The Czech Republic, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is nestled between Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the northeast. Its capital and largest city is Prague, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.
Geography
Climate
The Czech Republic experiences a temperate continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional snowfall in the winter months. Summers are mild, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winters can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Fauna
The Czech Republic boasts diverse flora and fauna, including forests teeming with wildlife such as deer, boars, foxes, and various bird species. Protected areas like Bohemian Forest National Park and Krkonoše National Park provide habitats for endangered species like the Eurasian lynx and golden eagle.
Longest Rivers
The Vltava (Moldau) is the longest river in the Czech Republic, stretching approximately 430 kilometers (267 miles) from its source in the Bohemian Forest to its confluence with the Elbe River near Prague. The Elbe River also flows through the country, forming a vital waterway for transportation and trade.
Highest Mountains
The Czech Republic is characterized by low-lying plains and rolling hills, with its highest point being Sněžka, located in the Krkonoše Mountains along the border with Poland. Sněžka stands at an elevation of 1,603 meters (5,259 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
History
Prehistory
The territory of the Czech Republic has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Paleolithic era. The Celtic Boii tribe inhabited the region in ancient times, followed by Germanic and Slavic tribes.
Medieval Period
In the 9th century, the Great Moravian Empire emerged, laying the foundations for the Czech state. The Czech lands were later ruled by the Przemyslid dynasty, under which Prague became a prominent center of trade and culture. In 1348, Charles University, the first university in Central Europe, was founded in Prague.
Habsburg Rule
In the 16th century, the Czech lands came under Habsburg rule, leading to the Counter-Reformation and the suppression of Protestantism. The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) devastated the region but ultimately resulted in the recognition of religious freedom through the Peace of Westphalia.
Czechoslovakia
Following World War I, Czechoslovakia was established as an independent state, comprising the Czech lands and Slovakia. The interwar period saw the country prosper economically and culturally, with Prague becoming known as the “Paris of the East.”
World War II and Communist Era
During World War II, Czechoslovakia was occupied by Nazi Germany, and after the war, it fell under communist rule as part of the Eastern Bloc. The Prague Spring of 1968, a period of political liberalization, was brutally suppressed by the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies.
Velvet Revolution and Independence
The fall of communism in 1989, known as the Velvet Revolution, ushered in a new era of democracy and freedom in Czechoslovakia. In 1993, the country peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, leading to the establishment of two independent states.
Demographics
The Czech Republic has a population of approximately 10.7 million people, with a majority of the population identifying as ethnically Czech. Other significant ethnic groups include Moravians, Slovaks, and Romani people. The country has a high standard of living, with a well-developed healthcare and education system.
Administrative Divisions
The Czech Republic is divided into 14 administrative regions, known as kraje, each with its own regional government. These regions are further subdivided into districts, municipalities, and cadastral areas.
- Central Bohemia Region
- South Bohemia Region
- Plzeň Region
- Karlovy Vary Region
- Ústí nad Labem Region
- Liberec Region
- Hradec Králové Region
- Pardubice Region
- Vysočina Region
- South Moravian Region
- Olomouc Region
- Moravian-Silesian Region
- Zlín Region
- Prague
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Prague
- Brno
- Ostrava
- Plzeň
- Liberec
- Olomouc
- Ústí nad Labem
- Hradec Králové
- České Budějovice
- Pardubice
Education Systems
Education in the Czech Republic is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. The country has a well-developed education system, with a range of public and private schools offering primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The Czech Republic is home to several top universities, including Charles University in Prague, Masaryk University in Brno, and the Czech Technical University in Prague.
Transportation
The Czech Republic has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including airports, railways, highways, and ports.
- Airports: The country has several airports, with Prague’s Václav Havel Airport being the largest and busiest.
- Railways: The Czech Republic has an extensive railway network, with major routes connecting Prague with other cities in Europe.
- Highways: The country has a network of highways and expressways, making it easy to travel by car.
- Ports: The Czech Republic is a landlocked country and does not have any major seaports. However, it has several river ports along the Vltava and Elbe rivers.
Country Facts
- Population: 10.7 million
- Capital: Prague
- Language: Czech
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Roman Catholicism)
- Race: Czech, Moravian, Slovak, Romani, others
- Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
- ISO Country Codes: CZ, CZE
- International Calling Code: +420
- Top-Level Domain: .cz