Economy

Farms, vineyards, orchards, and pastures for stock form the basis of S Slovakia's economy. The main crops are wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, and fruit. The mountainous part of Slovakia has vast forests and pastures, used for intensive sheep grazing, and is rich in mineral resources, including high-grade iron ore, copper, magnesite, lead, and zinc. There are also numerous mineral springs, notably at Piešt'any, and many popular resorts. Slovakia has undergone considerable industrialization and urbanization since World War II. Its industries produce metals and metal products, food, oil and gas, coke, chemicals, synthetic fibers and textiles, machinery, ceramics, and motor vehicles. Its main trading partners are Germany, Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic, and other Eastern European countries. The country is a member of the European Union.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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