THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN A NUTSHELL

Since time immemorial, the Czech lands have been the crossroads of European cultures. The cultural character of Czech cities, villages and spa towns has always been a source of inspiration to visitors and guests, who come here from all corners of the world. The Czech Republic, among the youngest in the family of European countries, was born on January 1st, 1993, when the Czechoslovak Federal Republic split into two independent states, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Since May, 2004, the Czech Republic has been a member of the European Union; it has been a full-fledged NATO member since 2002. (The country has not adopted the Euro yet, however, and still uses its national currency, the Czech crown.)

Even though the Czech Republic’s area of 78,864 square kilometers (about 30,450 square miles) ranks it among small countries, its wealth of natural beauty and monuments of cultural heritage contribute greatly to its global prestige as a major cultural destination.

Geographically, the country (population: 10.3 mil.) and its historical lands (Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia) are divided into 14 local administrative units controlled by regional administrations.

Currency

• The unit of the Czech currency is the crown - "koruna". 1 CZK = 100 hellers.
• The rate of exchange is approximately 1GBP = 45 CZK (for latest rates see www.xe.com)
• Notes are in the following denominations of notes – 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins – 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, .50.
• The export and import of valid Czech currency is permitted without authorization from the Czech National Bank to the amount of CZK 350. 000.- There are no restrictions on export and import of foreign currency.
• VAT is refundable if the purchase is over 1000 CZK.
• Credit cards are widely accepted.

Geography

The new Czech Republic first appeared on the map at the beginning of 1993, after the division of former Czechoslovakia. It is a landlocked country, situated in the Central Europe. It covers an area of 78,864 km2.

Climate

Moderate with four seasons. In winter the weather is variable, in summer it can be very warm. The average temperature in January, the coldest winter month is -5 degrees Centigrade, in July, the warmest summer month, around +23 degrees Centigrade.

Population

The total population is 10.3 million. The structure of the population is 94% Czech (including Moravians and Silesians), 3% Slovaks, 1.3% Romany, 0.6% Polish, 0.5% Germans, 0.6% others.

Religion

The great majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Language

Czech. Some people also speak German and English.

Time

GMT +1, the same as in Western Europe.

Official Holidays

• January - New Year’s Day,
• Eastern Monday,
• 1 May - May Day,
• 8 May - Liberation Day,
• 5 July - Day of Cyril and Methodius,
• 6 - July Jan Hus,
• 28 September – Saint Wenceslas,
• 28 October – "Independence Day",
• 17 November – Velvet Revolution,
• 24 December - Christmas Eve,
• 25 December - Christmas Day,
• 26 December - Christmas Day

What To Eat And Drink

Czech cuisine uses a lot of fried or roasted meat, usually pork or beef, on special occasions game and fish is served with dumplings, potatoes or rice, in a sauce. Everything is prepared simply without strong spices. The most common dishes are pork served with dumplings and sauerkraut and pot-roasted beef in a rich creamy vegetable sauce and cranberries. Sweet dishes, such as fruit dumplings, strudel and pancakes are also very popular. No one misses the chance to taste Czech beer. The best known are Pilsner Urquell, Prague Staropramen and Budweiser Budvar. Moravian wine and Czech spirits Becherovka, Borovička and Slivovice are also old favourites.

What To Buy

Bohemian glass, crystal and china, ceramics, wooden toys, local handycraft.