Less popular with tourists than the neighbouring Czech Republic, Slovakia offers a whole range of sights and experiences of its own, including dramatic scenery, delightful towns and impressive architecture.

Formerly part of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic went their separate ways after the 'Velvet Revolution' of 1989 and the end of Communist rule. The two nations had split briefly before in 1938, when the Slovaks allied themselves to Nazi Germany.

Slovakia was part of Hungary and was under Magyar rule almost a thousand years, until a period of oppression led it to form a union with the also-Slavic Czechs in 1918.

Despite joining the European Union in May 2004, folk traditions continue to flourish in Slovakia, which is bordered by the Carpathian Mountains and the lofty peaks of the High Tatras mountains.

The mountains offer visitors to Slovakia some spectacular scenery, with stunning lakes and valleys, and popular ski resorts. Walking tours of the region can be arranged and the country also offers a vast array of sports, including mountain biking, rafting, yachting, paragliding, skiing and snowboarding.

The Slovak capital Bratislava has seen its charming old town returned to its former glory and nestles at the edge of the Carpathian Mountains. The city has a Museum of Jewish Culture housed in Bratislava Castle, the excellent Slovak National Theatre with its world class productions of opera, the beautiful Danube River and some lovely European Baroque and Gothic architecture.

The lively second city of Kosice is home to an imposing Gothic cathedral and some attractive squares and both Bratislava and Kosice have a number of interesting restaurants, excellent hotels and good dance and jazz clubs.

Slovakia has a number of delightful castles and chateaux, including the castles of Spis, Beckov, Devin and Cachtice. The medieval town of Bardejov, with its fourteenth-century fortifications is well worth a visit, as is the spa town of Bardejovske Kupele, famed for centuries for its healing properties.

There are many more medieval towns and villages across Slovakia and its mountains, with their own unique buildings and identities. The country has sizeable Hungarian and Romany populations and Catholicism is widespread, with many Slovaks still attending church each week. Slovakia is a relatively small nation, with a population of around 5,430,000, and Slovak folk costumes and music flourish in its numerous villages and hamlets.

The Slovak economy has flourished in recent years, though the country still remains behind many of its European neighbours. Slovakia has a temperate climate, with fairly cool summers and cold winters. Flights to the country are becoming increasingly cheap, with a number of budget airlines opening up routes.

Food, accommodation and drinks are still relatively cheap and the country is an inexpensive holiday destination. The food is heavy and filling, with similarities to German cuisine and a lot of meat and cheese. Local honey liqueur is sweet and delicious and the wine and beer is plentiful and cheap.