Economic- geographical position Slovakia

The Slovak Republic is located in the central part Foreign Europe and in the north it borders with Poland, the eastern border passes with Ukraine, in the south with Hungary, the western border falls on Austria and the Czech Republic.

The border with Ukraine is the external border of the European Union. Despite the fact that the border with Ukraine has 2 road, 2 rail and 1 pedestrian crossings, Ukrainians cross the border illegally and mainly to smuggle goods and drugs. The Slovak side suffers great damage from this.

Compared to Ukraine, Slovakia's neighbors are more developed countries EU. Slovakia is a continental country of Eastern Europe, which does not have access to the open sea, which, on the one hand, limits the possibility of developing foreign trade relations.

On the other hand, a feature is its transit position between the CIS countries and the countries Western Europe, and this has a positive effect on the development of the economy.

Slovakia actively participates in international economic relations with its neighbours. The transit position of the Republic is of great importance for the development of relations with Russia, especially since through its territory oil and gas enter the countries of Central and Western Europe.

The proximity of developed European countries - Germany, Austria, Italy, France provide an opportunity for investment inflow.

The bowels of Slovakia have their own natural resources, including coal, iron and manganese ores. The country exports some of these resources.

I must say that the heavy industry of Slovakia is unproductive and uncompetitive, in this respect the country is poorer than the Czech Republic.

Agriculture, in view of the presence of vast plains there, develops mainly in the south of the country.

The transport infrastructure is developing at a fairly rapid pace, the network of railways and roads is extensive, and most of the highways meet international standards.

Rail transport accounts for 58.4% of all cargo transportation, 40% of cargo is transported by road, and 1.6% is accounted for by water and air transport.

Water transportation is carried out only along the Danube.

The country has three ports for servicing cargo ships - Bratislava, Komarno, Sturovo.

In the 1990s there were changes in geography foreign trade countries. For example, until the beginning of the 90s, 67% of all exports were to the countries of the socialist camp and 27% to European states. Imports from the socialist countries of that time amounted to 50%.

Changes occurred in 1993 - 53% of exports were already in Western Europe and only 35% in Eastern Europe. Exports included semi-finished products for manufacturing industries, as well as machines and chemical products.

Imports were dominated by cars and different types of fuel. Today, Slovak exports account for 56.9% of EU member states, with the main share being allocated to:

• Germany,
• Italy,
• France,
• Austria.

The country exports machinery and equipment, road and construction equipment, ferrous metal products, pharmaceuticals, and timber industry products.

Slovakia imports raw materials from the CIS countries, for example, raw cotton from the Republics of Central Asia.

Ukraine sends iron ore and thermal coal, since 2014 it is not a member of the CIS.

The position of the country has changed over time. Until the 90s, Slovakia, together with the Czech Republic, was one state, bearing the name Czechoslovakia. On the night of December 31, 1992 to January 1, 1993, the law on the division of the country into the Czech Republic and Slovakia came into force. The unified Czechoslovakia ceased to exist.

Remark 1

Thus, the economic and geographical position of the country is favorable, and it tries to do everything possible to derive the maximum benefit from this for its development.

Natural conditions of Slovakia

The relief of Slovakia is mostly mountainous. At an altitude of 750 m above sea level, 80% of its territory is located.

Along the northeastern border with Poland stretch the Tatras, the top of which Gerlachowski Shtit rises to 2655 m.

Lowlands are located in the south and southeast of the country, where the agriculture of the Republic develops mainly.

The mountainous terrain has two features: on the one hand, it hinders the development of transport, and on the other hand, it creates good opportunities for the development of ski tourism.

The country is in a temperate continental climate. Altitudinal zonality is expressed in the mountains.

On the plains, the average January temperatures are -1, -4 degrees, in mountainous areas -10 degrees.

The July temperature on the plains is +19, +21 degrees, and in the mountains +8, +12 degrees.

Precipitation falls unevenly across the territory, more of them fall in the mountains - 1600-2100 mm per year, in the flat areas from 470 to 700 mm.

The winter season is characterized by solid precipitation in the form of snow, which can lie on the plains for 30-40 days, and in the mountains up to 130 days.

The largest European river Danube flows through the territory of Slovakia, as well as its tributaries Tisza, Vah - the longest river in the country.

Natural resources of Slovakia

Natural conditions and resources underlie the development of the country's economy.

The composition and distribution of minerals throughout the country is associated with the peculiarities of its geological and tectonic structure.

In its bowels there are minerals - hard and brown coal, lignite. Iron ores, manganese, polymetallic ores, antimony, magnesite are associated with mountains.

There are hydrocarbons, but in insufficient quantities. Oil reserves are estimated at 1.2 million tons. 0.05 million tons are produced, while oil consumption is more than 3.5 million tons. The main oil importers are Russia and Norway.

As for gas, its proven reserves amount to 15 billion cubic meters. m, and about 0.17 billion cubic meters are produced. m. To meet the needs of their industry, gas has to be imported.

A Canadian company is working in Eastern Slovakia to study the territory for uranium ores, which, according to preliminary data, contain 15 thousand tons.

Silver and gold mined in the country are involved in the production sector and go to the manufacture of jewelry, part of the gold is exported.

The great wealth of the country is its soils, mainly brown forest in the zone of deciduous forests, and in the mountainous areas significant forest resources have been preserved, the availability of which is quite high compared to other European countries.

Forests account for 41% of the territory. The southern slopes of the mountains are covered with beech and oak, the northern slopes are covered with coniferous spruce and fir forests.

There are healing mineral springs in the country, which cover almost the entire territory and large reserves of groundwater. Groundwater is located in the river deposits of the Danube and Zhitny Island, their reserves are estimated at 10 billion cubic meters. m.

Geographical position

Slovakia located in the center of Eastern Europe, on the territory of the Tatra and Carpathian mountain systems. Most of the country is mountainous. Almost 80% of Slovakia is located above 750 meters above sea level.

The highest point of the country is a mountain Gerlachowski-Shtit, whose height is 2655 meters. The territory of Slovakia is dissected by rather deep valleys of large river systems. The rivers mainly belong to the Danube basin. The border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic runs along the Morava River.

A third of the country is occupied by fertile South Slovak And East Slovak lowland in the southeast And Danube lowland east Bratislava. The southern and eastern parts of the country are dominated by lowlands, in the north Slovakia occupies most of Carpathian mountains.

The deepest river state is Danube, which forms part of the southern boundary. Main rivers of Slovakia are: vag, gron, Bodrog, Poprad, Gornad, Ondava And Orava. The longest river on the territory of Slovakia is considered vag, 12 dams of the Povazhsky cascade are located on it. highest waterfall- Kmetev, it is located in the High Tatras, and its height is 80 meters. There are many transparent high-mountain lakes in the mountains.

In the north country borders with Poland, in the east - with Ukraine, on South - with Hungary, in the West - with Austria and the Czech Republic. Slovakia has no access to the sea. Total area of ​​the territory country is about 49 thousand sq. km.

capital is the city Bratislava.

Slovakia has temperate continental climate with pronounced altitudinal zonation. January average temperatures make up here from -1 C to -4 C on the plains And up to -10 C in mountainous areas.

July average temperatures constitute from +19 C to +21 Con the plains And up to +8-12 Cin the mountains.

On the plains precipitation falls annually from 450 to 700 mm. (mainly in winter and off-season), in the mountains -up to 1600-2100 mm. in year. Snow in mountainous areas lies 4-5 months a year. However, the weather is quite changeable, so thaws often occur. The best time to visit countries can be named May, June and September.

For holidays in ski resorts it is best to choose a rest period November to March.

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

Citizens of Russia and the CIS to enter the country need to apply for a visa. Slovakia is part of the Schengen area. You can apply for a visa at the consular section of the Embassy of Slovakia and at the Consulate General of Slovakia in the Russian Federation.

When entering the country by car must be presented documents for it, as well as a Green Card international auto insurance policy and an international driver's license.

Import and export of currency is not limited. Amounts exceeding 10 thousand euros, when entering from the territory of countries outside the EU, necessary indicate in the declaration.

Duty free allowed bring into the country a small amount of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, as well as goods for personal use at the rate of 430 euros per person.

Without permission cannot be imported drugs and narcotic drugs, medications, firearms and ammunition, explosives, pornographic materials, plants, flowers, animals and birds into the country. For the import of hunting weapons in advance need to get a license at the local police station.

To the territory of the EU countries from May 1, 2009 cannot be imported products that contain meat or milk. This ban even extends to chocolates.

Does not apply it is for baby food and special preparations that are needed by people suffering from certain chronic diseases. But they should be packed carefully, and their weight should not exceed 2 kilograms. Violators of this rule waiting confiscation prohibited foods and payment of a fine.

At customs at the entrance desirable provide a list of all valuable personal items and effects, this will facilitate their removal from the country.

Plants, animals and plant productsnecessary present to quarantine officials. For pets need to receive a certificate of vaccinations, as well as a medical certificate issued no earlier than 10 days before departure.

From the country forbidden to export objects and things that are of historical or artistic value. To export works of art and objects of arts and crafts, you need from the seller get a certificate, confirming the possibility of exporting these goods outside the country.

Population, political condition

The population of the country is about 5.4 million people. Most of it is Slovaks (85% ), Hungarians(11% ), Romanians And gypsies, and Czechs, Moravians, Silesians, Rusyns, Germans And Poles.

IN politically Slovakia is independent parliamentary democratic republic which was established in 1993. It happened as a result of the collapse of Czechoslovakia. At the head of the state costs the president who is elected by secret ballot for a term of five years. Supreme legislature country is National Council who is elected for 4 years.

Administratively, the territory countries are divided on 8 regions with self-government and 79 districts.

State language is Slovak, it belongs to the group of West Slavic languages ​​and is close to Czech. Widespread Also Czech, Hungarian, German, English And, in their places of residence - ethnic group languages.

Used in writing Latin alphabet. In Southern Slovakia equal walking wears also Hungarian.

What to see

In Slovakia many attractions. One of them is the numerous mineral springs and caves. Mineral springs are about 1 400 things. There are caves throughout the country about 4 thousand, in Bratislava there are more than a dozen of them. However, less than a quarter of them have been studied. A unique geyser in Europe located in Gerlyany in the east of Slovakia. It throws out a thirty-meter jet of cold mineral water at regular intervals.

Most Interest for tourists is Demänovská cave system located in the valley of the same name on the northern side of the Low Tatras. Also noteworthy Belianska caves near Tatranska Lomnica, Bistrianskie And Harmanech caves close to Banska Bystrica, Gombasekska caves, Yasovska, Domica, which included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as a unique aragonite Ochta cave located close to Kosice.

In winter, numerous tourists come to the ski resorts of the country.

Bratislava is the capital of the country and one of the most interesting cities for tourists in Eastern Europe. The city lies in the picturesque spurs of the Carpathians near the border with Austria. Bratislava was founded in 907, A from 1541 it was the capital of Hungary.

This city is not large. All of it the main attractions are concentrated in the center. It is very convenient that you can get around them on foot.

Tourists must see Old Town Hall dating back to the thirteenth century, Primate's Palace who is famous hall of mirrors And fountain of St. George.

Cathedral of St. Martin(XIV-XV centuries) is the place of coronation of many Hungarian monarchs. At the Redoubt Palace currently located Bratislava Concert Hall.

Also interesting: Palace of Grassalkovich, main square ("main estate"), where you can see Roland's fountain, Franciscan church, which was built in 1297. Opposite it is Mirbach Palace.

Worth a visit also Church of the Holy Trinity, the former building of the Hungarian Parliament - royal chambers, Presidential palace, building of the Slovak National Theater, Janka Kralja's garden, Segner's mansion. Bratislava Royal Castle dates back to IX-XIX centuries.

The most attractive streets for tourists are: Zamoska, Zizkova,Kapitulska, clarisca, Laurinska And Panska.

The most famous museums Bratislava are: Slovak National Gallery, Pharmaceutical Museum,Museum of Folk Music, Municipal Museum located in the building of the Old Town Hall, Hummel Music Museum in his house Museum of Decorative Arts, Wine Museum, Museum of Jewish Culture, Museum of Carpathian German Culture, City Museum of Bratislava, Historical Museum etc.

Around Bratislava you can visit the extensive Devin castle complex which is located 10 km. west of the capital and is a national monument of nature and culture. 7 km. northeast of Bratislava lies lake resort Zlati Pieski. In Rusovtsy can see ancient Herulata. East of the capital famous wine-growing Lesser Carpathian region.

50 km. east of Bratislava located old Slavic fortified settlement Nitra, it is interesting their castle, colonnade, palace, Franciscan Church And monastery.

City of Komarno located in Southern Slovakia. He is center of the country's Hungarian community. In it you can see old fortifications relating to the XIV-XVIII centuries., picturesque bridge over the Danube, Church of St. Andrew. Other attractions of this city include Danube Museum, which has interesting historical and artistic collections, Serbian Orthodox Church, City Hall And Museum of Lehár and Yokai.

50 km. northeast of the capital located famous Trnava. Here it is Trnava Archbishopric, university buildings relating to the XVII-XVIII centuries. The old part of the city is quite picturesque.

In Western Slovakia located city ​​of Trencin which is worth on the site of the Roman camp of Laugaricio. It's worth seeing main square Mierové namestije,parish church, city ​​gate, art gallery located in the building of the convent. Also noteworthy well of love", the depth of which is 70 meters, famous Roman inscription about the victory of the 2nd Roman legion over the Germanic tribes dated 179 AD. e. And Museum of Trencin.

Trencian castle is one of the most beautiful military castles in the country. He was built on the site of a Great Moravian castle from the 11th century. Graceful Matus Czak Tower has at the base more 100 sq. meters.

14 km. northeast of the city you can visit Spa Trencianske Teplice. He is famous for his baths"hammam"in neo-Moorish style and hot healing sulfur springs.

Mountains Mala Fatra stretched across the entire northwestern part of the country for hundreds of kilometers. They form an extensive eponymous national park. His main attraction considered to be the picturesque valley of Vratna. She is famous for her numerous ski resorts And lots of hiking trails.

West of the spurs of Mala Fatra, 80 km. from Trencin, located Zilina city. It was founded in the 13th century and is the third largest city in the country.

It is interesting for its provincial appearance and peace. Very colorful central square of this city. Here you can also see attractions such as the picturesque church with covered gallery, Zilina Museum located in a 16th century castle. The city has many shops, cafes and restaurants.

Kosice located in Eastern Slovakia and is considered the main city of this region.

There are many historical sights here. Cathedral of St. Elizabeth considered one of the most beautiful Gothic temples in the world. He is interesting tomb of Ferenc Rakoczi. Deserves attention city ​​theater building built in 1899. In front of his entrance you can see musical fountain. ancient City Hall building was built in 1780. " House of the Kosice Program"is famous for the fact that in 1945 the program of the Popular Front was proclaimed in it.

Currently located here art Gallery. Urbana Tower dates back to the 16th century, now works here Museum of Metal Jewelry.

Worth noting also St. Michael's Church,plague column, old prison"Miklusova Vazhnitsa", Slovak Technical Museum, Zoo museum V Bastion of the Executioners, State theater, Hungarian theater "Waist".Museum of Eastern Slovakia interesting for its cozy park and old wooden church.

Presov lies 36 km. north of Kosice. It attracts tourists gothic church of St. Nicholas built in the 14th century evangelical church And Wine Museum. Museum of Presov has quite interesting collections on archeology and natural history.

Bardejov located north of Presov. It deserves attention parish church of St. Aegidius, old town hall, which now houses a museum, Historical Museum And Museum of Icons.

Bardejovske Kupele lies 6 km. north of Bardejov. He is one of the best water resorts in the country. Here, since the end of the 18th century, local mineral waters from 8 different sources treat diseases of the digestive tract and lungs. Sharishsk- the best in the country ethnographic open-air museum.

City of Poprad is a modern industrial center. It is not particularly attractive for tourists, but it is located Poprad-Tatry International Airport. In the vicinity of this city you can visit a large number of resorts and sports centers. Nearby are located massifs of the High Tatras And Slovenian Paradise, which are distinguished by a very picturesque nature.

Slovenian Paradise National Park lies southeast of the town of Spisska Nova Ves. It was created in 1988 and allows visitors to get acquainted with the beauties of the Gornad river gorge.

Tatra National Park is first national park based in the former Czechoslovakia. Its area is 888 sq. km. It forms a single whole with a similar park in Poland. This park is considered one of the best active recreation centers in Europe. It contains hiking trail network, which stretches for 600 km. and links all the Alpine valleys and many peaks. In its surroundings famous resorts such as Stari Smokovec,Strbske Pleso, Tatranska Lomnica. Dunajec River Gorge counts excellent water tourism center.

Levocha lies 26 km. from Poprad. It was founded in the 13th century and attracts tourists with its medieval walls(XV century), churches of St. James, Mariana Gora etc., as well as old narrow streets.

Other attractions of this place can be called Spis District Museum, located in the building of the old Town Hall, art gallery, Museum of Master Pavel And picturesque central square.

Between Poprad and Presov you can visit fortified abbey complex in Spisska Kapitula. It belongs to the XIII century and attracts tourists with its medieval fortress gates, the magnificent Cathedral of St. Martin And picturesque houses, which are located along the only street.

Banska Bystrica located in Central Slovakia, in the southern spurs of the Low Tatras. She included in the World cultural heritage UNESCO. This old mining town dates back to 1255. It has interesting medieval buildings: fortress church, Church of the Holy Cross(XV century), Mining buildings And Forest Academy, Old lock. Here you can see a large number of medieval houses in the German style. Not far from this city is one of the largest winter sports centers countries - Donovaly.

Much to the south lies city ​​of Banska Stiavnica. He is famous for his interesting Geological Museum, old houses And monuments of the mining industry. Between these two cities lies Zvolene where you should definitely visit Castle of Louis the Great.

The territory of this country was the first Slavs settled in 5th century. IN 7th century Slovakia was part of the center Powers of Samo. After some time, on its territory was located Principality of Nitra. protoslovak state was called Great Moravia. It reached its peak in 9th century with coming. At this time, the appearance Kirill And Methodius and expansion led by Prince Svyatopolk I.

The economic development of the country fell on the Middle Ages - new cities began to be built, and trade was carried out with neighboring states.

IN XI-XIV centuries the country became part Kingdom of Hungary. She later joined Austria-Hungary until its collapse, which occurred in 1918. Then it happened unification of Slovakia with the Czech Republic And Subcarpathian Rus. This is how the state was formed. Czechoslovakia.

Then happened collapse of this state. According to the Munich Agreement1938, Slovakia became a separate republic which was controlled by Nazi Germany.

Czechoslovakia was restored after World War II. WITH 1945 it came under the influence of the USSR and the countries of the Warsaw Pact.

End of communist Czechoslovakia came to 1989 during the peace Velvet revolution. Was created two separate states - Slovakia And Czech. After January 1, 1993 the two countries went their own ways of development.

May 1, 2004 Slovakia became a member of the European Union, A December 21, 2007 the country entered Schengen area. January 1, 2009 Slovakia is included in eurozone.

International trade

Country sells for exportcars,electrical equipment And cars, metals, chemical And minerals, plastics. Maincountry's export partners are: Germany, Czech,France, Poland, Hungary,Austria, Italy And Great Britain.

Slovakia imports cars And transport, semi-finished products,fuel, chemical substances And finished goods.

Main import partners are the following countries: Germany, Czech, Russia, Hungary, South Korea , Austria, Poland And China.

The shops

Almost all shops in the country are opendaily With 9.00 before 18.00 , day off is Sunday.Large supermarkets and shopping centerson Thursday usually work until 19.00-21.00 . Grocery stores usually open from 7.00-9.00 before 18.00-19.00 . Often they have May belunch break.On Saturday most shops are open from 8.00 before 12.00 . At night time work large supermarkets and specialty night shops.

From Slovakia you can bring the following souvenirs and gifts: painted easter eggs,ceramic products, grain figurines, Borovichka- Slovak juniper vodka, wooden figurines,sheep wool products, handmade dolls « supolka". The country has a single retail network for the sale of handicrafts -ULUV, its stores are in almost all major cities.

Demography

Birth rate 10 newborns per 1000 people. Mortality rate - more than 9 deaths per 1000 people. population growth is only 0,13% .

average life expectancy local residents is 77.32 years old. Average life expectancy for men- 74 years old, women - 80,84 .

Child mortality rate is 66 deaths per 1000 children.

77 % population of Slovakia lives in cities, the largest of which are Bratislava, Kosice, Nitrate, Presov. Rest 23 % population are rural residents.

Average population density in Slovakia is 109 inhabitants per 1 sq. km.

Migration rate is only 0.3 migrants per 1000 people.

Industry

Currently in Slovakia the most well developed industries are the following: electronics, automotive, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, information Technology.

Automotive sector in Slovakia belongs to the fastest growing sectors. This is due to recent large investments by automotive giants such as Volkswagen, Peugeot And Kia Motors.

Flora and fauna

Near 40% territories of Slovakia cover forests. On the southern slopes of the mountains forests are mainly oak And beech. In forests on the northern slopes of the mountains dominated by tree species such as fir And spruce. On the heights stretch alpine meadows.

From animals most common in Slovakia deer,wolves, lynx, the Bears, squirrels, foxes And petting.

Macedonia, Albania, as well as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The countries of this region have a lot in common in historical and socio-economic development. After World War II, they were united by belonging to the socialist economic system, which led to stable economic ties with each other and the USSR. Most of them were members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) and the political bloc of the Warsaw Pact.

Currently, these countries are undergoing a radical economic transformation, as a result of which their ties with the West have expanded.

Until recently, the political situation in the countries has remained extremely tense. As a result of hostilities, the countries - the former republics of Yugoslavia - were largely affected.

The countries of Eastern Europe are a single territorial array stretching from the Baltic to the Black and. The main features of the economic countries of Eastern Europe are:

• coastal position of most states;
• the possibility of access to the sea along the Danube waterway for countries that do not have direct access to the sea (Hungary, Slovakia);
• the neighboring position of countries in relation to each other;
• transit position on the way between the countries of Western Europe and countries.

All these features create good prerequisites for the development of integration processes.
natural prerequisites for the development of the economies of Eastern Europe are also quite favorable, although there is a certain shortage of natural resources.

Differs in a variety of industries. The branches of international specialization are: the production of glass in the Czech Republic, leather goods in Bulgaria, perfumery and sports equipment in Poland.

Features Agriculture is that each country has its own specifics. In general, it prevails, with the exception of Estonia, Lithuania, where pig breeding and dairy cattle breeding are developed. In Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, mountain pasture sheep breeding is developed.

The branches of crop production are presented as follows:

• rye, potatoes (Poland, Estonia, Latvia);
• gardening, viticulture (, Albania, Yugoslavia, Hungary);
• corn, vegetables

Course work

in the discipline “Socio-economic geography foreign countries”

on the topic “Geography and socio-economic development of Slovakia”

Introduction

Chapter 1 Prerequisites for social economic development Slovakia

1.1 Assessment of the economic and geographical position

1.2 Natural conditions and resources

Chapter 2 Characteristics of the population of Slovakia

2.1 Features of the demographic, ethnic, confessional situation

2.2 Territorial features of population distribution

2.3 Labor potential

Chapter 3 general characteristics economic development of the economic complex of Slovakia

3.1 Historical features of economic development

3.2 Foreign economic relations

3.3 Prospects for cooperation between Slovakia and the Republic of Belarus

Chapter 4. Structural and territorial features of the development of the economic complex of Slovakia

4.1 Industry

4.2 Agriculture

4.3 Service industry

Conclusion

List of sources used

Application

Introduction

Over the past decade, domestic and world literature has been actively discussing the rapid rise National economy Slovak Republic. Slovakia is a developed industrial and agrarian country and, according to some indicators of socio-economic development, is ahead of other eurozone member countries.

This topic is relevant for study also because at present the Republic of Belarus and the Slovak Republic have prospects for cooperation. As a result, there is a need to study the economy, in particular the economic complex, of Slovakia.

The overall goal of the work was to illustrate the general picture of the development of the economic complex of the Slovak Republic and show what are the results of the socio-economic situation in the country today.

First of all, it is worth considering the general prerequisites for the socio-economic development of Slovakia, because this is the basis for the development of the country. This is the subject of Chapter 1.

Section 1 describes and assesses the economic and geographical position of Slovakia, as it is one of the most important factors in the development of the country's economy, one of the reasons for its sectoral specialization.

Natural resources and conditions are illustrated in the 2nd section. The main development potential of the country lies in the presence or absence of resources, their qualitative and quantitative characteristics, therefore this section important in characterizing the socio-economic development of the country.

In the 2nd chapter, a description of the population of Slovakia is given. This chapter covers such aspects of the subject as demographic situation in Slovakia, including the ethnic and religious composition of the population, the peculiarities of the location of the inhabitants of the country, as well as the labor potential of Slovakia.

The 3rd chapter is devoted to the characteristics of foreign economic relations of the Slovak Republic. The 1st section reflects the history of the development of the country's economy, starting from the 90s. and until today. The economy of the Slovak Republic has two main features that determine its development. This is, firstly, the small size of the domestic market, and secondly, the lack of a comprehensive mineral resource base. Hence the need, on the one hand, to import many types of resources and, on the other, to sell their products on the foreign market. The main foreign economic relations of the country and priority areas of foreign trade are reflected in the 2nd section. Slovakia is one of the four European countries that are actively developing trade cooperation with the Republic of Belarus. Therefore, the 3rd section is devoted to the characteristics and prospects of cooperation between Slovakia and the Republic of Belarus. And also here are some indicators of the socio-economic development of countries.

Direct analysis of the economic complex with all the achievements is considered in the 2nd chapter. The 1st section reflects the sectoral structure of the industry in Slovakia, analyzes the main indicators of the country's development in this sector. The 2nd and 3rd sections illustrate indicators for agriculture and the country's service sector, respectively. Particular attention is paid to the development of tourism and those types of services that are associated with tourism activities.

The structural feature of this work is to single out the characteristics of the population of Slovakia in a separate chapter, which is associated with the special ethnic and confessional composition of the country, the uneven distribution of the population of Slovakia, which is reflected in the territorial specialization of the economy of the Slovak Republic.

Many economic indicators Slovakia from various sources are displayed in tables and figures (diagrams, diagrams) on the work pages, as well as in the application.

When writing this work, a wide variety of sources were studied and used: starting from the scientific literature of the end of the 20th century. and ending with the latest data from the world's leading organizations. In particular, the magazine " World economy and International Relations”, which reflects the latest trends in the development of the PRC. Statistical data were taken from the website of the Ministry of Statistics of the Republic of Belarus, the website of the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, the website of the US Central Intelligence Agency, the website of the World Bank.

Chapter 1 Prerequisites for the social and economic development of Slovakia

1.1 Assessment of the economic and geographical position

Describing the prerequisites for the socio-economic development of Slovakia, it is necessary to note the features of the economic and geographical position of the country. Slovakia is located in the center of Eastern Europe, lying on the territory of the Tatra and Carpathian mountain systems. The Tatras occupy a significant part of the country's territory. They include the Western and Eastern Tatras, the most famous part of which is the High Tatras. An important feature of Slovakia, as well as other countries of Eastern Europe, is its transit position between the countries of Western Europe and the CIS. This geographical position has a positive impact on the development of the country's economy, since Slovakia is closely involved in the process of international economic relations with its surrounding countries. The Slovak territory is of great transit importance for the development of Russia's relations with the countries of Central and Western Europe. Through it, oil is transited to the Czech Republic and natural gas to Western Europe (up to 90 billion cubic meters per year). Also, important for the development of the economic complex of Slovakia and the influx foreign investment has a close location of such highly developed centers as Germany, Italy, Austria. These countries are the main partners of foreign trade.

Slovakia is distinguished by its small size. The total area of ​​the country is 49,035 sq. km., which is much less than the area of ​​neighboring states. Thus, the Czech Republic is 1.6 times larger than Slovakia, Austria - 1.7 times, Hungary - 1.9 times, Poland - 6.4 times, Ukraine - 12.3 times.

The total land borders of the Slovak Republic are 1355 km. In the north, Slovakia borders on Poland (the length of the border is 444 km.), In the east - with Ukraine (90 km.), In the south - with Hungary (515 km.), In the west - with Austria (91 km.) And the Czech Republic ( 215 km.).

Another feature of the configuration of the territory of Slovakia is that the length of the country from west to east is 450 km, which affects the contrast of climate, flora and fauna.

The Slovak Republic has no access to the sea, which is the main disadvantage of its geographical location, as it largely limits the development of foreign trade relations and tourism activities. However, part of the main European watershed of the basins of the Baltic and Black Seas passes through its territory.

It should also be noted the physical features of the territory of Slovakia. In the north and in the central regions of the country there are mountain ranges that occupy almost 80% of the territory, in the south and west of Slovakia there are lowlands (Zagorskaya in the west, Podanubskaya in the southwest and East Slovakskaya in the southeast of the country). The physical features of the country, its topography determine the specialization of agriculture and its regional features.

The administrative-territorial division is of great importance for the management of the country and its development as a whole. The territory of the Slovak Republic is divided into 8 districts and 79 districts.

Thus, Slovakia is a country of Eastern Europe, the geographical position of which historically has both positive and negative features. Their influence on the place of Slovakia in international economic relations lies in the fact that Slovakia occupies a transit position between the countries of Western Europe and the CIS. Thus, we can conclude that this feature is positive for Slovakia, since it is closely involved in the process of international economic relations with the countries surrounding it. However, there is a negative feature based on the geographical position of Slovakia, due to the lack of access to the sea, which limits the possibilities of the country. Also, the configuration of the territory and the topography of the country affects the features of the structural and regional development economic complex of Slovakia.

1.2 Natural conditions and resources

The basis for the development of the economic complex of the country and its regions is its natural conditions and resources. For the stable development of the country's economy, it is necessary to rationally involve in the production of all types of natural resources, which include energy, mineral, land and soil, water, natural and climatic and other types of resources.

Features of the geological and tectonic structures determined the composition and nature of the geographical distribution of minerals in the Slovak Republic. Slovakia is relatively rich in minerals. There are and explored deposits of hard and brown coal, lignite, in the Slovak ore mountains - iron, manganese, polymetallic ores, antimony, magnesite.

Describing the prerequisites for the socio-economic development of Slovakia, it is necessary to note the features of the economic and geographical position of the country. Slovakia is located in the center of Eastern Europe, lying on the territory of the Tatra and Carpathian mountain systems. The Tatras occupy a significant part of the country's territory. They include the Western and Eastern Tatras, the most famous part of which is the High Tatras. An important feature of Slovakia, as well as other countries of Eastern Europe, is its transit position between the countries of Western Europe and the CIS. This geographical position has a positive impact on the development of the country's economy, since Slovakia is closely involved in the process of international economic relations with the countries surrounding it. The Slovak territory is of great transit importance for the development of Russia's relations with the countries of Central and Western Europe. Through it, oil is transited to the Czech Republic and natural gas to Western Europe (up to 90 billion cubic meters per year). Also, the proximity of such highly developed centers as Germany, Italy, Austria is important for the development of the economic complex of Slovakia and the influx of foreign investment. These countries are the main partners of foreign trade.

Slovakia is distinguished by its small size. The total area of ​​the country is 49,035 sq. km., which is much less than the area of ​​neighboring states. Thus, the Czech Republic is 1.6 times larger than Slovakia, Austria - 1.7 times, Hungary - 1.9 times, Poland - 6.4 times, Ukraine - 12.3 times.

The total land borders of the Slovak Republic are 1355 km. In the north, Slovakia borders on Poland (the length of the border is 444 km.), In the east - with Ukraine (90 km.), In the south - with Hungary (515 km.), In the west - with Austria (91 km.) And the Czech Republic ( 215 km.).

Another feature of the configuration of the territory of Slovakia is that the length of the country from west to east is 450 km, which affects the contrast of climate, flora and fauna.

The Slovak Republic has no access to the sea, which is the main disadvantage of its geographical location, as it largely limits the development of foreign trade relations and tourism activities. However, part of the main European watershed of the basins of the Baltic and Black Seas passes through its territory.

It should also be noted the physical features of the territory of Slovakia. In the north and in the central regions of the country there are mountain ranges that occupy almost 80% of the territory, in the south and west of Slovakia there are lowlands (Zagorskaya in the west, Podanubskaya in the southwest and East Slovak in the southeast of the country). The physical features of the country, its topography determine the specialization of agriculture and its regional features.

The administrative-territorial division is of great importance for the management of the country and its development as a whole. The territory of the Slovak Republic is divided into 8 districts and 79 districts.

Thus, Slovakia is a country of Eastern Europe, the geographical position of which historically has both positive and negative features. Their influence on the place of Slovakia in international economic relations lies in the fact that Slovakia occupies a transit position between the countries of Western Europe and the CIS. Thus, we can conclude that this feature is positive for Slovakia, since it is closely involved in the process of international economic relations with the countries surrounding it. However, there is a negative feature based on the geographical position of Slovakia, due to the lack of access to the sea, which limits the possibilities of the country. Also, the configuration of the territory and the topography of the country has an impact on the features of the structural and regional development of the economic complex of Slovakia.