II.

Land and Resources

Slovakia is traversed and partly enfolded by the Carpathian Mountains in the west. The High Tatry Range in the north includes Slovakia’s highest point, Mount Gerlach, at 2,655 m (8,711 ft). In the east, lowlands constitute the extension of the Plain of Hungary. The most fertile soils are located in the south. The Carpathian Mountains have little fertile land and are mostly covered with stony soil.

A.

Rivers and Lakes

Various rivers flow through Slovakia, including the Váh, Hron, Bodrog, Poprad, Hornad, and Ondava. The Danube forms part of the republic’s southern border with Hungary, and the Morava serves as part of its border with the Czech Republic. The republic has many natural springs, which are promoted to attract tourists.

B.

Climate

Slovakia has a primarily humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The Carpathian Mountains endure harsher winters and receive heavy rainfall. The lowland regions in the east have hot summers and less rain. The average temperature in Bratislava in January is -0.7° C (30.5° F); in July it is 19.1° C (66.5° F). The average annual precipitation is 650 mm (25.5 in).

C.

Natural Resources

Coal is the most common and profitable natural resource in Slovakia, particularly brown coal and lignite. Unfortunately, increased excavation and use of coal has wreaked environmental havoc on air and water quality, which has subsequently affected the health of the populace. In early 1993 the government began enacting environmental legislation to combat pollution in the republic.

D.

Plants and Animals

Spruce and fir trees are most common in Slovakia’s forests, particularly at higher elevations, while mixed forests of oak, ash, and maple are characteristic in lower zones. The uncultivated lowlands are covered primarily with clover, reeds, and broom grass. Wildlife is becoming scarce because of pollution and deforestation, but wolves, brown bears, wild boar, wildcats, white eagles, chamois, and foxes are found in the mountainous Carpathian region. The greylag goose, the osprey, and such waterfowl as the cormorant and heron are common in the marshes and river basins of the lowlands.

E.

Environmental Concerns

Slovakia suffers from some of the worst air pollution in Europe. Coal-burning factories and power plants spew forth huge amounts of pollutants. High levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and dust in the atmosphere present human health risks and contribute to the dangerous levels of acid rain that fall on central Europe. Air pollution and acid rain have caused defoliation in 16 per cent of Slovakia's forests. Water pollution is also severe in many communities—experts believe that half of Slovakia's rivers are polluted to such an extent that they can no longer support aquatic life. Local concerns about the environment—particularly air and water pollution—increased in Slovakia in the 1990s. However, efforts to shut down pollution-producing industrial plants have been hampered by economic considerations, including concern about the high rate of unemployment.

Of the country's total land area, 22 per cent (1997) is protected. The government has ratified international environmental agreements on air pollution, the Antarctic treaty, biodiversity, climate change, endangered species, environmental modification, hazardous wastes, law of the sea, nuclear test ban, ozone layer protection, ship pollution, and wetlands.