At a Glance

Official Name: Czech Republic

Continent: Europe

Area: 30,365 square miles (78,645 sq km)

Population: 10,264,212

Capital City: Prague

Largest City: Prague (1,213,299)

Unit of Money: Koruna

Major Languages: Czech (official), Slovak

Natural Resources: Coal, kaolin, graphite, clay

The Place

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in eastern Europe. Its maximum distance from north to south is about 175 miles (280 km). At its widest point, the country measures about 305 miles (490 km).

The two main regions in the Czech Republic are Bohemia in the west and Moravia in the east. The Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and the Bohemian Basin lie in the center of the country. These elevated plateaus and rolling hills make up most of the country's farmland.

Several mountain ranges surround the interior of the Czech Republic. The Sudety Range lies to the north and includes the Krkonose Mountains—the highest point in the country at 5,259 feet (1,603 m). To the west, the Sumava Mountains make up part of the Bohemian Forest. This highland area is located on the country's western border with Germany. Part of the Carpathian Mountains extend into the southeastern part of the country.

The Czech Republic experiences warm summers and cool winters. The average temperatures range from 22° F (-5° C) in the winter to 70° (21° C) in the summer.

The People

Most people in the Czech Republic live comfortably and can afford basic appliances. Some can even afford vacation homes. Some members of the population, including single mothers and the elderly, have a tougher time financially. About 44% of Czechs are employed in services, and another 32% work in industry. Less than 7% of Czechs work in agriculture.

About 65% of the Czech population lives in urban areas. The population density is around 339 people per square mile (130 people per sq km). Because of a housing shortage, many city dwellers must live in crowded apartments.

A growing number of foreign refugees and illegal immigrants has made shortages worse in the Czech Republic. Approximately half a million people pass through the country each year.

The health system is fairly good in the Czech Republic. Some of the more polluted cities, however, have high infant mortality rates. There is one doctor for every 270 people. The life expectancy in the country is about 74 years.

Education

The Czech Republic requires that children attend school between the ages of 6 and 15. These 10 years are considered elementary education. Students can then go on to a four-year secondary or vocational school. There are also two-year teaching schools. Most educational institutions are run by the government, but there are also about 250 private schools in the country.

Charles University, in Prague, is the most important school in the country. It is also one of the oldest schools in Europe.

Popular Culture/Daily Life

There are many popular forms of recreation in the Czech Republic. Many people like to watch television and movies, or see a ballet, opera, or musical performance. Others like to watch or play soccer. Hiking is popular in rural areas.

Many types of folk art are associated with the country, including hand-painted eggs and glass, puppets, and modrotisk (a painted fabric). The Czechs have also become known for their animated movies and puppet films.