Hnúšťa

Hnúšťa (former name Hnúšťa-Likier, Nyustya, Nusten) is a town in Rimavská Sobota District, Banská Bystrica Region, southern Slovakia. It is the birthplace of the well-known 19th-century Slovak writer and member of the Štúr generation, Janko 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, there were 25,088 inhabitants. 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
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. Local shopping center attract visitors from neighbouring villages.

Notable residents

 * Janko Francisci Rimavský, Slovak poet, member of Štúr generation
 * Ľudovít Kaník, politician