The Slovak Republic, independent from the former Czechoslovakia in 1993, is extended from the plains of the Danube basin until the Tatra peaks. The rugged geography of the country has slowed down the industrialization and modernization process, this has helped to preserve regional differences.

For a thousand years Slovaks were under the oppression of the Hungarians, even though they knew how to maintain their national identity. In 1918 joined the Czechs creating Czechoslovakia, but after 75 years they decided to become independent, although many Slavs had their doubts, the fact is that none of them had the option to decide on referendum. Since then, corruption and no reforms have shocked foreign investment, but since 1998, following a change of government, it seems that the situation can change.

The population is very diverse: in the south there are more than half a million Hungarian-speaking and in the east thousands of Gypsies and rusyns.

The capital, Bratislava, can be disappointing if one expects to find a Slovak Prague. But it is a rewarding and lively city with a beautiful Old Town.

Poprad is the gateway to visit the High Tatras, the highest mountain, and also to explore the fascinating medieval towns in the region of Spis. To the east is Presov, cultural center of the minority rusyn and nearby Kosice, Slovakia's second city, has a very beautiful Gothic cathedral.