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Country Guide > Europe > Czech Republic | |
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General Information Area 78,866 sq km (30,450 sq miles).
Population 10,203,269 (UN, 2005). Population Density 129.4 per sq km. Capital Prague. Population: 1,250,000. Geography The Czech Republic is situated in central Europe, sharing frontiers with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Austria. Only about one-quarter of the size of the British Isles, the republic is hilly and picturesque, with historic castles, romantic valleys and lakes, as well as excellent facilities to ‘take the waters’ at one of the famous spas or to ski and hike in the mountains. Among the most beautiful areas are the river valleys of the Vltava (Moldau) and Labe (Elbe), the hilly landscape and rocky mountains. Bohemia, to the west, is one of two main regions. Besides Prague, the Czech capital, tourists are drawn to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne, and to the very beautiful region of south Bohemia. The Elbe flows through eastern Bohemia from the Krkono˘se/Giant mountains, one of the most popular skiing regions. The eastern part, the rich agricultural area of Moravia offers a variety of wooded highlands, vineyards, folk art and castles. There are many 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 April 2005. Language The official language is Czech. English and German are also spoken. Religion Mostly Roman Catholic and some Protestant, including churches such as the Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, Unity of Czech Brothers and Baptist. There is a small community of Jews, mainly in Prague. According to the March 2001 national Census, 60 per cent of the population profess no religious beliefs. Time GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most major hotels have standard international two-pin razor plugs. Lamp fittings are normally of the screw type. Communications Telephone Full IDD is available. Country code: 420. Outgoing international code: 00. There are public telephone booths, including special kiosks for international calls. Surcharges can be quite high on long-distance calls from hotels. Most of the public telephone boxes take phonecards, which can be purchased at all Telecom points of sale and at newsagent and tobacconist shops. Mobile telephone GSM 900/1800. Network operators include Oskar (website: www.oskarmobil.cz), Eurotel (website: www.eurotel.cz) and T Mobile (website: www.t-mobile.cz). Coverage extends all over the country. Fax Services are available in most hotels and offices and some shops. Internet There are Internet cafes in Prague. Local ISPs include Tiscali (website: www.tiscali.cz). Roaming agreements exist. Telegram Facilities are available at all main towns and hotels. Post Main post office in Prague: 14 Jindrisská Street, Prague 1. 24-hour service: Hybernska 15, Prague 1. Poste Restante services are available throughout the country. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800. Press The Prague Post and Prague Tribune (both weekly) are published in English. The main Czech dailies include Mladá Fronta Dnes, Blesk, Právo and Zemske Moviny. Radio BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online. |
