These are exciting times for investors in Slovakia. The country's accession to the EU (1st May 2004) combined with it having the fastest GDP growth rate in Central Europe means that it merits serious attention from property investors. The investment potential is greatly enhanced by Slovakia's excellent strategic location in the centre of Europe, bordered by four other EU countries. Over the past 2 years Slovakia has implemented some of the most progressive reforms of all the new EU accession countries, and, in the eyes of many analysts, it now has one of the most progressive business environments in the EU. According to the World Bank, Slovakia had the fastest transforming business environment in the world last year, and comparisons are already being drawn with the Republic of Ireland's economic transformation in the 1990s.

 

 

 Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and ski resorts with excellent winter sport opportunities and guaranteed snowfall are the most popular holiday destinations. In 2005 Slovakia received foreign exchange rate earnings from tourism of EUR 1 billion, an increase of 10% year-on-year. Slovakia is a country of diverse sights. A land blessed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, comprising a panorama of snowy mountains, wild forests, spas, and lakes. Slovakia is a premier winter destination and has everything you would expect from a European resort - but at a fraction of the price. Offering a true alternative to the Alps, the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings of Slovak mountain resorts will impress any skier who appreciates well prepared slopes, state-of-the-art technology, and the latest in skiing and snowboarding equipment. A real vacation wonderland, aplenty with culture and tradition, and the best ski resorts to make a property investment. The flow of tourists is increasing every year, making the prospect of buying property, flats and houses in these resorts very attractive indeed. With the on-going large amounts of capital being invested, the resorts are just getting better and better making them among the most hi-tech in Europe.

 

 

 

Slovakia is best known for the raw beauty of its countryside: mountains make-up two-thirds of its land, of which forests cover 40%. More than 10 000 kilometres of hiking trails zigzag the country, and dozens of ski centres draw winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. Slovakia has nine national parks. And surprises are in store even beneath foot, with Slovakia boasting a myriad of caves to marvel at and explore: the most famous can be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

Relatively large differences in elevation are characteristic of this central European country. Central and northern Slovakia is more mountainous; the Carpathian bow of peaks extends across these regions. The south and east of the country are in the lowlands. The principal river is the Danube, connecting the three capital cities of Bratislava, Vienna, and Budapest.