Czech Republic which organizations are included. Best time to visit

Czech Republic - a state in the center of Europe with just a crazy concentration of attractions for one square kilometre in the literal sense of the word.The country borders on Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland. Territory Czech Republic is divided into three regions: Bohemia (west), Silesia (northeast), Moravia (east).

Tourist Czech Republic

Most interesting cities Czech Republic
Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic, the most beautiful and romantic city in Europe.
Brno - the largest settlement in the eastern region Czech Republic (Moravia).
Krumlov - one of the oldest Czech cities, where the castle of the same name is located.
Opava - the most important city Czech Republic with a high concentration of historical values. It is located almost on the border with Poland.
Karlovy Vary - the highest concentration of health resorts, historical sites and simply beautiful cobbled streets with colorful houses.
Jesenik - a well-known winter resort town.
Kutná Hora - historical value Czech Republic, where is the Cathedral of St. Barbara, silver mines and many other interesting structures.
Plzen - the largest city in the west of the country, the birthplace of the most famous in Russia and not only foamy drink Pilsner Urquell.

Useful information for tourists:
- tip in restaurants, taxi driver and guide is 10% of the check amount
- museums and attractions, where admission is not free, are closed on Mondays and the day after the holidays
- the sale of entrance tickets to the museum ends one hour before the closing of the museum. Almost all museum complexes operate from nine in the morning to six in the evening. Opening hours of the Jewish Museum, located in Prague, from Sunday to Friday. Saturday is a day off.
- at Czech Republic smoking is prohibited at public transport stops, as well as in the premises of educational institutions, public institutions. For violation of this prohibition, the fine is 1000 CZK
- numbers emergency services: fire safety service - 150; medical assistance - 155; police - 156
- there are a lot of ticks in the country - carriers of borreliosis and encephalitis. Local residents try to vaccinate themselves and their loved ones in the spring, and tourists should be extremely careful, choose paved sidewalk paths for walks and avoid lawns, walking on tall grass.
- Czech - a country where it is allowed to have drugs with you, but in limited quantities
- you don't know Czech or English - you can try to communicate with the locals in Russian, most of the old-timers perfectly remember the language and can speak it fluently with tourists from Russia.

"Mobile" communication in the Czech Republic
AT Czech Republic you can purchase a SIM card of the mobile operator Vodafone. The cost of a SIM card is 200 CZK, which are credited immediately to the account (the so-called credit for calls). You can buy a SIM card in Prague in the immediate vicinity of Wenceslas Square. To call Russia, follow the following scheme: +7, then the codecity, then the subscriber's number. AT Czech Republic the code for calls is +420. Trafika kiosks have been installed in Prague to top up an account. The nearest such kiosk is located near Wenceslas Square at the Mustek metro station.

Currency transactions in the Czech Republic
The country, which is part of the EU, has its own currency - Czech crowns. The exchange rate is different in each bank. BUT! You should not be led to an attractive exchange rate - most private exchangers set a commission for currency exchange, often the commission reaches ten percent of the exchange amount. Usually the commission is indicated on the stand, but it can be written in very small letters, which you cannot tell right away, and when the exchange has passed, it will be very difficult to return the money. In many exchangers, it is not Czechs who work, but people of Asian appearance. Therefore, it is worth, having come to the bank, the first thing to ask about the commission and its percentage. You can exchange currency in any, even a three-star hotel, although the rate is not very favorable. Also, exchange offices work at railway stations, at the airport.In Prague, you can exchange currency at souvenir sellers. Usually, the guides know good "currency dealers" who will not cheat and exchange without any commissions.

Czech traditions and holidays
The formation of the culture of this wonderful country has been going on for several centuries. The traditions of neighboring countries also actively influenced it. Czech Republic countries.
The hospitality of the locals is striking. Moreover, this is not a simulated quality, a desire to show oneself from the best side. The Czechs are really very friendly, hospitable, constantly smiling and trying to help every tourist who comes in. Many old-timers still remember the Russian language, so it will be easy for a tourist who does not know Czech or English to communicate with a local resident aged 45+. Young people, almost from young to old, are fluent in English, so going on a tour of Czech Republic you can take with you an English-Russian phrasebook. In general, the Czech language is not so difficult - before the trip, to replenish your vocabulary, you can learn a couple of frequently used phrases in order to feel comfortable and respond with your own courtesy to the courtesy of local residents.
AT Czech Republic love to celebrate the holidays. Moreover, it does not matter at all whether it is a religious event (Catholic or Orthodox) or a secular one.Here's what you really should visit while in Czech Republic, so this is a local wedding taking place in all Czech traditions. Impressive and incredible performance!
Czechs have a special attitude to national holidays - they not only honor them, but also celebrate them according to all traditions and rules. December is one of the busiest months of the year, celebrating St. Barbara's Day (December 4th), St. Nicholas Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
AT Saint Barbara's Day locals cut a branch of mountain ash and put it in the water. If the twig blooms for Christmas, then the next year will be successful for the family.
St. Nicolas day is like the International Children's Day celebrated all over the world on June 1, only in Czech. On this day, children's events, matinees, concerts and competitions are held throughout the country.
Christmas traditions
Christmas without carp is not Christmas. This is the opinion of the Czechs, who cannot imagine a holiday without carp in any form of preparation. The fish is stewedbaked, stuffed, fried, made aspic. Generally in Czech Republic more than a dozen dishes led by carp. It is believed that every self-respecting housewife must necessarily prepare this fish for Christmas.
An interesting fact: on the eve of the Catholic holiday in stores, an active sale of carp begins, well-fed, well-fed, selected. But he swims in aquariums, barrels, mini-pools, baths right on the street near the entrance to the store. Moreover, containers with water and fish are not fenced in any way - you can touch, look, get fish. For many Russian tourists, a fish left unattended and properly controlled causes at least surprise and a natural question: "Isn't it stealing?" We explain. No. They do not steal. It would never occur to local residents to steal. They have it at the level of education and mentality. By the way, in many shopping centers self-service terminals are installed to pay for purchased goods. This is done so that a person does not stand idle at the cash register, but can independently scan the cost of the goods and pay for it. We asked the security service a logical question: "What if they don't pay for all the goods?", The security guards answered with a smile: "We trust our customers." That's it!

How to get to Prague from Moscow

Get to Czech Republic in the presence of the Schengen, it will not be difficult. The country is located on the mainland, not fenced off by seas and oceans, so you can safely travel by car, especially when it comes to residents of Moscow, the Moscow region and other not remote regions.
By private car
You can give yourself a lot of pleasure and go to Czech Republic by private car. The distance from Moscow to Prague is about 1600 kilometers.
By plane
If the principle "quickly and comfortably" operates, then it is optimal to choose an air flight. Fly to Prague (capital Czech Republic) can be from Moscow in two hours. The flight is organized by several airlines: Aeroflot, Czech Airlines. These airlines operate up to six flights to Prague and back from Moscow daily.
On average, the cost of a ticket during the "peak" season is 9000 rubles for direct flight Moscow-Prague. If you choose the option with a transfer, you can get 1400 rubles as a "bonus". The only caveat is the increased flight time (minimum - 4 hours, maximum - 19 hours). Therefore, if you want to get to Prague quickly, then the best option would be a direct flight to Prague from Moscow.
The cheapest tickets are available in February, June and July.

Transport in the Czech Republic

Urban transport links
Municipal transport links in the Czech Republic are very well developed, they function smoothly and are in high demand among local residents. For travel by public transport, a single ticket is provided; it is purchased at the ticket offices at metro stations or at special kiosks located at many bus stops.A single ticket allows you to freely travel around the city by any type of public transport. The only condition is the validity period of the pass, the countdown of which starts from the moment the ticket was validated. The cost of travel is quite affordable. If you plan to travel by metro, take the tram toduring the day, it is better to buy a daily pass. By the way, controllers are a regular phenomenon in public transport, and fines for an expired travel card are significant. Better not to risk it.
Public transport runs exclusively according to the schedule. And for daylight hours - one schedule, and for the night - another. You can get acquainted with the movement of transport literally at every stopping point.
AT Czech Republic well-developed intercity transport links - you can move around the country by rail, by regular buses or by plane.
Railway connection
The cheapest and most comfortable option for getting around Czech Republic there will be a railway. AT Czech Republic well-developed railway service, headed by the management company Ceske Drahy (abbreviation - CD). Trains leave for all regions of the country from Prague several times an hour.
There are three types of trains running between cities in the country:
- InterCity, EuroCity (sometimes you can see the abbreviation "IC", "EC" on the cars). It is not cheap to travel, but it is very comfortable, convenient and fast.
- Rychlik, Express (abbreviation - R, Ex) - average fare, high travel speed.
- Osobni (abbreviation - O) - they go very slowly, but they are also cheap.
Ticket offices at railway stations are open only during the day!
Intercity buses
Bus passenger transportation is well developed in Czech Republic... This method of transportation is used by the locals themselves. There is nothing surprising - dozens of transport companies offer passengers comfortable, convenient, modern buses, which are a pleasure to travel on.
Each city has at least one bus station where you can buy bus tickets. Buses run strictly according to the schedule, and the trip will bring a lot of pleasant emotions and in no case will tire you.Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver directly at the entrance to the bus or through online services. The seats are not indicated on the tickets, so the passenger can sit anywhere.
The main bus carrier in the Czech Republic is CSAD, which operates both domestic and international flights. In Prague, you can take a bus of this company from the Florenc bus station.You can also contact the CSAD information window, which is open from 6 am to 8 pm on weekdays, on Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm, on Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm. In the information window, you can immediately purchase a ticket for travel.
No less popular in the Czech Republic is considered a transport company that carries out bus transportation around the country, Student Agency, whose vehicles are characterized by impeccable comfort, as well as unmatched service. By the way, tickets for the route are often cheaper with Student Agency than with other carriers. Buses leave from Prague from the Zlicin metro station. Tickets, which indicate the landing points, are sold there, at a special kiosk near the metro station.
How much are travel tickets in the Czech Republic
Several factors affect the ticket price, firstly, the class of the carriage, and secondly, the distance. But you can save a lot by purchasing "weekend" travel SONE +. The advantage of this pass is that it allows you to travel around the country on any type of train without restrictions throughout the weekend. By the way, this type of pass is valid even in areas on the borders of neighboring countries of the Czech Republic. For trips on weekdays, you can buy a Sitova jizdenka ticket.By the way, students have the opportunity to receive significant discounts on public transport. Children under six can ride for free. A 50% discount will be given to children under the age of fifteen. And for students the ticket will cost one and a half times cheaper than for ordinary passengers.
Car rent
With a long stay in Czech Republic the best option would be to rent a vehicle. To rent a car, two conditions are required: age - from 21 years and a new driver's license.
Attention! Rules of movement on the roads of the Czech Republic!
Traffic Laws Czech Republic slightly different from the rules established in Russia.
For example, the maximum speed of movement in the city is 50 km / h, on the highway - no more than 90 km / h, on high-speed motor roads the maximum permissible speed is 130 km / h.In the city, the tram has an advantage during movement and this must always be remembered - in every city the tram service is developed with a bang.
For unimpeded movement around the country by car (even rented), you must pay transport tax. This can be done at any gas station, after which you will be issued a special permit card, which must be kept and not lost, but it is best to immediately stick it on the windshield. The coupon is valid throughout the year. Its absence entails imposing a very impressive fine on the driver.
Gas stations are located at the entrance to cities, as well as on transport highways at a distance of approximately every fifty kilometers. But unlike gas stations in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, operating around the clock, in Czech Republic they work until nine in the evening and then close.
Cycling around the Czech Republic
Riding a two-wheeled vehicle is very common in Czech Republic... More than 37 thousand kilometers of bicycle paths have been laid across the country. Prague has the longest cycle routes. There are as many bike paths in other regions as in Prague. Routes have been laid, which locals call "greenway" mainly along water bodies, rivers, railways. While traveling Czech Republic by bike, you can explore a lot of historical sites, including pilgrimage and trade routes, routes, monuments of architecture and history. You can rent a bike at any of the numerous rental points located in literally every city.

Holidays in the Czech Republic

Czech is a country with incredible tourism potential. Each city is a real heritage of the country. Prague alone with its cobbled streets, breathtaking monuments of architecture drives you crazy, and what can we say about Karlovy Vary, Brno, which are beautiful regardless of the season and weather outside the window. Numerous castles, estates, caves deserve special attention, which are unrealistic to explore even during a week's vacation in the country.

Accommodation in the Czech Republic
The country has a well-developed hotel chain. Moreover, you can stop safely even in three-star hotels, private pensions, renting apartments or apartments. A distinctive feature is a high level of service regardless of the "star rating" of the hotel, spacious, comfortable, clean rooms, affordable prices even in four and five-star hotels. Most hotels have free Wi-Fi, parking (although paid). For large families with children, it is best to rent an apartment. Apartments, even the most presentable, are also distinguished by their low cost.

Major Czech landmarks

Czech castles
This is the main pride of the country - everything in the territory Czech Republic there are more than 2.5 thousand castles that have been perfectly preserved to this day! In every region Czech Republic has its own castle attraction, with history, legends.Today, many castles host various festivals, theatrical performances, concerts, costume shows and knightly fights. And each of the activities is aimed at revealing the story Czech Republic with its flavor, peculiarities and traditions.

Czech cities Must See
AT Czech Republicis probably one of the highest concentrations of ancient cities that you should definitely visit when you come to this wonderful country.
Czech krumlov
One of the most famous cities South Bohemia, where historical buildings in the Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic styles are located. Krumlov Castle is as important as the Prague Castle and is included in the UNESCO list. The "Krumlov" ensemble includes more than forty buildings, palaces, five courtyards and a wonderful garden with centuries-old green spaces.
In the immediate vicinity of Krumlov, there is an interesting attraction, opened in 2012 and awarded the title of the best Czech landmark of the new generation - an observation tower with a suspended structure made of wood, starting from the ground, stretching over Lake Lipno and rising to the very top of the tower.
Telč - Czech "Venice"
In the Moravia region, there is a unique city on the water, surrounded by two artificial reservoirs and a canal. The central object of Telč is considered to be an ancient fortress, built in the Middle Ages and preserved in almost its original form to this day. Arriving in Telč, you should definitely visit the Palace with its many halls, distinguished by chic decoration and incredible beauty and entertainment.
Jindrichuv Hradec - acquaintance with the castle of the 13th century
In this city, there is the third largest and largest castle complex, built in the 13th century. The main attraction of the complex is the palace with the most valuable paintings, the Church of St. John, the interior of which is decorated with rare frescoes, and the Minorite monastery. The city annually hosts important folk and classical music festivals for the country.
Brno - the largest concentration of spiritual values
The central object of the city is the Gothic castle of Spilberg, founded in the 13th century and still striking with its charm. The city is located on the top of the mountain, so the view from its central point is amazing. By the way, the Castle of Spilberg is depicted on almost all Czech coins.
While in Brno, you should definitely visit the Moravian Gallery - the second largest and most important Czech museum.And also in Brno there is a very beautiful Cathedral of Saints Paul and Peter, Catholic Churches of St. Jacob, St. Michael, the majestic Town Hall, Basilica of the Virgin Mary and many other equally significant historical sights.
Kutná Hora
It was here that active silver mining took place in the 14th century. The city also houses the famous Chapel of All Saints, built in the 15th century. While in Kutná Hora, you should definitely get acquainted with the Vlašský Dvor - a complex of buildings dating from the 13-14 centuries (it was here that in the old days was the residence of Czech kings). And Kutná Hora is also famous for its mint, the Silver Museum located in the Stone Palace, the Cathedral of St. Barbara (outwardly, the cathedral is practically no different from the French Notre Dame de Paris).
Memorial complex "Terezin"
Russian tourists will be interested in visiting the Terezin memorial, where during the Second World War there was a Jewish ghetto, in which, according to estimates, there were about 140 thousand people. During the hostilities, only 17 thousand people survived. Terezin was liberated by Soviet troops on May 9, 1945. Today Terezin is a memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the concentration camp.

Czech cuisine

National cuisine Czech Republic: not for losing weight and it's a fact! "Plump" - this is how you can call the kitchen Czech Republicwhere meat, flour, fried dishes prevail. Serving size is the dream of delicious food lovers. But with such an abundance of food, its high calorie content, local residents are distinguished by a slender and fit figure! By the way, many Czechs consider most dishes national cuisine snacks. Yes Yes. Precisely with snacks for the main dish, or rather a drink - beer. Brewing is so developed in the Czech Republic that for the production of this foamy drink, the country can be safely recorded on the podium. Hundreds of varieties, flavors and aromas. Delicious beer is served to the table in any restaurant and cafe. Moreover, many tourists note that it is in cafes and bars that the most delicious beer, the most delicious pork knuckle and dumplings. Therefore, when strolling through a Czech city and looking for a "very, very" restaurant, pay attention to a cafe on some quiet street. AT Czech Republic the quality of food, the level of service in the establishment, the degree of serving dishes are not determined by the status of the catering establishment.

Shopping in the Czech Republic

Czech one of the most attractive countries for shopaholics after Germany. In every city you can find shops of famous world brands. The wide assortment, affordable prices will please. AT Czech Republic a well-developed supermarket chain TESCO, where by Russian standards the price tag for most goods and food is simply ridiculous. You should definitely pay attention to the "red price", as you can literally buy excellent things and interior items for a song.
Most of the shopping facilities are open from 9 am to 6 pm. Hypermarkets and grocery stores are open until nine in the evening and can open at six in the morning. On weekends, pre-holidays and holidays, the opening hours of stores are reduced by several hours, but not critical. By the way, many hypermarkets, especially in large cities, operate around the clock.
On the eve of Catholic Christmas, national holidays, most boutiques and shopping centers, for example, in the same one in Prague, work normally. But on Christmas itself, almost everything is closed - the locals very much respect this holiday and try, despite the huge flows of tourists, to celebrate the church holiday with their families.

Official country name: Czech Republic

National flag: stripes of white and red with a blue triangle.

National holiday - October 28 - withdrawal from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the foundation of the independent state of the Czech Republic.

Capital of the Czech Republic - Prague, with a population of over 1 250 000 people.

Largest cities in the Czech Republic:

• Brno - about 390,000 inhabitants;
• Ostrava - about 330,000 inhabitants;
• Pilsen - about 175,000 inhabitants;
• Olomouc - about 106,000 inhabitants;
• Usti nad Labem - about 106,000 inhabitants;
• Liberec has about 104,000 inhabitants.

Population of the Czech Republic - about 11 million people.
Ethnic composition - 81.3% Czechs, 13.7% residents of Moravia and Silesia, 3.1% Slovaks, 0.6% Poles, 0.5% Germans, 0.3% Roma, Hungarians 0.2%.
Official language: Czech, which belongs to the group of West Slavic languages \u200b\u200brelated to Russian.
Territory: 78 864 sq. km
Geographically, the Czech Republic is located in the central part of the European continent. Between the cities of Plze and Cheb, there is even a granite obelisk with the inscription "Center of Europe".
It borders: in the north - with Poland, in the east - with Slovakia, in the south - with Austria and in the west - with Germany.
The Czech Republic includes the historical regions of Moravia, Bohemia and Silesia, characterized by an extraordinary beautiful landscape. Low mountain ranges stretch along all borders of the Czech Republic.
Largest river Czech Republic - Vltava, the length of which is 440 km.
Administrative division - 73 regions and 4 municipalities.
The country has a long and rich history.
The first Czech state emerged at the end of the 9th century, when the process of unification of Slavic tribes began on the territory of the Czech Republic. Despite its rather turbulent history, often associated with wars, both medieval and modern, about 2500 ancient castles and towns have survived in the Czech Republic to this day.
Politically, the Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic. The highest official in the Czech Republic is the President of the Republic, elected by parliament for a term of 5 years (since February 1993 - Vaclav Havel, re-elected in 1998, next elections in 2003).
The President approves the composition of the Czech government proposed by the Chamber of Deputies.
The bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
Both chambers are directly elected by the people.
Deputies are elected for 4 years, and senators - for 6 years, with 1/3 of the senators being re-elected every 2 years.
Citizens of the Czech Republic over 18 years of age have the right to vote. Citizens of the Czech Republic from 21 years old - to parliament, and from 40 years old - to the Senate have the right to be elected.
In settlements, elections are also held every 4 years for local rads (representative bodies) and headmen (in large settlements they are called "primators").
The highest executive body is the government. The head of government is the Prime Minister (currently Milos Zeman).
In 1995 the Czech Republic became a member of the international organization for economic cooperation and development.
Since the fall of 1997, active preparations have been going on for joining the European Union.
On March 12, 1999, the Czech Republic joined NATO.

Czech Republic \\ Geography

The Czech Republic is located in the very center of Central Europe.
In the north it borders with Poland (border length 658 km.), In the north and west with Germany (border length 646 km.), In the south - with Austria (border length 362 km.), In the east - with Slovakia (border length 214 km .).
The total length of the border is 1,880 km.
The total area of \u200b\u200bthe country is about 80,000 sq. km.
The country's territory includes the historical regions of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, characterized by a varied landscape.
Low mountain ranges stretch along almost all the borders of the Czech Republic. The Giant Mountains stretches for 40 km. through the territory of Bohemia, creating a natural border between the Czech Republic and Poland. The highest peak is Snezka (1602 m). Several other peaks exceed 1500 m.
In the north and north-west, the natural border is the Ore Mountains.
The second highest mountain range in the Czech Republic is the Hruby Jesenik, the highest point is the Praded Peak (1491 m), located in northern Moravia.
The third highest mountain range in the Czech Republic is Šumava, the highest point is Peak Plech (1373 m). Sumava stretches for 125 km. to southwestern Bohemia and creates a natural border with Germany.
Inside this peculiar ring there are two large lowlands - Polabskaya in the northwest and the Morava river valley (part of the Middle Danube plain) in the southeast. Between them is a low (up to 836 m) Bohemian-Moravian Upland.
The main rivers are the Vltava (440 km long), Morava, Laba (Elbe), Oder.
The Czech Republic is not very rich in minerals. On its territory there are reserves of coal, various types of clay used for the production of ceramics, bricks, as well as reserves of building stone, deposits of semi-precious stones (garnets, agates). The deposits of glass sands used in the production of the famous Czech glass and crystal are of great importance.
In the bowels of the country there is a large amount of medicinal mineral waters, which became the reason for the development of resorts.
Climate
The climate of the Czech Republic is temperate continental, and the continental character of the climate is increasing in the eastern direction.
The roughness of the relief has a significant impact on the climate of individual regions. The differences are especially large in summer temperatures. So, if in the Podunaisk and Potis lowlands the average July temperature reaches 20 degrees, then in the elevated regions of the Czech massif it does not exceed 13-15 degrees.
average temperature January drops to - 7-8 degrees in the mountains, on the plains and hills it is - 2-4 degrees.
In general, in most of the country's territory, it falls annually from 500 to 700 mm. precipitation.
Vegetable world
In the mountains, coniferous-wooded vegetation prevails. On flat terrain, deciduous forests of oak, beech, ash, maple are more common.
Animal world
Among the representatives of the relatively poor fauna, one can distinguish the brown bear, fox, wild boar, wolf, chamois.

Czech Republic \\ Government

Czech Republic is a presidential republic.
The head of state is the President (since February 1993 - Vaclav Havel, re-elected in 1998).
The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The President is elected for a term of five years by a joint session of both houses of Parliament. Continuous tenure as president of the Czech Republic can be no more than two consecutive terms.
He has veto power over any decree passed by parliament, with the exception of constitutional decrees.
Legislative power belongs to the Parliament, which consists of 2 chambers - the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Parliament approves all decrees in force on the territory of the Czech Republic, authorizes the most important acts of the state, such as a declaration of war or approval of the deployment of foreign armies in the Czech territory.
The Chamber of Deputies has 200 representatives who are elected for a term of four years. The President may dissolve the Chamber of Deputies in cases determined by the constitution.
The Senate consists of 81 senators who are elected for six-year terms. One third of the Senate is re-elected every two years. The Senate cannot be dissolved. Elections to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate are held by closed ballots on the basis of general, equal and direct voting.
The Chamber of Deputies is elected on the basis of proportional representation. Political parties must receive at least five percent of the popular vote in order to gain seats in the House.
The Senate is elected by majority vote. All citizens of the Czech Republic who have reached the age of 18 have the right to vote.
Candidates for the Chamber of Deputies must be at least 21 years old, while candidates for the Senate must be at least 40 years old.
The highest executive body is the government. It consists of the Prime Minister and ministers who coordinate the activities of ministries and central bodies of state administration throughout the state. The government has an exclusive legislative initiative within the limits of the state budget.
There are over 80 political parties and movements in the country. More than 200 youth organizations operate.
The Supreme Audit Organization is an independent control agency that implements the use of state property and the execution of the state budget. This organization audits the way the state budget of the Czech Republic is created and used.
The Czech National Bank is the central State Bank of the Czech Republic. the main objective bank - to preserve and stabilize the purchasing power of the currency and, in fulfilling this goal, the bank does not depend on the Cabinet of the Czech government. The president and executive bodies of the bank are appointed by the head of state.
The Constitutional Court was founded to protect constitutional rights. The court is composed of 15 judges appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate for ten years.
The Supreme Court is the highest legal authority in all matters within the jurisdiction of the courts.

Czech Republic \\ Population

The population of the Czech Republic at the beginning of 2001 is about 10,272,000, which is 0.08% less than in the previous year.

Average life expectancy in 2000 was:

• for men - 71 years old,
• for women - 78 years.

The infant mortality rate is 5.6%, 1% less than in 1999, which is one of the lowest levels in Europe.

Ethnic composition:

• czechs - 81.2%,
• moravs - 13.2%,
• slovaks - 3.1%,
• poles - 0.6%,
• germans - 0.5%,
• silesians - 0.4%,
• gypsies - 0.3%,
• hungarians - 0.2%,
• other ethnic groups - 0.5%.

The population density is 130 people. per sq. km.

The able-bodied population is 5,389,000 people, the unemployment rate is 9%.

Industry employs 33.1% of the working-age population, agriculture - 6.9%, construction - 9.1%, transport sector - 7.2%, service sector - 43.7%.

The most common languages \u200b\u200bare Czech and Slovak, which belong to the Western Slavic language group.

75% of the population lives in cities, including:

• in Prague - about 1,300,000,
• in Brno - 390,000,
• in Ostrava - 330,000,
• to Pilsen - 175,000.

In recent years, immigration from the republics of the former Soviet Union has become a big problem for the Czech Republic. Moreover, the bulk of the visitors are illegal immigrants. Their number, according to various estimates, is about 3-4% of the general population. This influx of immigrants, competing in the labor market for the indigenous population, and the growth of organized crime associated with immigrants, have led to a tightening of the state's immigration policy.
In 1999, a new law on the stay of foreigners in the Czech Republic was adopted (entered into force on January 1, 2000), according to which, in particular, a foreigner can obtain a permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic after 10 years of residence in the country if a number of conditions. In addition, it contains a number of other rather strict restrictions on the stay of foreigners. This law has provoked a negative reaction from the European Commission of Human Rights.
Currently, the Czech Parliament has prepared amendments to this law, which will somewhat soften the requirements for those who come to the country. They will come into effect in mid-2001.

Czech Republic \\ Religion

Czech Republic is a secular republic.
The history of the Czech Republic as an independent state is dramatic. She lost her sovereignty for a long time as a result of joining stronger states that imposed their religion on her, which ultimately led to the fact that the Czech Republic is the most atheistic state in Europe. According to a survey by the world's largest sociological service "Gallup International", 55% of the Czech population do not consider themselves to be a member of any Church. The Czech Republic ranks 2nd in the world and 1st in Europe in terms of the proportion of atheists out of 60 countries where the survey was conducted.
27.1% of residents of the Czech Republic, according to a pan-European poll in 1991, trust the church - this is the lowest figure among all European countries (and almost twice as low as in neighboring Slovakia).
The main confession in terms of the number of believers is the Catholic Church - 86.6% of the total number of believers.
Catholicism finally took shape as a doctrine after the separation of the churches in 1054. The Catholic Church is strictly centralized, has a single center in the Vatican State, a single head - the Pope, a strict church hierarchy and discipline. Catholics recognize (as opposed to Protestants) not only Holy Scripture as the source of their doctrine, but also Holy Tradition, which in Catholicism (unlike Orthodoxy) includes both the decrees of the ecumenical councils of the Catholic Church and the judgments of popes. The clergy in Catholicism takes a vow of celibacy (celibacy). A feature of Catholicism is also the veneration of the Mother of God, the recognition of the dogmas of her immaculate conception and bodily ascension, the addition of the filioque to the creed (from the Latin Filioque - "and from the son"). An addition made in the 7th century by the Western Christian Church to the Christian "Creed" of the 4th century, in the dogma of the Trinity: about the procession of the Holy Spirit not only from God the Father, but also from the Son. Filioque did not accept orthodox Church, which later served as one of the reasons for the division of the churches. Thus, the Catholic Church claims that the Holy Spirit comes from "the Father and the Son." The Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Spirit fulfills the will of God the Father only, the dogma of purgatory.
The second largest denomination of believers is Protestantism - 11.1% of the total number of believers.
Of these, about 7%, according to the latest data, belong to the Hussites, evangelical reformers - 4%, Lutherans - 0.1%.
Protestantism is a collection of numerous and independent churches and sects, linked only by their origin. The rise of Protestantism is associated with the Reformation, a powerful anti-Catholic movement in 16th century Europe. In 1526, the Reichstag of Speyr, at the request of the German Lutheran princes, adopted a decree on the right of everyone to choose a religion for themselves and their subjects. The Second Speyr Reichstag of 1529 overturned this decree. In response, a protest followed from five princes and a number of imperial cities, from which the term "Protestantism" derives. Protestantism shares Christian ideas about the existence of God, his trinity, the immortality of the soul, hell and heaven, while rejecting, however, the Catholic idea of \u200b\u200bpurgatory. At the same time, Protestantism put forward three new principles: salvation by personal faith, the priesthood of all believers, and the exclusive authority of Scripture. A clergyman is deprived of the right to confess and forgive sins, he is accountable to the Protestant community. In Protestantism, many sacraments have been abolished (with the exception of baptism and communion), there is no celibacy. Prayer houses are freed from altars, icons, statues, bells. Monasteries and monasticism are absent. Divine service in Protestantism is simplified as much as possible and is reduced to preaching, prayer and singing psalms and hymns in the native language. The Bible is recognized as the only source of doctrine, and sacred tradition is rejected.
A feature of the religious life of the Czech Republic is the Czech Reformed Church (Hussite). Supporters of the Reformation in the Czech Republic and Slovenia in the first half of the 15th century are participants in the Hussite movement and followers of Jan Hus and other popular preachers.
As an independent confession, it was formed in 1920 after a break with the Pope. In 1920, Rome was adamant in its condemnation of Jan Hus and his teachings, which served as the signal for the formation of the Hussite Church immediately after Czechoslovakia gained independence. Now many Czech Catholics are coming to the conclusion that it is necessary to canonize Huss in order to preserve and increase the influence of the Catholic Church.
The Czech Orthodox Church, to which 1.7% of the total number of believers belong, is part of the Churches of Ecumenical Orthodoxy (Ecumenical Orthodoxy is a collection of local Churches that have the same dogmas and a similar canonical structure, recognize the sacraments of each other and are in communion), was founded on the territory of the Czech Republic (in Moravia) in 863 by the labor of Saints Cyril and Methodius. After their death, Orthodoxy remained only within the limits of the Mukachevo diocese, but in 1649 this diocese also entered into union with the Catholic Church. Only in 1920, thanks to the Serbian initiative, Orthodox parishes of Serbian jurisdiction re-emerged in the Carpathians. After the Second World War, they turned to the Moscow Patriarchate for help and were first organized into the Exarchate, and from 1951 into the Autocephalous (independent) Czechoslovak Orthodox Church.
Orthodoxy arose on the territory of the Byzantine Empire. Initially, it did not have a church center, since the church power of Byzantium was concentrated in the hands of four patriarchs: Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem. As the Byzantine Empire collapsed, each of the ruling patriarchs headed an independent (autocephalous) Orthodox Church. The most important postulates of the Orthodox faith are the dogmas of the Trinity of God, the Incarnation, Redemption, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. It is believed that dogmas are not subject to change and clarification, not only in content, but also in form. Orthodoxy is characterized by a complex, detailed cult. Worship is longer than in other Christian denominations, and includes a large number of rituals. The main service in Orthodoxy is the liturgy. The main holiday is Easter. Divine services are conducted in national languages; some denominations also use dead languages. The clergy in Orthodoxy is divided into white (married parish priests) and black (monastics who take a vow of celibacy). There are monasteries for men and women. Only a monk can become a bishop.

Czech Republic \\ Politics

Until 1989, there were two ruling pariahs in Czechoslovakia: the Communist Party and the National Front.
On November 17, 1989, the Velvet Revolution began in Czechoslovakia, when student youth gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the death of Jan Opletal, a student killed by the Nazis. The student demonstration led to the outbreak of a strike, which, in turn, led to the founding of the Civic Forum, a social movement that united all opposition currents in Czechoslovakia. The future president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel, was at that time the recognized leader of the dissident movement.
"Civil Forum" became a political body that won the next elections. It became the basis for the formation of all the main political parties of today's Czech Republic.
On November 29, 1989, the parliament of Czechoslovakia abolished the article of the constitution on the leading role of the Communist Party in society.
On January 1, 1993, the Czech Republic becomes an independent parliamentary republic.
The president in the Czech Republic is elected by the parliament; only the person who receives the majority of votes in each of the chambers can become president.
On December 29, 1989, Vaclav Havel was elected President of Czechoslovakia, in 1989-1993 he is the President of the Czechoslovak Federation, since 1993 - the Czech Republic.
Vaclav Havel - playwright, philosopher, dissident, was born on October 6, 1936 in one of the richest families of the first ("bourgeois") Czechoslovak Republic. In the early 60s, he became a well-known playwright in the theater community, appeared in the samizdat press, and after 1968 he became one of the leaders of the dissident movement in Czechoslovakia. He was arrested several times, spent several years in prison. One of the founders of the platform for independent thinking - "Charter-77", which was signed by 241 people.
There are currently two ruling parties in the Czech Republic: the Social Democratic and the Civil Democratic. In the 2000 elections. The Social Democratic Party surpassed the Civic Democratic Party in popularity.
According to the Constitution, the Senate, the upper house of the Czech Parliament, does not control the activities of the government.
Most of the senatorial seats in the November 2000 Senate elections belong to the so-called Coalition of Four — a coalition of opposition parties — the Freedom Union, Christian Democrats, the Civic Democratic Alliance and the Democratic Union.
As a result of the disappointment of some part of society in economic and democratic reforms, the Communist Party of the Czech Republic has strengthened its position: in the polls of the last months of 2000, it has the sympathy of 20% of the population.
The only parliamentary religious party, the Christian Democratic Union - Czechoslovak People's Party, has only 20 out of 200 seats in parliament, yielding even to the Communist Party, which is not particularly influential in the Czech Republic. Christian Democrats maintain their influence in the Czech Republic thanks to the union in 1992 with the Czechoslovak People's Party, which existed in 1918-1938 and was part of the National Front in 1948-1989.
There is an Ecological Party in the Czech Republic, and its radical part is especially active. In addition to her annual struggle against the Temelin nuclear power plant, the largest demonstrations in Eastern Europe against transnational corporations took place, resulting in street clashes with the police.
Currently, there are over 80 different parties and about 200 youth organizations in the Czech Republic.
Article 3 of the Constitution of the Czech Republic of 1992 states that the "Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms" is part of the constitutional order of the Czech Republic.
The principle allowing everyone to do everything that is not prohibited by law is written down in part 4 of article 2 of the 1992 Czech Constitution.
In the Czech Republic, a law on lustration (the crime law of the communist regime) has been adopted and is in effect. Czech President Václav Havel refused to sign its extension. However, this refusal was overcome by a qualified majority of the Czech parliament, after which the law came into force. Over the years after the "velvet revolution", there has not been a single case when a former functionary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia became a government official.
The European Commission has concluded that the Czech legislation does not comply with the so-called axis, that is, the set of European norms acting as "umbrella norms" in the countries of the European Union. One of the comments to the Czech Republic is the existence of a law on lustration.
The results of a sociological survey carried out by the Sofres-Factum agency in April 2000 showed that 53.5% of the respondents voted for Havel's early resignation.
In 2002, elections will be held for the House of Representatives of the Czech Parliament.
The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman was born on September 28, 1944 in the town of Kolin. During the events of the "Prague Spring" in 1968 he joined the Communist Party led by Dubcek, after the occupation of Czechoslovakia he was expelled from it for sharp criticism of the "normalization" regime. During the 1989 "Velvet Revolution", he was active in the center-left wing of the Civic Forum. In 1990 he was elected to the Federal Assembly. In 1992, he joined the CSDP and was re-elected from this party as a deputy of the Federal Assembly. June 26, 1996 became

Czech Republic \\ Economy

Since the middle of the 19th century, the Czech Republic has been one of the most industrialized countries in Europe. The leading industries were textile, food, mining, metallurgical, machine-building. In 1861, the length of the railway network was about 700 km, and in the 90s it was already 4596 km. In 1869, the first Czech bank itself was opened - the Zhivnostensky bank.
The industrial development of the Czech Republic continued in the 20th century.
Mechanical engineering, metalworking, electrical engineering, chemical industry, as well as the textile and clothing industry are the most developed industries in the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic is considered the richest country in Central Europe, the most industrialized and with the lowest share of agriculture in its gross domestic product. According to 1997 data, GDP per capita in the Czech Republic was $ 5050 (for comparison: in Hungary - $ 4415, in Poland - $ 3512). Among the post-communist states, the Czech Republic currently ranks second in terms of living standards after Slovenia.
The level of consumer prices in the Czech Republic in 2000 increased by 4% compared to 1999. Currently, the average family spends from their budget on: food - 21.3%, transport - 12.2%, rent - 10.8%, water, electricity, gas - 10.4%, recreation and culture - 9, 9%, alcoholic beverages - 9%, clothes and footwear - 6.7%, visiting restaurants and household services - 5.2%, home improvement - 5.2%, other personal services - 5.1%, post and telecommunications - 2%, health maintenance - 1.2%, education - 0.5%.
In the Czech Republic there are 358 cars per 1000 people.
About 500 thousand people are regular Internet users (the population of the Czech Republic is 10, 2 million people).
The Czech industry is equipped with modern equipment and skilled labor. Nevertheless, in terms of growth rates, the Czech Republic has seriously lagged behind Hungary and Poland and cannot count on joining the European Union together with them in 2004. The average monthly salary in the Czech Republic in March 2000 was 354 in US dollars (for comparison: in Slovenia - 881, in Croatia - 608, in Poland - 487). The unemployment rate in December 2000 was 8.8%.
After the "Velvet Revolution" of 1989, large-scale economic reforms were carried out in the country, which were based on voucher privatization of enterprises, attraction of foreign investors, liberalization of prices and foreign trade, devaluation of the Czech crown. As a result of the reforms, there was an increase in industrial production, and the rate of investment increased. However, mistakes made in the reform process led to a significant decline in economic development and a decline in GDP.
In 1997, the growth of the Czech economy slowed down, the country entered a period of stagnation, in which it is now.
To stabilize the development of the economy, the Czech leadership took a number of measures aimed at raising industrial production, increasing the inflow of investments and increasing exports. Thus, in April 1999, the government adopted an industrial plan to stabilize the situation at about ten vital enterprises in the country. The list of companies that have the opportunity to take part in the program included: Aliachem, СKD Praha, Srolana, Skoda Plzen, Tatra, Vitkovise, Zetor and ZPS Zlin.
A maximum favored nation regime has been created to increase investment in the Czech economy. Investors who channel more than USD 10 million into industrial development are exempt from taxes for up to 10 years, receive grants of USD 100 for each job created, and have the right to import equipment duty-free. Special incentives are provided for companies intending to make long-term investments. As a result, 47 thousand foreign companies operate in the republic.
In total investments in the Czech economy, the share of the countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is 97%, the EU member states - 68% and the G7 countries - 57%. According to experts, at the beginning of 2000, the volume of foreign direct investment in the Czech economy amounted to 15.5 billion USD. So, in 1997 they received 1.3 billion USD, in 1998 - 2.5 billion USD, in 1999 - 3.5 billion USD.
Most of the investments were directed to the transport and communications industries (24%), the production of transport equipment (16%), consumer goods (13%), and construction (9%).
During the reforms, the indicator of gross financial capital formation to GNP in the Czech Republic reached 24%, while in the EU countries this value is 20%.
The banking system of the Czech Republic is based on the principles adopted in the economically developed countries of the world. The Czech People's Bank (ČNB) does not depend on the government's instructions, which has affected the efficiency of the entire monetary policy in the country.
The foreign exchange reserves of the CNB in \u200b\u200b1999 amounted to 12.4 billion US dollars.
Industry is the most developed and important sector in the Czech economy, accounting for 40% of the national income. By the beginning of 1999, after the privatization program, the private sector of industry exceeded 80%. Stably operating enterprises include food industry (partners Danone and Nestle), electrical (ETA company, partners Bosch and Moulinex), paint and varnish (partners Union carbide and BASF), household chemicals and detergents (partners Henkel and Procter & Gamble), aviation ( partners MсDоnnall Dоuglas), automobile (production of buses - Karosa company, Renault partner),
Skoda-Auto (bought by Volkswagen), the export of its products in 1999 compared to 1998 increased by 45%. in addition, small sub-suppliers of the plant also improved the quality of their products. Currently, in order to implement plans to expand production, it is planned to build a plant worth 560 million USD for the production of engines and transmissions, which will be used not only in Skodas, but also in Volkswagen vehicles manufactured in other countries.
The share of agriculture in the GNP of the Czech Republic is 4.5%, 5.5% of the population is employed. Agriculture in the Czech Republic is a developed industry with a high level of automation and mechanization, fully meeting the country's basic needs for agricultural and livestock products and exporting products to the EU (37%), Slovakia (23) and the CIS (14%).
Measures to liberalize foreign trade and attract serious foreign investment have significantly improved the balance of foreign trade turnover and the structure of exports. Most of it falls on the countries of the European Union (63%, of which 43% - in Germany).
The trade deficit in 1999 was US $ 2.6 billion, which is US $ 3.2 billion less than in 1996.
The improvement in the export structure was expressed, first of all, in an increase in the share of mechanical engineering products, in 1999 it amounted to 47%.
A fundamentally new article has appeared - the export of licenses and the construction of industrial facilities abroad on their basis, for example: in Russia - the production of cars under the license of the Skoda company, in Kazakhstan - the production of explosives for industrial and mining operations, in Georgia - pharmaceuticals, in Ukraine - trams and trolleybuses, in China - turbines for hydro and thermal power plants.

Czech Republic \\ Education

The Czech Republic is famous for its high level of education.
Preschool education of children in the Czech Republic begins in a developed network of kindergartens. Children are admitted to kindergartens from the age of 3. The payment for their maintenance depends on its affiliation (state, departmental, private) and on the location of the kindergarten.
Education in public schools is free.
Children from 7 to 10 years old study in elementary school.
From 11 to 19 years old they receive secondary education in gymnasiums or, if they wish, after graduating from secondary school, from 16 to 19 years old they receive secondary specialized education in colleges.
When entering a Czech lyceum, gymnasium or college, you must pass entrance exams.
Upon graduation from lyceums, gymnasiums and colleges, it is necessary to pass an examination for a matriculation certificate. At the same time, it gives the right to enter a university or other higher educational institution.
After completing primary school, 52% of students continue their education in gymnasiums and colleges, and 48% move to secondary school.
Starting from middle grades, all subjects studied are divided into compulsory and optional, that is, studied at the choice of the students themselves.
Schools are subdivided into ordinary, general education and specialized, with in-depth study of mathematics, physics, foreign languages, physical education, music.
There are several paid international schools where education is conducted in English, the curriculum in them is fully consistent with the programs of Western countries (England, USA), and upon graduation from such a school, the student receives a Western-style diploma.
About 7.2% of Czechs receive university education.
Higher education in the country is paid, but the fee is rather symbolic - about $ 100 a year.
Since January 1, 1999, teaching in the Czech language at universities has become free.
Higher education in the Czech Republic is divided into two main types: university and non-university.
University education includes bachelor's, master's, doctorate, while non-university education mainly brings students to a bachelor's degree.
The bachelor's degree is intended for those who seek to obtain the so-called "short-term education" - the term of study in this case is 3-4 years. Upon graduation, a bachelor's degree is awarded - this is the necessary basic knowledge.
Master's degree education lasts 5-6 years, depending on the specialty.
The third level of education - doctorate - is intended for individual creative activity and scientific research. It corresponds to our graduate school and here you can get a candidate's and doctor's degrees by passing certain disciplines and defending a thesis.
In the Czech Republic, there are about two dozen universities and more than a hundred institutes.
One of the most famous - Charles University, was the first higher educational institution in Central Europe. It was founded in 1348 by the Bohemian King and Roman Emperor Charles IV. The university became famous for the fact that Master Jan Hus taught there, world-famous writers Karel Čapek and Franz Kafka came out of its walls, professor of philosophy T.G. Massarik and professor of sociology E. Benes, who later became presidents of the Czech Republic, taught there.
Charles University has 16 faculties: 3 theological, legal, medical, pharmaceutical, philosophical, natural history, physics and mathematics, pedagogical, social sciences, physical culture and sports.
There are day, evening and correspondence departments, a department for foreign students, preparatory courses, postgraduate and doctoral studies.
To enter the university, you must have a certificate of secondary education and successfully pass the entrance exams. The three-year course of study provides a bachelor's degree and the opportunity to start a professional career. To obtain a master's degree, you need to study for 5 years and defend your thesis.
The oldest universities in the country include: the University of Olomouk, founded in 1573; Czech Technical University, which traces its lineage from the School of Engineering, founded in 1707, which laid the foundation for the development of higher technical education in the Czech Republic.
Among the universities of economics, the most famous is the University of Economics in Prague.
Each big City in the Czech Republic has its own university, and they all have a high level of education.

Czech Republic \\ Medicine

The healthcare system and medicine in the Czech Republic have developed, just like in other European countries, and has a fairly long history.
Back in 1880, the First Congress of Czech Physicians and Naturalists took place in Prague.

In the pre-war Czech Republic, as well as throughout Europe, the health care system was mostly private and paid. This did not prevent her from making certain discoveries in the field of medicine.
As an example, we can cite the experiments of the Czech doctor J. Janski, who in 1907 established that the blood serum of some people causes the accumulation of red blood cells in other people in a certain regular order, however, these experiments were forgotten and only in 1930 the discovery was recognized Austrian immunologist K. Landsteiner on the division of red blood cells into 3 groups.

After the Second World War, with the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic, the health care system was no different from the one that was accustomed to under socialism: free medical care, a district doctor, symbolic prices for medicines in pharmacies, but, at the same time, not a very high level of medical services.
After the "velvet revolution" there have been cardinal changes. The health care system in the Czech Republic was reorganized and became non-state, but with state guarantees.

In the Czech Republic, medicine again became paid, and the privatization of medical institutions was carried out.

However, the chosen insurance system with a network of health insurance companies is very expensive, as evidenced by the increase in health care costs in the Czech Republic.

The country has introduced a system of universal health insurance, according to which a patient who regularly pays insurance premiums does not worry about the cost of medical services and medicines - the insurance company pays for it.

Entrepreneurs pay a percentage of their earnings, the employer pays for hired workers, and children and pensioners receive insurance from the state.

The cost of health insurance depends on gender and age. The largest contributions are set for 68-70 year olds.

For foreigners in the Czech Republic, emergency treatment and non-stationary ambulance services are free. Any other inpatient care is covered.

For a foreigner in the Czech Republic, there are three options for obtaining medical services:

1. Do not pay for insurance, but pay for each visit to the doctor and each medical procedure separately. At the same time, very simple services can require very significant amounts.
2. Contractual form of insurance. Under a health insurance contract, a foreigner has the right to receive basic medical care in a polyclinic and be treated in a hospital. According to insurance, he is given discounts when buying medicines, he has the opportunity, according to the doctor's prescription, to be treated in Czech spas for a lower fee compared to uninsured spa guests. The advantage of contractual insurance is a wide network of medical institutions in the Czech Republic.
3. The insurance system, which is compulsory for employment, is connected with the conclusion of wages and gives the right to medical care equal to that of Czech citizens.

The system of spa treatment is historically developed in the Czech Republic.
Czech resorts are equipped with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, specialized in the treatment of specific diseases, have a network of dietary canteens, cultural and social institutions.
Most spas in the Czech Republic are unique, thanks to the use of the healing properties of mineral water springs, in combination with the most modern physiotherapy equipment

Czech Republic \\ Culture

The oldest written monuments appeared in the Czech Republic in the second half of the 10th century, when it was part of the Great Moravian state. They are associated with the activities of the Slavic educators Cyril and Methodius, who spread the Slavic writing throughout the entire state. These are spiritual and battle songs, such as "Lord, have mercy on us", "Saint Wenceslas", etc.
Since the end of the 10th century, the Czech Republic was already part of the "Holy Roman Empire" and Latin became the only written language among the Czechs. The Chronicle of Bohemia by Kozma of Prague (1045-1125) belongs to this period.
At the end of the thirteenth century, secular, "knightly" literature appeared ("Alexandreida"), satirical and didactic genres related to the life of the city developed (drama "Seller of Healing Ointments", dialogue "Stableman and Schoolboy", etc.).
The flourishing of Czech literature in the 14th century was also facilitated by the opening of a university in Prague in 1348.
The end of the 14th - the beginning of the 15th centuries are characterized by the influence of the Reformation movement on literature. At this time, new literary forms appeared: anti-Catholic sermons (Jan Hus, Jan Zhevlinsky); epistolary works (Jan Hus, Jan Zizka); poetic proclamations ("Budishinskaya manuscript"). After the defeat of the radical wing of the Hussites (1434), the writer and thinker Pyotr Khelchitsky (1390-1460), author of the theological work "The Network of Faith", appeared. An important event of this period was the beginning of printing in the Czech language (1468).
After the loss of independence by the Czech Republic (1620), the development of literature took place in conditions of pressure on the Czech culture of the foreign nobility and the Roman Church. During this period, Czech literature is represented by emigrant writers. One of them is the humanist teacher Ya.A. Kolensky.
A new upsurge in Czech literature came at the end of the 15th - early 19th centuries during the period of national revival. The genre of scientific and journalistic treatises became widespread. A large role in Czech literature was played by the works on the history of language and writing by philologists J. Dobrovsky (1753-1829), J. Jungman (1773-1847), works of poets I. Tama (1765-1816) and dr.
At the beginning of the 19th century, a movement of romanticism was formed in Czech literature (J. Jungman, J. Kollar, F.L. Chelakovsky, etc.). The French Revolution of 1830 and the Polish uprising of 1830-1831 had a significant impact on Czech literature in the middle of this century. Critical realism, which flourished in the second half of the century, is reflected in the works of such writers as J. Neruda, V. Galek, S. Chekh and others.
In 1890 the Czech Academy of Literature and Arts was founded.
The twentieth century was one of the most difficult periods in Czech history. The first world War, the creation of the Czechoslovak Republic, the Second World War, the formation of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, each of these events had an impact on the development of Czech literature, changing its styles and directions from decadence and symbolism to socialist realism. During this period, such famous writers and poets as J. Hasek, A. Sova, K. Chapek, M. Puimanova and others worked.
The fine arts and architecture of the Czech Republic began their development in the Stone Age and the Bronze Age (sculpture, ceramics, metal jewelry, etc.).
In the 10th century, Prague occupied the main place in the artistic life of the country, where the St. Vitus rotunda was built in the Castle in the first half of the 10th century.
In the X-XII centuries the architecture of the Romanesque style developed, the church of St. George was built. Book miniatures (manuscripts "Humpold's Legend of St. Wenceslas" around 1000) and a fresco (depictions of sovereigns from the Przmyslid clan in the chapel in Znojmo (1134) are developing.
In the 13th - 14th centuries, with the growth of cities, the development of crafts and mining, the Gothic style was established in Czech art (the Anezhki monastery (1230) and the Tinsky church, in Prague, etc.).
In the middle of the fourteenth century, realistic tendencies developed, which were embodied in the work of the art school of P. Palerz (1330-1399), he built the Charles Bridge and created a number of sculptures.
In the 15th century, late Gothic art was represented by B. Reith (1454-1536), the creator of the unique star-shaped vaults of the Vladislav Hall in Prague Castle.
The 16th century in the Czech Republic is the Renaissance. Art glass-making flourishes, art collections are collected.
In the fifteenth and fifteenth centuries, realistic painting developed - K. Shkret (1610-1674), engraving - V. Hallar (1607-1677). The Baroque style is represented in the architecture of K.I.Ditsenhofer (1690-1751), in sculpture - F.M. Brokov (1688-1731) and M.B. Brown (1684-1738). In painting - P. Brandl (1668-1735) and V.V. Reiner (1689-1743) and others. In 1799 the Academy of Arts was established.
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, realism is presented in painting: A. Mahek (1775-1844), K. Manes (1828-1880), A. Kosarek (1830-1859), A. Bubak (1824 -1870), J. Manes (1820-1871) and others. Achievement of architecture was the building of the National Theater in Prague, built in 1868-1883 by J. Zytek (1832-1909), based on the Renaissance tendencies. F. Zhenishek (1849-1916), V. Brozhik (1851-1901), V. Ginais (1854-1925) took part in the picturesque decoration of the theater. Sculpture - J. Myslbek (1848-1922) and others.
At the end of the nineteenth century, the wide development of Czech graphics began, in this genre worked: M. Schwabinsky (1873-1962), J. Preisler (1872-1918), etc.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Art Nouveau style with the use of new structures - J. Coter (1871-1923), in painting - realism is present in the works of landscape painters: A. Slavichek (1861-1910), J. Uprk ( 1861-1940), composition paintings - M. Iranek (1875-1911), etc. In sculpture - J. Shturs (1880-1925), B. Kafka (1878-1942) and others. The middle of the century is characterized by the development in architecture of styles such as constructivism and functionalism.
Czech musical culture developed on the basis of rich folk art. In the middle of the 11th century, festive folk dances were accompanied by playing flutes and drums. In the 13th century, chronicles mention trumpets, timpani, zithers; harps and psalteriums were also widely used.
An important role in the development of musical art in the Czech Republic belongs to the Faculty of Liberal Arts of the Prague University. Since the second half of the 14th century, many outstanding Czech musicians have studied there, among them Master Zawis (1360-1411), the author of liturgical chants and the first Czech lyric song that has come down to the present day.
The era of the Hussite wars was the heyday of songwriting, which are distinguished by the originality of melody and rhythm.
In the 16th century, Czech polyphonic art developed, its prominent masters: J.T. Turnovsky, J.Richnovsky, J.S. Klatovsky and others.
After losing independence, foreign musicians flooded the country. The influence of foreign music is evident in the works of Czech composers of the 15th - 15th centuries. Among them, Ya.D. Zelenka (1679-1745), B. Chernogrsky (1684-1742) and others stand out.
In the 15th century, Czech composers mastered complex polyphonic vocal and instrumental genres and successfully worked in the symphony genre. Outstanding musicians of this period were: F.V. Michi (1694-1744), J. Stamitz (1717-1757), J. Myslivechek (1737-1781) and others.
The development of Czech music in the 19th century was facilitated by the opening of a conservatory in Prague in 1811. The first opera in the Czech language, Drotar, was written by F. Škroup (1801-1862). This period was marked by the work of world famous classical composers: B. Smetana (1824-1884) and A. Dvořák (1841-1904). Major craftsmen were also: Z. Fibich (1850-1900), L. Janacek (1854-1928), J. Suk (1874-1935), etc.
In 1861 a national theater was opened, in 1901 - the Czech Philharmonic.
In the twentieth century, the traditions of great Czech musicians continued: V. Novak, J.B. Ferster, V. Dobias, Z. Blazek, J. Hanusz and others.

Czech Republic \\ Massmedia

90 national and regional daily newspapers are published in the Czech Republic.

The most popular daily newspapers include:

• Mlada Fronta Dnes(daily circulation - 425,000) - the largest independent national daily newspaper, formerly a newspaper for the youth direction, now has a modern style and is designed for a wide range of readers;
• Blesk (daily circulation - 300,000) - published seven days a week, once a week a glossy magazine is published along with a newspaper;
• Pravo - former name Rude Pravo (daily circulation - 260,000), formerly a publication of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, now seeks to give an objective and independent interpretation of events, does not openly belong to any political party, but has a left-wing political bias and focuses on discussing social problems, has a reputation for being highly professional newspapers;
• Zemske noviny- formerly Ceske moravskoslezske Zemedelske Noviny (daily circulation - 160,000) - is the successor to the daily newspaper Zemedelske noviny (l945-1990), published as a national one, but mostly targeted at rural and provincial readers;
• Hospodarske noviny(daily circulation 125,000) - economic daily, tends to stick to the style of economic dailies such as the Financial Times or Handelsblatt;
• Lidove noviny(daily circulation 80,000) - is an independent daily newspaper aimed at liberal readers with higher education, known as a dissident newspaper.

The post-1989 political freedom has sparked a tremendous upsurge in all forms of media that were previously censored. A multitude of new periodicals, radio stations, and television channels have emerged nationally and regionally.

In the main periodicals of the Czech Republic there is a very large share of foreign investors - mainly Switzerland and Germany, among which it is necessary to highlight the Swiss "Ringier" syndicate and the German Passauer Neue Presse.

Many weeklies are popular along with daily newspapers. Western influence is also evident in their quality and design. The most widely read periodicals are weeklies such as Kvety, Reflex, Tyden and Mlady Svet.

Two English weeklies are published in Prague: The Prague Post and The Central European Business Weekly. One glossy business magazine, La Tribune De Prague, is published in French and English. The Prager Zeitung is published in German.

They contain weekly news, features and analysis of the economy, politics and culture in the Czech Republic, Eastern Europe and the European Union.

Radio and Television

The Czech Republic has both a public and a private television and radio broadcasting network.

State-owned Radio Czech Republic and Czech Television are funded by the government.

Broadcasting licenses in the Czech Republic are issued by the Radio and Television Broadcasting Council. He is elected by parliament and does not depend on the government.

To date, the Council has issued over 70 licenses for radio broadcasting, and there are already about 150 radio stations operating in the Czech Republic.

The largest of them include:

• Radio KISS 98 World Cup;
• Impuls;
• Radio Frekvence 1;
• Radio Evropa 2;
• BI - BI - SI (BBC World Service);
• Radio Free Europe (Radio Free Europe).

The Czech Republic also has 52 television licenses. There are two public and two private television stations (Nova and Prima), which are broadcast throughout the Czech Republic.
In addition, there are 118 small TV stations in the country.

REFERENCE INFORMATION

Administrative division of the country

In November, elections to the regional parliaments will be held for the first time in the Czech Republic. The administrative division of the country is changing. Instead of 7 areas, 14 edges appear. The parliament adopted a package of laws that define the competences of the regions and allow the creation of regional legislative bodies.

Although formally the new division of the country was in effect from January 1, in fact, it will come into force only after the elections of the regional parliaments and the formation of executive bodies.

Zemskaya reform is based on a solid legislative basis. A law was adopted on regions, communities, regional administrations, on the capital city of Prague, on the competences of regional authorities, on elections to regional parliaments.

The new government will initially have the right to form the regional policy in the field of education, healthcare, culture, transport, and in the social sphere. A significant expansion of the competences of the new authorities will follow in 2003, when the existing regional administrations will cease to function.

The composition of the regional parliaments will be elected for 4 years. This year's elections will not affect only Prague (it is also an independent region). The composition of the Prague City Council elected the year before last will work until 2002.

The zemstvo reform will cost the country about 5 billion kroons. What will change after the election of regional parliaments in 2000? The territory of the country will be divided into 14 regions. Each region will have a representative body, consisting of 45 - 64 people, at the head of the region will be a council (9 - 11 people) and the council will elect a hetman.

For political parties in parliamentary elections, a 5 percent threshold is introduced. Residents of the region who have reached 18 years of age can become regional deputies.

It is curious that in those communities where at least one fifth of the residents belong to some national minority, street names can be written in the minority language if asked by at least half of the residents belonging to the national minority.

The leaders of the regional government will be called HETMANS (Hejtman). In the organs of state power in the Chechen lands, the offices of hetmans existed for about 100 years from the middle of the last century. These were the district leaders and they were appointed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

New hetmans will become leaders of local self-government. Their salaries have been established. They are pretty high. The hetman will receive 57,000 kroons per month, members of the regional council - 48,400 kroons.

New administrative division of the country (see map)

Edge	Centre	Area km sq	Population	Number of communities
Karlovy Vary	Karlovy Vary	3315	305086
Hradec Králové	Hradec Kralove	4757	553827
Ustecky	Usti nad Labem	5335	825074
Liberetsky	Liberec	3163	428974
Olomouc	Olomouc	5139	645804
Pilsen	Pilsen	7560	305 086
Prague	Prague		1 209 855
Central Czech	Prague	11014	1106738	1147
Pardubicki	Pardubice	4519	510 072
Ostrava	Ostrava	5555	1 289 002
Budeevitsky	Ceske Budejovice	10056	626 897
Jihlava	Jihlava	6925	522 846
Brno	Brno	7067	1 141 172
Zlinsky	Zlin	3965	600 617

The Czech Republic has developed from three geographic regions - Moravia, Silesia, Bohemia... Bohemia is the largest region and, in turn, it is also customary to divide it into parts - Central, East, North, South and West. The administrative division of the Czech Republic does not quite coincide with the geographical one. Prague and its surroundings belong to Central Bohemia.
Each region has its own pearls, information about the most curious of them you will see on the following pages

How it all began
The second name of the Czech Republic is Bohemia. It originated from the ancient Celtic tribe of battles who inhabited the territory of modern North Bohemia even in prehistoric times. Then the Celts were replaced by the Germanic tribes of the Marcomans, and in the 5th century they were replaced by the Slavs, from whom the modern Czechs descended.
The Slavic state, which reached its heyday by the beginning of the 11th century and was called Great Moravia, has a very strange fate. First, none of the historians can say exactly where the capital of this state was located. Secondly, despite the fact that Great Moravia had a rather impressive territory (it included Slovakia, Bohemia, as well as part of today's Austria and Hungary), by the beginning of the 10th century this state had disintegrated. Great Moravia was a Christian country; the apostles Cyril and Methodius became its baptists, just like in Russia.

"I see golden hail!"
Thanks to the efforts of the first Czech princely dynasty of the Přemyslids, a new unification of the country took place in the period from the 10th to the 14th century. One of the most significant figures of this dynasty was Prince Wenceslas I, who was later canonized and considered the heavenly patron of Bohemia. The emergence of the capital of the Czech state, the city of Prague, is associated with the same period. According to an old legend, this event was predicted by Princess Libuše, the mythological first founder of the Přemyslid family. Looking from the steep bank of the Vltava River at the place where Prague is now, she prophetically exclaimed: "I see golden hail, its glory will rise to the stars!" Of course, there is a legend, and historians, as always, have their own opinion on this issue: they believe that Prague became the capital after Prince Prshemyslovich-Borzhevoy moved his residence here.
Despite the fact that Bohemia (namely, as the Czech Republic was called in the old days) had its own princely dynasty, it was part of the German Empire. The situation changed in the second half of the 12th century, during the reign of Prince Přemysl Ottakar II. He managed not only to get out of submission to the German Empire and establish autocracy in Bohemia, but also to expand the boundaries of his possessions, annexing Austria, Styria, Carinthia and Carinthia to the Czech lands. True, the triumph of Přemysl did not last long: the prince died in the subsequent war for the German crown.

Luxembourgers
Following Přemysl Ottakar II, another representative of the Přemyslid family, Prince Wenceslas III, was killed in the Czech city of Olomouc. The dynasty ceased to exist. The question of who should rule next was soon resolved: in 1310, the wedding of 14-year-old John of Luxembourg took place to the 18-year-old daughter of Wenceslas III, Eliška (Elizabeth). Despite his young age - which, however, was in the order of things - John annexed Cheb and a significant part of Silesia to Bohemia. Together, the new regions came to be called the lands of the Czech crown.
John of Luxembourg was a good king, but he had one fatal weakness for himself: he loved to fight. When there were no wars and skirmishes in his own state, he went after them to other countries. Naturally, this passion did not lead to anything good: in 1346, John died in the Battle of Crecy, opposing the British on the side of the French.
The throne passed to the son of John Charles IV, who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor. The personality of this ruler is so interesting that it deserves a separate discussion. Charles was a more practical and less ambitious ruler than his father, and took a keen interest in all the political affairs of his country. Charles IV's biography is complete interesting facts... So, for example, few people know that the Czech king had a completely different name: at birth he was named Wenceslas IV, but since he was brought up at the French court, they began to call him Charles there. Incidentally, this fact is the reason that Charles IV is sometimes confused with his son, who also bore the name Wenceslas IV.
Charles IV ascended the throne when he was almost a child. He did not know the Czech language at all, and he was immediately surrounded by many evil advisers who wanted to usurp power, formally leaving the young king to rule. However, despite his age, Karl turned out to be a very subtle and intelligent politician. Having guessed the plans of his insidious henchmen, he learned the Czech language in a very short time and took the reins into his own hands.
Charles IV is called the father of the Czech people. Indeed, this wise and enlightened ruler did a lot for his country, and the times of his reign became the zenith of the power and prosperity of the Czech Republic. It was under him that the first Charles University in Central Europe was created, Charles Bridge and magnificent cathedral St. Vitus in Prague, as well as many churches and monasteries throughout the Czech Republic. At that time, Prague was considered the third city after Rome and Constantinople in the Christian West. The gilded plaque on the Old Town Hall reads: “Prague - the head of the empire”. The emperor came up with a plan for Prague's New City and personally supervised the construction; Karlštejn castle and Karlovy Vary spa were also named after Charles IV. Karl's merits include the beginning of winemaking in the Czech Republic.

The period of the Hussite wars
After the death of Charles IV, his eldest son Wenceslas IV became the owner of the Czech crown. The period of his reign was marked by economic, national and religious conflicts. The preconditions for these conflicts arose even under Charles IV. The fact is that, being a very devout person and, moreover, having influential friends in the circles of the Vatican, Charles actively supported the clergy. At the end of his reign, it had such wealth and privileges that it could not but cause discontent among the population of the country.
In order for these public sentiments to grow into something more, a thought leader was needed. And such a person soon appeared. It was Jan Hus, a lecturer in theology at the University of Prague. In his sermons, which took place in the Bethlehem Chapel, Huss condemned the corruption of the clergy, called for the deprivation of the church of property and subordinate it to secular power, demanded reform of the church, and opposed the German dominance in the Czech Republic. The further fate of Jan Hus is known to everyone. At first he was excommunicated, but despite this, he continued to secretly preach in Czech towns. Then, by decision of the church council, which was held in the German city of Constance, Hus was sentenced to death. Hus's execution took place on July 6 (now this day is a public holiday in the Czech Republic). Every Czech first grader knows the last words of the great reformer, which he uttered after the last time he was asked to give up his ideas: "I will not renounce!" The execution of Jan Hus was the spark that ignited the flames of the 20-year Hussite wars. This revolution left a deep mark on the history of the country, but did not lead to any significant results. By compromising with the supporters of the Reformation, the church fulfilled only social, not religious requirements.

Habsburgs
In 1526, the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand I of Habsburg became king of Bohemia. This dynasty was destined to rule the country until 1918. The emperor who left the most visible and striking mark in the history of Bohemia was Rudolf II. Of course, he was a person with an extraordinary and interesting character. He kept a lion as a pet, was an ardent admirer of art and a mystic. Rudolph collected a very large collection of paintings, including the works of the geniuses of the Italian Renaissance - Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. Rudolph's passion for everything connected with supernatural forces led to the fact that Prague became the world capital of alchemy for almost thirty years. Magicians and alchemists from all over Europe flocked here in the hope of obtaining the patronage of the emperor.
Rudolph II was the only representative of the Habsburg dynasty who wished to move to Prague (the rest of the Habsburgs ruled the country from Vienna). As once under Charles IV, and during the reign of Rudolf, the capital of the Czech state became the cultural center of the Holy Roman Empire. Many Baroque buildings were built here, including the Loreta Church and St. Nicholas Cathedral. In 1611, under pressure from relatives, Rudolph II was forced to abdicate in favor of his brother Matthias. The fact is that the emperor suffered from a severe form of syphilis, accompanied by dementia.
Subsequent representatives of the Habsburg family began to pursue a policy of tightening the screws: one after another, all the liberties to which the loyal and democratic Rudolph II was so generous were canceled. In 1618, the political situation in the country escalated to such an extent that it turned into an event called the Second Prague Throwing from Windows: a group of 27 Bohemian nobles threw out of the windows royal palace two imperial governors and their secretaries. This uprising was one of the reasons for the beginning of the Thirty Years War - Protestant Bohemia rebelled against Catholic Austria. The decisive battle in this war was the Battle of White Mountain, which the Protestants lost. More than 30,000 Protestant families were forced to leave the country, and Prague turned into a provincial city for many years. The history of the Czech Republic has entered a "dark era" of economic and cultural stagnation. During this period, the official language of the state becomes German, all key posts in the state are transferred to the Germans, and they also occupy leading positions in the economy. Many Czech nobles and intellectuals leave the country.

Awakening the nation
The period of reign of the Austrian Archduchess Maria Theresa was marked by the awakening of national consciousness, the whole country was engulfed in peasant uprisings. Under the emperors Joseph II and Leopold II, Czech culture was revived: theater performances were staged in the Czech language, and the works of the historian Frantisek Palacky were published. Perfectly aware of the threat posed to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Emperor Franz Joseph tries to stop the revolutionary sentiments in the country, but he fails to do so.

World War I and the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
Already during the First World War, such prominent Czech politicians as T. Masaryk, E. Benes and M. Stefanik found refuge, first in Switzerland and then in Paris. They manage to convince the allies of the need to create an independent Slavic state between Germany and Austria.
At the end of the war, on October 28, 1918, a significant event took place: the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed in Prague. On November 14 of the same year, its first president, Tomasz Masaryk, was elected. In 1935, Eduard Benes succeeded him in this post.

The Second World War
However, the newly formed state did not last long. After the conclusion of the so-called Munich Treaty of 1938, fascist Germany seized the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia, inhabited mainly by Germans. On March 14, 1939, Slovakia proclaimed its independence, and the very next day the fascist troops invaded the Czech Republic. More than 300,000 Czechs and Slovaks found their death in the camps of the Third Reich, 200,000 Czechoslovak Jews were exterminated by the invaders.

The period of communism and the "Prague Spring"
On May 5, 1945, the troops of the Red Army liberated the Czech Republic from the German invaders. Soon after the Second World War, the Czechoslovak Republic fell into the sphere of influence of the USSR. Democratic parties failed to resist the communists, who received 40% of the vote in the 1946 elections.
Among the numerous attempts to reform or improve the communist system was the famous "Prague Spring" (1969): in response to the attempt of the Czech communists led by Alexander Dubcek to build "socialism with a human face", the Warsaw Pact countries brought their troops into Czechoslovakia.

Regime change and disintegration of Czechoslovakia
Mass protests and demonstrations that swept the country at the end of the 80s of the twentieth century were called the "Velvet Revolution". It was followed by a general strike leading to a change of regime. The playwright and former dissident Vaclav Havel became the new president of Czechoslovakia.
On January 1, 1993, due to "insurmountable contradictions", the Czechoslovak state was peacefully divided into two independent republics - the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These states have always adhered to different political courses: while Slovakia was guided by the policy of Moscow, the Czech Republic was equal to the European countries. In 1999 the Czech Republic joined NATO, and in 2004 became a member of the EU. On December 21, 2007, the Czech Republic joined the Schengen countries. This means that with a Czech visa you will be able to freely travel to cities and towns of other European states that are part of the aforementioned agreement. By train or by renting a car. The latter option, of course, is better, because it allows you to independently develop an interesting route option for you, change the scenario during the trip and generally feel freedom from any schedules and whims of strangers during your own vacation. It is best to take a ride in Germany and Austria, combining visits to large cities with small provincial ones - in order to fully experience the flavor of local life.

Useful data for tourists about the Czech Republic, cities and resorts of the country. And also information about the population, currency of the Czech Republic, cuisine, peculiarities of visa and customs restrictions of the Czech Republic.

Czech geography

The Czech Republic is a state in Central Europe. It shares borders with Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. The country's landscape is dominated by highlands and low mountains - the Czech Massif, bordered by the Šumava ridges, the Czech Forest, the Krkonose and the Czech-Moravian Upland. The largest river is the Vltava with a length of 440 km.

The state

State structure

Democratic republic. The head of state is the president. The legislature is a bicameral parliament (Senate and Chamber of Deputies).

Language

State language: Czech

German, English, French and Russian languages \u200b\u200bare widespread.

Religion

Catholics (39%), Protestants (5%), Orthodox (3%), atheists and others.

Currency

International name: CZK

The Czech crown is equal to 100 hellers. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 kroons and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 kroons, as well as 50, 20 and 10 hellers. The import of goods up to a maximum of CZK 3,000 is allowed.

Private exchange offices charge a commission of up to 10%. In hotels, the commission is reduced to 5%. In banks, the commission is 2%. When exchanging currency at central exchange offices, you will need a passport, according to which a receipt is issued, which is necessary for the reverse currency exchange when leaving the country.

Banks, hotels, large shops and restaurants accept Euro checks and credit cards. There are a lot of ATMs in cities where you can get Czech crowns with credit cards at any time. Traveller's checks are cashed in major tourist centers and most banks.

Czech history

In the 9th century, the Czechs converted to Christianity and around 900 founded the Kingdom of Bohemia. In the second half of the XIV century, Bohemia reached its heyday under King Charles 1 (aka the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV). At the beginning of the 15th century, the state was shaken by the "Hussite wars", whose leader Jan Hus fought both against the Catholic Church and against the German dominance in the government. However, the Hussites were defeated, and in 1620 Bohemia and Moravia were declared provinces of the Hapsburg Empire.

The First World War gave impetus to the national liberation movement and after the war, on October 18, 1918, the Republic of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed in Prague. In the interwar period, Czechoslovakia became one of the most developed countries in Eastern Europe. In 1938, Germany occupied the Sudetenland, and later Bohemia and Moravia, declaring them a German protectorate.

In 1945, Czechoslovakia was restored to its former borders (with the exception of the eastern region of Ruthenia, annexed to The Soviet Union). In 1990, the country was renamed the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, but even then the tendencies towards the separation of the country intensified and on January 1, 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia became independent states. The Czech Republic is a member of the UN, GATT, WHO, an associate member of the EU.

In the 9th century, the Czechs adopted Christianity and founded the kingdom of Bohemia around 900. In the second half of the XIV century, Bohemia reached its heyday under King Charles 1 (aka the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV). At the beginning of the 15th century, the state was shaken by the “Hussite wars”, whose leader Jan Hus fought both against the Catholic Church and against German dominance in the government. However, the Hussites were defeated, and in 1620 Bohemia and Moravia were declared provinces of the Hapsburg Empire ...

Popular attractions

Tourism in the Czech Republic

Where to stay

The Czech Republic attracts tourists from all over the world with its famous spa resorts, ancient cities, some of which are considered the most beautiful and romantic in the world, as well as good service in hotels. In this country you can find accommodation for every taste.

The hotel classification here is the same as in the rest of Europe - from one to five stars. The rank of the hotel must be confirmed every four years, so you can be sure of the service and stardom. In addition, each hotel also has a corresponding designation indicating the type of accommodation - hotel, boarding house, etc.

In the Czech Republic, you will find both fashionable hotels of one of the world chains (Marriott, Hilton, Ibis), and hotels located in ancient castles and palaces, and private boarding houses, and hostels, and youth hotels. The cost of living depends both on the level of services provided, and on the location relative to historical monuments and the city center.

Students and those tourists who prefer a budget option for recreation can stay in a boarding house or guest house. Here you will be offered a comfortable stay - cozy, clean rooms without frills, a private bathroom, breakfast. In addition, you can rent an apartment or stay in a private house. In the Czech Republic, during the summer holidays, you can stay in one of the student dormitories. Less comfortable, but also the cheapest rooms are in former working hostels with a shared bathroom.

There are about 200 modern and well-equipped campgrounds in the Czech Republic. Here you can spend the night in a tent or a house, use running water, electricity, laundry services. On the territory of some there are also bars, shops.

For those who prefer unity with nature and a leisurely family vacation, accommodation is offered on one of the many farms, historic estates, converted mills.

Opening hours of institutions

Grocery stores are open from 6 am. Department stores are open from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays, and on Saturday until 1 pm. Banks are open on weekdays from 9 am to 2 pm. Exchange offices are open until 18-20 hours, some work around the clock.

Museums and historic sites are closed to visitors on Mondays and the day following the holidays. Most of them finish work at 6 pm, and ticket sales stop an hour before closing. The Jewish Museum in Prague is closed on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays.

Purchases

There is an opportunity to reimburse VAT, which is 25% on most consumer goods (services, gasoline and food - 5%).

It is possible to get a discount on the purchased goods in the amount of VAT (up to 22%), provided that the purchases from one seller within one day amount to 2,500 kroons. The tourist must personally take out the purchased goods abroad of the Czech Republic no later than 60 days from the date of purchase, having received a confirmation mark on the form of the document attached to the sales receipt. The right to a VAT refund is valid for 3 months from the end of the calendar month in which the purchase was made. The quantity of the product should not exceed personal need, and the product itself should be intended exclusively for personal consumption. There is no VAT refund for food products, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, gasoline, etc.

Souvenirs

Tourists bring from the Czech Republic: alcoholic drinks, beer and beer glasses, the famous liqueurs "Becherovka" and "Slivovitsa", absinthe; Czech waffles with different fillings; bohemian crystal (vases, glasses, chandeliers); jewelry made of silver and garnet. Most unusual souvenir from Karlovy Vary - a salt rose. It is lowered into a spring, and, saturated with salts, it turns to stone. You can also buy jars of aromatic bath salts.

It is better to make purchases in stores and keep the sales receipt until customs control.

Emergency phones

Police - 156
Ambulance - 155
Fire brigade - 150

National features of the Czech Republic. Traditions

In the Czech Republic, since January 1, 2006, smoking is prohibited at bus stops, as well as in public areas, if they are not equipped with isolated places for smokers. Violators of the ban will face a fine of 1,000 kronor ($ 41.90).

Questions and opinions about the Czech Republic

Karlovy Vary - Question-Answer

Jachymov - Question-Answer

Question answer

Question answer

Cesky Krumlov - Question-Answer

The Czech Republic is one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Europe. Average income from tourism here reaches 5.5% of GDP, and no wonder - in a relatively small area there is a huge number of cultural and historical monuments of different eras.

From time immemorial, the country lay at the crossroads of trade routes, which allowed it to absorb a great variety of unique traditions, brightness and unusualness of musical schools.

Amazing nature and mild continental climate make it possible to find here thousands of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.

Capital	Prague
Population	10 532 770 people
Population density	133 people / km²
Religion	catholicism
Form of government	parliamentary republic
	czech crown
Timezone	UTC + 1, in summer UTC + 2
International dialing code
Domain zone on the Internet
Electricity	220V. European type sockets, adapter required.

Climate and weather

As in any other country located in the center of Europe, the climate in the Czech Republic is moderate. Light frosts are possible only in winter. Little snow falls, which will guarantee the absence of slush in the off-season. However, there will be plenty of snowdrifts in the mountains for winter sports - in ski resorts, the snow lasts about six months. Summer in the Czech Republic is usually warm.

Nature

The nature of the Czech Republic will easily surprise even a sophisticated tourist with its incredible diversity. The country's borders are represented by a chain of impassable mountain ranges. Traveling deep into the Czech Republic, one can observe uniquely beautiful mountain passes, replaced by vineyards, and endless meadows with crystal lakes. In a word, the Czech Republic is ideal for lovers of sweet romance.

sights

The sights of the Czech Republic are really varied. It is not surprising that it is one of the ten most visited countries in the world. There is everything that the soul of an inquisitive tourist can strive for: ancient cities with memorable architecture, magnificent nature, reserves and unique healing springs ... It is pointless to list all the sights of this country - it can take several days. Let's try to briefly highlight the most popular ones.

Prague... The capital of the Czech Republic has every right to be called the main attraction of this country, because it is the most beautiful city in the world. " Old city"- the most attractive sector of the capital for tourists. It is in it that most of the attractions are located, the most popular of which are:

• Prague Castle,
• jewish quarter,
• Zlata duck
• St. Vitus Cathedral,
• astronomical clock in the town hall.

Kutna Hora Is another city on the must-visit list. When locals say "Kutna gora", they primarily mean All Saints Church... In this peculiar church, the symbol of the city, the remains of about 40 thousand people have been preserved.

When choosing a tour to this country, do not forget about Brno! It is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, the main attraction of which is St. John's Church... This ancient building is remarkable in that it houses an ancient, but still noteworthy organ. The painted ceilings of the church are still a unique feature of the church. In addition to the above-mentioned church, it is worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the Capuchin square, the Old Town Hall and Spielberg.

Karlovy Vary - worldwide famous resort, where for many centuries the whole Czech nobility improved their health. There are also two large factories - Jan Becher and Krusovice. Is it worth presenting the drinks they produce - Karlovska Becherovka and the delicious Krusovice beer?

Nutrition

There is so much to try in the Czech Republic! Czech cuisine is really hearty and very varied. In a whole chain of restaurants nestled along the cobbled streets of Prague, you will surely find a dish that will suit your taste. These are various sorts of fried meat, and aromatic sausages, and liver pate melting in your mouth ... The Czech menu also includes baked fish and juicy vegetable salads. Does it make sense to talk about the famous Czech beer? This national intoxicating drink is worth highlighting in order to maximize this topic.

Residence

Like any other country open to tourists, the Czech Republic can offer a huge selection of a wide variety of hotels. From the heart of the country, Prague, to the very borders, a whole network is stretched hotels, hotel complexes , and villasand apartmentssuitable for rent. By the way, rental accommodation is considered the most acceptable for tourists. Many travel companies offer a wide range of services for booking both small provincial houses and luxury apartments in the center of the capital. Walls steeped in history tell you more than tidy, freshly painted and well-groomed hotel rooms.

Entertainment and recreation

Agritourism... This type of entertainment was born relatively recently, but has already gained enviable popularity among sophisticated and not so tourists. In the Czech Republic, only foreigners adhere to the strategy of recreation on farms, among whom houses on the border area with Austria and Germany are in greater demand.

By the way, Czech farmers are making every effort to make such a vacation as comfortable and interesting as possible. Fishing, camping, hiking or horseback riding ... There are even superior farms with tennis courts, their own golf courses and other activities unusual for the province.

Water tourism... The Czech Republic also has great water activities. Rich in deep crystal clear lakes, it will allow you to go sailing, boating, rafting, canoeing, jet skiing and even windsurfing. Moreover, the Czech Republic is a true paradise for fishing lovers. There are enough rivers and lakes in the country that are ideal for professional fishing.

Children's rest... The Prague Zoo is the most popular among the youngest tourists. The institution is located in one of the most prestigious areas of Prague - in Three... Here, wildlife lovers will be able to observe animals exotic for this area. Elephants and hippos, tigers and cheetahs, sea seals and giant turtles, giraffes and other equally amazing species are presented behind an ornate fence Prague Zoo.

Winter activities Is a real pearl in the sea of \u200b\u200bwhat tour operators can offer you here. In the Czech Republic, there is an amazing number of sports centers that can provide you with the opportunity to try yourself in skiing, snowboarding. The most popular ski resorts in the Czech Republic today are Spindleruv, Krkonose, Harrachovand Mlyn.

Purchases

When traveling to the Czech Republic, do not forget to budget for your shopping trips. This truly amazing country can offer you a really wide selection of high-end boutiques and branded clothing stores. Fans of "wild" shopping will appreciate the whole network of discounters with European perfumery and cosmetics. In addition, the country still has small and cozy shops, coffee shops and bakeries that attract with their national flavor.

Traditional souvenirs for tourists are considered to be bohemian crystal, lace, beer mugs, embroidered clothes.

Transport

The most affordable and easiest way to get here to the required place is to take an international or intercity bus and get poisoned on the way. However, it's worth noting that European public transport is expensive. By the way, a bus trip from Prague to Brno will cost 5.4 € and will take no more than two hours. The same route by train costs a little more - 6,2 € and will take more time - from three hours.

You can order a bus or train ticket via the Internet on specialized sites.

Taxi in the Czech Republic free, from 5 € for 1 km and another 10 € the taxi driver will take for boarding.

Communication

Mobile communication in the Czech Republic is no less accessible than in the CIS countries. Cooperation with a mobile operator will be optimal for tourists Vodafone... You can buy a SIM card with a balance of CZK 200 for about € 8 at any newsstand.

Note that other operators offer a wider range of services and provide better service, but have a fairly aggressive price.

Safety

Anyone, especially novice tourists, should pay attention to the fact that money, valuables and documents should be kept in a hotel safe or in a proper bank branch. Despite the fact that the Czech Republic is a safe country, cases of robbery are still possible in it. As a rule, gypsies and laborers are involved in such an illegal business. In order to protect yourself from such precedents, avoid night walks in the gypsy quarters, and carry photocopies of securities and documents with you.

We would like to remind that the availability of medical and property insurance is mandatory for every tourist entering the country.

Business climate

Modern economic policy in the EU countries involves state intervention in the market environment. It is generally accepted that this contributes to the country's economic growth. The conditions for business development in the Czech Republic are quite favorable, since the government is pursuing a completely adequate policy that does not prevent the emergence of entrepreneurship. One of the most attractive advantages for Czech businessmen is the minimum of bureaucracy. Reducing taxes for owners of growing small businesses is another indisputable advantage in this market segment.

The property

Real estate in the Czech Republic has become quite attractive for permanent investment. By the way, the cost of a new well-equipped one-bedroom apartment near the center of Prague ranges from 55 to 130 thousand €. Provincial real estate costs a little less, about 5 thousand €. It is noteworthy that utility bills in the Czech Republic are cheaper than in the CIS countries.

• When buying expensive souvenirs, keep the receipts you will need when crossing the border to prove that you are not exporting antiques.
• The good news will be the fact that when you buy more than 100 € in Tax-free Shopping supermarkets, you can get up to 22% refund of the amount spent.
• Tipping in the Czech Republic is customary to leave generous - from 10% of the total amount.

Visa information

The Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen countries. If you have a valid Schengen visa on the pages of your passport, you can cross the borders of the country by any type of transport without any obstacles.

Visas to the Czech Republic are divided into three main types: transit, long-term and short-term. A transit visa is issued to people whose purpose is to visit a certain country, which can only be reached through the territory of the Czech Republic. A long-term visa will be required if your task is a long stay in the country. A short stay visa is the most the best option for tourist trips.

The package of documents for obtaining a visa is standard, but its submission is carried out only by appointment. The visa processing time is about five working days.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic can be found at: 123056, Moscow, st. Yu.Fuchika, 12/14.