Slovakia
The Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic went their separate ways after 1 January 1993, an event sometimes called the Velvet Divorce. Slovakia has remained a close partner with the Czech Republic. Both countries co-operate with Hungary and Poland in the Visegrád Group. Slovakia became a member of NATO on 29 March 2004 and of the European Union on 1 May 2004. On 1 January 2009, Slovakia adopted the Euro as its national currency.
Postage stamps and postal history of Slovakia
From 1 January 1993, Slovakia became independent after splitting from the Czech Republic and stamps were issued from that date inscribed "Slovensko". Stamps of the former Czechoslovakia continued to be valid until 30 September 1993.