Looking into Slovakia after a chance encounter in a nut shop in San Miguel de Cozumel this week, it looks like there are very distinct similarities with Scotland.
Slovakia has enjoyed a boom since 1992 and the velvet divorce from Czech Republic, and after 12 years alone joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and the Eurozone later. But a thriving car industry, tech industry, good education and a central location makes Slovakia a go to country.
Population size is similar, just a few highly productive industries, for Slovakia its cars and for Scotland it’s salmon and whisky. Tourism adds a dimension to both countries with skiing, hiking and ancient history and ruined castles. A social healthcare system and free education plus a very mixed international population makes for a healthy vibe.
A clear difference is the cost of living, wages are much lower in Slovakia but standard of living is very high. Another difference which on the surface may not seem like much but Slovakia is landlocked and Scotland is a maritime nation with huge potential for marine economy growth.
And finally Slovakia enjoys good relations with its neighbors whereas Scotland after the break up might not 🤔
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