Slovakia: Population and Settlements
Celts, Germans, and Slavs in Slovakia
When did the Slavs arrive in Slovakia?
The Slavs came to the lands of Slovakia in the 5th-6th century.
What is Wallachian colonization?
Wallachian colonization refers to the migration and settlement of the Vlachs. It contributed to the cultural and demographic diversity of the region.
Population of Slovakia
What is the population of Slovakia?
The population of Slovakia is approximately 5,400,000.
What is the average population density?
The average population density of Slovakia is 110 inhabitants per square kilometer.
How is the population distributed?
Most people live in Bratislava and other urban areas. Mountainous regions are less populated.
Factors Influencing Population Density:
- Infrastructure
- Geographical features
- Economic opportunities
What is the average life expectancy?
The average life expectancy is 73.6 years.
Regions with Highest Unemployment Rates:
Prešov and Banská Bystrica have high unemployment rates due to low infrastructure and fewer job opportunities. Other districts with high unemployment are Rimavská Sobota, Kežmarok and Revúca, due to industrial decline.
Most Populous Ethnic Minorities:
- Hungarians
- Roma people
Most Prevalent Religious Groups:
- Roman Catholic
- Protestant
- Orthodox
Towns and Villages in Slovakia
How many towns are in Slovakia?
There are 141 towns in Slovakia.
Does the urban population prevail?
Yes, the urban population prevails in Slovakia.
Two Major Cities:
- Bratislava
- Košice
Three Most Populous Towns (after Bratislava and Košice):
- Prešov
- Žilina
- Nitra
Examples of Medium-Sized Towns:
- Púchov
- Piešťany
- Poprad
Example of a Compact Village:
Čičmany
Characteristics of a Compact Village:
Houses are built close together around a central point.
Characteristics of Dispersed Settlements:
Houses are scattered, without a central point.
Regions with Specific Settlement Types:
- “Kopanice” settlements: Myjava, Biele-Malé Karpaty
- “Lazy” settlements: Trenčín, Javorníky
- “Rále” settlements: Gemer (further specification needed)
- “Štále” settlements: Prievidza, Diera
Additional Demographic Information
Life Expectancy:
The number of years a person can expect to live.
Division of Cities and Towns Based on Population Size:
- Cities: 50,000+ inhabitants
- Big towns: 200,000-500,000 inhabitants
- Small towns: 3,000-5,000 inhabitants
Division of Cities and Towns Based on Function:
- Spa towns: Piešťany
- Former mining towns: Kremnica
- Tourist and recreational towns: Štrbské Pleso, High Tatras, Čičmany
- Polyfunctional cities: Bratislava
Monofunctional towns have one dominant function.
Administrative Division of Slovakia:
- N1: The Slovak Republic
- N2: 4 units (Bratislava, Western, Central, Eastern)
- N3: 8 self-governing regions
- N4: 79 districts
- N5: 2891 towns and villages (municipalities)
Types of Population Pyramids:
- Expanding: Triangular shape, pre-productive and productive groups dominate.
- Contracting: Reversed pyramid shape, productive and post-productive groups dominate (Slovakia).
- Stable: Pre-productive and productive people are in balance.
Age Structure Groups:
- Pre-productive (children and youth)
- Productive (working-age adults)
- Post-productive (elderly and retired people)
Birth and Death Rates
- Highest birth rate: Košice, Senec, Sabinov
- Lowest birth rate: Prievidza, Púchov, Sobrance
- Highest death rate: Banská Bystrica, Prievidza, Nové Zámky
- Lowest death rate: Bratislava, Nitra, Košice
Natural increase occurs when the birth rate is higher than the death rate.
Average Life Expectancy:
- Men: 74 years
- Women: 81 years