Area:
78,866 sq km or 30,450 sq miles.
Population:
10,241,138 (July 2005 est.)
Population
Density: 130.5 per sq km.
Capital:
Prague. Population: 1,178,576
(2001 est.).
Geography:
The Czech Republic is located in central Europe, sharing frontiers
with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Austria. About one-quarter
of the size of the British Isles, the republic is picturesque, with
historic castles, valleys and lakes, as well as excellent facilities
to ‘take the waters’ at one of the many famous spas
or to ski and hike in the mountains.
Among the most prettiest areas are the river valleys of the Vltava
(Moldau) and Labe (Elbe), the landscape and rocky
mountains. Bohemia, to the west, is one of two
main regions. Besides Prague, the Czech capital,
tourists flock to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary
and Mariánské Lázne,
and to the beautiful region of South Bohemia. The
Elbe flows through eastern Bohemia from the Krkonoše/Giant
mountains, one of the popular skiing regions. The eastern
part, the agricultural area of Moravia offers wooded
highlands, vineyards, folk art and castles. There are historic towns
such as Olomouc, Kromeríz
and Telc. Brno is Moravia’s
administrative and cultural centre.
Government:
Republic since 1993
Head of State: President Václav Klaus since 2003.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek
since 25 April 2005.
Language:
The official language is Czech. English and German are
also spoken.
Religion:
Roman Catholic: Roman Catholic 26.8%, Protestant
2.1%, other 3.3%, unspecified 8.8%, unaffiliated 59% (2001 census)
There is a community of approximately 15,000 Jews, mainly in Prague.
Time: Greenwich Mean
Time (GMT) .GMT + 1 hour (GMT + 2 hours during the European/continental
summertime).
Electricity:
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Many major hotels have standard international
two-pin razor plugs. Lamp fittings are normally of the screw type.
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