Calling the UK 'Britain' in Slovakia is illegal and punishable by a fine
The Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Authority said it would organise training sessions on the appropriate words to use
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The term "Great Britain" does not exist in Slovakia and using it could see you issued with a hefty fine.
The Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Authority of the Slovak Republic, a state institution which oversees this field of geography, has the power to issue a fine of €6,600 (£5,600) to anyone who uses the term in public office or in a professional setting.
The authority warned Slovakian media that according to a 1995 law, the country which comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island can only be called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or simply United Kingdom, the Associated Press reports.
The law effectively banned the use of "Britain" and "Great Britain" when referring to the country.
The Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Authority said it plans to organise training sessions on the appropriate terms to use before issuing fines.
The law also applies to the British embassy in Bratislava and Slovakia's Foreign Ministry, where staff are not protected from using the wrong word.
Peter Susko, a spokesman for Slovakia’s Foreign Office said the ministry uses the term United Kingdom in official documents and terms "understandable to people" in common communication.
Great Britain, also shortened to Britain, is not a country but it is the largest island of the British Isles and home to England, Scotland and Wales. Yet, it is sometimes loosely used to refer to the country of the UK.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments