Slovakia reports 5.5% GDP growth for 2004
Slovakia's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grew 5.5% in 2004 thanks to increased household consumption and investment, preliminary data released by the Slovak Statistical Office show. Slovakia retained its position as the fastest-growing economy in Central Europe. The GDPs of both Czech Republic and Hungary rose 4% in 2004, while the Polish economy grew 5.4%. Slovakia's exports jumped 9.5% on a 12-month basis, while investment soared 18.4% and household consumption rose 4.3%.