Quality of life

Beyond the economic and commercial attraction the country offers, no Central European country wears superlatives more easily, in terms of quality of life, than the Slovak Republic. Much of the country’s rich cultural heritage owes its origins to the dominant role played in shaping the Central and Eastern Europe we know today. And physically, it’s like a living mosaic of Europe’s finest and most enchanting scenery.

Cradled under the Carpathian Mountains, which extend about 1,500 km in a great semicircle from Bratislava to Romania, Slovakia is partially bordered to the south by the majestic Danube having graced Vienna only 60 km upstream. Gerlachovsky Peak in Slovakia, at 2,655 m, represents the highest point of the Carpathian range. With mountains and forests accounting for 70% of the land use, the country plays host to many nature preservation areas and seven national parks including Slovensky raj, Slovak’s Paradise.

Culture
Cultural attractions are not restricted to Bratislava; excellent opera houses are to be found in Presov and in the country’s second city, Kosice, with a population of 250,000. Indeed, every larger town has its own theatre. From Gothic temples to an array of Baroque and Rococo palaces, Slovakia is a stimulating cocktail of sight and sound.

Nature / Climate
Courtesy of the temperate zone, with a blended oceanic and continental climate, Slovakia supports a wide range of wildlife and flora including one of its most cherished flowers, the edelweiss. The plethora of thermal springs and spas represent an additional attraction for tourists and opportunities for foreign investors to fully capitalise on their full potential.

Sports
The country abounds sporting and recreational attractions with extensive ski runs, four horse racing tracks, Olympic class equestrian arenas, 12,000 km of well kept hiking tails, a diverse game hunting calendar, tennis, golf and a broad range of water sports including white-water rafting for those who like a challenge.

Housing / Education / Internet
Housing at western quality is available at western prices, due to increasing demand, both in terms of leasing and purchasing in the Bratislava and Kosice areas. Education for English and German speaking pupils is readily available and to meet the increasing demand from Internet users most Internet service providers operate local access numbers, in the two above-mentioned cities, for business travellers.

For further information on recreation - Slovak Tourist Board. www.sacr.sk