[1 January] Happy Independence Day Slovakia!

Day 3,695, 13:18 Published in Slovakia Romania by VampireA
Slovakia


General information


Population : 5.4 milion people (116th in the World,26th in Europe)
Total Area : 49,035 km^2 (127th in the World,29th in Europe)
Official languages : Slovak
Official currency : Euro(EUR)
Capital : Bratislava
Population density : 111 people/km^2 (88th in the World,27th in Europe)
Top 5 biggest cities : Bratislava,Košice,Prešov,Žilina,Banská Bystrica

Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a multi-party system.The Slovak head of state and the formal head of the executive is the president,though with very limited powers. The president is elected by direct, popular vote under the two-round system for a five-year term. Most executive power lies with the head of government, the prime minister, who is usually the leader of the winning party, but he/she needs to form a majority coalition in the parliament. The prime minister is appointed by the president. The remainder of the cabinet is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister.
Slovak highest legislative body is the 150-seat unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic (Národná rada Slovenskej republiky). Delegates are elected for a four-year term on the basis of proportional representation.

As for administrative division, Slovakia is subdivided into 8 krajov (singular – kraj, usually translated as "region"), each of which is named after its principal city. Regions have enjoyed a certain degree of autonomy since 2002. Their self-governing bodies are referred to as Self-governing (or autonomous) Regions (sg. samosprávny kraj, pl. samosprávne kraje) or Upper-Tier Territorial Units (sg. vyšší územný celok, pl. vyššie územné celky, abbr. VÚC).







National sports : Ice hockey


Football


National animal : Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica)


National plant: Lime tree (Linden)(Tilia sp.)




National instrument: Fujara





The significance of the 1st of January


The 1st of January commemorates the peaceful separation of Czechoslovakia into Czechia and Slovakia on the 1st of January 1993, following an understanding between the two leaders at the time, Václav Klaus(CZ) and Vladimír Mečiar(SK) who both wanted further decentralization and federalization of Czechoslovakia. In the end they agreed to separate, and the name for this agreement is sometimes called the Velvet Divorce, as a reference to the Velvet Revolution, which caused the fall of communism in the country in 1989.




*Coat of arms





Time to speak about a legendary figure:
Juraj Jánošík


No king, knight, warrior or saint. The most beloved hero of Slovak history was actually – a thief. His name was Juraj Jánošík and his real story is heavily blurred by dozens of legends, myths and beliefs.
Juraj Jánošík was born in 1688 on a remote settlement close to the village Terchová. This beautiful hilly area is now considered one of the best Slovak tourist destinations, but back in 17th century, it was quite rough place to live in. In addition, this era witnessed the violent string of anti-habsburg uprisings, which led to widespread insecurity and instability. These circumstances also allowed a German squire, Lord Ján Jakub Löwenburg, to gain control over Terchová and few other surrounding villages. His absolutistic style of ruling contributed to forming of an underground network of rebels and criminals who declined to subordinate and preferred to live by their own rules.



Reading in between the lines of antique chronicles, one learns that young Juraj wasn´t much different from his peers: cultivating crops, taking care of livestock and learning common crafts was the traditional way of peasant´s life and he might have continue in this direction just like his parents and friends. But Juraj at the age of 18 or 19 suddenly became a soldier instead – probably seduced by the vision of better wage and less hard work. Little did he know that this would lead him to the most influential meeting of his life – meeting with Tomáš Uhorčík, the charismatic leader of band of outlaws, who served his time in the prison where soldier Jánošík acted as a guard. The two of them became good friends and Jánošík reportedly helped Uhorčík by various courtesies. Their paths crossed once again when Jánošík was no longer a soldier and Uhorčík was no longer a prisoner (he mysteriously escaped). Soon afterwards they sealed their friendship by committing their first joint raid. The loot? Moravian canvas for shirts…




Thought his legend outlives his real life by centuries, his criminal career was actually quite short-lived. He stood in the head of his gang in autumn of 1711 and exactly two years later he already got busted never to gain his freedom again. Paradoxically, he got caught while visiting his old “reformed” friend Tomáč Uhorčík, who was imprisoned and tried with him – although at first only as Jánošík´s supporter under his alias Martin Mravec. Uhorčík´s house was raided by approximately 20 gendarmes that day and they were motivated not only by Jánošík´s great reputation, but also by the considerably high reward.
Upcoming court process was probably the most obvious evidence of Juraj Jánošík´s prominence, as it was heavily chronicled and observed by many authorities. It took two months and comprised of dozens of testimonies, confrontations and interrogations. Even though Jánošík reportedly cooperated in the means of confessing to crimes he was accused of, he never disclosed names of his allies (many of them were notable and some of them even came to testify in his favor). Neither have he, although cruelly tortured and blackmailed, ever disclosed the true identity of Martin Mravec – though Uhorčík later confessed himself end got executed for it. Juraj Jánošík ended his young and thrilling life in Liptovský Mikuláš on May 18 1713, when he was executed by hanging on a hook speared through his left side – this is how he was left to die. He was only 25 years old.



Thought Juraj Jánošík died more than 3 centuries ago, his spirit and story still lives and thrives in Slovak culture. If you want to learn more about him – or the folk tales and myths that surround him – check out the movie called Jánošík – true history (2009) directed by famous Polish director Agnieszka Holland. Or allow yourself a little retro-fun and go for the very first feature in the history of Slovak cinematography – 1921´s movie Jánošík.
Of course, if you get a chance, you should definitely opt for seeing a bit of Jánošík´s history for your own. Take a walk around majestic remains of the Strečno castle, where his gang committed its most notorious crimes. Visit beautiful Terchová during the famous folk festival Jánošíkove dni (Jánošík´s days) and breath in the captivating atmosphere of true Slovak folk party. Walk through the demanding, yet absolutely rewarding hiking trail Jánošíkove diery (Jánošík´s holes) and admit that the lad who spent his youth around these rough rocks definitely had what they call true grit.










Top 5 visited places by tourists


High Tatra National Park








Forming the border between the nations of Poland and Slovakia, the Tatra Mountains are considered to be the tallest range in the country of Slovakia. The vast majority of the mountain range is situated well above 900 meters and its highest peak at Mount Gerlach rises more then 2,655 meters above the sea.
Because of its altitude, the Tatra Mountains have become a popular skiing and spa destination in the country. Some of the most beautiful places to visit in the High Tatras include Popradské pleso(2nd image), or Zelené pleso(3rd iamge), that is perhaps the most beautiful and romantic place in Slovakia at all.
High Tatras National Park is popular mainly among hiking and climbing enthusiasts and offers around 600 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails. With additional ski slopes and cross-country trails, it is popular sports destination also in winter.



Slovak Paradise National Park






Slovak Paradise National Park is a real natural jewel situated in the heart of Slovakia. It offers kilometres of trails along the forested mountains, lakes and waterfalls dotted with breathtaking views over the area (especially the one called Tomášovský výhľad).
There are lots of narrow canyons and deep gorges with waterfalls or even wide plateaus and the hiking trails feature wooden bridges, ladders, and chains.
Majority of the trails leads to the streams and waterfalls and it is recommended to have waterproof hiking boots. The hiking trails are opened also in winter when the water creates amazing ice sculptures.





Slovak Karst National Park




Slovak Karst National Park is located in the southern part of Slovakia and is very rich in the caves. There are over 1000 caves and abyss within the Slovak Karst National park.
Even the lowest-lying ice cave in the world can be found in this area. Its name is Silická ľadnica and lies at 503 meters above the sea level.
You can visit Domica Cave, Gombasecká Cave, Jasovská Cave and one which is unique in Europe and one of just three in the world – Ochtinská Aragonite Cave. All of them are inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.


Slovakian castles








Slovakia is very small country but boasts a number of amazing castles from which Spiš castle(1) is one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe.
There is no such video spot about Slovakia where you would not see Orava Castle(2), which is the most beautiful castle in Slovakia. If you visit this castle in the summer you will see the actors in medieval cloths in the castle rooms.
Stará Ľubovňa castle(3), Bojnice castle, or Krásna Hôrka Castle (closed for restoration works after it was damaged by fire) are just few other that worth a visit.


Košice



Košice is definitely the most beautiful city in Slovakia. In its old town center, you will find a Gothic Cathedral(3), State Theater, Urban’s Tower and St Michael Chapel, all of these in one – main street. Plus there are several parks with fountains around these sights.
But there are many more attractions, sights and palaces in Košice that worth a visit, including Botanical garden, ZOO with DinoPark, or view tower with an amazing view of Košice and its hilly surroundings.









Top 3 locations suggested by the locals

Čičmany





This village is the first village folk architecture reserve in the world(1977).It contains many timber houses with decorations, as well as many traditional dances and costumes.



Bratislava








The largest city in Slovakia and one of the youngest capital cities in the world. The population also seems young. Bratislava is a small metropolitan city and seems to have a buzzing social life, as well as a historic charm too. There are many museums and art galleries, although a visit to Bratislava castle should be on your hit list too.
Bratislava is found in the southwestern part of the country situated along both of the Danube and Morava banks. It is here that the country borders with Austria and Hungary.


Levoča






Levoča is known for its visually pleasing town centre and the historical walls around the town.
Most of the Old town is considered a World Heritage site as there are countless buildings in the town which date back to the Renaissance.
All these buildings have been beautifully preserved. It is definitely worth stopping in this town, even it is just for an afternoon visit.







Inventions Slovakia gave to the world!

*ESET Antivirus!



*GPS! - American inventor born to first-generation Slovak immigrants



*Resonator guitar!



*Military parachute!



*Helicopter!







Famous people from Slovakia

Milan Rastislav Štefánik - Slovak politician, diplomat and astronomer. During World War I, he served at the same time as a general in the French Army and as Minister of War for Czechoslovakia. As one of the leading members of the Czechoslovak National Council (the resistance government), he contributed decisively to the cause of Czechoslovakian sovereignty, since the status of Czech- and Slovak-populated territories was one of those in question until shortly before the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in 1918.
(1880-1919)

Juraj Jánošík - famous Slovak highwayman. Jánošík has been the main character of many Slovak and Polish legends, novels, poems and films. He is a semi-legendary character in East-Central Europe.
According to the legend, he robbed nobles and gave the loot to the poor, a deed often attributed to the famous Robin Hood. The legend was also known in neighbouring Silesia, the Margraviate of Moravia and later spread to the Kingdom of Bohemia. The actual robber had little to do with the modern legend, whose content partly reflects the ubiquitous folk myths of a hero taking from the rich and giving to the poor. However, the legend was also shaped in important ways by the activists and writers in the 19th century when Jánošík became the key highwayman character in stories that spread in the north counties of the Kingdom of Hungary (much in present Slovakia) and among the local Gorals and Polish tourists in the Podhale region north of the Tatras (Tatra). The image of Jánošík as a symbol of resistance to oppression was reinforced when poems about him became part of the Slovak and Czech middle and high school literature curriculum, and then again with the numerous films that propagated his modern legend in the 20th century. During the anti-Nazi Slovak National Uprising, one of the partisan groups bore his name.
(1688-1713)

Ľudovít Velislav Štúr - leader of the Slovak national revival in the 19th century, and the author of the Slovak language standard, eventually leading to the contemporary Slovak literary language. Štúr was an organizer of the Slovak volunteer campaigns during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. He was also a politician, poet, journalist, publisher, teacher, philosopher, linguist and member of the Hungarian Parliament.
(1815-1856)

Jozef Murgaš - Slovak inventor, architect, botanist, painter, and Roman Catholic priest. He contributed to wireless telegraphy and help develop mobile communications and wireless transmission of information and human voice.
Murgaš was nicknamed the Radio Priest and deemed a Renaissance man.
(1864-1929)

Pavol Dobšinský - Slovak collector of folklore and writer belonging to the period of Romanticism and the Štúr generation. He is perhaps best known for creating the largest and most complete collection of Slovak folktales, Prostonárodnie slovenské povesti (Simple National Slovak Tales), self-published in a series of eight books from 1880 to 1883. For his collections, he has often been referred to as a "Slovak Hans Christian Andersen".
(1828-1885)








Traditional food


Bryndzové Halušky



Potato dumplings with sheep cheese.

Potato pancakes




Kapustnica(cabbage soup)




Cesnačka(garlic soup)




Zabijačka





This term encompasses many different types of dishes made of pork (for instance, sausages, pork neck etc.) .



In the spirit of Central Europe, Slovaks, of course, also eat plenty of goulash, schnitzel,Vepro knedlo zelo and Sviečková.

Traditional desserts

Skalicky trdelnik



A type of spit cake, this dessert is a distant cousin of the Szekely Kurtos-kalacs.


Kolace



A pastry made of supple dough that surrounds a dollop of fruit.


Buchty



A type of sweetroll, made of yeast dough and filled with poppy seeds or cheese curds.


Traditional drinks

Vinea



A type of grape must, which is the freshly pressed juice of grapes( which usually goes towards fermentation , thus making wine).

Kofola



Kofola is kind of like Coca-Cola, but as far as Slovaks are concerned, much better. No wonder Kofola actually sells more here than its world-famous brother.

Medovina



Medovina is a sweet alcoholic drink made through the fermentation of water,honey and pollen. Most people have probably heard it the English name for it: mead.






Interesting facts about Slovakia


1.Slovakia is home to the tallest peak in the Carpathian Mountains, Mount Gerlach(2655m), in the High Tatra Mountains.
2.Bratislava is the only capital in the world that borders two countries.
3.The Dome of St.Elisabeth is the easternmost Roman Catholic cathedral in Europe.
4.Staff of Slovak and Slovene embassies meet once a month to exhange wrongly addressed mail.
5.Slovak is, supposedly, the most comprehensible Slavic language for other Slavic speakers.
6.Andy Warhol, the famous American artist, is the son of first-generation Slovak immigrants.
7.Slovakia has the highest number of castles and chateux per capita in the world., 180 castles and 425 chateaux with a population of 5.4 million.
8.Slovakia is completely surrounded by countries using their own currency, with the exception of Austria , who also uses the Euro.
9.Slovakia has more than 1300 mineral springs.
10.Slovakia has more than 6000 caves.






My 5 words when I hear about Slovenia:
#NotSlovenia,#Tatra,#Mountains,#Czechoslovakia,#Ski

What are your 5?






Special thanks to hafhaf and the slovak community!



Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!



Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 33/74!










P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !