Slovak Republic
Political overview
The Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic were created as separate states on 1 January 1993 from the territory of the former Czechoslovakia. The Slovak Republic accordingly marks its National Day on 1 January.
The Slovak Republic is a parliamentary democracy. Legislative power is held in a unicameral parliament (the National Council) in which Deputies (MPs) are elected for four-year terms on a proportional representation basis (ie, parties are allocated seats in the Parliament in proportion to the share of votes they received in the election). The President is the head of state, elected to a five-year term by direct election (the President may only serve two consecutive terms).
The Head of Government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President following the National Council elections, usually as leader of the Party with the most Deputies in the National Council. The President appoints ministers on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, to form the Cabinet. The Government is accountable to the National Council.
Foreign policy
The Slovak Republic became a member of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 1993, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1995, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2000 and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004. The Slovak Republic joined the European Union in 2004, including the Schengen area from 2007 and the Eurozone from 2009.
Bilateral relations
Australia and the Slovak Republic (also known as Slovakia) established diplomatic relations upon the foundation of the Slovak Republic in 1993 and share friendly relations.
The Slovak Republic has an Embassy in Canberra, a Consulate-General in Sydney and consulates in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
Fast facts
- Slovak visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals - 2023) – 3,500
- Australian visitors to the Slovak Republic (resident returns - 2023) – 3,930
- Resident Australian population born in the Slovak Republic (2021 census) – 4,781
- Australian residents of Slovak descent (2021 census) – 13,338
Agreements and arrangements with Slovak Republic
- Double Taxation (1999)
- Trade and Economic Cooperation (2000)
- Social Security (2012)
- Work and holiday visa (2015)
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts is available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Vienna has diplomatic accreditation to the Slovak Republic.
The Embassy supports a range of activities in the Slovak Republic to promote Australian culture and business credentials and emphasise Australia’s active support for internationally agreed rules and norms. The Embassy regularly engages with senior government representatives, businesses, universities, and the alumni community during visits to Slovakia.
Economic diplomacy
Two-way goods and services trade between Australia and the Slovak Republic was valued at $931.2 million in 2023. Trade was weighed heavily in the Slovak Republic's favour. Imports from the Slovak Republic to Australia were valued at $896.3 million, including $666.7 million in passenger motor vehicles. Australian exports to the Slovak Republic were valued at $34.9 million, including over $30 million in services.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Slovak Republic country economic factsheet [PDF]
Business
Australian companies with business interests in the Slovak Republic include Howe Leather (leather upholstery), Macquarie Group (infrastructure), Prospech (mining), Hannans Ltd (lithium battery recycling).
Austrade's office in Prague is responsible for the Slovak Republic.
Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Vienna is responsible for relations with the Slovak Republic.
Travel
See Smartraveller for information on travelling to the Slovak Republic.