Slovakia

Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the west, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. Slovakia's mostly mountainous territory spans about 49,000 square kilometres (19,000 sq mi), hosting a population exceeding 5.4 million. The capital and largest city is Bratislava, while the second largest city is Košice.
slovakia

Some of the key events about Slovakia

  • 863
    The first Christian mission from Constantinople arrived in the region, introducing Christianity and the Glagolitic alphabet
  • 1918
    Slovakia became part of the newly formed Czechoslovakia after the dissolution of Austria-Hungary
  • 1939
    The first Slovak Republic was established as a client state of Nazi Germany
  • 1939
    Slovakia became a puppet state of Nazi Germany during World War II
  • 1944
    The Slovak National Uprising against Nazi occupation began, marking a significant resistance movement
  • 1944
    Nazi forces occupied Slovakia and suppressed the Slovak National Uprising
  • 1948
    Communist Party seized power, leading to four decades of communist rule
  • 1968
    The Prague Spring reforms brought a period of political liberalization to Czechoslovakia, including Slovakia
  • 1968
    Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia, crushing the Prague Spring reforms
  • 1969
    Czechoslovakia was turned into a federation, limiting Slovak autonomy
  • 1977
    Construction began on the controversial Gabčíkovo–Nagymaros Dams project, causing environmental concerns
  • 1989
    The Velvet Revolution peacefully ended communist rule in Czechoslovakia
  • 1991
    Economic reforms led to a sharp rise in unemployment and inflation
  • 1993
    Slovakia gained independence as a sovereign state following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia
  • 1998
    Slovakia was criticized for slow progress in democratic reforms and excluded from first wave of NATO expansion
  • 2004
    Slovakia joined the European Union, marking a significant step in its integration with Western Europe
  • 2006
    A controversial language law was passed, straining relations with Hungary
  • 2009
    Slovakia adopted the Euro as its official currency, joining the Eurozone
  • 2018
    The murder of an investigative journalist sparked the largest protests since the Velvet Revolution
  • 2019
    Zuzana Čaputová was elected as the first female president of Slovakia

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Slovakia Latest news

Hungary and Slovakia scramble to keep Russian gas flowing after bank sanctions

Hungary and Slovakia scramble to keep Russian gas flowing after bank sanctions

Two European countries cant pay for Russian gas after US sanctions hit Gazprombank last month. Both nations try to find quick fix as payment deadlines approach and winter sets in

Economics, Politics • December 11 2024 , 07:05 PM  •  24947 views
EU prepares new round of restrictions on Russian shadow fleet and allies

EU prepares new round of restrictions on Russian shadow fleet and allies

European Union diplomats gave green light to fresh sanctions targeting Russiaʼs war efforts. Package includes measures against third-country vessels and extends Czech Republicʼs import permissions

Economics, Politics • December 11 2024 , 04:27 PM  •  7476 views
Brazilian leader's sudden brain surgery raises questions about political future

Brazilian leader's sudden brain surgery raises questions about political future

79-year-old **Lula** needed emergency operation due to head injury complications from fall. Brazilʼs president remains in ICU under medical supervision while vice-president handles state duties

Society, Politics • December 10 2024 , 12:12 PM  •  2757 views
Why one Eastern European country's democracy took an unexpected path

Why one Eastern European country's democracy took an unexpected path

A deep-look into Hungaryʼs political shift from post-communist hope to modern-day control state. The story shows how one leader re-shaped an entire nationʼs system while keeping EU membership

Society, Politics • December 7 2024 , 01:06 AM  •  820 views
How one Central European country fooled everyone about its democracy

How one Central European country fooled everyone about its democracy

Post-communist Hungary went from democratic hope to EUʼs biggest headache in just a few decades. A mix of smart politics legal tricks and social attitudes helped create a system that looks democratic but isnt

Society, Politics • December 6 2024 , 10:18 PM  •  1007 views
Romania's election surprise could reshape eastern Europe's power balance

Romania's election surprise could reshape eastern Europe's power balance

A pro-russian candidate wins first round of Romanian presidential vote which might change regional politics. Three EU countries on Ukraineʼs border could form new political alliance with different views on current conflict

Economics, Politics • December 6 2024 , 09:17 AM  •  2424 views
Romanian election shocker: Will Black Sea region see big political changes?

Romanian election shocker: Will Black Sea region see big political changes?

A pro-russian candidate wins first round of Romanian presidential vote changing regional politics. Three EU countries near Ukraine might form an unexpected alliance that could affect military support

Economics, Politics • December 6 2024 , 09:10 AM  •  859 views
Young Ukrainians make life-changing choices as military age approaches

Young Ukrainians make life-changing choices as military age approaches

Ukrainian teenagers face tough decisions as they reach military age - stay and potentially join the army or leave the country. Many choose different paths while the nation deals with demographic shifts and military needs

Society, Politics • December 5 2024 , 09:56 AM  •  1842 views
China's premier announces big changes in trade zones at Shanghai expo

China's premier announces big changes in trade zones at Shanghai expo

At Shanghai trade expo Chinese premier shared plans to open-up more sectors for foreign business. The mega-event brings together thousands of global companies despite current market slow-down

Business, Economics • November 5 2024 , 09:24 AM  •  444 views
China readies major trade show as foreign leaders head to Shanghai

China readies major trade show as foreign leaders head to Shanghai

Shanghai prepares for its yearly import expo with six foreign leaders coming to join **Li Qiang**. Event happens as China works on trade deals with EU about electric-cars pricing

Business, Politics • November 3 2024 , 12:12 PM  •  3915 views
Ancient mystery of Hungarian countess still puzzles historians after 400 years

Ancient mystery of Hungarian countess still puzzles historians after 400 years

In western Slovakia stands a castle where **Elizabeth Báthory** once lived - a noble linked to horrific deeds. Four centuries later experts still debate what really happened in those stone walls

Society, Culture • October 30 2024 , 07:55 AM  •  830 views