Šaľa (Slovak: [ˈʃaʎa], locally [ˈʃala] ; Hungarian: Vágsellye, German: Schelle) is a town in Šaľa District within Nitra Region in south-western Slovakia.

Šaľa is located on the Danubian Lowland on both banks of the Váh River, around 65 km from Bratislava and 30 km from Nové Zámky. Besides the town itself, it also includes the settlements of Hetméň and Veča on the left and right banks of the river respectively. The town lies in the humid continental climactic zone.

Šaľa was first mentioned in 1002 in a document of Pannonhalma Abbey. It was promoted into a market town in 1536. Šaľa was also ruled by Ottomans between 1663 and 1686 as part of Uyvar Eyalet. The railway, built in 1850 between Vienna and Budapest speeded development in Šaľa. After 1918, the town became part of Czechoslovakia, however belonging for a short time between 1938 and 1945 again to Hungary before being returned to Czechoslovakia again. Šaľa became part of Slovakia on 1 January 1993 when Czechoslovakia was formally dissolved.

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
1970	12,922	—
1980	19,167	+48.3%
1991	24,776	+29.3%
2001	24,564	−0.9%
2011	23,554	−4.1%
2021	21,183	−10.1%
Source: Censuses

According to the 2011 census, the town had 23,554 inhabitants. 69% of inhabitants were Slovaks, 12% Hungarians, and 19% other nationality.

According to the 2001 census, the town had 24,564 inhabitants. 79.72% of inhabitants were Slovaks, 17.88% Hungarians, 0.48% Czechs and 0.40% Roma. The religious make-up was 66.63% Roman Catholics, 23.62% people with no religious affiliation and 4.00% Lutherans.

The economy of the town is primarily based on the chemical industry by the company Duslo Šaľa, just east of the town. Other industries include textile and construction.

Šaľa is twinned with:

• B-Complex, Slovak drum & bass producer and DJ; born in Šaľa

• FK Slovan Duslo Šaľa

• Official website
• Map of Sala