• Officially the Slovak Republic, landlocked in Central Europe
• Borders Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic
• Population exceeds 5.4 million; capital is Bratislava, second largest is Košice

• Slavs arrived in the 5th and 6th centuries
• Part of Avar Khaganate and later established Principality of Nitra
• Incorporated into the Kingdom of Hungary in the 10th century
• Mongol invasion in 1241-42 led to territory destruction; recovery aided by King Béla IV
• Ottoman Empire controlled southern parts in 16th-17th centuries, ceded to Habsburgs by the 18th century
• Slovak Uprising in 1848 established national identity; resulted in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
• Czechoslovakia proclaimed in 1918 post World War I; Slovakia was part of Hungary before
• Faced fascism and joined the Axis in World War II; returned to Czechoslovakia post-war
• Became independent on January 1, 1993, following the Velvet Divorce

• Developed, high-income economy with a market system and social security
• Universal healthcare, free education, low retirement age, and long parental leave
• Member of EU, eurozone, NATO, and various international organizations
• Known as "European Detroit"; largest per-capita car producer with significant automotive manufacturing output

List of newspapers published in Slovakia.