Language: Slovak
Type of Government:Parliamentary Republic; recently joined the EU on May 1, 2004
Currency: Slovak Koruna
Population: 5,447,502
National Anthem: Nad Tatrou sa blýska
Courtesy of http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/eehistory/H200topic2.html
The Velvet Revolution, first started by a non-violent student movement in Prague 1989, was believed to overthrow the Marxist-Lenin government of Czechoslovakia. However, the Czech government decided to split the country into two separate entities at the start of 1993, which was known as the Velvet Divorce. Economically, present day Czech Republic's GDP was 20% higher than Slovakia's. Politicians decided the fate of Czechoslovakia - whether to form a tighter confederation or separate the two states.
Courtesy of http://slovakspectator.sk/clanok-27273.html
In an earlier, Martina and I had a conversation about the story, the Twelve Months. On a tangent, we both got to discussing notable holidays and traditions. We discovered that Slovakia and America both celebrate common Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas. Though there are slight variations to some of these holidays, specifically Easter Whipping, which is a tradition where males of all ages "whip" the females with intertwined willow branches called a korbáč and splash them with water or perfume. The whipping is suppose to ensure women with beauty, health, or fertility for the coming year.
Folk costume
Slovakia's folk tradition stems into national dress that has been preserved for centuries. Even until the mid 20th century have people opted to wear the traditional dress to preserve national identity and resistance.
*Pictures from http://www.czechheritage.com
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