The country of the Czech Republic is a small state. It is located in the very center of Europe. We are all familiar with countries near the Czech Republic. After all, it borders with Poland and Germany, Slovakia and Austria. Such a favorable geographical position at the intersection of trade routes from Europe to Asia, a mild climate and an abundance of mineral springs gave the Czech Republic an excellent chance for prosperity. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world come here to improve their health at balneological resorts and enjoy the unique architecture of the country and its ancient castles.
Czechs are a highly cultured and educated nation. After all, with dignity they went through the difficult period that came after the socialist camp collapsed. What is the Czech Republic rightfully proud of today? The country's economy in the first place, which is in second place among the countries of Eastern Europe.
For travelers
The Czech Republic in the tourist market is conditionally divided into three areas: balneological, ski and sightseeing holidays. Fans of a wide cultural program are invited to visit Pilsen, Brno, Cesky Krumlov, Ostrava and, of course, Prague.
Those who want to improve their health go to the west of the country. It is here that the main resorts are concentrated, such as Marianske Lazne, Karlovy Vary, as well as Kinzhvart. For ski holidays, the Czech Republic offers its eastern territories. Here on the border with Poland there are such resorts as Harrachov, Spindleruv Mlyn, Rokytnitsy nad Isera and Vitkovice.
In this amazing country, more than two and a half thousand medieval castles, striking with their unique architecture, are still preserved. And it is not surprising that artists and romantics, lovers of antiquity and lovers of beauty love to visit the Czech Republic. Arriving in the country only once, it is impossible to cover the huge number of attractions on its territory. That is why many tourists come back here again and again.
What else attracts travelers to the Czech Republic? Description of the country is impossible without a story about the original and delicious national cuisine. This is a real expanse for gourmets, forcing people to forget about diets and the circumference of their waist for a while.
The real earthly paradise is the Czech Republic and for beer lovers. Here the recipes and traditions of the preparation of this drink, represented by a huge number of different varieties, are carefully preserved.
Geography
The Czech Republic in the north has 658 km of borders with Poland, in the northwest, west with Germany - 646 km, in the east with Slovakia - 214 km, in the south with Austria - 362 km. Thus, the length of all the borders of this state is 1880 km.
The territory of the Czech Republic has a very diverse landscape. So, the area of Bohemia in the west is located in the basin of such rivers as the Vltava and Laba. It is surrounded by low mountains.
The eastern part of the Czech Republic is the territory of Moravia. It also features a hilly surface. This area is located in the Moravian river basin. The Czech Republic has no access to the seas. However, all its rivers rush towards them. They flow into the Black, Baltic or North Seas.
The highest mountains of the country are in its northern part. They are called Kokonoshi. The highest mountain is Snowball. It rises above sea level at 1600 m.
You can find the Czech Republic on the world map by coordinates 49 degrees 45 seconds north latitude and 15 degrees 30 seconds east longitude. This is the very heart of Europe. In order to verify this, it is enough to visit a site located between the cities of Pilsen and Cheb. It is here that a commemorative sign is installed on which there is an inscription “Center of Europe”.
The territory of the country is 78,866 square kilometers. The Czech Republic occupies 115th place in the world in its area . Two percent of this territory is the water surface.
Climate
The Czech Republic is a country with amazing weather. The climate here is quite mild. It is very hot in this area only during a single week of the year. The country is happy with comfortable weather in all seasons. In summer, the average temperature here is set within twenty degrees, and in winter the thermometer’s column practically does not fall below the “minus 3” mark. Such an ideal climate is created due to continental and marine influence. Reduces the negative impact of winds on mountainous surroundings.
Administrative division
On a map of the country you can see thirteen regions, or edges. The main administrative center of the country is its capital - the city of Prague.
What areas (territories) are part of this European state? The following are on their list:
- Central Bohemian.
- Pilsen.
- South Bohemian.
- Karlovy Vary.
- Ustetskiy.
- Karlovegradetsky.
- Liberetsky.
- South Moravian.
- Slomouckiy.
- Pardubitsky.
- Moravian-Silesian.
- Zlinsky.
- Vysochina.
History
The territory of the Czech Republic was inhabited by people during the Stone Age. The very first mentions of this country were found in chronicles dating from the 9th century. During this period, the territory of the Czech Republic was under the control of the Princes Przemysłowicz.
The second name of these lands is Bohemia. It came from the oldest Celtic tribe, which inhabited territories located in modern Northern Bohemia. After them, these lands were mastered by Germanic tribes - Marcoman, who were replaced by the Slavs in the 5th century. The latter were the ancestors of modern Czechs.
This Slavic state reached its peak by the beginning of the 11th century. During this period, it was called Great Moravia and had an impressive territory, which included the current lands of Slovakia, Bohemia, as well as part of Hungary and Austria.
Interestingly, there is no historical information about which city was the capital of this state and why its collapse occurred. Most likely, the cause of this was the numerous internecine wars. It is known that Great Moravia was a Christian country, and its apostles Methodius and Cyril were its baptists (as well as in Russia).
In the 17th century The Czech kingdom became part of Austria-Hungary, and after its collapse in 1928 there was a unification of Subcarpathian Russia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. These countries began to be called Czechoslovakia. In 1939, Nazi Germany occupied the country. Liberation came only at the end of World War II, when Soviet soldiers entered Czechoslovakia. After that, the country entered the socialist community.
However, in the late 80s, Czechoslovakia was swept by mass demonstrations and protests. All of them resulted in the so-called Velvet Revolution. Then followed a grand-scale strike, the result of which was a change of regime. The country was headed by a former dissident, playwright Vaclav Havel.
01/01/1993, Czechoslovakia was peacefully divided into two states. Two republics formed on its territory - Slovakia and the Czech Republic. After that, the history of the country began to take shape independently. So, in 1999, the state became a member of NATO, and in 2004 - a member of the EU. Since 2007, the Czech Republic has been participating in the Schengen Agreement, that is, a person holding a visa from this country can travel throughout Europe without any obstacles.
Political structure
The country of the Czech Republic is a state with representative democracy. Under such a political regime, the main source of power is the people, but various representative bodies are delegated to govern the state. The Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic. Its executive branch is the president and the government. The latter, in turn, is responsible to the Chamber of Deputies.
The head of the Czech state is the president. From January 27, 2013 to the present day, Milos Zeman has held this post. He replaced Wenceslas Klaus.
Milos Zeman is one of the most prominent figures in European politics. Such an opinion about him was formed due to the tough personal position of the Czech leader and ambiguous statements. It is worth mentioning that the current president of the Czech Republic, unlike most European politicians, supports Russia's actions in many areas. The opinion of Milos Zeman often goes against the statements of Brussels. And his position is quite firm.
As for the Czech parliament, it is bicameral. It consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The Chamber of Deputies is supported by the work of two hundred of its members, who are elected by the people once every four years. Moreover, there is the principle of proportional representation. One-third of the Senate is renewed once every two years. At the same time, each of the 81 senators is given a six-year mandate.
The guarantor of the basic rights of the Czech people is the Constitutional Court. It consists of 15 judges with the power to repeal laws that contradict the country's constitution.
Population
The Czech Republic today is included in the list of densely populated countries. According to the latest statistics, its population slightly exceeds 10 million people. A tenth of them live in the capital of the state - Prague. The rest of the population, as in most European countries, is mainly concentrated in other cities.
For several years in a row in the Czech Republic there has been a steady increase in the rate of natural population growth. This is due to a decrease in mortality and an increase in fertility. In addition to natural growth, there is an influx of emigrants. It also increases the population of this European state.
Official language
For the entire centuries-old history of the Czech Republic, various peoples and tribes lived on its territory. However, today 95% of the population are Czechs. They maintain their own national traditions. The knowledge about the historical roots, which the Czech Republic can rightly be proud of, is also held in high esteem and respect. The language of the country is Czech. It is spoken by the people of this state, despite its multinational composition, represented by Poles and Slovaks, Gypsies, Germans and Jews. Of course, all of them are a minority, but they are full citizens of the country.
To date, the population of the Czech Republic uses the three most common dialect groups for communication. Here people speak East Moravian, Middle Moravian and Czech. The state language of the country was able to survive centuries of decline and Germanization. His revival occurred in the 18th century as a literary one. But then the Czech more and more began to penetrate the life of ordinary people, turning into everyday life.
Today, the state language of the country sounds on the streets of its cities. At the same time, young people are fluent in English, and the older generation can easily switch to German.
City of Prague
The largest metropolis and most popular tourist center of Europe is the capital of the Czech Republic. More than 6 million travelers visit Prague annually. Everyone who understands architecture and appreciates the taste of beer seeks to get into this friendly and elegant city.
Since ancient times, Prague is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. And this is confirmed by its name. So, about this amazing city sometimes say "Zlata Prague" or "the city of a hundred spiers", as well as the "stone dream".
The capital of the Czech Republic is cobbled narrow streets, amazingly beautiful Charles Bridge, as well as a huge number of different attractions.
The exact date of the occurrence of Prague is unknown. However, already in the 15th century in the annals there are references to fairs that took place at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers. The formation of Prague Castle took place in the 9th century. In the next century, Prague received the status of the capital of the Czech Kingdom. The city received its rapid development in the 12th century, becoming the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
During the Second World War, Germans occupied Prague. However, fortunately, the hostilities on its territory did not lead to the destruction of unique historical structures.
In the postwar years, the metro appeared in the Czech capital. The construction of new housing estates was proceeding at a rapid pace.
After the victory of the Velvet Revolution, Prague has become one of the most popular European cities for tourists. Its historical center is recognized as a UNESCO heritage.
Today, the population of the Czech capital is more than 1.3 million people who live in 15 districts, numbered depending on their distance from the center. On the map they can be seen located clockwise.
A country's economy
The basis of the Czech economy is mechanical engineering and electronics, food processing and ferrous metallurgy, services and construction. One of the most successful post-communist states to date is the Czech Republic.
The economic characteristics of the country testify to the success and stability of its national economy. After the Velvet Revolution, the Czech Republic inherited from Czechoslovakia energy-inefficient and non-environmentally friendly production. In those years, too much share in the manufacturing sector was occupied by ferrous metallurgy, working on imported raw materials, as well as the military industry and engineering.
As for foreign trade, it mainly focused on the needs of the USSR, which significantly restrained the growth of the country's economy.
After gaining independence, the government of the Czech Republic made some significant changes. It abolished centralized price regulation, introduced freedom of private enterprise, liquidated the monopoly of state foreign trade, and privatized and reconstructed property. Thanks to the influx of foreign investment, the Czech Republic carried out the modernization and restructuring of industry in the shortest possible time, and also developed the necessary supporting and technical infrastructures.
To date, the Czech Republic has seen rapid GDP growth. This is due to the growth of the industrial sector and a decrease in the share of ferrous metallurgy and production intended for military structures. With an increase in the share of automotive and electrical products. This allowed the Czech Republic to reach a positive foreign trade balance. Success became possible even despite the rapid increase in prices for gas and oil imported into the country.
It is worth mentioning that the size of foreign trade per capita in the country is very high and ahead of countries such as Britain and Japan, Italy and France.