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30 years of Slovak Independence

Posted on by Lorainne Simbungova
Slovak Map and Symbol
16
Jan

On 31st of December 1992, Czechoslovakia officially split into two independent countries the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Thanks to the peaceful nature of the split it is sometimes referred to as the Velvet Divorce. The two countries were officially formed on the 1st of January 1993.

Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle

Because much of the symbols remained on the Czech side, the Slovaks had to evolve their own identity, which involved creating a flag, a new coat of arms, as well as parliament, government and having a new president.

Slovakia has managed to grow into its own successful and independent nation. The country has become the world’s largest per capita producer of automobiles, due to the country’s large investment in international automobile companies such as Kia and Volkswagen. Slovakia is also a major tourist magnet in central Europe thanks to its beautiful castles, including the Bratislava castle and the Spiš Castle. Bratislava is also known as the 72-hour city due to its small size, but rich culture which tourists can experience in as little as 72 hours.

Spiš Castle
Spiš Castle

As part of the 2004 EU expansion, Slovakia, alongside with the Czech Republic and other Central and Eastern European countries, joined the European Union. In 2009, the Slovak Republic joined the Eurozone. The country’s integration into the EU has led to larger investment opportunities for both locals and foreign bodies alike, greater freedom of movement thanks to the Schengen law and larger economic growth.

The split is recognised as a successful instance where countries can separate peacefully and without violence.

Based on a survey conducted by the STEM Institute for Empirical Research in Prague, 91% of Slovaks and 87% of Czechs indicated that they still consider the two countries to have a strong bond, thus showing that the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic still hold good relations despite separating.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.euronews.com/2023/01/06/the-good-divorce-czechs-and-slovaks-mostly-content-after-30-years-apart-together