The ‘second’ half of the former Czechoslovakia, less popular than its neighbour, Slovakia is nonetheless a country with a whole host of delights for all who journey to the land. Slovakia is a country of outstanding natural beauty with mountains, canyons, lakes and forests throughout the realm, as well as some awe-inspiring monuments and architectural delights in the towns and cities. The Slovak people are well known for their welcoming nature and even though the country is viewed in a less favourable light than the Czech Republic, there is an undeniable charm about the country that sucks in all who visit.

Slovakia is yet another country with a history defined through occupation by a number of foreign powers – from Hungary to Germany and the Soviet Union as well as a fair few more, there has been very little time when Slovakia has actually been a fully independent state. After the First World War, Slovakia and the Czech Republic joined together from the ashes of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to form Czechoslovakia. This alliance lasted just 20 years, until Slovakia achieved one of its few periods of true independence when the country split from the Czechs and allied with Nazi Germany – an issue that is still controversial with the people to this day. With the end of World War II the nation of Czechoslovakia was reformed with a federal government in mind, but the country soon ended up in the control of the Soviet Union and an oppressive Communist rule. The late 60s saw the ‘Prague Spring’ and a number of liberalising reforms were introduced to give the Czechs and Slovaks equal say in the running of the country, and though these reforms were soon crushed by the encroaching Red Army the sentiments were echoed for the following decades. In 1989 Czechoslovakia was the scene of the ‘Velvet Revolution’, when years of harsh Communist rule were simply brushed aside with no violence or bloodshed. Four years later the country was the scene of another peaceful split with the ‘Velvet Divorce’ on January 1st, 1993, when the independent nations of the Czech Republic and Slovakia (the Slovak Republic) were formed. Whereas the Czechs were quick to establish prosperity and stability, the Slovaks lagged behind and only recently have economic reforms really started to have an effect on the country. Regardless, Slovakia has managed to turn its fortunes around, and in 2004 attained NATO membership and EU accession.

A surprisingly unspoilt country with proud, friendly and open people, Slovakia is an ideal holiday spot for all, and property is becoming ever more popular with off plan investors thanks in no small part to the immense popularity of the country’s former partner. Whilst there isn’t as much of the glitz of the Czech Republic there is still something about the Slovak nation that keeps people coming back for more. Beautiful natural and man made attractions, activities and sights for all ages, an emerging property market ripe for the investor – these are just some points that show why Slovakia is an ideal country for a whole host of purposes, and EU and NATO membership help show that this is a country emerging from the shadow of its trendier neighbours.

The standard of healthcare in Slovakia varies, but is generally of a decent standard – there are a number of doctors in the main cities that are of a world class standard. A reciprocal healthcare agreement is in place, meaning British citizens receive free medical treatment on production of a valid passport. Medical insurance is highly recommended and serious ailments are best treated elsewhere.

Mobile phone coverage is very good, though signal strength cannot be guaranteed in rural areas. Landlines are of a decent standard and there is a mass privatisation scheme currently being carried out, with the majority of phonelines being modernised. Internet cafes are available throughout Bratislava and in most other towns.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0800 to 1700, Mondays to Fridays. Usual office hours are from 0800 to 1600, Mondays to Fridays. Shopping hours are normally from 0900 to 1800 Mondays to Fridays, and from 0900 to 1200 on Saturdays.

General etiquette should be observed – wearing a suit to business meetings, shaking hands on meeting and good timekeeping are all points to bear in mind. The Slovak people are a proud nation and can be fiercely nationalistic, so respect towards their country would not go amiss.

Tips are customary in restaurants, taxis and the usual areas – around five to ten percent should suffice.