Czech Republic

Introduction to Czech Republic

he Czech Republic (Czech: Česká republika) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country has borders with Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. Historic Prague (Czech: Praha), a major tourist attraction, is its capital and largest city. Other major cities include Brno, Ostrava, Zlín, Plzeň, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, České Budějovice, Liberec, Olomouc, and Ústí nad Labem.

The country is composed of two older regions, Bohemia and Moravia, and part of a third one, Silesia. As of May 1, 2004, it is a member state of the European Union.

The Czech landscape is quite varied; Bohemia to the west consists of a basin, drained by the Elbe (Czech: Labe) and Vltava rivers, surrounded by mostly low mountains such as the Sudeten with its part Krkonoše, where one also finds the highest point in the country, the Sněžka at 1,602 m. Moravia, the eastern part, is also quite hilly and is drained predominantly by the Morava river, but also contains the source of the Oder (Czech: Odra) river. Water from the landlocked Czech Republic flows to three different seas: the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Black Sea.

The local climate is temperate with warm summers and cold, cloudy, humid winters, typified by a mixture of maritime and continental influences.

Cultural notes about Czech Republic

The majority of the 10.2 million inhabitants of the Czech Republic are ethnically and linguistically Czech (95%). Other ethnic groups include Germans, Roma, and Poles. After the 1993 division Slovaks staying in the Czech Republic comprise roughly 2% of the current population (the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia was and is open for citizens of the former Czechoslovakia).

The most concentrated linguistic minority in the Czech Republic are ethnic Poles, historically the majority, and today constituting between 10 and 45% of the population in the Český Těšín district. Poles have the right to use their language in official dealings, and there are some Polish primary and secondary schools in the area.

According to the 2001 census there remain 38 and 13 municipalities and settlements in the Czech Republic with more than 10% Poles and Germans respectively (10% is the limit to erect bilingual signs).

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Czech Republic

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is a major problem. While the rate of violent crime rate is low, it is increasing. Remain vigilant, especially after dark in and around popular tourist attractions, major hotels, and the main railway station. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Do not show signs of affluence. Remain cautious while travelling on public transportation, as gangs of thieves are active and may use jostling and swarming techniques to snatch purses or to pick pockets. Tram route 22, which runs to and from Prague Castle, is especially targeted, as are subway stations, particularly Muzeum, Mustek, Staromestska, and Malostranska. Canadians should exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Travellers have been drugged and subsequently robbed. Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask to see foreign currency and passports. If approached, politely decline to cooperate, but offer to go to the nearest police station. Identification should be carried at all times, preferably a photocopy of your passport. For emergency assistance, call 112.