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Slovakia, the former Czechoslovakia's less glamourous partner, emerged dishevelled and sleepy after the 'Velvet Revolution' of 1989. Although it's now holding its own in a rebuilding Eastern bloc, there's a refreshing absence of Prague-style glitz and clamour.
This is a land of real spirit, where folk traditions have survived the domination of foreign rulers and a plethora of castles and chateaux pay testament to untold wars and civil conflicts. And the people have come through it all with their welcoming spirit intact.
Full country name: Slovak Republic
Area: 48,845 sq km
Population: 5.43 million
Capital City: Bratislava
People: Slovak (85.7%), Hungarian (10.6%), Romany (1.6%), Czech (1%)
Language: Slovak, Hungarian, Czech, German
Religion: 60% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, 4% Orthodox
Government: parliamentary democracy
Head of State: President Ivan Gašparovič
Head of Government: Prime Minister Mikulás Dzurinda
GDP: US$67.34 billion
GDP per capita: US$12,400
Annual Growth: 6%
Inflation: 6%
Major Industries: Metal products, electricity, gas, coke, oil, rubber
products and agriculture
Major Trading Partners: EU (esp. Germany, Czech Republic, Austria,
Poland)
Member of EU: Yes