Slovakia, an EU member since 2004, has a population of approximately 5.4 million people as of 2023. Its capital, Bratislava, also serves as a significant economic hub. Slovakia adopted the euro in 2009, enhancing its economic alignment with the Eurozone. The country's GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power standards, stands close to the EU average, reflecting its middle-income status. Key sectors include automobile manufacturing, electronics, and information technology. Politically, Slovakia is a parliamentary republic and contributes to EU policy through its active participation in the Council of the European Union.