Other Slovakia

For immigrants in Slovakia, access to local news in foreign languages is an important aspect of integration and understanding of current events.

 

English language news resources

 

The Slovak Spectator: a leading English-language publication covering a wide range of topics, including politics, economy, and culture.

 

Slovakia Today: a daily news program in English broadcast on Radio Slovakia International.

 

Bratislava Daily: an online platform providing up-to-date news and events occurring in Bratislava and across the country.

 

Russian language news resources

 

Slovakinfo.sk: an informational site offering news on politics, economy, society, and tourism in Slovakia.

 

Barikada.sk: a Russian-language portal covering life in Slovakia, including news on politics, economy, culture, and sports.

 

Наш Путь (Наш Путь): a publication founded in 1937, providing news and articles about life in Slovakia in Russian.

 

International news agencies

 

Euronews: an international news channel offering news about Slovakia in multiple languages.

 

Deutsche Welle: German international broadcasting offering news about Slovakia in multiple languages.

 

Social networks and mobile applications

Many of the listed publications have pages on social networks and mobile apps, allowing access to updates in a convenient format.

Slovakia is a country in Central Europe about which various stereotypes and misconceptions frequently exist.

 

Confusion with Slovenia

One of the most common stereotypes is mixing up Slovakia with Slovenia due to the similarity of their names. Despite both countries being in Central Europe and once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they have different languages, cultures, and histories.

 

Slovakia is a mountainous and rural country

It is believed that Slovakia is entirely covered in mountains and consists mainly of rural areas. In reality, the country has diverse landscapes: from the High Tatras to fertile plains. Moreover, Slovakia has modern cities with developed infrastructure, such as Bratislava and Košice.

 

Economic underdevelopment

Some believe that Slovakia is an economically underdeveloped country. However, since joining the European Union in 2004, Slovakia's economy has grown significantly. The country has become an important center for the automotive industry and information technology in Europe.

 

Conservatism and traditionalism

There is an opinion that Slovaks are a very conservative and traditional people. While respect for traditions is indeed important to many, modern Slovak society is open and progressive, especially among the younger generation and in the cities.

 

Love for alcohol

There is a stereotype that Slovaks consume a lot of alcohol, especially strong spirits like slivovica. As in many European countries, alcohol is present in the culture, but it does not exceed generally accepted norms.

 

Lack of recognition on the world stage

Some feel that Slovakia is little known and does not have significant influence. However, the country has a rich cultural heritage, has produced renowned scientists and artists, and actively participates in international organizations.

 

Stereotypes are often based on outdated or incomplete information. Slovakia is a modern country with a rich culture, a dynamically developing economy, and hospitable people. The best way to overcome stereotypes is to get to know the country personally or through credible sources of information.

Transport and navigation

IDS BK: an app for purchasing public transport tickets in the Bratislava region; it allows easy ticket purchasing and route planning.

Cestovné poriadky CP: the official app for searching train, bus, and city transport schedules throughout Slovakia.

Waze: a social navigator providing information on road conditions, traffic jams, and accidents.

 

Tourism and leisure

Slovakia.travel: the official app for tourists containing information about attractions, events, and tourist routes across the country.

iSKI Slovakia: An app for ski enthusiasts, providing information on over a hundred ski resorts in Slovakia, including weather forecasts and webcam broadcasts.

GOPASS: An app for purchasing ski passes and tickets to water parks, as well as obtaining information on ski slopes and weather conditions.

 

Public Services

Slovensko v mobile: An app for accessing the Slovensko.sk portal, allowing management of state electronic services, including document submission and obtaining official information.

Pošta.sk: An app from the Slovak Post Office, allowing package tracking, shipping data entry, and online payment for services.

 

Health and Safety

Pomoc na diaľnici: An app for calling roadside patrol on highways, providing information on road conditions and rest stop options.

Zostaň Zdravý: An app developed by the Slovak Ministry of Health for contact tracing to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

 

Finance and Banking

Banking apps: It is recommended to install the official apps from your bank for account management, bill payments, and transfers.

Slovakia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse recreational opportunities. There's something for everyone, from visiting historical landmarks to participating in modern festivals.

 

Historical and Cultural Sites

 

Castles and Fortresses: Slovakia is famous for its castles, including Spis Castle, Bojnice Castle, and Orava Castle. These architectural monuments offer tours, immersing visitors in the country's history.

 

Museums and Galleries: Major cities like Bratislava and Košice house numerous museums and art galleries showcasing both national and international art.

 

Festivals and Cultural Events

 

Folk Festivals: Various regions host annual folk festivals showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts. For example, the Vychodna Festival is one of the largest in the country.

 

Music Festivals: Slovakia hosts numerous music events, from classical concerts to modern music festivals like Pohoda Festival in Trenčín.

 

Natural Attractions

 

Ski Resorts: In winter, ski resorts in the Tatras are popular, offering slopes for skiers and snowboarders of various skill levels.

 

Thermal Springs and Water Parks: Slovakia is rich in thermal springs. Resorts like Piešťany and Dudince offer spa treatments and relaxation in thermal pools.

 

Gastronomic Events

 

Wine Festivals: Winemaking regions like the Small Carpathians organize tastings and festivals where visitors can sample local wines and dishes.

 

Gastronomic Fairs: Cities regularly host fairs featuring traditional Slovak cuisine, crafts, and local products.

 

Theaters and Cinema

 

Theatrical Performances: National theaters in major cities offer performances in Slovak and other languages.

 

Film Festivals: Annual film festivals, such as Art Film Fest in Košice, showcase both Slovak and international films.

 

Slovakia offers a variety of entertainment and cultural events reflecting the richness of its traditions and modern dynamics. Attending these events will allow for a deeper understanding of the country's culture and lifestyle.

In Slovakia, public restrooms are available in most cities and tourist locations, although their quantity and quality may vary by region.

 

Urban Areas: In major cities like Bratislava and Košice, public restrooms are usually located in central areas, parks, and at bus and railway stations.

 

Tourist Sites: Popular tourist areas, including national parks and historical landmarks, also have public restrooms available.

 

Paid Toilets: In many places, using public restrooms is paid, with costs usually ranging from 0.20 to 0.50 euros. Payment can be made in cash or through automated systems.

 

Free Toilets: In shopping centers, large supermarkets, and some public institutions, toilets are provided free of charge for visitors.

 

Cleanliness and Maintenance

The level of cleanliness and maintenance of public toilets in Slovakia can vary. In urban areas and tourist locations, restrooms are generally maintained in good condition. In less frequented areas, service quality may be lower.

 

Alternative Options

Cafes and Restaurants: In many dining establishments, visitors can use the restrooms. However, in some cases, it might be required to make a purchase or pay a small fee for usage.

Shopping Centers: Large shopping complexes usually feature free and well-maintained toilets.

 

Recommendations for Immigrants and Tourists

Planning: When visiting new places, it is advisable to find out in advance about the availability of public toilets, especially in rural or remote areas.

Cash: Always carry small coins to pay for paid toilets.

 

Mobile Applications: These help locate nearby public toilets, which can be useful in unfamiliar places: Flush Public Toilets/Restrooms; Toilet Finder; SitOrSquat; Where is Public Toilet.

Slovak Language Courses

 

Migration Information Center: offers free Slovak language courses for foreigners, including intensive programs and self-study materials.

 

Slovak Education Centre: provides online Slovak language courses from level A0 to B1, culminating in a certificate.

 

Bodka School: organizes group and individual online Slovak language courses with native speakers, suitable for different proficiency levels.

 

Online Resources and Mobile Apps

 

Slovake.eu: a multilingual platform for learning Slovak, offering courses of various levels, exercises, and tests.

 

SpeakASAP: offers online Slovak language courses with video lessons, audio, and interactive exercises, suitable for self-study.

 

LingoHut: a free resource with 125 lessons for rapid vocabulary acquisition and basic phrases in Slovak.

 

University Programs

 

Comenius University in Bratislava: offers Slovak language courses for foreigners, including summer schools and preparatory programs for university admission.

Technical University of Košice: organizes Slovak language courses for students and immigrants wishing to improve their language skills.

 

Self-study

 

Textbooks and Guides: use modern textbooks, such as "Križom Krážom," which include audio materials and exercises for self-study.

 

Media Resources: watching Slovak films, listening to the radio, and reading news in Slovak help improve understanding and pronunciation.

 

Language Exchanges and Practices

 

Tandems: find a native Slovak language partner who wishes to learn your native language for mutual knowledge exchange.

 

Language Clubs: join local language clubs or online communities where Slovak can be practiced in an informal setting.

 

The choice of an appropriate method or combination of methods depends on your goals, time, and preferences. Regular practice and immersion in the language environment will significantly accelerate the learning process.

Slovakia is a country with a rich cultural heritage, where national holidays and traditions play an important role in society.

 

Traditional Holidays and Customs

 

In addition to the 15 officially established public holidays, Slovakia celebrates traditional events that reflect the richness of folk culture:

 

Fasching: the carnival period before Lent, accompanied by masquerades, dances, and abundant feasting. During this time, folk festivals with traditional costumes and music are held.

 

Setting Up a Maypole: on the night of May 1st, young people erect decorated trees in front of girls' homes, symbolizing respect and affection. This tradition is especially popular in rural areas.

 

All Saints' Day: On November 1st, families visit cemeteries, adorn graves with candles and flowers, remembering their departed loved ones. In the evening, cemeteries are illuminated by countless lights, creating a special atmosphere.

 

Christmas Traditions: On Christmas Eve (December 24th), families gather around a festive table serving traditional dishes like cabbage soup and fish. After dinner, children look for gifts under the Christmas tree.

 

Easter Customs: On Easter Monday, men sprinkle women with water and gently tap them with decorated willow branches, symbolizing health and fertility. In return, women give men painted eggs and treats.

Slovakia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes. Below are key attractions worth visiting:

 

Bratislava Castle: Located on a hill above the Danube, this castle is a symbol of the capital. Its walls offer a panoramic view of the city and surroundings. Inside, there is a historical museum that tells about Slovakia's past.

 

Spis Castle: One of the largest castle complexes in Europe, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The castle impresses with its architecture and history dating back to the 12th century.

 

High Tatras: A mountain range popular among active recreation enthusiasts. It features picturesque lakes, waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails. In winter, the region attracts skiers.

 

Bojnice Castle: A fairy-tale castle in neo-Gothic style, surrounded by a park and a zoo. Inside, you can see rich interiors and collections of art.

 

Jasovská Cave: A stalactite cave in the Slovak Karst National Park, known for its unique formations and underground halls. A part of the cave with equipped routes is open to visitors.

 

The town of Banská Štiavnica: An old town known for its silver mines and historic architecture. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here you can visit museums, old churches, and stroll through narrow streets.

 

Aquapark Tatralandia: The largest aquapark in Central Europe, offering a variety of water attractions, thermal pools, and spa treatments. An ideal place for family fun.

 

Demänovská Cave of Liberty: One of Slovakia's most beautiful caves, famous for its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. Guided tours are conducted along equipped routes with lighting.

 

The town of Levoča: A medieval town with well-preserved walls and a square, where the Church of Saint James stands with the tallest wooden altar in the world. The town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

 

Štrbské Pleso Lake: A high-altitude lake in the Tatras, a popular spot for walking, boating, and winter sports. There are hiking trails around the lake with scenic views.

 

Visiting these places will allow for a deeper acquaintance with Slovakia's culture, history, and nature.

Slovakia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and deep traditions. Understanding local norms of etiquette and behavior will help immigrants adapt more quickly and establish strong connections with the locals.

 

Greetings and forms of address

Formality: At the first meeting, it is customary to use formal forms of address — "pan" (Mr.) and "pani" (Mrs.) with a surname.

Handshake: The standard greeting is a firm handshake with direct eye contact and a smile.

Addressing by name: Transitioning to addressing by the first name occurs by mutual consent and usually after establishing closer relations.

 

Punctuality

Timeliness: Slovaks value punctuality. Being late for meetings, whether business or personal, is considered impolite.

Notice of delay: If a delay is unavoidable, be sure to notify in advance.

 

Communication and conversational style

Directness: Slovaks usually speak directly and expect the same from the interlocutor.

Tone of communication: Despite the directness, politeness and a respectful tone are important.

Topics for discussion: Safe topics include culture, sports, travel, and local attractions. It's advisable to avoid discussing personal finances, religion, and politics with strangers.

 

Personal Space and Gestures

Distance: Personal space is respected. Maintain a comfortable distance when communicating.

Gesturing: Moderate gesturing is acceptable, but excessive gestures may be perceived negatively.

Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact is considered a sign of sincerity and attention.

 

Gifts and Hospitality

Invitation to Visit: If you are invited to someone's home, it is a sign of trust and friendliness.

Gifts: It is customary to bring a small gift — flowers, chocolates, or wine. Flowers are given in odd numbers, avoiding the number 13.

Shoes: Upon entering a home, shoes are usually removed; the hosts may offer house slippers.

 

Table Etiquette

Beginning of the Meal: Wait for the host or hostess to invite everyone to the table and start first.

Manners at the Table: Use utensils correctly and observe commonly accepted rules of behavior.

Compliments on the Food: Compliments on the prepared food are always welcome.

 

Dress Code

Formal Events: For business meetings and formal events, a conservative style of dress is preferred.

Casual Wear: In everyday life, smart casual predominates.

Respect for Place: When visiting religious or historical sites, dress appropriately, showing respect.

 

Attitude Towards Time and Schedule

Working Hours: Typical working hours are from 8:00 to 17:00. Lunch breaks may be short.

Days Off: Saturdays and Sundays are usually dedicated to family and rest.

 

Language and Communication

Slovak Language: While many young Slovaks speak English, attempts to speak Slovak are appreciated and help establish closer relationships.

Politeness: Using polite expressions such as "prosím" (please) and "ďakujem" (thank you) is important in everyday communication.

 

Social Norms and Customs

Family Values: Family occupies a central place in Slovak society.

Religious Traditions: The majority of the population is Catholic, and religious holidays are widely celebrated.

Festivals: Participating in local festivals and celebrations is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

 

Law and Order

Compliance with Laws: Slovaks take laws seriously and expect the same from others.

Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking is prohibited in public places, including restaurants and bars. Consuming alcohol in public places may be limited.

 

Slovaks value sincerity, respect for their culture, and a desire to integrate into society. By showing interest and openness, you can feel part of this hospitable country.

The local government system in Slovakia is organized according to the principles of decentralization and democratic governance, ensuring effective interaction between central and regional authorities.

Administrative-Territorial Division

Slovakia is divided into three levels of administrative-territorial units

Regions: There are a total of 8 regions, each named after its administrative center. Regions have had a certain degree of autonomy since 2002 and are governed by self-governing bodies known as self-governing regions or higher territorial units (VÚC).

Districts: Each region has several districts; there are a total of 79 districts in the country.

Municipalities: The lowest level of administrative division, including towns and villages; there are about 2,890 municipalities in total.

At the municipal and regional levels, the following authorities operate:

Municipalities

Mayor: head of the municipality, elected by direct vote of the residents for a four-year term.

Municipal Council: legislative body consisting of elected representatives responsible for adopting local laws and budgets.

Regions

Chairman of the Self-Governing Region: head of the region, elected by direct vote of the residents for a four-year term.

Regional Council: legislative body of the region making decisions on regional issues.

Functions and Powers

Local government bodies in Slovakia have the following functions and powers:

Municipalities:

- Management of local infrastructure (roads, water supply, sewage).

- Education (management of kindergartens and primary schools).

- Culture and sports (support for local cultural and sporting events).

- Social services (assistance to the elderly and low-income citizens).

Regions:

- Secondary education (management of secondary schools and vocational schools).

- Healthcare (management of regional hospitals and clinics).

- Transport (coordination of regional public transport).

- Economic development (support for regional economic initiatives).

Although local authorities have significant autonomy, they interact with central authorities to ensure policy coherence and compliance with national standards.