Slovakia
Slovakia is a landlocked parliamentary republic in Central Europe characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain and deep integration into the European Union. Current estimates place the population at approximately 5.4 million people with a GDP per capita of approximately 27,010 USD.
Where is Slovakia?
Slovakia
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Slovakia
- Coordinates
- 48.67°, 19.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 5.4M
- Area
- 49,037 km²
- Density per km²
- 110 / km²
- Growth rate
- -0.09%
- Annual growth
- -4.7K people
- Daily growth
- -12.77 people
- World population share
- 0.07%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Slovakia
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Bratislava
- Region
- Europe
- Area
- 49,037 km²
- Languages
- Slovak
- Currency
- euro (€)
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The national economy is defined by a strong manufacturing base and has maintained a GDP growth rate of 1.94% according to the latest figures. Slovakia's GDP per capita currently ranks 59th globally, 30th within Europe, and 4th in the Central European subregion. The labor market shows stability with an unemployment rate of 5.36%, which ranks 88th globally among countries with the lowest unemployment. This economic structure is supported by significant industrial sectors including automotive production and electronics, alongside natural resources such as lignite and iron ore.
Society
Quality of life is robust with a life expectancy at birth of 78.4 years, a figure that ranks 62nd globally. Digital connectivity is a hallmark of the modern social landscape, as 89.8% of the population are internet users, placing the nation 61st in global rankings. While the annual population growth rate is slightly negative at -0.09%, the country maintains a high degree of urbanization with approximately 53.2% of citizens residing in urban centers like the capital, Bratislava.
Climate & Environment
The country features a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold, humid winters across its 49,037 km² (18,933 sq mi) area. Elevation varies significantly from the Bodrok River at 94 m (308 ft) to the High Tatras peak of Gerlachovsky Stit at 2,655 m (8,711 ft), which creates diverse microclimates between the lowlands and alpine regions.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1993-01-01 (Czechoslovakia)
Slovakia is a parliamentary republic where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister acts as the head of government. The President is elected by popular vote for a five-year term, performing primarily ceremonial duties and representing the nation abroad. Executive power is centered in the Prime Minister, who typically leads the majority party or coalition in the unicameral National Council. This legislative body consists of 150 members elected to four-year terms through proportional representation. Based in the capital, Bratislava, the government operates under a constitution adopted during the transition to independence from Czechoslovakia. The political system is characterized by a multi-party structure, often requiring coalition building to form a functional administration. As a member of the United Nations and the European Union, Slovakia maintains a political framework that emphasizes the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
History
The historical roots of Slovakia reach back to the 9th-century Great Moravian Empire, a pivotal Slavic state. Following the collapse of Great Moravia, the territory became an integral part of the Kingdom of Hungary for nearly 1,000 years. In 1918, following the end of World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Slovaks joined with Czechs to form the sovereign state of Czechoslovakia. This union was briefly interrupted during World War II when a client state was established under German influence. After the war, Czechoslovakia fell under Soviet influence, remaining behind the Iron Curtain for over four decades. The 1989 Velvet Revolution peacefully ended communist rule, leading to the Velvet Divorce on 1 January 1993. On this date, Slovakia achieved independence through a peaceful dissolution of the federation. Since becoming independent, the nation has focused on rapid modernization and international integration, joining the European Union and NATO in 2004 and adopting the euro (€) as its official currency.
Notable Facts
- Slovakia is a global leader in automotive manufacturing, producing more cars per capita than any other nation in the world.
- The country boasts one of the highest densities of castles and chateaus globally, with over 180 identified structures including the UNESCO-listed Spis Castle.
- The High Tatras mountain range contains the highest point in the nation, Gerlachovsky Stit, which reaches an elevation of 2655 m (8711 ft).
- Slovakia is a landlocked nation in Central Europe that shares borders with five different countries: Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Gerlachovsky Stit (2,655 m)
- Lowest Point
- Bodrok River (94 m)
- Coastline
- 0 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in SlovakiaExplore weather and climate data for cities in Slovakia
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Bratislava
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C / 0°C | 1°C / -4°C | 10days (35 mm) Wet | 5.1h Fair | 82% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| February | 9°C / 2°C | 5°C / -3°C | 8days (30 mm) Wet | 7h Good | 72% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| March | 13°C / 3°C | 9°C / -1°C | 6days (34 mm) Good | 9.2h Good | 63% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| April | 16°C / 6°C | 13°C / 3°C | 9days (50 mm) Wet | 10.3h Excellent | 62% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| May | 20°C / 11°C | 19°C / 8°C | 11days (70 mm) Wet | 11.1h Excellent | 66% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| June best | 26°C / 16°C | 27°C / 15°C | 10days (82 mm) Wet | 12.9h Excellent | 66% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| July best | 28°C / 17°C | 28°C / 17°C | 9days (56 mm) Wet | 12.6h Excellent | 62% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 28°C / 17°C | 28°C / 17°C | 10days (75 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 67% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 23°C / 13°C | 22°C / 12°C | 10days (96 mm) Wet | 9.1h Good | 72% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| October best | 16°C / 9°C | 14°C / 6°C | 9days (56 mm) Wet | 7.2h Good | 78% Humid | Good | View Details |
| November | 9°C / 3°C | 6°C / 0°C | 7days (44 mm) Good | 4.9h Fair | 84% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| December | 5°C / 1°C | 2°C / -3°C | 9days (51 mm) Wet | 3.5h Poor | 87% Very Muggy | Poor | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 5°C / 0°C . Feb: 9°C / 2°C . Mar: 13°C / 3°C . Apr: 16°C / 6°C . May: 20°C / 11°C . Jun: 26°C / 16°C . Jul: 28°C / 17°C . Aug: 28°C / 17°C . Sep: 23°C / 13°C . Oct: 16°C / 9°C . Nov: 9°C / 3°C . Dec: 5°C / 1°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 35 mm. Feb: 30 mm. Mar: 34 mm. Apr: 50 mm. May: 70 mm. Jun: 82 mm. Jul: 56 mm. Aug: 75 mm. Sep: 96 mm. Oct: 56 mm. Nov: 44 mm. Dec: 51 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Slovakia is approximately 5.4M (2024).
The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava.
Slovakia's GDP per capita is $27K (2024).
Life expectancy in Slovakia is 78.37 years (2024).
Slovakia covers 49,037 km² (18,933 sq mi).
Slovakia has a moderate population density of 110 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Slovakia's population is roughly stable, changing by less than 0.1% per year.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Slovakia falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $27K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Slovakia reports a low intentional homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
The official language of Slovakia is Slovak.
Slovakia uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Slovakia are June, July, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.
Recent estimates show that Slovakia has a population of approximately 5.4 million people. The country currently ranks 119th globally in population size and 25th within Europe. While the population density is about 112.6 people per km² (291.6 people per sq mi), the annual growth rate is approximately -0.09%.
Slovakia maintains a steady economy with a current GDP per capita estimated at 27,010 USD. The latest ranking places the nation 59th globally and 4th within Central Europe for GDP per capita. Economic growth is recorded at 1.94% annually, supported by its status as a member of the eurozone.
The unemployment rate in Slovakia is currently 5.36%, according to recent data. This figure ranks the country 88th globally when compared to nations with the lowest unemployment rates. The labor market benefits from significant investment in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries.
The life expectancy at birth in Slovakia is 78.4 years, based on recent figures. This health indicator ranks the nation 62nd globally, reflecting a well-established healthcare system. The fertility rate stands at 1.46 births per woman, which is consistent with trends observed across much of Central Europe.
High levels of digital engagement are evident in Slovakia, where 89.8% of the population are internet users. This connectivity level ranks the country 61st globally. Urban areas, which house approximately 53.2% of the total population, generally see the highest rates of digital infrastructure and high-speed access.
Yes, Slovakia is a landlocked nation located in Central Europe, sharing borders with five other countries. It has 0 km (0 mi) of coastline and is characterized by its mountainous terrain, specifically the Carpathian Mountains. The country's highest point is Gerlachovsky Stit at 2,655 m (8,711 ft) above sea level.
The estimated 2026 population of Slovakia is 5,412,735. This figure is derived from the latest official 2024 data of 5,422,069 people. Current trends show a slight annual decline of -0.086%, as the country navigates demographic shifts including a natural decrease where the death rate exceeds the birth rate.
Slovakia is ranked 119th in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it holds the 25th position in Europe and ranks 5th out of 6 countries in Central Europe. This placement reflects its status as a medium-sized European nation with a relatively stable but slightly declining population.
The current estimated population density of Slovakia is 112.6 people per km² (291.6 per sq mi). This ranks the country 94th globally and 21st in Europe for density. Most residents are concentrated in the western and southern regions, while the mountainous northern and central areas are more sparsely populated.
The population of Slovakia is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.086%. This trend is primarily caused by a natural decrease, with an estimated 147 deaths occurring daily compared to 126 births. This results in an estimated net loss of approximately 13 people per day for the nation.
The fertility rate in Slovakia is 1.46 births per woman, according to the latest official 2024 data. This is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population size without migration. This low rate is a major factor in the country's long-term demographic aging and population decline.
Approximately 53.2% of Slovakia's population lives in urban areas, which ranks the country 147th globally for urbanization. This level of urbanization is relatively low compared to many Western European nations, reflecting the country's strong historical and cultural ties to rural villages and smaller provincial towns.
All Indicators
Explore Slovakia's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
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Infrastructure
Geography
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