Moving to Slovakia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

5,440,602

Population Growth Rate

0.09%

Urban Population

54.700000

Population in Major Urban Areas

BRATISLAVA (capital) 434,000

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Age Structure

15.140000

Median Age

38.400000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

10

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

9.69

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.39

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

27.3

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.3

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.070000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

.29

Ethnic Groups

Slovak 85.7%, Hungarian 10.6%, Roma 1.6% (the 1992 census figures underreport the Gypsy/Romany community, which is about 500,000), Czech, Moravian, Silesian 1.1%, Ruthenian and Ukrainian 0.6%, German 0.1%, Polish 0.1%, other 0.2% (1996)

Language Note

Slovaks speak Slovak. Hungarian is the second most commonly spoken language, especially in the south. German is widely understood, while English is the language of choice to study in school. The Slovak Republic was formed at the time of the division of the Czech Republic in 1993.

Nationality Noun

Slovak(s)

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Literacy - total population

99.6%

Literacy - male

99.7%

Literacy - female

99.6%

Literacy Definition

NA

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.2%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

12.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

76.240000

Infant Mortality Rate

6.350000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

6.350000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

6

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

3

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

6.4

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

9%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

25.4%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

99.900000

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Economic Overview

• time: 1. Economic
• Structure: Slovakia has a market-oriented economy and is part of the European Union and the Eurozone, using the euro (EUR) as its official currency. The country underwent significant economic reforms after gaining independence in 1993, transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a more open and market-oriented system. 2. GDP and
• Growth: Slovakia has experienced relatively strong economic growth, driven by foreign direct investment (FDI), manufacturing, and exports. Industries like automotive manufacturing, electronics, and machinery have played a crucial role in the country's economic development. 3. Automotive
• Industry: The automotive sector is a crucial driver of Slovakia's economy. The country has become a significant hub for automobile production, with several international automotive companies having manufacturing plants in Slovakia. 4. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Slovakia has attracted significant foreign direct investment, particularly in manufacturing. The business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location within Europe have contributed to FDI inflows. 5. Export-Oriented
• Economy: Slovakia has an export-oriented economy, focusing on machinery, vehicles, electrical machinery, and pharmaceuticals. The country's geographical location in the heart of Europe facilitates trade with other European countries. 6. European Union
• Membership: Slovakia's membership in the European Union has provided access to a larger market and opportunities for economic integration. It has also benefited from EU structural funds. 7. Unemployment and Labor
• Market: Unemployment rates in Slovakia have generally decreased, but challenges such as skills mismatches persist. The labor market is dynamic, and efforts are made to address workforce development needs. 8.
• Challenges: Slovakia faces challenges related to regional disparities, with differences in economic development between the capital city, Bratislava, and other regions. Strengthening innovation and research and development efforts is an ongoing goal to enhance the country's competitiveness. 9. Banking and
• Finance: Slovakia has a stable banking sector, and the country's financial institutions are integrated into the broader European financial system. 10. Renewable
• Energy: Slovakia has tried diversifying its energy sources, focusing on increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. 11.
• Tourism: While not as prominent as in some other European countries, tourism is growing in Slovakia, driven by its historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions.

Industries

• metal and metal products
• food and beverages
• electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel
• chemicals and manmade fibers
• machinery
• paper and printing
• earthenware and ceramics
• transport vehicles
• textiles
• electrical and optical apparatus
• rubber products

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$29,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.2%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$165,570,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$29,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

3.2%

GDP - official exchange rate

$86,200,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 56.8% government
• consumption: 18.2% investment in fixed
• capital: 22.2% investment in
• inventories: -0.5% exports of goods and
• services: 101.2% imports of goods and
• services: -97.9%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

3.4%

GDP by Sector- Industry

30.4%

GDP by Sector- services

66.2%

Industrial Growth Rate

7.5%

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Inflation Rate

1%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

euro (EUR)

Currency Name and Code

Euro (EUR)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

3.3%

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Labor Force

2,673,000

Unemployment Rate

13.5%

Major Industries

• metal and metal products
• food and beverages
• electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel
• chemicals and manmade fibers
• machinery
• paper and printing
• earthenware and ceramics
• transport vehicles
• textiles
• electrical and optical apparatus
• rubber products

Agriculture Products

• grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit
• pigs, cattle, poultry
• forest products

Population Below Poverty Line

21%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

3.5%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

27%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

69.4%

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Annual Budget

$28,450,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

16.9%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-3.4%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

33.4%

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Full Country Name

Slovak Republic

Country Name

Slovakia

Local - Long

Slovenska republika

Local - Short

Slovensko

Etymology- history of name

may derive from the medieval Latin word "Slavus" (Slav), which had the local form "Sloven", used since the 13th century to refer to the territory of Slovakia and its inhabitants

Independence

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)

National Holiday

Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

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Government Type

parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: several previous (preindependence); latest passed by the National Council 1 September 1992, signed 3 September 1992, effective 1 October 1992
• amendments: proposed by the National Council; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote of Council members; amended many times, last in 2020

Legal System:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; note - legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Zuzana CAPUTOVA (since 15 June 2019)
• head of government: Prime Minister Robert FICO (since 25 October 2023); Deputy Prime Ministers Robert KALINAK, Denisa SAKOVA, Tomas TARABA, and Peter KMEC (all since 25 October 2023)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election first round 23 March 2024 with a runoff on 6 April 2024 (next to be held in 2029); following National Council elections (every 4 years), the president designates a prime minister candidate, usually the leader of the party or coalition that wins the most votes, who must win a vote of confidence in the National Council
• election results: 2024: Peter PELLEGRINI elected president in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Ivan KORCOK (independent) 42.5%; Peter PELLEGRINI (Hlas-SD) 37%; Stefan HARABIN (independent) 11.7%, other 8.8%; percent of vote in second round Peter PELLEGRINI (Hlas-SD) 53.1%; Ivan KORCOK (independent) 46.9%; PELLEGRINI will takeoffice on 15 June 2024 2019: Zuzana CAPUTOVA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Zuzana CAPUTOVA (PS) 58.4%, Maros SEFCOVIC (independent) 41.6% 2014: Andrej KISKA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrej KISKA (independent) 59.4%, Robert FICO (Smer-SD) 40.6%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Council or Narodna Rada (150 seats; members directly elected in a single- and multi-seat constituencies by closed, party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 30 September 2023 (next to be held by 2027)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - SMER-SSD 23%, PS 18%, Hlas-SD 14.7%, OL'aNO 8.9%, KDH 6.8%, SaS 6.3%, SNS 5.6%; seats by party SMER-SSD 42, PS 32, Hlas-SD 27, OL'aNO 16, KDH 12, SaS 11, SNS 10; composition as of February 2024 - men 116, women 34, percent of women 22.7%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judge candidates nominated by the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic, an 18-member self-governing body that includes the Supreme Court chief justice and presidential, governmental, parliamentary, and judiciary appointees; judges appointed by the president serve for life subject to removal by the president at age 65; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the National Council of the Republic and appointed by the president; judges serve 12-year terms
• subordinate courts: regional and district civil courts; Special Criminal Court; Higher Military Court; military district courts; Court of Audit;

Regions or States:

8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banska Bystrica, Bratislava, Kosice, Nitra, Presov, Trencin, Trnava, Zilina

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Alliance-Szovetseg or A-S [Krisztian FORRO]
• Christian Union or KÚ [Anna ZABORSKA]
• Civic Conservative Party or OKS [Ondrej DOSTAL]
• Democrats [Eduard HEGER]
• Direction-Social Democracy or Smer-SSD [Robert FICO]
• For the People or Za Ludi [Veronika REMISOVA]
• Freedom and Solidarity or SaS [Richard SULIK]
• Life National Party or Život–NS [Tomáš TARABA] (formerly Christian Democracy - Life and Prosperity - Alliance for Slovkia)
• New Majority or NOVA [Gábor GRENDEL]
• Ordinary People and Independent Personalities - New Majority or OLaNO-NOVA [Igor MATOVIC]
• People's Party Our Slovakia or LSNS [Marian KOTLEBA]
• Progressive Slovakia or PS [Michal SIMECKA]
• Republic [Milan UHRIK]
• Slovak National Party or SNS [Andrej DANKO]
• Voice - Social Democracy or Hlas-SD [Petr PELLIGRINI]
• We Are Family or Sme-Rodina [Boris KOLLAR] (formerly Party of Citizens of Slovakia)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Slovakia dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

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Capital Name

Bratislava

Capital - geographic coordinate

48 09 N, 17 07 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC,. during Standard Time)

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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International Organization Participation:

• Australia Group
• BIS
• BSEC (observer)
• CBSS (observer)
• CD
• CE
• CEI
• CERN
• EAPC
• EBRD
• ECB
• EIB
• EMU
• EU
• FAO
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IEA
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NATO
• NEA
• NSG
• OAS (observer)
• OECD
• OIF (observer)
• OPCW
• OSCE
• PCA
• Schengen Convention
• SELEC (observer)
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNFICYP
• UNIDO
• UNTSO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• Wassenaar Arrangement
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO
• ZC

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Gautam A. RANA (since 28 September 2022)
• Embassy: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava
• Mailing Address: 5840 Bratislava Place, Washington DC 20521-5840
• Telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338
• FAX: [421] (2) 5441-8861
• Email: consulbratislava@state.gov
• Website: https://sk.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Radovan JAVORCIK (since 18 January 2021)
• Chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054
• FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438
• Email: emb.washington@mzv.sk
• Website: https://www.mzv.sk/web/washington-en
• Consulate(s) General: Los Angeles, New York

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Geographic Location

Europe

Geographic Coordinates

48 40 N, 19 30 E

Total Area

18,932 Square Miles 49,035 Square Kilometers

Land Area

18,573 Square Miles 48,105 Square Kilometers

Water Area

359 Square Miles 930 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

916 Miles 1,474 Kilometers

Border Countries

Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 215 km, Hungary 677 km, Poland 444 km, Ukraine 97 km

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Terrain

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south

Highest Point

2,655 Meters

Highest Point Location

Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Lowest Point

94 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Bodrok River 94 m

Natural Resources

brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; salt; arable land

Irrigated Land

664 Square Miles 1,720 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC,. during Standard Time)

Daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

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Climate

The climate in Slovakia is a mixture of continental and ocean climates and has four distinct seasons.

The mountain regions affect the weather much more than the geographical location of the country.

The warmest and driest regions are the southern Slovak plains and the Eastern Slovak lowlands where the average temperature is 10 degrees C and average annual precipitation is approximately 500 mm.

In the High Tatras the average temperature is 3 degrees C and annual precipitation is 2,000 mm.

The coldest month is January; the warmest is July.

During winter the temperatures in the mountain valleys are substantially lower than on the mountain peaks, and temperature inversions are quite common.

Bratislava is moderately dry with average temperatures ranging from –1 degree C to –4 degrees C in January and from 19.5 degrees C to 20.5 degrees C in July.

The maximum daily temperature in July is approximately 32 degrees C.

Annual rainfall varies from 61 to 101 cm.

Bratislava ranks among the warmest places in Slovakia.

During the winters in Bratislava the sun rises at 7:30 and sets about 16:00.

The skies are often overcast, and snow and ice storms occur.

During the summer, sunrise is before 5:00 and sunset is about 21:00.

Terrain

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south

Location

Central Europe, south of Poland

Total Area

18,932 Square Miles 49,035 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 215 km, Hungary 677 km, Poland 444 km, Ukraine 97 km

Environment - Current Issues

air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$64,180,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$62,430,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

machinery and transport equipment 39.4%, intermediate manufactured goods 27.5%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 13%, chemicals 8%

Major Imports

machinery and transport equipment 37.7%, intermediate manufactured goods 18%, fuels 13%, chemicals 11%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 9.5%

Top Export Partners

Germany 26%, Czech Republic 15.2%, Italy 10.8%, Austria 7.7%, Hungary 5.5%, Poland 5.3%, France 4.2%

Top Import Partners

Germany 22.6%, Czech Republic 15.1%, Russia 12.5%, Italy 6.9%, France 4.4%, Austria 4.2%

Export Partners

Germany 26%, Czech Republic 15.2%, Italy 10.8%, Austria 7.7%, Hungary 5.5%, Poland 5.3%, France 4.2%

Import Partners

Germany 22.6%, Czech Republic 15.1%, Russia 12.5%, Italy 6.9%, France 4.4%, Austria 4.2%

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Country Description

Slovakia is a markedly developed European nation and a member of the Schengen travel area and the Euro zone.

Some tourist facilities are not as developed as those found in Western Europe, particularly outside the major cities, and some goods and services common in other European countries are occasionally unavailable in Slovakia.

The official language is Slovak; English is not widely spoken outside of tourist destinations.

Safety & Security

Civil disorder is rare in Slovakia, although strikes and demonstrations may occur.

You should be vigilant in protecting your security, bearing in mind that even demonstrations meant to be peaceful may turn violent.

Avoid street demonstrations whenever possible.

Slovakia remains largely free of terrorist incidents.

However, like other countries in the Schengen area, Slovakia’s open borders with its neighbors (except for Ukraine) allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country without the knowledge of Slovak police.

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Crime

Police forces suffer from a lack of manpower, resources, and equipment.

Local police do not usually speak English.

Western visitors, especially short-term visitors such as tourists and students, are the primary foreign targets of street crime.

The majority of street crime is non-violent.

The most common crimes reported include pick-pocketing and cell phone and bag/purse theft, particularly during the summer months.

Other crimes reported in the past include the less common robbery, and drugging and robbing of unsuspecting victims at nightspots and bars.

Most thefts reported by U.S. citizens occur at crowded tourist sites (such as Bratislava’s Old Town area) or on public buses, trams, or trains.

Thieves in Slovakia often work in groups or pairs.

In most cases, one thief distracts the victim, another performs the robbery, and a third person hands off the stolen item to a nearby accomplice.

Groups of street children are known to divert tourists’ attention so that a member of their group can pickpocket the tourists while they are distracted.

Foreigners and minorities, particularly non-white individuals, have been victims of racially motivated incidents in Slovakia, and may be especially subject to various types of harassment, such as verbal abuse.

Both indigenous and foreign organized crime groups are well established in Slovakia.

They do not target U.S. citizens or other foreign individuals and tend to coexist peacefully in tourist districts so as not to scare away tourist dollars.

Though not common, violent incidents sometimes do occur.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, but you will be breaking local law too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Slovakia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own, and criminal penalties vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States; for instance, engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply.

If you do something illegal in Slovakia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know the laws of the country you are visiting.

Driving under the influence is not allowed under Slovak law; the permissible blood alcohol level is zero, and driving while intoxicated is a crime.

If stopped, a driver who is found operating a vehicle while intoxicated will experience a trip to the police station at a minimum.

Taking photographs of security/military installations (for example, military bases, government buildings, nuclear power plants, etc.) is prohibited in Slovakia.

If you violate this law, authorities may confiscate the film, issue a reprimand or fine, or even expel you from the country.

Serious cases may be reported to and handled by local and/or military police.

Everyone in Slovakia over 15 years of age, including U.S. citizen visitors, is required by law to carry a passport at all times.

It is not sufficient to carry a photocopy of the passport, although we recommend that you keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place.

The police have the right to ask U.S. citizens for identification, and only a passport showing legal entry and/or legal residency status is adequate evidence.

A document other than a passport may not be considered sufficient proof of identity and legal status in Slovakia.

If you are asked for your passport with residency permit and you do not have it, you risk a spot fine and/or detention by the police.

If you are arrested in Slovakia, authorities are required to notify the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are available in Slovakia, although the quality and availability varies within the country.

For any emergency, including a medical emergency, call 112 within Slovakia free of charge.

An English-speaking dispatcher should be available.

According to the level of the medical emergency, the dispatcher may send an ambulance, which may be medically equipped and staffed by paramedics or a physician if the patient’s condition warrants it.

Only a limited number of doctors speak English.

Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for health services unless the patient can present an insurance number from the Slovak National Insurance Company.

This includes ambulance service, for which the cost begins at 120 euro for those without local Slovak health insurance.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.

Medical prescriptions issued in the United States are not valid in Slovakia.

If a prescription is needed, a local doctor must issue it.

Medicines are generally available locally at pharmacies, where customers ask the pharmacist for every product including over-the-counter medicines; if they are not available under the U.S. drug name, you should consult the pharmacist or a local doctor for a local substitute.

The Ministry of Health administers the use of medicines, and medicine brought into Slovakia for personal use may be subject to comparison against the list of those authorized for use in Slovakia.

Traffic Safety

While in Slovakia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Roads in Slovakia typically are safe and well maintained.

Four-lane highways exist in and around Bratislava.

However, most roads outside of developed areas are two lanes only, and aggressive drivers attempting to pass at unsafe speeds pose a serious hazard.

Due to poor lighting and narrow, winding roads, we do not recommend nighttime driving outside of built-up areas.

Slovakia commonly receives heavy snow from November through March.

Snow removal is not adequate on rural roads.

Roads in the mountainous northern part of the country are particularly prone to hazardous conditions during winter months.

Winter tires are required by law when there are snowy conditions, and chains are necessary in certain mountainous areas.

In Slovakia, vehicles travel on the right side of the road.

Headlights must be used at all times (day and night) throughout the year.

The maximum legal speed on highways is 130 kilometers per hour (78 mph).

On smaller roads, the maximum speed is 90 kph (54 mph).

The limit in towns is 50 kph (31 mph).

It is strictly prohibited to use cellular phones while driving.

Safety reflection vests and first aid kits must be located in each vehicle.

Seat belts are compulsory and baby car seats are required for all children less than 36 kg (80 lbs).

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime under Slovak law.

The blood alcohol tolerance level is zero percent.

Penalties for drivers involved in car accidents involving injury or death are decided by a court of law.

Penalties for minor offenses are not generally large, but foreigners are sometimes targeted for additional sums.

If you suspect this has occurred, you should ask for a written receipt and note the name and number of the traffic officer imposing the fine.

A highway user decal is required for travel on most major roads outside of Bratislava.

The decal is valid for the calendar year, and is available at gas stations, post offices, and some newspaper kiosks.

Short-term stickers are available and are valid for seven days or for one month.

Taxi companies generally provide reliable, safe, and economical services.

Avoid independent cabs that do not prominently display a company name.

Taxis sometimes overcharge in areas frequented by tourists.

You can expect higher charges when you randomly stop a cab on the street.

Radio-dispatched taxis are often much more reliable and less expensive.

Buses, trolleybuses, and trams are mechanically safe and generally reliable, but there have been reports of thefts on city transportation or of harassment by the transport police.

On public transportation you must have a time-ticket validated after entering the vehicle (valid for 15 or 60 minutes), or a prepaid zone ticket (valid for 24 hours, 48 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, or 1 year).

Different ticket validities and fees apply in towns outside of Bratislava.

Children from 6 to 15 years of age pay reduced fares.

Passengers who are traveling without a valid ticket will be fined by the ticket inspector.

The ticket inspector must have an identification card and must provide a receipt for the fine.

More information is provided in English on the Bratislava city transport website.

A motorcycle driver’s license and helmet are required to operate a motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

Small motorcycles are not allowed on highways.

All traffic regulations apply.

Tourists intending to drive in Slovakia are required to have an International Driving Permit.

A U.S. driver’s license alone is not sufficient to drive in Slovakia; it must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit, which you can get in the United States from the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

U.S. citizens who are not residents of Slovakia may drive with a valid U.S. state license, if accompanied by a valid International Driving Permit, for a maximum of 6 months.

If y

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Airports - total

35

Airports with Paved Runways

21

Heliports

1

Railways

2,251 Miles 3,622 Kilometers

Roadways- total

27,288 Miles 43,916 Kilometers

Waterways

107 Miles 172 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Bratislava, Komarno

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Pipelines: Gas

4,209 Miles 6,774 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

260 Miles 419 Kilometers

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Telephones

1,022,000

Cell Phones

6,068,000

Internet Users

2,350,000

Internet Country Code

.sk

Internet Hosts

1,133,000

Broadcast Media

• state-owned public broadcaster, Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS), operates 3 national TV stations and multiple national and regional radio networks
• roughly 35 privately owned TV stations operating nationally, regionally, and locally
• about 40% of households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV
• more than 20 privately owned radio stations

Telephone System

• assessment: Slovakia has a modern telecommunications system that has expanded dramatically in recent years with the growth in cellular services
• domestic: analog system is now receiving digital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable, especially in the larger cities; 3 companies provide nationwide cellular services
• international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in several international telecommunications projects that will increase the availability of external services

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

28,750,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

8,891,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

9,412,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

25,900,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

6,468,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

45,430,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

50,180,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

105,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

14,160,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

83,910

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

262.5

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

108,400

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

3,808

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

9,000,000

Anthem Lyrics

Nad Tatrou sa blyska hromy divo biju Zastavme ich bratia Ved sa ony stratia Slovaci oziju To Slovensko nase posial tvrdo spalo Ale blesky hromu Vzbudzuju ho k tomu Aby sa prebralo

Anthem Lyrics English

Ho, ye Slovaks! our beloved language still surviveth; While the faithful heart within us for our nation striveth; Yes, the Slovak spirit liveth; it will live forever Hell and thunder, 'gainst us raging, vain is your endeavor.

God to us our tongue entrusted, God, who sways the thunder; Who on earth then shall presume this gift from us to sunder!

Though the earth were filled with demons, our rights assailing, We defy them.

God is with us, His strong arm prevailing.

Though about us storms are raging, bringing devastation, Rocks disrupting, oaks uprooting, shaking earth's foundation, Yet we stand like castle walls, our vested rights asserting; May the earth engulf the traitor from our ranks deserting.