The Czech Republic is found in Central Europe and borders Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria, making it a landlocked country. There is a temperate, continental climate with relatively hot summers and cold, cloudy winters, usually with snow. Most rains are during the summer. The temperature difference between summers and winters is somewhat high due to its closed in geographical location. This climate type makes it ideal to venture out into the rolling hills and low mountains which are accompanied by flowing rivers that make up the attractive country side.
The Czech Republic has a pluralist multi-party parliamentary representative democracy, headed by the Prime Minister in its capital, Prague. The Czech Republic is divided into thirteen regions plus the capital city and each region has its own elected Regional Assembly and president. This country has been a member of the European Union since 2004, although it still operates with the Czech Koruna, it hopes to replace it with the Euro in the next few years. The Czech Republic possesses a developed, high-income economy with a GDP per capita of around 80% of the European Union average. It is one of the most stable and prosperous countries of the post-Communist states.
Taking a stroll on one of the bridges that lead to the Prague Castle and stopping occasionally to watch artist draw the amazing scenery or listening to the musicians play their folk music depict the interesting culture of the Czech Republic. The historic view of Prague includes the gothic architecture in the old city filled with the many narrow streets and little shops of goods that define the Czech Republic. They have unique and creative puppets or marionettes that the country is famous for making. The various restaurants serve authentic Czech Cuisine that is especially oriented around meat such as pork, beef, chicken, goose, duck, rabbit and wild game. They enjoy cheeses, and fruit dumplings along with a variety of Pilsner beers that complete the dish. The food, the historic castles and geography are great reasons to visit this country.
Quick Facts
Population: 10,177,300
Capital: Prague
Per-capita GDP: $ 27400
Size: 78,867 km2
Time Zone: (GMT + 01:00 hour) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris
Country information is adapted from public domain resources including the CIA World Fact Book and www.Wikipedia.org.
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University of Maine Office of International Programs
