Slovakia is a central European country. The country is known for its dramatic natural landscape and many castles. The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava, which is near the border with Austria. The country operates a parliamentary democracy.
The Bratislava castle is on a hill above the Danube River. This castle houses a branch of the Slovak National Museum which displays innumerable artifacts.
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Capital: Bratislava
Currency: Euro
Population: 5.414 million (2013) World Bank
Official language: Slovak
Government: Parliamentary Republic
President: Andrej Kiska
Prime Minister: Robert Fico
Interesting Facts About Slovakia
Here are 11 more facts about Slovakia which you will find interesting.
1. PEDESTRIAN ONLY
In the introduction, we mentioned that the country is known for its dramatic landscape. One such dramatic factor is the Old Town featured at the capital city of Bratislava. What is dramatically interesting about the Old Town? Well, it is a “pedestrian-only” town!
2. GREETINGS
Greeting is paramount in Slovakia. Greeting someone you meeting for the first time with respect is a must. Their gestures are similar to what obtains around the world. What is funny and really interesting is that the “dobry den” which mean “good day” can be used the whole day.
3. HELLO/GOODBYE WORD
Most of us are used to the expressions, “Hello” and “Goodbye” used when we meet and when we part respectively. It is not the same in Slovakia. “Ahoj” the same word used when meeting and also when parting in Slovakia. Is that interesting or what!
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4. FAMILY CLOSENESS
Family means a lot to the Slovaks. Every member of the family contributes to the unity and happiness of the family. Parents love their children and say/show it; children love/respect their parents and show it with their behaviours and actions.
5. WORK AND PLAY
Hard work is encouraged just as having time for recreation is also encouraged. Slovaks call people always hard at work crazy. And they call people always lying around lazy. The bottom-line is to work hard, but have time to enjoy. I think that is really interesting!
6. DIRECT EYE-CONTACT
Slovaks value direct eye contact a lot. This is especially true when being introduced to someone. To them, eye contact is a sign of honesty and sincerity. For this reason, it is seen as important that the eye contact be maintained throughout the introduction and handshake.
7. MATERNITY LEAVE
Slovaks value women a lot! This can be seen in the very lavish rest period given to the working woman after child birth. What is most interesting is that maternity leave is as long as three years per childbirth! But the whole time is spent caring for the child as daycares are frowned upon.
8. SHOES OFF!
When entering the home of a Slovak, you must take off your shoes. Usually, you would be given slippers which you can wear while inside and take them off when going out and away. Do not make the mistake of going in wearing your shoes.
9. HAND HAS VOICE
It is possible to tell someone he/she is mad without having to voice it in Slovakia. You only need to use your right hand and head. Make your right hand into a fist, hold it to a side of your head, then rotate your hand forward quickly.
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10. NOT TOO STRICT WITH TIME
Slovaks appreciate timeliness. However they do not complain too much if someone is late for an appointment, provided the person is not too late. They are not too strict with time, but they are not too loose with time either.
11. A BIT SHY
Slovaks generally tend to be on shy side. They are more reserved and speak very little when with someone they are not familiar with. Being that self conscious, they would more easily relax when you speak even a few words of their language.
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