Tel: 01904 644500
Cheap Hotels in Czech Republic
Hotels in Czech Republic
Prague is the capital city of this wonderful diverse country. The Czech Republic is situated in the centre of Europe and is made up of two distinct historical areas, Bohemia and Moravia. The country is totally surrounded by other European countries and it became a member of the European Union in May 2004. With a population of about 10 million people and covering an area of approximately 80 square kilometers, this former communist country is beginning to thrive with it’s new independence. The country has a democratic parliament, which has a head of state; the President elected every 5 years. The president heads the Constitutional Court and nominates its Judges and members, which serve 10-year terms. Appeals are made to the Supreme Court. A Prime Minister is responsible for domestic and foreign policies and the day to day running to the parliament and he selects the members of the cabinet.
During the 5th century a large movement of tribes people was taking place in Europe, thus resulting in the settlement of Slavic tribes from the Black Sea and Carpathian regions into the Bohemia, Moravia and present day Austrian land areas. From the 5th to the 9th century battles and skirmishes were fought until the Czech State was settled and unified. More conflicts ensued and the borders fluctuated between the kingdom of Bohemia and Austria-Hungary, until the coming of World War I, when the independent republic of Czechoslovakia was formed in 1918. The great powers of Germany, together with Poland continued to carve up this small country and finally after World War II in 1939 to 1945, and much ethnic cleansing by the Germans, the remaining land of Czechoslovakia fell under the umbrella of Soviet influence and communism.
The Velvet Revolution, in 1989, brought about political independence through peaceful means and in 1993 the country agreed to split in two and form the independent Czech and Slovak republics, the former joining NATO in 1999. The country is now made up of a majority of ethnic Czechs and Czech is the official language spoke by all the inhabitants. The Slovaks, who remained even through the turmoil of the two great world wars and the countries division in 1993, make up about two percent of the populace. Other minority groups also live side by side with the Czechs, these being Germans, Roma, Hungarians, Poles and Ukrainians.
The countryside is a mixture of mountains and small hills with low lying pastures in the valleys. The Soil is fertile and well drained by the rivers flowing through. The country has four rivers the Elbe, Vltava, Oder and Morava. Three of these rivers flow into the North Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea. The temperatures are moderately warm in the summer months and the winters although humid are cold.
There is no distinct religion in the Czech Republic due to the many conflicts during its history. Probably the most practiced, although certainly only by a small minority, are Roman Catholics, Protestants and Czechoslovak Hussites.
The currency used is Czech Koruna and the government has indicated a possible adoption the Euro, as it’s national currency in 2010. The economy of the Czech Republic is growing steadily after a slight recession since 1999. Exports to other European countries play a large part in the growth of the economy and privatization of the major industries within the country have led to an increase in employment and a lot foreign investment. Tourism is also flourishing with Prague the capital city being a major tourist attraction to many Europeans. It’s fascinating history and beautiful architecture makes it a very interesting city to visit.
Czech Republic Embassy
For your convenience we have listed Czech embassys below. Embassys can provide you with information regarding visas and other important travel information.
