Slovakia
Political system: Republic
Capital city: Bratislava
Total area: 48 845 km²
Population: 5.4 million
Currency: euro
Official EU language: Slovak
Slovakia became an independent state in January 1993 after Czechoslovakia split into its two constituent parts.
The country is in the heart of central Europe, linked to its neighbours by the River Danube. The Carpathian Mountains extend across the northern half of the country and include the High Tatras – a popular skiing destination and home to the country’s highest peak – the 2 655 m Gerlachovsky. The lowlands of the Danube plain provide a fertile farming region producing wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beet, fruit, tobacco and grapes.
The President, elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term, has limited powers. The country has a single-chamber parliament whose 150 members are elected for four-year terms.
Ethnically, the population is 86% Slovak; Hungarians are the largest minority.
Perched on many hilltops are fortifications that bear witness to Slovakia’s long history of invasions. Bratislava, the coronation place for the kings of Hungary in the past, has a rich heritage of medieval and baroque architecture.
Traditional meals include potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese and cabbage soup with sausages.
Among the best-known Slovaks are Štefan Banič who invented the parachute in 1913, and Andy Warhol, the American-born pop artist, whose parents were from Slovakia.
Study
In Slovakia, there are public, state, and private institutions of higher education. The public institutions of higher education are established pursuant to the Act on Higher Education. The bodies of their academic autonomy are the Academic Senate, Rector, Scientific Council and Disciplinary Commission. It is these bodies, who decide on their organisation, activities and administration. The state institutions of higher education are established by the ministries of the Government of the Slovak Republic.
Private higher education institutions are established by legal entities with registered office in Slovakia upon the state approval. All higher education institutions provide studies in accredited study programs.
An institution, which does not provide higher education, can, however, also participate in higher education (Slovenská akadémia vied – Slovak Academy of Sciences).
Work
Slovakia benefits from its position in Central Europe as a trading hub. The market place is consistent and offers great opportunities in the Capital, Bratislava. Information Technology & engineering are some of the most fruitful career choices in the country.
Accommodation
Slovakia has many historic sites and is full of culture. If you want further information on accommodation visit http://www.metroroommates.com/state_rentals/slovakia_rentals.asp. Alternatively view the accommodation provided by the university you choose to study.
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For a European Country Overview – Work Click here
For a European Country Overview – Study Click here
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Sources:
Europa.eu
