Slovakia

Capital: Bratislava
Area: 49,035 sq km
Comparative area: about twice the size of New Hampshire
Population (July 2011 estimate): 5,477,038
Official language: Slovak
State Partner: Indiana
International Organizations and Agreements: NATO, European Union, United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), World Trade Organization (WTO)

Slovakia and the United States retain strong diplomatic ties and cooperate in the military and law enforcement areas. The U.S. Department of Defense and the Slovak Armed Forces have partnered together to attain significant military reforms and achieve Slovakia's admission to NATO.

The armed forces of the Slovak Republic number about 14,000 uniformed personnel and are made up of Land Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, and a Joint Training and Support Command. The Ministry of Defense plans to complete a strategic defense review in 2011 and begin restructuring the armed forces throughout 2012 and 2013; anticipated changes include consolidated headquarters, fewer facilities, and upgraded Air and Air Defense Forces. The armed forces are the most respected national institution according to recent opinion polling. Slovakia deploys soldiers in missions worldwide under NATO, UN, and EU commands.

There are numerous arrangements in effect with Slovakia including Status of Forces Agreement, Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and memoranda of understanding for Ramstein Air Base support and the use of Slovak training ranges and areas.