ABOUT SLOVAKIA IN GENERAL

Slovakia is very well located within the central Europe. It boasts mountainous terrain in its central and northern regions. The High Tatra alpine range houses “Gerlachovsky stit”, the highest peak at 8762 feet (2655 meters). The southern region is made up of fertile lowlands. Slovakia borders with Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. Even more interestingly the Capital of Slovakia Bratislava is located close to Austrian (3 miles), Hungarian (10 miles) and Czech border (20 miles).

Over 60% of Slovakia’s relatively small population of 5.26 millions are Roman-Catholics. Official language is Slovak, but due to large proportion (over 10% of total population) of Hungarians many places especially in south-east of the country use Hungarian as their second official language. Many young Slovaks speak English or German. One of these two languages is now usually taught at early ages in most primary schools.

Currency is a Slovak Koruna, but Slovakia is eagerly awaiting switch to Euro planned in 2009

ECONOMY IN BRIEF

Member of the EU since May 2004
SLOVAKIA joined the E.U. in May 2004. Within a short period of time Slovakia's capital BRATISLAVA attracted foreign investment. It has become the eastern European “darling of the multinationals” - and foreign investment is expected to total about Ł1.5bn (2.2bn euros) last year, twice the amount attracted in 2004.
According to the World Bank, “Slovakia had the fastest transforming business environment in the world in 2004, and already comparisons are being drawn with Ireland's economic transformation in the 1990s”.

Low labour costs, low taxes and political stability make this one of the most attractive economies in Europe. In 2004, the government replaced its income, corporate and sales tax with a 19% flat tax rate which is now eyed enviously by some Western countries.

Slovakia is well centrally placed within middle Europe. Peugeot-Citroen (TRNAVA), Kia Motors, Ford Motor and Hyundai (ZILINA) will be manufacturing cars alongside Volkswagen located in BRATISLAVA. Because of low taxation, good business conditions and it’s excellent strategic location BRATISLAVA is being chosen as the main location for major European Businesses and their European Centres (IBM, Accenture, Group4-Falck, etc.)

Slovak Republic is expected to adopt the Euro as it’s official currency in 2009

WHY BUY IN SLOVAKIA ?

We give you at least 5 good reasons:
1. Probably a good investment* – Slovakia is planning to adopt the Euro currency between 2009. Country has got very good infrastructure, favourable location, low taxation which all combined created excellent business conditions in recent years and accelerated economic growth substantially. Slovak Republic is often referred as a good place to invest in many media programmes recently aired on British TV or radio.

2. Inexpensive property with NO STAMP DUTY to pay – to other European countries property in Slovakia is still relatively inexpensive. Properties in the country located within 2-3hours drive from the airport still can be found at prices starting at Ł12,000. Typically a newly built 3/4-bedroom house within an hour’s drive from the capital Bratislava can be bought around Ł50,000, flats in the capital around Ł50,000-Ł100,000.

3. Have it all – Hot summers and Cold winters. Slovakia provides many winter sports opportunities (skiing, snowboarding, sledge racing, dog sledge racing, horse sledge riding, ice skating, shooting, hunting, etc..) throughout the winter season.

Through summer discover beautiful lakes, caves, water sports, sunbathe, go fishing, try western riding, go rafting down the rivers or take a trip to one of middle Slovakia’s unspoilt regions and discover a selection of local sheep cheeses and great white wine! In summer there is a number of folk dance/music festivals across the whole country, go sight-seeing, visit the annual wine tasting festival in Pezinok close to Bratislava, visit Modra – a town of wine and local pottery.

Christmas markets in historical part of Bratislava is a must!

4. Central location – if you buy property in south-western Slovakia, you could explore other EU countries/cultures – Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic – all reachable within 20 minutes drive at most! Or if you buy property in Tatras – Poland is the place to see!

5. A slower pace of life – Do you remember what Britain used be many years ago? Pleasurable motoring with plenty of space to overtake on dual carriageways and motorways, quiet village locations!