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.
Events preceding World War II in Europe
Hitler continued to put pressure on the Czech government. On March 14
Slovakia declared its independence under Jozef Tiso, which was
recognized by France, Britain and other important powers. The following day,
Emil Hácha accepted a German occupation of the remaining parts of the Czech
lands. From the Prague Castle, the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia was proclaimed by Hitler.