Hnúšťa is a town and municipality in the Rimavská Sobota District of the Banská Bystrica Region of southern Slovakia. It is the birthplace of the well-known 19th-century Slovak writer and member of the Štúr generation, Ján Francisci-Rimavský. He is commemorated by a statue and a plaque near the town's main square.

History

The town was first mentioned in 1334.

Geography

Hnúšťa lies at an altitude of 298 m above sea level and covers an area of 68.049 km2. It is located in the Slovenské rudohorie mountains, in the Rimava river valley near Rimavská Sobota.

Demographics

According to the 2001 census, 93.12% of inhabitants were Slovaks, 3.36% Roma, 1.07% Hungarians and 0.40% Czechs. The religious make-up was 36.40% Roman Catholics, 21.62% Lutherans and 35.44% people with no religious affiliation.

Economy

A factory for the production of chemicals was one of the main employers in Hnúšťa region. Now several middle sized companies are located in the town industrial park. The local shopping center attract visitors from neighbouring villages.

Notable people

Twin towns — sister cities

Hnúšťa is twinned with: