Where is Slovakia Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Slovakia located on the map? Slovakia is an independent nation located in Eastern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Slovakia on maps.

Slovakia Location in World Map

Slovakia is located in Central Europe.

Location Information of Slovakia

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Austria to the west, Hungary to the south, Ukraine to the east, Poland to the north, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. Slovakia is known for its mountainous terrain, with the Carpathian Mountains running through much of the country. Despite its small size, Slovakia boasts a rich cultural heritage, medieval towns, and stunning natural landscapes.

Latitude and Longitude

Slovakia is located at approximately 48.6690° N latitude and 19.6990° E longitude. The country’s position at the heart of Europe gives it access to both Western and Eastern European markets, making it a strategic hub in the region.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Bratislava

The capital and largest city of Slovakia is Bratislava, located on the banks of the Danube River in the southwestern part of the country. The city has a rich history, having been the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary for centuries, and is now the political, economic, and cultural center of Slovakia.

Coordinates: 48.1482° N, 17.1067° E
Population: Around 430,000 people

Bratislava is home to Slovakia’s central government institutions, as well as international embassies. The city boasts a beautiful Old Town, featuring Bratislava Castle, the St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the Michael’s Gate. The historic center is dotted with charming cafes, restaurants, and galleries. Its proximity to Austria and Hungary makes it an important crossroads for both trade and tourism.

Major Cities

Košice: The second-largest city in Slovakia, Košice is located in the eastern part of the country, close to the border with Hungary. Known for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene, it was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. Key attractions include St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the East Slovak Museum, and the Košice Zoo.
- Coordinates: 48.7160° N, 21.2611° E
Nitra: Nitra, located in western Slovakia, is one of the oldest cities in the country. It has a rich history, dating back to the 9th century, and is home to the Nitra Castle, St. Emmeram’s Cathedral, and several other historical landmarks. Nitra is also known for its agricultural industry and is a significant center of education.
- Coordinates: 48.3084° N, 18.0853° E
Žilina: Žilina is located in the northwestern part of Slovakia, near the Czech and Polish borders. It serves as a regional transport hub and has a rich industrial background. The city’s historical landmarks, such as the Mariánske Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Špitálska Church, make it an attractive destination for tourists.
- Coordinates: 49.2232° N, 18.7412° E
Prešov: Located in the eastern part of Slovakia, Prešov is the fourth-largest city in the country. It is known for its preserved medieval architecture, including St. Nicholas Church and the Prešov City Hall. The city serves as an administrative and commercial center for the region.
- Coordinates: 48.9934° N, 21.2613° E

Time Zone

Slovakia operates in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is UTC +1:00 during standard time. From the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October, Slovakia observes Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC +2:00.

Time difference with New York City: Slovakia is 6 hours ahead of New York City during standard time, and 5 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the U.S.
Time difference with Los Angeles: Slovakia is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time, and 8 hours ahead during daylight saving time.

Climate

Slovakia experiences a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Due to the country’s varied topography, the climate can vary depending on the region, with the mountains experiencing colder temperatures and more precipitation.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Slovakia can be cold, particularly in the mountainous regions, where snow is common and skiing is popular. The temperature can drop below freezing in many areas, especially in the Tatra Mountains.

Average temperature: Between -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F) in lowland areas, and -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F) in the mountains.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Slovakia is typically mild, with temperatures gradually warming. This is an ideal time for hiking in the Carpathian Mountains and enjoying the blooming flowers and green landscapes. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers.

Average temperature: Between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) in the lowlands and -1°C to 10°C (30°F to 50°F) in the mountains.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Slovakia is warm but not excessively hot, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It is the perfect season for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and visiting lakes, such as Zemplínska Šírava or Štrbské Pleso.

Average temperature: Between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the lowlands and 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in the mountains.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall. It is also the time for the harvest, and many regions in Slovakia host wine festivals. The weather is pleasant, with colorful fall foliage, particularly in the Carpathian Mountains.

Average temperature: Between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in the lowlands and 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) in the mountains.

Economic Status

Slovakia has a high-income economy that has experienced rapid growth since joining the European Union in 2004. The country has a diverse economy, with strong sectors in automotive manufacturing, electronics, heavy industry, services, and tourism.

Key Sectors of the Economy

Manufacturing: Slovakia has a highly developed manufacturing industry, particularly in automobiles and electronics. Major car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, Kia, and Peugeot, have large factories in Slovakia, making it one of the world’s largest car producers per capita.
Electronics and IT: Slovakia is a key player in the global electronics industry, with companies like Samsung and Sony operating manufacturing plants in the country. The information technology sector is also growing rapidly, with several Slovak IT firms gaining international recognition.
Services: The services sector is a major part of Slovakia’s economy, particularly in banking, insurance, and tourism. The country is a popular destination for tourists due to its natural beauty, medieval towns, and cultural events.
Agriculture: Although agriculture only accounts for a small portion of Slovakia’s GDP, it is still important, particularly in rural areas. The country produces crops like wheat, corn, potatoes, and grapes (for wine production), as well as livestock and dairy products.

Challenges

Slovakia faces challenges such as income inequality, a relatively low level of productivity compared to Western European countries, and an aging population. However, its position within the European Union and the Eurozone has given it economic stability and access to European markets.

Tourist Attractions

Slovakia is rich in natural and cultural heritage, offering a wide variety of attractions for visitors. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include:

1. High Tatras Mountains

The High Tatras, located along the border between Slovakia and Poland, is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the country. This mountain range offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso are popular resort areas within the High Tatras.

Coordinates: 49.1519° N, 20.2540° E

2. Bratislava Old Town

Bratislava’s Old Town is a well-preserved medieval district full of historical buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming cafes. Key attractions include the Bratislava Castle, the Old Town Hall, and Michael’s Gate.

Coordinates: 48.1482° N, 17.1067° E

3. Spis Castle

Spis Castle is one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Slovakia’s medieval history and provides spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Coordinates: 49.0114° N, 20.7220° E

4. Slovak Paradise National Park

This national park, located in the central part of Slovakia, is known for its stunning landscapes, including caves, waterfalls, and deep gorges. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Coordinates: 48.9833° N, 20.2333° E

5. Košice

The city of Košice is home to St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Slovakia, and a UNESCO-listed Old Town. It is also known for its lively cultural scene, with theaters, galleries, and music festivals.

Coordinates: 48.7160° N, 21.2611° E

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens can visit Slovakia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes without needing a visa. However, their passport must be valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure from Slovakia. This is due to Slovakia’s membership in the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel across most of Europe for short stays.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

New York City to Bratislava: Approximately 7,300 km (4,500 miles), with a flight time of around 9-10 hours.
Los Angeles to Bratislava: Approximately 10,200 km (6,300 miles), with a flight time of around 11-12 hours.

Slovakia Facts

Size	49,034 km²
Residents	5.44 million
Language	Slovak
Capital	Bratislava (Pressburg)
Longest river	Waag (403 km)
Highest mountain	Gerlsdorfer Spitze (Gerlachovský štít, 2,655 m)
Currency	Euro