Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country situated in the heart of Central Europe. It is bordered by five nations: Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the west, and the Czech Republic to the northwest. With an area of 49,037 km², the country is home to a population of approximately 5.46 million people. The capital and largest urban center is Bratislava, which serves as the primary economic and cultural hub. The nation's geography is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, plateaus, and significant mountain ranges, giving it a diverse natural landscape.