The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe and a member state of the European Union. The country has borders with Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. The capital and largest city is the historic Prague (Czech: Praha), a major tourist attraction.

The country is composed of two entire historic regions, Bohemia and Moravia, and parts of Silesia.

Culture

The Czech Republic is located at the very heart of Central Europe. This small nation boasts a host of spectacular cultural treasures and a varied, rich tapestry of natural wonders. Thanks to increased exports, the interest of foreign investors and the drive of domestic businesspeople, our economy continues to experience dynamic growth.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Best time to visit is from early April to middle of November. Prague has a lively gay scene and the scene is differentiated ... You will find gay bars and dance clubs for a specific audience (like leather bars, rent boy bars, older audience, younger crowd). But, unfortunately, there has never been a Gay Pride in Prague until now.

Population

The vast majority of the inhabitants of the Czech Republic are Czechs (94.2%, out of which 3.7% claimed Moravian ethnicity and 0.1% Silesian in the 2001 census). Largest minorities are Slovaks (1.9%), Poles (0.5%), Germans (0.4%), and Roma people.

Economy

One of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states, the Czech Republic has been recovering from recession since mid-1999. Growth in 2000-2001 was led by exports to the European Union, especially Germany, and foreign investment, while domestic demand is reviving. The rate of corruption remains one of the highest among OECD countries.

There are several centres of tourist activity: The historic city of Prague is the primary tourist attraction, and the city is also the most common point of entry for tourists visiting other parts of the country.

Czech agriculture has a long tradition, though the Czech Republic is more of an industrial country. Due to its climatic conditions, many kinds of vegetables and fruits prosper here, as well as cattle.

The country is also famous for its love of puppetry and marionettes. The Pilsner style beer originated in Western Bohemian Plzeň.