Right at the heart of Europe and with a history intertwined with that of its neighbours, Slovakia has proudly preserved its own language and distinct cultural traditions.
It was part of Czechoslovakia until the "velvet divorce" in January 1993. The subsequent independence years can be divided into several chapters.
Overview
The story in chapter one revolved around frosty relations with the European Union and Nato combined with rejection of economic reform.
Chapter two saw a complete change of direction and moves to embrace all three, culminating in EU and Nato membership in 2004.
For the first five years after independence, there was growing international criticism of the lack of respect for minority rights and the democratic process shown by the authoritarian prime minister, Vladimir Meciar.
He led a string of coalition governments, pursuing nationalist and populist policies until October 1998 when an alliance of liberals, centrists, left-wingers and ethnic Hungarians ousted him, forming a new coalition with Mikulas Dzurinda as prime minister.
Under Mr Dzurinda Slovakia forged ahead with an economic reform programme and saw a boost in foreign investment. His government also tried to improve the lot of minorities.
Slovakia's ethnic Hungarian community seeks greater educational and cultural autonomy. The country has a significant Romany population who suffer disproportionately high levels of poverty and social deprivation
The post-war Benes decrees, which called for the expulsion of 3 million ethnic Germans and 600,000 ethnic Hungarians from then-Czechoslovakia and the confiscation of their property, remain a sensitive issue in relations with neighbours.
Facts
- Full name: Slovak Republic
- Population: 5.4 million (UN, 2007)
- Capital: Bratislava
- Area: 49,033 sq km (18,932 sq miles)
- Major language: Slovak
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 79 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 koruna = 100 haliers
- Main exports: Manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment
- GNI per capita: US $11,730 (World Bank, 2007)
- Internet domain: .sk
- International dialling code: +421
Leaders
President: Ivan Gasparovic
Ivan Gasparovic defeated former Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar in the second round of the presidential elections in April 2004 on the eve of EU entry.
During his election campaign he supported EU accession but criticised the minority government's EU-oriented economic reforms.
The president appoints the prime minister. However, parliament exercises legislative power.
Prime minister: Robert Fico
The left-wing Smer Party led by Robert Fico won nearly 30% of the votes, but not enough seats to govern alone, at general elections in June 2006.
Robert Fico has put social welfare at the top of his agenda
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The president appointed Mr Fico prime minister after he reached a coalition agreement with the centre-left Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), led by Vladimir Meciar, and the right-wing Slovak National Party. The three parties together have 85 seats in the 150 seat parliament.
The new government replaced the centre-right coalition led by Mikulas Dzurinda. During his eight years as prime minister, Mr Dzurinda steered through an economic reform package which won praise from international organisations but was far less popular with the voters. He also oversaw EU and Nato entry.
Mr Fico has said that his main priority was to strengthen social welfare measures, reversing some of the policies of the previous government. Analysts are watching closely to see what impact his policies will have on the 2009 target date for euro entry.
Mr Fico approved the withdrawal of Slovakia's troops in Iraq, which numbered around 110, by the end of 2007. He had described the invasion of Iraq as "unbelieveably unjust and wrong." Slovakia also has troops in Afghanistan.
Mr Fico was 41 when he became prime minister. He is a former human rights lawyer.
The coalition came close to collapse in November 2007 over controversial land deals at an agency supervised by Mr Meciar's HZDS party.
Media
The fall of communism brought the liberation of the media and a mushrooming of new publications.
Commercial TV arrived in the 1990s and transformed the broadcasting market, bringing foreign operators onto the media landscape.
Public broadcaster Slovak TV lost its dominant position, seeing its audience share shrink. Private TV Markiza claims the lion's share of the audience. Cable and satellite TV are widely watched.
The constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press. All major dailies are private and there are more than 20 private radio stations.
Draft legislation raised concerns in early 2008. The opposition said the proposals - under which outlets that condoned "socially harmful" behaviour could face fines - threatened press freedom.
TV channels from neighbouring countries, in particular the Czech Republic and Hungary, have a sizeable audience.
The press
Television
Radio
News agency
- TASR - English-language page
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Timeline: Czechoslovakia
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