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General information about Slovakia
Name:
- Conventional long form: Slovak Republic
- Conventional short form: Slovakia
- Local long form: Slovenska Republika
- Local short form: Slovensko
Capital City:
Bratislava
Flag:
Three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red superimposed with the coat of arms of Slovakia (consisting of ared shield bordered in white and bearing a white Cross of Lorraine surmounting three blue hills); the coat of arms is centered vertically and offset slightly to the hoist side.
Anthem:
Nad Tatru sa blyska (Over Tatra it lightens).
• Words by: Janko Matuska
• Music by: traditional
• In use since: 1844. Adopted as part of
Czechoslovak anthem 1920, as Slovak anthem 1993.
Monetary Unit:
From 1st January 2009 the currency of the Slovak Republic is the Euro.
Up to that time the Slovak currency was the Koruna (SK) consisting of 100 heliers.
Bank Holidays:
New Year's Day, 1 January; May Day, 1 May; Anniversary of Liberation, 8 May; Day of the Slav Apostles, 5 July; Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, 29 August; Reconciliation Day, 1 November; Christmas, 24-26 December. Movable holiday is Easter Monday.
Time:
1 PM = noon GMT. Slovakia is one hour ahead of the UK, and in the same time zone as western and central Europe.
Country telephone code:
+ 421
Emergency phone numbers:
- Police: 158
- Ambulance: 155
- Slovak Rescue System: 154
- Fire: 150
- Directory enquiries: 120,121
Driving
- An International Driving Licence is valid in Slovakia. You are also able to drive using your national licence. Your licence and car rental documents must be carried at all times when you are driving. All road signs and rules comply with European standards.
- Drivers must buy a toll label if they wish to drive on motorways; these can be purchased at border crossings, post offices, and gas stations.
- Speed limits are 50km/h in cities and towns, 90km/h on open roads and 130km/h on motorways. Speed limits at road works are usually lower than this - 40km/h is quite normal. Roadworks occasionally appear very quickly with little warning! Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers.
- Children under 12 and animals are not allowed in the front passenger seat.
- All vehicles must have a first aid box, tow rope, hazard triangle and a spare tyre.
- The blood-alcohol level in Slovakia is 0.0.
- If you are caught violating any of these laws a fine is payable on the spot, or your vehicle will be impounded.
- Police spot-checks are frequently carried out on main roads.
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