Editing Slovakia (section)

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Slovakia}}
{{See also|Slovak euro coins}}
[[File:Nbs.jpg|upright|thumb|[[National Bank of Slovakia]] in Bratislava]]
Slovakia has a [[high-income country|high-income]] [[developed economies|developed economy]]. In 2024, with a population of only 5 million, it ranked as the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|46th richest country]] with a [[per capita GDP|per capita gross domestic product]] based on [[purchasing power parity]] of $44,081,<ref>{{cite web |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023 |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=PPPPC,&sy=2021&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |date=11 April 2023 |website=IMF.org |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |access-date=3 May 2023 |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518174407/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=PPPPC,&sy=2021&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|61st largest economy in the World]] with a GDP of $140,808 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2023 Edition |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=PPPGDP,&sy=2021&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |access-date=3 May 2023 |website=IMF.org |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |language=en |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412035530/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/April/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=PPPGDP,&sy=2021&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Its GDP per capita equalling 74% of the average of the European Union in 2023.<ref name="rich">[https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=GDP_per_capita,_consumption_per_capita_and_price_level_indices "GDP per capita in PPS, Eurostat"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007231653/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=GDP_per_capita,_consumption_per_capita_and_price_level_indices |date=7 October 2023 }}, retrieved 3 May 2023.</ref> Major [[privatisation]]s are completed, the banking sector is almost completely in private hands, and foreign investment has risen.

In 2024, more than 80% of Slovak exports went to the [[European Union]], and more than 65% of Slovak imports came from other European Union member states.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Intra-EU_trade_in_goods_-_recent_trends|title=Intra-EU trade in goods – recent trends|access-date=8 July 2017|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403154324/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Intra-EU_trade_in_goods_-_recent_trends|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://slovak.statistics.sk/wps/portal/ext/products/informationmessages/inf_sprava_detail/76bd0773-1762-4ec2-b293-5bf75c881af2/!ut/p/z1/tVJNc4IwFPwtHjxm8vgMHoNTAYtMQQHh0gFEpSigZGjtr2-ovfSg2ENzSTKz-3b3vYdjvMZxlXTFLmFFXSUH_o9i9dUllqbrAgXQbQms-fPSMacz0fAVHP4GaI73BNaKvhjeXBZAVnB8nx_gGMdZxRq2x1GdtsketSUqqi1KSjYG_qjPR-6mq3LUNueku4yha3NW8puo6QYIkZBAVBHJeSaiVJxISEm3RMk0TUi2Yl--yYoNjh5Ch0N5-zhw41D44U8NasrEBtBsQwGLmr43cSUJqDTUjiv_jsAgP_6G3HMwlOEKoK7rLu0gACMQZ2BJggGO73NJdQCwUnHEU5CbNgWCw67I37Ff9bM94OUfh2QCng81gi9u8XY6xZRvV12x_IPh9X-sF9cRz4vpYscTJGzfl67x-iFqc_SPmnQpClR65qfuICPUWjoafQEbqweL/dz/d5/L0lDUmlTUSEhL3dHa0FKRnNBLzROV3FpQSEhL2Vu/#:~:text=79.2%25%20of%20the%20Slovak%20exports,member%20states%20decreased%20by%2016.7%25.|title=Foreign trade – preliminary results in March and detailed data in the first two months of 2024|date=9 May 2024|website=Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic}}</ref> Main export partners are Germany (23% of total exports), Czech Republic (12.4%), Poland (8.3%) and Austria (5.7%).

The country has difficulties addressing regional imbalances in wealth and employment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pitt.edu/~votruba/qsonhist/regionalwealthslovakia.html#skpppmap |title=Regional Wealth |access-date=10 April 2010 |last=Votruba |first=Martin |work=Slovak Studies Program |publisher=University of Pittsburgh |archive-date=2 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602052022/http://www.pitt.edu/~votruba/qsonhist/regionalwealthslovakia.html#skpppmap |url-status=dead }}</ref> GDP per capita ranges from 188% of EU average in Bratislava to 54% in Eastern Slovakia.<ref>"[https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/9618249/1-26022019-AP-EN.pdf/f765d183-c3d2-4e2f-9256-cc6665909c80] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902020336/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/9618249/1-26022019-AP-EN.pdf/f765d183-c3d2-4e2f-9256-cc6665909c80|date=2 September 2019}}." eurostat. Retrieved on 7 July 2019. "GDP per capita in 281 EU regions."</ref> Bratislava is the 19th-richest region of the [[European Union]] by GDP ([[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]) per capita.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Regional gross domestic product (PPS per inhabitant) by NUTS 2 regions |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/TGS00005/default/table |access-date=27 July 2023 |website=ec.europa.eu |archive-date=13 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713042916/https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/TGS00005/default/table |url-status=live }}</ref> Although regional income inequality is high, [[List of countries by home ownership rate|90% of citizens own their homes]].

The country used to be dubbed the ''"[[Tatra Tiger]]"'' in the 2000s as it successfully transformed from a centrally [[planned economy]] to a market-driven economy and achieved, on average, roughly 6% per capita GDP growth each year from 2000 to 2008.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Nicolae-Dragos |first1=Biea |year=2015 |url=https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2017-01/eb008_en_2.pdf |title=Economic growth in Slovakia: Past successes and future challenges |journal=Acta Oeconomica |series=European Economy Economic Briefs |edition=008 |publisher=European Commission |doi=10.2765/01942 |isbn=978-92-79-54469-9 |issn=2443-8030 |access-date=10 May 2023 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829050234/https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2017-01/eb008_en_2.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pogátsa |first1=Zoltán |author-link=Zoltán Pogátsa |year=2009 |title=Tatra Tiger: Growth Miracle or Belated Recovery? |journal=Acta Oeconomica |location=Budapest |publisher=Akadémiai Kiadó |volume=59 |issue=4 |pages=377–390 |doi=10.1556/AOecon.59.2009.4.1 |issn=0001-6373 |jstor=40729918}}</ref> In 2017, the Slovak economy was one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe and [[List of countries by real GDP growth rate|3rd-fastest]] in the [[eurozone]].

[[File:Eurozone.svg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Slovakia is part of the [[Schengen Area]], the EU single market, and since 2009, the [[eurozone]] (dark blue).]]

The [[OECD]] in 2017 reported:

<blockquote>The Slovak Republic continues exhibiting robust economic performance, with strong growth backed by a sound financial sector, low public debt and high international competitiveness drawing on large inward investment.<ref>oecd.org, [http://www.oecd.org/slovakia/economic-survey-slovak-republic.htm "Economic Survey of the Slovak Republic 2017" 3 July 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707115923/http://www.oecd.org/slovakia/economic-survey-slovak-republic.htm |date=7 July 2017 }}</ref></blockquote>

The ratio of government debt to GDP in Slovakia reached 60.5% in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/slovakia/government-debt--of-nominal-gdp|title=Slovakia Government Debt: % of GDP|website=CEIC Data}}</ref>

Unemployment, peaking at 19% at the end of 1999, decreased to 4.9% in 2019, lowest recorded rate in Slovak history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spravy.pravda.sk/ekonomika/clanok/512728-historicke-cisla-nezamestnanosti-prvykrat-klesla-pod-5-percent/|title=Historické čísla nezamestnanosti, prvýkrát klesla pod 5 percent|date=20 May 2019|language=sk|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525085838/https://spravy.pravda.sk/ekonomika/clanok/512728-historicke-cisla-nezamestnanosti-prvykrat-klesla-pod-5-percent/|url-status=live}}</ref> Unemployment rate in 2024 was 5.4%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slovak.statistics.sk/wps/portal/ext/products/informationmessages/inf_sprava_detail/!ut/p/z1/tZLBTuMwEIafhUOOzkziJHa5uQiadqtqaemW-oLc1GmybZyQeBN4e9zVXhALiANz8Yz0_6NvPAMS7kEa1ZcHZcvaqJOrtzJ5uGVTPh4HAnE8pzid_Vgt0qubcLKOYfNawBfLa5zeiZ-T5SwKMIpBfuz_BRJkZmxjC9jWu04VRBtSmpyoo_XQJXVbOZreaNI1reqfPew7bY_upUmotAuiNCKJgtBliJzschbwPNFJkOG5fZOVe9iyPd8H-Ug5TaxIxFVGnAhJnIeMJwnXXL8Z5y3veRx8JwQ6v_wruZqINGJzRzOfxDgV6Xo5uqUUBf0n-KDHIq0rDSttYOto2Ls0AYNNX-oB1ub8RydYfXHYFGH22X7cAZS_Hx-lcFuqjdVPFu6_Y00OpNxV_pBVPvqMM6SM8SiMRklM6ZlCmB3lB5CtznWrW_9P666zsLbpLj30cBgG_1DXh5P2u6OH_3MUdefgXwmhqdYVp8_kmIvhLi9OfbXhnbi4eAGwwskW/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/|title=Unemployment in the 3rd quarter of 2024|date=3 December 2024|website=Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic}}</ref>

A high dependence on global supply chains and energy imports makes the Slovak economy vulnerable to external shocks. As a consequence, the economy was hit hard by the global [[COVID-19 pandemic]] crisis (−3.3% decline in 2020), despite sizeable economic policy support. And after a strong recovery in 2021 (+4.8% growth), growth slowed down markedly in 2022 (+1.9%) and 2023 (+1.6%) as a result of the consequences of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], notably the subsequent [[International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War|EU sanctions on Russia]] and soaring energy prices.

[[File:Sky Park Bratislava.jpg|thumb|High-rise buildings in Bratislava's business districts]]
The Slovak government encourages foreign investment since it is one of the driving forces of the economy. Slovakia is an attractive country for [[Investment (macroeconomics)|foreign investors]] mainly because of its low wages, low tax rates, well educated [[labour force]], favourable geographic location in the heart of Central Europe, strong political stability and good international relations reinforced by the country's accession to the European Union. Some regions, mostly at the east of Slovakia have failed to attract major investment, which has aggravated regional disparities in many economic and social areas.

Slovakia adopted the [[euro]] currency on 1 January 2009 as the 16th member of the eurozone. The euro in Slovakia was approved by [[European Commission|the European commission]] on 7&nbsp;May 2008. The [[Slovak koruna]] was revalued on 28&nbsp;May 2008 to 30.126 for 1&nbsp;euro, which was also the exchange rate for the euro.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/feedarticle/7546478|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601034210/http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7546478|archive-date=1 June 2008|title=Slovakia revalues currency ahead of euro entry|first=Marcin|last=Grajewski|work=The Guardian|date=28 May 2008|access-date=9 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7495169.stm|title=Slovak euro exchange rate is set|work=BBC News|date=8 July 2008|access-date=9 July 2010|archive-date=3 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003071334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7495169.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Slovakia ranks 45th out of 190 economies in terms of ease of doing business, according to the [[Ease of doing business index|2020 World Bank Doing Business Report]] and 49th out of the 63 countries and territories in terms of competitive economy, according to the [[World Competitiveness Yearbook|2022 World Competitiveness Yearbook Report]].

=== Industry ===
{{See also|Automotive industry in Slovakia}}
[[File:Kia-factory-slovakia.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kia]]'s car production plant in [[Žilina]]]]

Although Slovakia's GDP comes mainly from the tertiary (services) sector, the industrial sector also plays an important role within its economy. The main industry sectors are [[Automotive industry in Slovakia|car manufacturing]] and [[electrical engineering]]. Since 2007, Slovakia has been the world's largest producer of cars per capita,<ref name=Kia>{{cite web |url=http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=16083 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171010140003/http://www.industryweek.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 October 2017 |title=Slovak Car Industry Production Almost Doubled in 2007 |publisher=Industryweek.com |date=9 April 2008 |access-date=16 October 2010 }}</ref> with a total of 1,090,000 cars manufactured in the country in 2018 alone.<ref name="automagazin.sk">{{cite web|url=https://automagazin.sk/2019/01/13/na-slovensku-sa-v-roku-2018-vyrobil-rekordny-pocet-aut/|title=Na Slovensku sa v roku 2018 vyrobil rekordný počet áut|date=13 January 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107223502/https://automagazin.sk/2019/01/13/na-slovensku-sa-v-roku-2018-vyrobil-rekordny-pocet-aut/|url-status=live}}</ref> 275,000 people are employed directly and indirectly
by the automotive industry.<ref name="sario.sk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ta3.com/clanok/1173431.html|title=Slovensko ostáva svetovým lídrom. Zverejnili, koľko vyrobilo áut|website=TA3.com}}{{Dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> There are currently four automobile assembly plants, with a fifth under construction: [[Volkswagen]]'s in [[Bratislava]] (models: [[Volkswagen Up]], [[Volkswagen Touareg]], [[Audi Q7]], [[Audi Q8]], [[Porsche Cayenne]], [[Lamborghini Urus]]), [[PSA Peugeot Citroën]]'s in [[Trnava]] (models: [[Peugeot 208]], [[Citroën C3 Picasso]]), [[Kia Motors]]' [[Kia Design and Manufacturing Facilities#Žilina Plant|Žilina Plant]] (models: [[Kia Cee'd]], [[Kia Sportage]], [[Kia Venga]]) and [[Jaguar Land Rover]]'s in [[Nitra]] (model: [[Land Rover Defender]], [[Land Rover Discovery#Third generation (L462; 2017–present)|Land Rover Discovery]]). [[Volvo]] will make electric cars at a new plant at the east of Slovakia, construction began in 2023 in [[Košice]], with series production starting in 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Volvo is coming, Slovakia to end up with fifth carmaker |date=2022-07-01 |work=[[The Slovak Spectator]] |url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22951744/volvo-is-coming-slovakia-will-get-the-fifth-carmaker.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220161147/https://spectator.sme.sk/c/22951744/volvo-is-coming-slovakia-will-get-the-fifth-carmaker.html |archive-date=20 February 2023 |access-date=8 November 2022 }}</ref> [[Hyundai Mobis]] in [[Žilina]] is the largest suppliers for the automotive industry in Slovakia.<ref name="etrend.sk">{{cite web|url=https://www.etrend.sk/trend-archiv/rok-2018/cislo-23/inteligentne-riesenia-pre-internu-logistiku.html|title=Takto funguje fabrika, v ktorej sa vyrába takmer polovica z každého auta žilinskej Kie|date=23 June 2018|access-date=10 May 2019|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510153851/https://www.etrend.sk/trend-archiv/rok-2018/cislo-23/inteligentne-riesenia-pre-internu-logistiku.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The electronics manufacturing industry also thrives. [[Foxconn]] has a factory at [[Nitra]] for [[LCD television|LCD TV]] manufacturing, [[Samsung Group|Samsung]] at [[Galanta]] for [[computer monitor]]s and television sets manufacturing. Steel producer [[U. S. Steel Košice, s.r.o.|U. S. Steel]] in [[Košice]] is the largest employer in the east of Slovakia with 12,000 employees.

[[ESET]] is an IT security company from Bratislava with more than 1,000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/eset-achieves-another-milestone-more-1000-employees-globally |title=ESET Achieves Another Milestone: More Than 1000 Employees Globally |publisher=PressReleasePoint |access-date=23 April 2015 |archive-date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911042224/http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/eset-achieves-another-milestone-more-1000-employees-globally |url-status=live }}</ref> employees worldwide at present. Their branch offices are in the United States, Ireland, United Kingdom, Argentina, the [[Czech Republic]], [[Singapore]] and Poland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eset.com/me/about/profile/history/|title=About ESET: Company Profile: History|publisher=ESET|access-date=1 July 2011|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929040632/http://www.eset.com/me/about/profile/history/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In recent years, [[Tertiary sector of the economy|service]] and [[High tech|high-tech]]-oriented businesses have prospered in Bratislava. Many global companies, including [[IBM]], [[Dell]], [[Lenovo]], [[AT&T]], [[SAP AG|SAP]], and [[Accenture]], have built [[outsourcing]] and service centres here.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency |url=http://www.sario.sk/?news&novinka=58 |title=Lenovo invests in Slovakia with new jobs |date=20 April 2006 |access-date=25 April 2007 |archive-date=17 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217183957/http://www.sario.sk/?news&novinka=58 |url-status=live }}. {{cite web |publisher=Dell |url=http://www.job.dell.sk/buxus/generate_page.php?page_id=398 |title=Dell in Bratislava |year=2007 |access-date=25 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927191504/http://www.job.dell.sk/buxus/generate_page.php?page_id=398 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> Reasons for the influx of [[Multinational corporation|multi-national corporations]] include proximity to Western Europe, skilled labour force and the high density of universities and research facilities.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Regional Polarization under Transition: The Case of Slovakia |first=Vladimír |last=Baláž |year=2007 |journal=European Planning Studies |volume=15 |issue=5 |pages=587–602 |doi=10.1080/09654310600852639|bibcode=2007EurPS..15..587B |s2cid=154927365 }}</ref> Other large companies and employers with headquarters in Bratislava include [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]], [[Slovak Telekom]], [[Orange Slovensko]], [[Slovenská sporiteľňa]], [[Tatra banka]], [[Doprastav]], [[Hewlett-Packard]] Slovakia, [[Henkel]] Slovensko, [[Slovenský plynárenský priemysel]], [[Microsoft]] Slovakia, [[Mondelez International|Mondelez Slovakia]], [[Whirlpool Corporation|Whirlpool Slovakia]] and [[Zurich Insurance Group]] Slovakia.

Bratislava's geographical position in Central Europe has long made Bratislava a crossroads for [[international trade]] traffic.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|url=http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9273337/Bratislava,-Slovakia|title=Bratislava in Encyclopædia Britannica|year=2007|access-date=30 April 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012145432/http://concise.britannica.com/ebc/article-9273337/Bratislava,-Slovakia|archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=City of Bratislava |url=http://www.visit.bratislava.sk/en/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_org=700014&id=1088&p1=1800 |title=MIPIM 2007 – Other Segments |year=2007 |access-date=30 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611190123/http://visit.bratislava.sk/en/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_org=700014&id=1088&p1=1800 |archive-date=11 June 2007}}</ref> Various ancient [[trade route]]s, such as the [[Amber Road]] and the [[Danube]] waterway, have crossed territory of present-day Bratislava. Today, Bratislava is a road, railway, waterway and airway hub.<ref name="transport">{{cite web|publisher=City of Bratislava |url=http://www.visit.bratislava.sk/en/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_org=700014&id=1047&p1=1815 |title=Transport and Infrastructure |year=2007 |access-date=12 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611185402/http://visit.bratislava.sk/en/vismo/dokumenty2.asp?id_org=700014&id=1047&p1=1815 |archive-date=11 June 2007}}</ref>

=== Energy ===
{{main|Energy in Slovakia}}

[[File:Jaslovske Bohunice Power Plant 1.JPG|thumb|Nuclear Power Plant [[Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant|Jaslovské Bohunice]]]]

Slovakia is self-sufficient in electricity production following the launch of the third unit of the Mochovce nuclear power plant in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/business/c/slovakia-has-clear-plan-to-remain-nuclear-energy-powerhouse|title=Slovakia has clear plan to remain "nuclear energy powerhouse|date=22 December 2023|website=The Slovak Spectator}}</ref>

In 2020, Slovakia produced a total of 29,322 [[GWh]] of [[electricity]]. [[Nuclear power|Nuclear energy]] accounted for 54% (15 400 GWh) of total electricity production, followed by 16% by [[hydro power]] energy, 16% natural gas, 8% coal, biofuel 3% and 3% by [[solar energy]],<ref name="worl823">{{cite web |title=Nuclear Power in Slovakia |url=https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-o-s/slovakia.aspx |date=August 2023 |access-date=29 August 2023 |archive-date=1 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901130259/https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-o-s/slovakia.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.energie-portal.sk/Dokument/kolko-elektriny-vyrabaju-slovenske-atomky-vodne-a-solarne-elektrarne-tu-su-cerstve-cisla-106931.aspx|title=Koľko elektriny vyrábajú slovenské atómky, vodné a solárne elektrárne? Tu sú čerstvé čísla|date=5 March 2021|website=Energie-portal.sk}}</ref>

The two nuclear power-plants in Slovakia are in [[Jaslovské Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant|Jaslovské Bohunice]] and [[Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant|Mochovce]]. Jaslovské Bohunice containing two operating reactors. Mochovce containing three operating reactors, unit Mochovce-3 came on-line in January 2023 and unit Mochovce-4 will be completed at the end of 2025.<ref name="worl823"/> The additional reactors in Mochovce returned Slovakia to being a net exporter of electricity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mochovce 3 output increased to 55% |url=https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Mochovce-3-output-increased-to-55 |date=31 March 2023 |access-date=29 August 2023 |archive-date=29 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829121027/https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Mochovce-3-output-increased-to-55 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.seas.sk/o-nas/nase-elektrarne/atomove-elektrarne/mochovce-34-vo-vystavbe/|title=Mochovce 3&4 construction|website=Slovenské Elektrárne}}</ref>

In 2024, Slovak government approved a plan to build another new nuclear reactor in [[Jaslovské Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant|Jaslovské Bohunice]].<ref> [https://apnews.com/article/slovakia-new-nuclear-reactor-jaslovske-bohunice-48b8cc3bd20bbf851133325357071524]." Associated Press. Retrieved on 4 June 2024. "Slovakia plans to build a new nuclear reactor."</ref>

[[File:Refinery of Slovnaft, view from Nový most viewpoint in Bratislava, Bratislava II District.jpg|thumb|[[Slovnaft]] oil refinery in Bratislava]]

[[Slovenský plynárenský priemysel]] (''Slovak Gas Industry'') is the biggest natural gas seller in Slovakia. In 2024, domestic gas production covers roughly 2% of Slovak consumption.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trend.sk/spravy/spotreba-plynu-slovensku-bude-stagnovat-najblizsich-rokoch-nevratime-rekordom|title=Spotreba plynu na Slovensku bude stagnovať, v najbližších rokoch sa nevrátime k rekordom|date=25 August 2024|website=Trend}}</ref> An average of around 65 million m³ of natural gas is produced, while 4,2 billion m³ of natural gas is imported.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.energie-portal.sk/Dokument/tazba-plynu-na-slovensku-108369.aspx|title=Ťažba plynu na Slovensku bývala vyššia, zo súčasnej spotreby by pokryla aj 20 %|date=21 September 2022|website=Energie-portal.sk}}</ref> As of 2025, most of gas imports to Slovakia is from Russia via [[TurkStream]] pipeline. TurkStream connects Russia and Turkey, with gas flowing through the Balkans and Hungary before reaching Slovakia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/business/c/slovakia-stays-loyal-to-gazprom-as-russian-gas-starts-flowing-via-turkstream|title=Slovakia stays loyal to Gazprom as Russian gas starts flowing via TurkStream|date=6 February 2025|website=The Slovak Spectator}}</ref>

The oil production in Slovakia is even lower than the gas production. In 2021 it reached a volume of 4,500 tons per year with a total oil consumption of around 6 million tons per year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ceelegalmatters.com/oil-gas-2024/oil-gas-slovakia-2024|title=Oil & Gas Laws and Regulations in Slovakia (2024)|date=11 September 2024|website=CEE Legal Matters}}</ref> Among European Union countries, Slovakia is the most dependent on Russian oil and petroleum products.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cepconsult.com/publications/slovakia-needs-russian-oil/|title=Slovakia needs Russian oil|date=23 October 2024|website=Cepconsult}}</ref> In 2020, Russia was the origin country for 78 percent of the country's total oil imports. [[Slovnaft]], with 4,000 employees, is the largest oil refining company in Slovakia, located in Bratislava. The company refines 5.5 to 6 million tonnes of crude oil per annum and produces a broad range of motor fuels, fuel oils and petrochemical products.

=== Transportation ===
{{Main|Transport in Slovakia}}
[[File:Strbske Pleso pociag 425 2.jpg|thumb|A train in the northern town of [[Vysoké Tatry]]]]

There are four main motorway D1 to D4 and eight expressways R1 to R8. Many of them are still under construction.

The major motorway in Slovakia is [[Motorway D1 (Slovakia)|D1]], the motorway connects major cities across Slovakia from west to east, from Bratislava to [[Trnava]], [[Nitra]], [[Trenčín]], [[Žilina]] and beyond. As of 2025, some sections of D1 are still under construction. The [[Motorway D2 (Slovakia)|D2 motorway]] connects it to [[Prague]], [[Brno]] and [[Budapest]] in the north–south direction. A large part of [[Motorway D4 (Slovakia)|D4&nbsp;motorway]] (an outer bypass), which ease the pressure on Bratislava's highway system, opened in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[SME (newspaper)|SME]]|url=http://ekonomika.sme.sk/c/20365970/vystavba-bratislavskeho-obchvatu-oficialne-odstartovala.html|title=Érsek oficiálne spustil výstavbu bratislavského obchvatu|year=2016|access-date=14 November 2016|language=sk|archive-date=27 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027205214/http://ekonomika.sme.sk/c/20365970/vystavba-bratislavskeho-obchvatu-oficialne-odstartovala.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Nordostautobahn|A6&nbsp;motorway]] to [[Vienna]] connects Slovakia directly to the Austrian motorway system and was opened on 19&nbsp;November 2007.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Pravda (Slovakia)|Pravda]]|url=http://www.tvojepeniaze.sk/do-viedne-uz-netreba-ist-po-okresnej-ceste-fgy-/sk_pludia.asp?c=A071119_072754_sk_pludia_p01|title=Do Viedne už netreba ísť po okresnej ceste|year=2007|access-date=19 November 2007|language=sk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205010048/http://www.tvojepeniaze.sk/do-viedne-uz-netreba-ist-po-okresnej-ceste-fgy-/sk_pludia.asp?c=A071119_072754_sk_pludia_p01|archive-date=5 February 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Diaľnica D1. Prešov západ 21 Slovakia 13.jpg|thumb|[[Motorway D1 (Slovakia)|D1 motorway]]]]

Slovakia has three international airports. [[Bratislava Airport]] is the main and largest [[international airport]]. It is located 9 km northeast of the city centre. It serves civil and governmental, scheduled and unscheduled domestic and international flights. The current runways support the landing of all common types of aircraft currently used. The airport has enjoyed rapidly growing passenger traffic in recent years; it served 279,028&nbsp;passengers in 2000 and 2,292,712 in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|work=Letisko M.R. Štefánika – Airport Bratislava |url=http://www.airportbratislava.sk/31.html |title=Letisko Bratislava – O letisku – Štatistické údaje (''Airport Bratislava – About airport – Statistical data'') |year=2008 |access-date=19 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903131836/http://www.airportbratislava.sk/31.html |archive-date=3 September 2011}}</ref> [[Košice International Airport]] is an airport serving [[Košice]]. It is the second-largest [[international airport]] in Slovakia. The [[Poprad–Tatry Airport]] is the third busiest airport, the airport is located 5&nbsp;km west-northwest of [[Poprad]]. It is an airport with one of the highest elevations in Central Europe, at 718 m, which is 150 m higher than [[Innsbruck Airport]] in Austria.

[[Railways of the Slovak Republic]] (''Železnice Slovenskej Republiky'') provides railway transport services on national and international lines.

The [[Port of Bratislava]] is one of the two international [[port|river ports]] in Slovakia. The port connects Bratislava to international boat traffic, especially the interconnection from the [[North Sea]] to the [[Black Sea]] via the [[Rhine–Main–Danube Canal|Rhine-Main-Danube Canal]].
Additionally, tourist boats operate from Bratislava's passenger port, including routes to [[Devín]], [[Vienna]] and elsewhere. The [[Port of Komárno]] is the second largest port in Slovakia with an area of over 20 hectares and is located approximately 100&nbsp;km east of Bratislava. It lies at the confluence of two rivers – [[the Danube]] and [[Váh]].

=== Tourism ===
{{Main|Tourism in Slovakia}}
{{See also|List of castles in Slovakia|List of World Heritage Sites in Slovakia}}

[[File:Bojnice Castle Slovakia.jpg|thumb|Bojnice Castle]]

Slovakia features natural landscapes, mountains, [[List of caves in Slovakia|caves]], medieval [[List of castles in Slovakia|castles]] and towns, folk architecture, spas and [[Ski and winter sports in Slovakia|ski resorts]]. More than 5,4 million tourists visited Slovakia in 2017. The most attractive destinations are the capital of [[Bratislava]] and the [[High Tatras]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Slovak Spectator|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20834216/popularity-of-slovakia-as-a-tourist-destination-increases.html|title=Popularity of Slovakia as a tourist destination increases|date=24 May 2018|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-date=30 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730092133/https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20834216/popularity-of-slovakia-as-a-tourist-destination-increases.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Most visitors come from the [[Czech Republic]] (about 26%), Poland (15%) and Germany (11%).<ref>[http://www.sacr.sk/odborna-verejnost/analyzy-a-statistiky/statistiky/?no_cache=1&cid=1163&did=9358&sechash=42ffab51 Top 15 krajín AZCR 2012–2015] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508215727/http://www.sacr.sk/odborna-verejnost/analyzy-a-statistiky/statistiky/?no_cache=1&cid=1163&did=9358&sechash=42ffab51 |date=8 May 2016}}. Slovenská Aagentúra pre Cestovný Ruch sacr.sk (March 2016)</ref>

Slovakia contains many castles, most of which are in ruins. The best known castles include [[Bojnice Castle]] (often used as a filming location), [[Spiš Castle]], (on the UNESCO list), [[Orava Castle]], [[Bratislava Castle]], and the ruins of [[Devín Castle]]. [[Čachtice Castle]] was once the home of the world's most prolific female serial killer, the 'Bloody Lady', [[Elizabeth Báthory]].
[[File:Bardejov, rynek (HB1).jpg|thumb|left|The centre of [[Bardejov]] – a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]]]

Slovakia's position in Europe and the country's past (part of the [[Kingdom of Hungary]], the [[Habsburg]] monarchy and [[Czechoslovakia]]) made many cities and towns similar to the cities in the [[Czech Republic]] (such as [[Prague]]), Austria (such as [[Salzburg]]) or Hungary (such as [[Budapest]]). A historical centre with at least one square has been preserved in many towns. Large historical centres can be found in [[Bratislava]], [[Trenčín]], [[Košice]], [[Banská Štiavnica]], [[Levoča]], and [[Trnava]]. Historical centres have been going through a restoration in recent years.

Historical churches can be found in virtually every village and town in Slovakia. Most of them are built in the [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] style, but there are also many examples of [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] and [[Gothic architecture]], for example [[Banská Bystrica]], Bardejov and [[Spišská Kapitula]]. The [[Basilica of St. James, Levoča|Basilica of St. James]] in Levoča with the tallest wood-carved altar in the world and the Church of the Holy Spirit in [[Žehra]] with medieval [[fresco]]s are UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]]s. The [[St. Martin's Concathedral]] in [[Bratislava]] served as the [[coronation]] church for the Kingdom of Hungary. The oldest sacral buildings in Slovakia stem from the [[Great Moravia]]n period in the ninth century.
[[File:Jasná Ski Resort - gondola lift Kosodrevina - Chopok (4).jpg|thumb|Cable cars at [[Jasná]] in the Tatra Mountains]]

Very precious structures are the complete wooden churches of northern and northern-eastern Slovakia. Most were built from the 15th century onwards by [[Catholic]]s, [[Lutheran]]s and members of [[Eastern Christianity|eastern-rite]] churches.

Tourism is one of the main sectors of the Slovakia's economy, although still underserved. It is based on domestic tourism, as most of the tourists are the Slovak nationals and residents travelling for leisure within the country. [[Bratislava]] and the [[High Tatras|High]] and [[Low Tatras]] are the busiest tourist stops. Other popular tourist destinations are the cities and towns of [[Košice]], [[Banská Štiavnica]], or [[Bardejov]], and numerous national parks, such as [[Pieniny National Park (Slovakia)|Pieniny National Park]], [[Malá Fatra National Park]], [[Veľká Fatra National Park]], [[Poloniny National Park]], or [[Slovak Paradise National Park]], among others.

There are many castles located throughout the country. Among the tourists, some of the most popular are [[Bojnice Castle]], [[Spiš Castle]], Stará Ľubovňa Castle, [[Krásna Hôrka Castle]], [[Orava Castle]] (where many scenes of [[Nosferatu]] were filmed), [[Trenčín Castle]], and [[Bratislava Castle]], and also castles in ruins, such as [[Beckov Castle]], [[Devín Castle]], [[Šariš Castle]], [[Považský hrad|Považie Castle]], and [[Strečno Castle]] (where [[Dragonheart]] was filmed).

Caves open to the public are mainly located in Northern Slovakia. [[Driny]] is the only cave located in Western Slovakia that is open to the public. [[Dobšiná Ice Cave]], [[Demänovská Ice Cave]], [[Demänovská Cave of Liberty]], [[Belianska Cave]], or [[Domica Cave]] are among the most popular tourist stops. [[Ochtinská Aragonite Cave]], located in Central Slovakia, is one of only three aragonite caves in the world. There are thousands of caves located in Slovakia, thirteen of which are open to the public.

[[File:20180503 Zamek Spiski 2953 DxO.jpg|left|[[Spiš Castle]]|thumb]]
Slovakia is also known for its numerous spas. [[Piešťany]] is the biggest and busiest spa town in the country, attracting many visitors from the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Gulf countries]], mostly the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Qatar]], [[Kuwait]], and [[Bahrain]]. [[Bardejov]], [[Trenčianske Teplice]], [[Turčianske Teplice]], and [[Rajecké Teplice]] are other major spa towns. Some well-known minor spa towns and villages are [[Štós]], [[Číž]], [[Dudince]], [[Kováčová, Zvolen District|Kováčová]], [[Nimnica]], [[Smrdáky]], [[Lúčky, Ružomberok District|Lúčky]], and [[Vyšné Ružbachy]], among others.

Typical souvenirs from Slovakia are dolls dressed in folk costumes, ceramic objects, crystal glass, carved wooden figures, črpáks (wooden pitchers), [[fujara]]s (a [[folk instrument]] on the UNESCO list) and [[valaška]]s (a decorated folk hatchet) and above all products made from [[husk|corn husks]] and wire, notably human figures. Souvenirs can be bought in the shops run by the state organisation ÚĽUV (''Ústredie ľudovej umeleckej výroby''—Centre of [[Folk art|Folk Art]] Production). ''Dielo'' shop chain sells works of Slovak artists and craftsmen. These shops are mostly found in towns and cities.

Prices of imported products are generally the same as in the neighbouring countries, whereas prices of local products and services, especially food, are usually lower.

=== Science ===
[[File:STANICA LANOVKY S OBSERVATÓRIOM.JPG|thumb|[[Observatory]] at the top of the peak [[Lomnický štít]], at the altitude above sea level of {{convert|2632|m|ft|abbr=on}}.]]

The [[Slovak Academy of Sciences]] has been the most important scientific and research institution in the country since 1953. Slovaks have made notable scientific and technical contributions during history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbinternational.com/en/raiffeisen/blog/technology/innovations-slovakia.html|title=6 Innovations from Slovakia That Changed the World|date=10 October 2023|website=Raiffeisen Bank International}}</ref> In 1999, astronaut [[Ivan Bella]], became the first and only Slovak citizen to fly in space.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spectator.sme.sk/politics-and-society/c/the-first-and-only-slovak-astronaut-flew-into-space-20-years-ago|title=The first and only Slovak astronaut flew into space 20 years ago|date=20 February 2019|website=The Slovak Spectator}}</ref> 

Observer status to [[European Space Agency]] (ESA) was granted in 2010, when Slovakia signed the General Agreement on Cooperation in which information about ongoing education programmes was shared and Slovakia was invited to various negotiations of the ESA.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://slovak.space/sr-a-vesmir/spolupraca-s-esa/|title=Spolupráca s ESA – Slovak Space Portal|work=Slovak Space Portal|access-date=5 November 2017|language=sk-SK|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107032452/http://slovak.space/sr-a-vesmir/spolupraca-s-esa/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2015, Slovakia signed the European Cooperating State Agreement based on which Slovakia committed to the finance entrance programme named PECS (Plan for the European Cooperating States) which serves as preparation for full membership. Slovak research and development organisations can apply for funding of projects regarding space technologies advancement. Slovakia became European Space Agency associate member state in 2022.<ref name="www.esa.int">{{Cite web |title=Slovakia becomes ESA Associate Member state |url=https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/Slovakia_becomes_ESA_Associate_Member_state |access-date=14 October 2022 |website=esa.int |language=en |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013201557/https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/Slovakia_becomes_ESA_Associate_Member_state |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, the country signed the [[Artemis Accords]] with [[NASA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-welcomes-slovakia-as-new-artemis-accords-signatory/|title=NASA Welcomes Slovakia as New Artemis Accords Signatory|date=30 May 2024|website=nasa.gov}}</ref> 

Slovakia was ranked 46th in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite book |author=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]] |year=2024 |title=Global Innovation Index 2024: Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship |url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=www.wipo.int |page=18 |publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization |language=en |doi=10.34667/tind.50062 |isbn=978-92-805-3681-2}}</ref>