General Information about Slovakia:
State administration
The Slovak Republic was founded on 1st January 1993 as a democratic state with the parliamentary form of government. The President of the Republic is elected directly from among the citizens and remains in office for 5 years. The National Assembly (the Parliament) is the legislative power; its 150 members are elected for a 4 year term. The supreme body of the executive power is the government with the Chairman at its head.
Area
49.035 km2
Location
Slovakia lies in Central Europe. Central and northern Slovakia is a mountainous region. The southern and eastern Slovakia is a lowland region, being an important agricultural area of the country.
Time Zone
1 hr ahead of GMT
Borders
Ukraine 95.8 km, Poland 508.2 km, Austria 115.3 km, Hungary 630.9 km, Czech Republic 261.3 km.
Climate
Slovakia has a moderate climate, with cold and severe winters, and with moderate and rainy summers. The lowest annual temperatures can be found in the mountains (Lomnicky Stit -3,7°C). The warmest zone is the Podunajska Nizina (the Danube Lowland) 10.3°C. .
Population
The Slovak Republic has 5.426.352 inhabitants (2023)
The capital city
Bratislava 475 503 inhabitants (2022)
Practical Information about Slovakia:
Visa Requirements/ Information for Foreigners
For citizens of the European Union a valid personal ID is sufficient.
Information about Shengen Visa:
https://www.mzv.sk/en/web/en/visa-and-services/schengen-visa
Insurance
Other than the usual travel insurance, it is necessary to obtain a mountain search and rescue insurance when mountain hiking is involved.
Important telephone numbers
SOS, emergency calls, Ambulance/Rescue 112
Police, Fire/Rescue 112
Currency
EURO (from 1/1/2009)
Electricity
230 V/50 Hz, standard socket with a safety pin
Language
Official language is Slovak. The most often spoken foreign languages are English and German. Less frequently used languages are French, Spanish, Italian and Russian. In the South of Slovakia, Hungarian is the preferred language. Basic Slovak phrases can be found in the short vocabulary.
Traffic regulations
All traffic signs comply with European standards.
The drink/drive limit in Slovakia is 0. This also applies to drug taking. Strict laws apply when drivers are found under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Seatbelts are compulsory at all times and for all car occupants whilst the vehicle is in motion.
Persons shorter than 150 cm must be seated in special safety seats. It is against the law to transport animals and children under the age of 12 in the front seats.
As of 1st February 2009, drivers of motor vehicles must use dipped headlights at all times.
It is against the law to use mobile phones and anti-radar devices whilst driving.
Speed limits
towns/villages – 50 km/h (unless a relevant road sign advises the driver otherwise)
outside towns/villages – 90 km/h (unless a relevant road sign advises the driver otherwise)
motorways – max. 130 km/h
the bus driver is allowed to drive at a maximum speed of 100 km/h on the motorway.
Town destinations
Bratislava – Wien 60 km
Bratislava – Prague 350 km
Bratislava – Budapest 200 km
Bratislava – Žilina 210 km
Bratislava – Košice 460 km
Bratislava – B.Bystrica 213 km
