Slovakia, officially known as the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. Slovakia covers an area of 49,037 square kilometers and has a population of over 5.4 million people. The capital and largest city is Bratislava.

Slovakia gained independence in 1993 after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia. The country is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, and various other international organizations.

Slovakia is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional folk music, dance, literature, and architecture. The country's economy is one of the fastest-growing in the European Union, with a focus on automotive, engineering, and information technology industries.

The Slovak landscape is characterized by mountains, national parks, caves, and medieval castles. The Tatra Mountains in the north are a popular destination for hikers and skiers. Slovakia has a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

The official language is Slovak and the majority of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. Slovakia has a diverse ethnic population, with significant Hungarian, Romani, and Ruthenian minorities.