The Czech Republic is a small country. It is located in the very center of Europe. We are all well acquainted with the countries next to the Czech Republic. After all, it borders on Poland and Germany, Slovakia and Austria. Such a favorable geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes from Europe to Asia, a mild climate and an abundance of mineral springs gave the Czech Republic a great chance for prosperity. Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world flock here to improve their he alth at balneological resorts, admire the unique architecture of the country and its ancient castles.
The Czechs are a highly cultured and educated nation. After all, they passed with dignity the difficult period that came after the collapse of the socialist camp. What is the Czech Republic rightfully proud of today? The economy of the country in the first place, which is in second place among the states of Eastern Europe.
Travelers
Country Czech Republic onThe 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.
Wishing to improve their he alth go to the west of the country. It is here that the main resorts are concentrated, such as Marianske Lazne, Karlovy Vary, and also Kynzvart. For a ski holiday, the Czech Republic offers its eastern territories. Here, on the border with Poland, there are resorts such as Harrachov, Spindlerov Mlyn, Rokytnice nad Izerou and Vitkovice.
In this amazing country, there are still more than two and a half thousand medieval castles, amazing with their unique architecture. And it is not surprising that artists and romantics, lovers of antiquity and connoisseurs of beauty love to visit the Czech Republic. Having arrived in the country only once, it is impossible to cover the huge number of attractions available 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 true gourmet expanse that makes people forget about diets and their waist circumference for a while.
The Czech Republic is a true heaven on earth for beer lovers too. The recipes and traditions of making this drink, represented by a huge number of different varieties, are carefully preserved here.
Geography
CountryThe Czech Republic in the north has 658 km of borders with Poland, in the north-west, with Germany - 646 km in the west, with Slovakia - 214 km in the east, in the south with Austria - 362 km. Thus, the length of all borders of this state is 1880 km. The territory of the Czech Republic has a very diverse landscape. Thus, 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 has a hilly surface. This area is located in the basin of the Moravia River. The Czech Republic has no access to the seas. However, all its rivers rush towards them. They flow into the Black, B altic or North Seas.
The highest mountains of the country are in its northern part. They are called Kokonoshi. The highest mountain is Sněžka. It rises above sea level at 1600 m.
You can find the Czech Republic on the world map at the coordinates 49 degrees 45 seconds north latitude and 15 degrees 30 seconds east longitude. This is the very heart of Europe. In order to be convinced of this, it is enough to visit the site located between the cities of Pilsen and Cheb. It is here that a memorial sign is installed, on which there is an inscription "Center of Europe".
The territory of the country is 78,866 square kilometers. In terms of area, the Czech Republic ranks 115th in the world. Two percent of this area is water.
Climate
Czech Republic is a country with amazing weather. The climate here is quite mild. It is very hot in this area only during the onlyweeks of the year. The country pleases with comfortable weather in all seasons. In summer, the average temperature is set within twenty degrees, and in winter the thermometer practically does not fall below minus 3. Such an ideal climate is created by continental and maritime influences. Reduces the negative impact of mountainous winds.
Administrative divisions
Thirteen regions or territories can be seen on the map of the country. The main administrative center of the country is its capital - the city of Prague.
What areas (territories) are part of this European state? Their list includes the following:
- Middle Bohemian.
- Pilsensky.
- South Bohemian.
- Karlovy Vary.
- Ustetsky.
- Karlove Hradec.
- Liberec.
- South Moravian.
- Slomoutsky.
- Pardubice.
- Moravskosilevsky.
- Zlinsky.
- High.
History
The territory of the Czech Republic has been inhabited by people since the Stone Age. The very first mentions of this country were found in chronicles dating back to the 9th century. During this period, the territory of the Czech Republic was under the control of the princes of the Přemyslids.
The second name of these lands is Bohemia. It came from an ancient Celtic tribe that inhabited the territories located in modern North Bohemia. After them, these lands were mastered by the Germanic tribes - the Marcomanni, who were replaced by the Slavs in the 5th century. The latter were the ancestorsmodern Czechs.
This Slavic state reached its heyday 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.
It is interesting that there is no historical information about which city was the capital of this state and why it collapsed. Most likely, the reason for this was the numerous internecine wars. It is known that Great Moravia was a Christian country, and the apostles Methodius and Cyril were its baptizers (just like in Russia).
In the 17th c. The Czech kingdom became part of Austria-Hungary, and after its collapse in 1928, Subcarpathian Rus, Slovakia and the Czech Republic united. These countries became known as Czechoslovakia. In 1939, the country was occupied by the troops of Nazi Germany. 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, mass demonstrations and protests swept Czechoslovakia. All of them resulted in the so-called Velvet Revolution. This was followed by a massive strike, which resulted in regime change. The country was led by former dissident playwright Vaclav Havel.
1993-01-01 Czechoslovakia was peacefully divided into two states. Two republics were formed on its territory - Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The history of the country after that began to form independently. Yes, inIn 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 who has a visa of this country can travel throughout Europe without any obstacles.
Political structure
The country of the Czech Republic is a state with a representative democracy. Under such a political regime, the people are the main source of power, but various representative bodies are delegated to govern the state. The Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic. Its executive power is the president and the government. The latter, in turn, answers to the Chamber of Deputies.
The head of the Czech state is the president. Starting from 2013-27-01 and up to the present day, this post has been occupied by Milos Zeman. He replaced Vaclav Klaus.
Milos Zeman is one of the brightest figures in European politics. Such an opinion about him has developed due to the tough personal position of the leader of the Czech Republic and ambiguous statements. It is worth saying 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 runs counter to 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. There is also 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 Constitutional Court is the guarantor of the basic rights of the Czech people. It consists of 15 judges with the power to overturn laws that are contrary to the country's constitution.
Population
The Czech Republic is now included in the list of densely populated countries. According to the latest statistics, its population is slightly more than 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 predominantly concentrated in other cities.
For several years in a row, the Czech Republic has seen a steady increase in the rate of natural population growth. This is due to a decrease in mortality and an increase in the birth rate. In addition to natural growth, there is an influx of emigrants. It also increases the population of this European state.
State language
During 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 keep their own national traditions. Knowledge of historical roots, which the Czech Republic can rightfully be proud of, is also highly respected and respected. 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, they are all a minority, but they are full citizens.countries.
Today, the population of the Czech Republic uses the three most common groups of dialects to communicate. Here people speak East Moravian, Middle Moravian and Czech. The state language of the country was able to survive centuries of decline and Germanization. Its revival occurred in the 18th century as a literary one. But then Czech began to penetrate more and more into the lives of ordinary people, turning into everyday language.
Today, the state language of the country is heard on the streets of its cities. At the same time, young people speak English well, and the older generation can easily switch to German.
City of Prague
The largest metropolis and the most popular tourist center in Europe is the capital of the Czech Republic. More than 6 million travelers visit Prague every year. Everyone who understands architecture and appreciates the taste of beer aspires to visit this friendly and elegant city.
For a long time, Prague has been considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. And this is confirmed by its names. So, this amazing city is sometimes referred to as “golden Prague” or “city of a hundred spiers”, as well as “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 foundation of Prague is unknown. However, already in the 15th century, chronicles mention fairs that took place at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers. The formation of the Prague Castle took place in the 9th century. In the next century, Prague received the status of the capital of the Czech kingdom. Ownthe city received rapid development in the 12th century, becoming the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
During World War II, Prague was occupied by the Germans. However, fortunately, the hostilities carried out on its territory did not lead to the destruction of unique historical structures.
In the post-war years, the metro appeared in the capital of the Czech Republic. The construction of new microdistricts was going on at a rapid pace.
After the victory of the Velvet Revolution, Prague has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO heritage.
Today, the population of the capital of the Czech Republic 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 arranged clockwise.
Economy of the country
The basis of the national economy of the Czech Republic is mechanical engineering and electronics, food industry and ferrous metallurgy, services and construction. One of the most successful post-communist states to date is the Czech Republic.
The characteristics of the country in economic terms testify to the success and stability of its national economy. After the Velvet Revolution, the Czech Republic inherited from Czechoslovakia energy inefficient and non-environmental industries. In those years, ferrous metallurgy, working on imported raw materials, as well as the military industry and mechanical engineering, occupied too much of the manufacturing sector.
As for foreign trade, it was mainly focused onthe needs of the USSR, which largely held back the growth of the country's economy.
Since independence, the government of the Czech Republic has made some significant changes. It abolished the centralized regulation of prices, introduced the freedom of private enterprise, abolished the monopoly of state foreign trade, carried out privatization and reconstruction of property. Thanks to the influx of foreign investment, the Czech Republic carried out the modernization and restructuring of the industry in the shortest possible time, as well as developed the necessary auxiliary and technical infrastructure.
Today, the Czech Republic is experiencing rapid GDP growth. This is due to the growth of the industrial sector and the reduction in the share of ferrous metallurgy and industries intended for military structures. When the share of the automotive industry and the production of electrical products increases. This allowed the Czech Republic to reach a positive foreign trade balance. Success became possible even despite the rapid rise 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 such countries as the UK and Japan, Italy and France.
