Slovakia is a small landlocked state in central Europe with a small population of 5.45 million (2019). However, the nation is renowned for its remarkable history, castles, and chateaux.
The reason for visiting Slovakia is that it is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and has a lot to offer.
It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and a brilliant place to visit. In addition, the country boasts mesmerizing nature at its national parks.
It also has a rich culture, an incredible food scene, and fantastic nightlife.
There are towns reminiscent of medieval times, beautiful nature, and a lot of historical buildings. The people are very friendly and kind, even though at first approach they seem pretty reserved.
The history of Slovakia began before Czechoslovakia was created. Hungary used to rule today’s Slovakia during the 11th century. This is why Slovaks’ ancestors are known as the inhabitants of Upper Hungary.
In the 19th century, the Slovaks created a mythologized identity and linked themselves with the 9th-century Slavic Kingdom of Great Moravia. However, since they did not have a national dynasty, patron saints, or aristocrats, they made an 18th outlaw Janosik their national hero.
After World War I ended, Slovakia materialized as a geopolitical unit within the new nation of Czechoslovakia. But, sadly, the Czechoslovak relationship was full of discord rather than harmony.
Geography
Poland borders Slovakia to the north, whereas Ukraine bounds the country to the east, Austria to the southwest, and Hungary to the south. The Czech Republic lies in the west of Slovakia.
The country’s topography is dominated by the Western Carpathian Mountains, which further comprise three regions: Outer, Central, and Inner ranges, which are distinguished by valleys and intermontane basins.
The Central Western Carpathians houses the country’s highest ranges. The High Tatra Mountains consist of Gerlachovsky Peak (8,711 feet) whereas, the Low Tatra Mountains have peaks rising to about 6,500 feet.
Besides, the country also has a varied soil type. The southwest regions have rich black chernozems. The alluvial deposits are found in the Slovakian Danube basin.
The upper southern river valleys have brown forest soils whereas, the central and northern areas have podzols.
Higher regions have stony mountain soils.
Climate
Slovakia has a continental climate due to its mountainous terrain and its position in the eastern region.
The lowest mean temperature is -4 degrees Celsius in the High Tatras, whereas the highest is 10 degrees in the Danubian lowlands.
July is the warmest month in Slovakia, with a temperature rising to 20 degrees Celsius in the Danubian lowlands. On the other hand, January has a temperature of -5 degrees Celsius in mountain basins.
In terms of precipitation, Danubian plains get more than 1,100 mm of rainfall in the windward mountain valleys.
Nature and Wildlife
Slovakia has a variety of vegetation even though agriculture and timber cutting have depleted the original forest cover.
Today, two-fifths of the country’s vicinity is forested. The major types of forests are oak-grove assemblages of the Podunajska Lowland, the spruce forests of the middle and upper slopes, and the beech forests of the Carpathian’s lower elevations.
The highest elevations of Slovakia also have taiga and tundra vegetation with timberline reaching over 5,000 feet.
Alpine grasses and lichens are found at about 7,500 feet.
Besides, animal life is also rich in Slovakia. The Tatry National Park houses wild animals like bears, lynx, wolves, marmots, chamois, wildcats, otters, minks, and martens.
The country also has game birds like pheasants, wild geese, partridges geese, ducks, storks, and raptors.
