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Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is still all things to all people. From the
pulsing capital Prague to the back-in-time villages of Moravia,
from toiling up mountains to lounging in spas, from the world-
famous Pilsner to the strains of Smetana and Dvořák, there's an
experience to suit every taste.
Stunning architecture is not limited to Prague - there are plenty of
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades in other towns. Among
the richest are Kutná Hora in Central Bohemia; Cheb, Loket and
Domažlice in western Bohemia; Olomouc in northern Moravia; and
Telč and Kromêříž in southern Moravia.
Cyclists will appreciate the undulating Bohemian plateau, drained
by the Vltava, the republic's longest river, and its parent river, the
Labe, and dotted with castles and modest villages. A natural
pathway through Moravia is the 'Moravian Gate', the linked valleys
of the Morava, Beàva and Odra rivers, the only lowland corridor
across the Czech Republic. Though this is the most densely
populated part of the republic, the hills to both sides offer some of
its most peaceful travelling.
Full country name: Czech Republic
Area: 78,866 sq km
Population: 10.3 million
Capital City: Prague (pop 1.2 million )
People: Czech with minorities of Slovaks, Poles, Germans,
Romanies and Hungarians
Language: Czech
Religion: 40% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant
Government: parliamentary democracy
Head of State: President Václav Klaus
Head of Government: Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek
GDP: US$69.9 billion
GDP per capita: US$15,800
Annual Growth: 1.5%
Inflation: 0.6%
Major Industries: Machinery, transport, steel, armaments,
vehicles, cement, ceramics, cotton, beer
Major Trading Partners: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Russia, Italy
Member of EU: Yes