Country explorer: Slovakia
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Slovakia is a landlocked, high-income country in Europe with a small population. Its economy has grown rapidly in recent decades, and is based on automotive industry, information technology and manufacturing.
Slovakia boasts the High Tatra mountains, providing stunning landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
Economy
Slovakia has exhibited economic resilience with steady GDP per capita growth, a significant reduction in unemployment rates to levels below those observed during its early post-communist years, and managed inflation rates comparable to developed economies, underscoring its successful transition to a market-oriented economy and its integration into European economic frameworks.
Demographics
Slovakia has seen a gradual increase in its population, slight positive net migration, a slight increase in fertility rates, and an improvement in life expectancy, indicating a demographic profile that shares common patterns of moderate growth and aging similar to its Central European peers but with unique stability in its demographic indicators.
Basic needs
Slovakia has consistently improved access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, and safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities, mirroring advancements common among high-income countries, albeit with progress in safely managed sanitation slightly trailing behind its regional peers.
Human development
Slovakia has experienced significant improvements in human development, as evidenced by consistent progress in the Human Development Index, a substantial reduction in child mortality rates, and advancements in literacy and average learning-adjusted years of schooling, highlighting a trajectory similar to its Central European neighbors towards higher human development standards.
Environment & energy
Slovakia has experienced a cautious but promising transition towards more sustainable energy production methods, marked by modest improvements in renewable energy usage and forest area expansion, alongside efforts to manage per capita CO₂ emissions and freshwater resources, reflecting a broader regional trend among its Central European peers towards environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Technology & innovation
Slovakia has experienced significant growth in internet usage, mobile phone subscriptions, R&D investment, and scientific publications, indicating a rapid advancement in technology and innovation comparable to its Central European neighbors.
Culture & society
Slovakia has experienced a moderate increase in the share of the population born abroad, gradual improvements in self-reported life satisfaction, steady progress in reducing gender inequality, and a notable increase in the age dependency ratio, mirroring broader trends in Central European countries towards more inclusive, aging societies with overall enhanced well-being.
Governance
Slovakia has experienced a notable erosion in governance, marked by decreases in the rule of law and political civil liberties indexes, alongside deteriorating press freedom and rising corruption perceptions, echoing broader challenges faced by some Central European nations.