Slovak Republic

Slovakia, republic in central Europe, bordered on the north by Poland, on the east by Ukraine, on the south by Hungary, and on the west by Austria and the Czech Republic. Formerly parts of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic emerged as independent republics on January 1, 1993. Slovakia has an area of 49,035 sq km (18,932 sq mi). Bratislava is the capital and largest city.

Land and Resources

Slovakia is traversed and partly enfolded by the Carpathian Mountains in the west. The High Tatra range in the north includes Slovakia's highest point, Gerlachovský Peak, at 2,655 m (8,711 ft). In the east, lowlands constitute the extension of the Plain of Hungary. The most fertile soils are located in the south. The Carpathian Mountains have little fertile land and are mostly covered with stony soil.

Rivers

Various rivers flow through Slovakia, including the Váh, Hron, Bodrog, Poprad, Hornad, and Ondava. The Danube forms part of the republic's southern border with Hungary, and the Morava serves as part of its border with the Czech Republic. The republic has many natural springs, which are promoted to attract tourists.

Climate

Slovakia has a primarily humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The Carpathian Mountains endure harsher winters and receive heavy rainfall. The lowland regions in the east have hot summers and less rain. The average temperature in Bratislava in January is -0.7° C (30.5° F); in July it is 19.1° C (66.5° F). The average annual precipitation is 650 mm (25.5 in).

Plants and Animals

Spruce and fir trees are most common in Slovakia's forests, particularly at higher elevations, while mixed forests of oak, ash, and maple are characteristic in lower zones. The uncultivated lowlands are covered primarily with clover, reeds, and broom grass. Wildlife is becoming scarce because of pollution and deforestation, but wolves, brown bears, wild boar, wildcats, white eagles, chamois, and foxes are found in the mountainous Carpathian region. The greylag goose, and such waterfowl as the osprey, cormorant, and heron, are common in the marshes and river basins of the lowlands.

Mineral Resources

Coal is the most common and profitable natural resource in Slovakia, particularly brown coal and lignite. Unfortunately, increased excavation and use of coal has wreaked environmental havoc on air and water quality, which has subsequently affected the health of the populace.