks of the Tatra Mountains. To the north, close to the Polish border, are the High Tatras which are a popular skiing destination and home to many scenic lakes and valleys. The Slovak climate lies between the temperate and continental climatic zones, with relatively warm summers and cold, cloudy and humid winters.
Slovakia was officially accepted into the European Union in 2004, and hopes to convert its Koruna to the Euro in the upcoming years. Slovakia is also a member of NATO and of the United Nations as well as other international organizations such as the World Trade Organization, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The cuisine is influenced by the various neighbors around the country.

The development of Slovak culture reflects the country's rich folk tradition, in addition to the influence of broader European trends. The impact of centuries of cultural repression and control by foreign governments is also evident in much of Slovakia's art, literature, and music. There are 12 state scientific libraries in Slovakia, 473 libraries affiliated with universities and institutions of higher learning, and 2600 public libraries. Slovakia is also home to more than 50 museums.

Other cultural features of Slovakia include the mountainous landscape accompanied by rivers, making Slovakia an ideal place for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. It also offers mineral springs and numerous spas throughout the country. Slovakia has numerous medieval castles as well, such as the Bratislava Castle which is widely known.

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