Czech Republic

Quick Facts

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Local name

Ceska Republika

Capital

Prague

Government

Parliamentary Democracy

Nationality

Czech

Population

10,249,000

Languages

Czech

Religions

Christianity (Catholic)

Currency

Czech Koruna (CZK)

Calling Code

+420

Time Zone

UTC+1

Summer Time

UTC+2

Introduction

Bandaids

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Few visitors to the Czech Republic ever venture far beyond Prague - hardly surprising considering the city's remarkable attraction. At the city centre, architectural styles of the last 900 years stand side-by-side, paying tribute to the city's immense cultural and historical heritage. Prague lends itself to romance, with its rich past and thriving music scene, boasting everything from classical to jazz.

But while Prague's lure is great, those few visitors who check out some of the Czech Republic's other highlights will find themselves amply rewarded. At Karlovy Vary, Bohemia's oldest spa, visitors can enjoy any of the 12 hot springs, or simply relax away from the hustle and bustle of Prague. For stunning scenery, the Moravian Karst area boasts some of the republic's most breathtaking scenery, as well as some 400 caves which can be explored in a guided tour. Český Krumlov, 160 km south of Prague is a fascinating medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ideal centre for visiting the many castles that are scattered across southern Bohemia.

The Czech Republic is a small country with excellent public transport, and many interesting places can be visited from Prague. Karlštejn (another wonderful castle), Mělník, Kutná Hora and Pardubice all make for interesting day trips. As a complete contrast, a visit to the former ghetto and prison camp at Terezín will give you a sobering reminder of the darkest days of World War II.

The Czech Republic shares international borders with Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Since 2000, the Czech Republic has been divided into thirteen regions.

• Central Bohemian Region
• South Bohemian Region
• Plzeň Region
• Karlovy Vary Region
• Ústí nad Labem Region
• Liberec Region
• Hradec Králové Region
• Pardubice Region
• Olomouc Region
• Moravian-Silesian Region
• South Moravian Region
• Zlín Region
• Vysočina Region

Cities

• Prague - The nation's capital.
• Brno
• Ostrava
• Plzen
• Olomouc
• Liberec
• Karlovy Vary
• Cesky Krumlov
• Ceske Budejovic

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Ruzyně International Airport (PRG) is the main international airport in the Czech Republic, serving Prague. It services flights to destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Czech Airlines, the national flag carrier, has its main hub here.

Smaller airports are found at Pardubice, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary and Brno. This serve a limited number of international flights, depending on the season.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Main article: Schengen Visa

If you are a European Union (EU) citizen, you may enter without any restriction as per your EU citizenship rights. If you are not an EU citizen and Czech Republic is the first stop on your visit or your main destination, you will need to obtain a Schengen Visa from the Embassy of Czech Republic. This visa is valid for any country in the Schengen zone.

Money

See also: Money Matters

The Czech Koruna (CZK) is the official currency. One Koruna ("crown" in English) equals to 100 haléřů (singular: haléř, nominative plural: haléře). The Koruna is abbreviated as "Kč" while the haléřů with just a "h". Banknotes are in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 Kč. Coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Kč. The 50 h coin, which is rarely used, will cease to be legal tender as of 31 August 2008.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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