Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, often called "the Heart of Europe" due to its location. Its landscape is dominated by the majestic Carpathian Mountains, especially the High Tatras, a hiker's paradise with rugged peaks and glacial lakes. But if anything defines the Slovak landscape, besides its forests, it's the castles. It has the highest concentration of castles and chateaux per capita in the world! From the romantic ruins of Spiš Castle (a World Heritage site) to the cinematic Orava Castle.

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Historically, Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia for much of the 20th century. In 1993, it separated from the Czech Republic in the so-called "Velvet Divorce," one of the most peaceful dissolutions of a country in history. Its culture is rich in folklore, music, and traditions. Its capital, Bratislava, situated on the banks of the Danube, is unique for being the only capital in the world that borders two countries (Austria and Hungary). Today, Slovakia is a modern democracy and a major hub for car manufacturing in Europe.

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Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, often called "the Heart of Europe" due to its location. Its landscape is dominated by the majestic Carpathian Mountains, especially the High Tatras, a hiker's paradise with rugged peaks and glacial lakes. But if anything defines the Slovak landscape, besides its forests, it's the castles. It has the highest concentration of castles and chateaux per capita in the world! From the romantic ruins of Spiš Castle (a World Heritage site) to the cinematic Orava Castle.

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Historically, Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia for much of the 20th century. In 1993, it separated from the Czech Republic in the so-called "Velvet Divorce," one of the most peaceful dissolutions of a country in history. Its culture is rich in folklore, music, and traditions. Its capital, Bratislava, situated on the banks of the Danube, is unique for being the only capital in the world that borders two countries (Austria and Hungary). Today, Slovakia is a modern democracy and a major hub for car manufacturing in Europe.

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