Year of EU entry: 2004 / Capital city: Bratislava / Population: 5.4 million
Slovakia is in the heart of central Europe, linked to its neighbours by the River Danube. The most famous natural resort is the High Tatra Mountains - popular for its spectacular views and skiing facilities. The lowlands of the Danube plain provide a fertile farming region producing wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beet, fruit, tobacco and grapes.
Among the best-known Slovaks are Štefan Banić who invented the parachute in 1913, the founder of pop-art Andy Warhol, born as Andrej Varchola to parents originating in Eastern Slovakia, and the Slovenská Filharmónia orchestra founded in 1949. Traditional meals are potato dumplings with sheep’s milk cheese and cabbage soup with sausage.
