Geography

Slovakia is located in the “heart of Europe” to the north-west of KARPATY mountain range. Slovakia has an area of 49,035 sq. km. and is located between Poland and Hungary. Almost 80% of Slovakian territory situated higher then 750m above the see level. DUNAJ river, floats on lowlands of Slovakia to the south of town NITRA. DUNAJ makes up the border with Hungary from Bratislava to Štúrovo. Gerlachovský štít ( 2655meters) is the highest point of Slovakia. Low Tatras are located in central Slovakia. Slovakia borders with countries: Czech Republic to the north-east, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the west, Hungary to the south, and Austria to the south-west.

Weather

Climate: continental with four seasons Average temperature in January: from -1 0C to -4 0C in the lower regions and lows, getting down to -10 0C in mountainous parts. In July +190C to + 210C in lower regions and little cooler + 8 0C to +120C in the mountains. Precipitation in lowlands come to 450-700 mm per year (majority falling during winter month and during midseason), in the mountains anywhere from 1600 to 2100 mm/ year. Under these conditions the mountain snow stays 6-7 month a year, although the altitude is relatively low. The weather is unpredictable and alternate warming trends are possible. May, June and September are the most effective months for “typical” visit to the country. For winter recreation vacation November through March are ideal.

Water resources

River DUNAJ creates the south - western border of the country. Many Carpathian rivers heading southern direction flow into DUNAJ. Some of the larger rivers that come into DUNAJ are VAH, NITRA and HRON. Eastern rivers include LABOREC, TORYSA and ONDAVA belong to the basin of river TISZA- which is the largest flow into DUNAJ. In the Low and the High TATRAS exist many mountainous lakes. Among more known are STRBSKE PLESO - largest lake, VELKE HINCOVO PLESO deepest lake and high altitude MODRE PLESO.

Flora

Flora as a result of Slovak climate consists of more than 3000 types of plants. Few are considered valuable and unique species. Slovakia is in the zone of mixed forest. 40% of Slovakia is a forest.

Fauna

Fauna in Slovakia consists of many animals. More widespread is the hare, mountain goat, pheasant, boar, hawk, woodpecker, squirrel, bear, cougar, wild turkey, fox, deer, wolf, wild duck, heron, frogs, variety of fish i.e.: trout, bass.

Caves

Caves in Slovakia are number to more than 1200. But public access caves are limited to 12 – Jaskyňa Driny, Harmanecká jaskyňa, Bystrianska, Demänovska ľadová jaskyňa (ice cave), Demänovská jaskyňa Slobody, Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa (ice cave), Važecká jaskyňa, Belianska jaskyňa, Ochtinska aragonitová jaskyňa (aragonite cave), Gombasecká jaskyňa, jaskyňa Domica and Jasovská jaskyňa. Many of the caves practice spine therapy.

National parks

National parks and wildlife refuge in Slovakia include 9 National Parks and 16 Wildlife protection zones. Most interesting are the National park High Tatras 888 square km, National park Low Tatras 802 sq km, National park Pieniny 21 square, National park Mala Fatra 198 sq km, Karsts region Slovenský Raj, National park Muránska planina, Poloniny etc