🇸🇰 Slovakia Quiz: How Well Do You Know This European Country?

Slovakia is a member of NATO (2004), the European Union (2004), and the Schengen Area (2007). These memberships reflect its strong integration into Western institutions following the fall of communism.

The flag’s Slavic tricolor reflects shared identity with other Slavic nations. It also includes the Slovak coat of arms: a double cross on three blue hills, symbolizing Christianity and the Carpathian mountains.

Slovakia has five neighboring countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. Its longest border, stretching approximately 627 km, is with Hungary to the south. This proximity has shaped Slovak-Hungarian cultural ties, particularly in southern Slovakia where Hungarian minorities live.

Slovakia’s population is about 5.5 million, making it one of Europe’s smaller countries by population. Despite its size, it has a high Human Development Index and a strong cultural identity.

The High Tatras are the tallest mountain range in the Carpathians, with rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and rich wildlife, including brown bears and chamois. The region is shared by Slovakia and Poland and is a major destination for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering.

From 1918 to 1992, Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia. This state was formed after World War I from territories of Austria-Hungary. After decades of shared governance, including communist rule under Soviet influence, the country split peacefully into two: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Slovakia’s 7 UNESCO sites include Spiš Castle, Bardejov Town, Levoča and Wooden Churches of the Slovak Carpathians, among others. These sites reflect the country’s medieval architecture, folk traditions, and natural heritage.

With its distinctive rectangular shape and four corner towers, Bratislava Castle is a major landmark overlooking the Danube. It has been a royal seat, fortress, and today serves as a museum and parliament office space.

Founded in 1924, the Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest in Europe and second only to Boston worldwide. The city of Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest, is also known for its Gothic cathedral and vibrant cultural life.

Slovakia’s legislature is unicameral, consisting of 150 members elected for 4-year terms. It is the central legislative authority responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing government actions.

The coat of arms displays a silver double cross on three blue hills, representing the Tatra, Fatra, and Matra mountain ranges. It is a powerful symbol of national and Christian identity.

Slovakia officially became independent on January 1, 1993, after the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia, known as the Velvet Divorce. Unlike many national separations, it was non-violent and agreed upon politically. Since then, Slovakia has established its own identity while maintaining close ties with the Czech Republic.

Bratislava is the political, cultural, and economic heart of Slovakia. It lies on the banks of the Danube River, near the borders with Austria and Hungary, making it the only capital in the world bordering two sovereign states. The city is known for its medieval old town, Bratislava Castle, and as a hub for government institutions, universities, and industries.

Slovakia adopted the euro in 2009, becoming the 16th EU state to do so. This marked a major milestone in its post-communist economic transformation.

At 2,655 meters (8,711 feet), Gerlachovský štít is the highest mountain not only in Slovakia but also in the entire Carpathian range. Accessible mainly to experienced climbers, it is a symbol of Slovak pride and natural beauty.

The Danube runs along Slovakia’s southern border, separating it from Austria and Hungary. This river not only connects Bratislava to Vienna and Budapest but also serves as a historical trade route.

Hungary lies south of Slovakia, with the Danube River forming part of the natural boundary. The two nations share a long and intertwined history dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The St. Elisabeth Cathedral, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, is the largest Gothic cathedral in Slovakia. It is dedicated to St. Elisabeth of Hungary and stands as a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

Slovakia is a parliamentary republic, where the Prime Minister is the head of government and the President serves as head of state. This system emphasizes parliamentary democracy and checks on executive power.

The Danube River, Europe’s second-longest after the Volga, flows through Bratislava, linking it with Vienna, Budapest, and beyond. This makes Bratislava an important trading and cultural hub. The river has historically been a lifeline for Central Europe, supporting commerce, transport, and tourism.

Slovak is a West Slavic language closely related to Czech, and to some extent Polish. Slovaks can often understand Czech due to shared history in Czechoslovakia. While Slovak is the sole official language, minority languages such as Hungarian and Romani are recognized in certain regions.

This dish combines potato dumplings (halušky) with a special soft sheep cheese called bryndza, often topped with fried bacon. It is not only a national dish but also a symbol of Slovak rural traditions.

Spiš Castle, near the historic town of Levoča, covers over 41,000 m², making it one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to medieval Slovak history.

Piešťany is world-famous for its thermal springs and sulphuric mud, used in treating rheumatism and arthritis. It has attracted visitors from across Europe for centuries, making it a leading wellness destination.

Slovakia replaced its former currency, the Slovak koruna (SKK), with the euro (€) on January 1, 2009. As part of the Eurozone, Slovakia benefits from economic stability and integration with EU markets, though some Slovaks remain nostalgic about the koruna.