Useful information on the Czech Republic, including all the things to know before leaving for a trip or a holiday in this state of Eastern Europe with the capital Prague.
Czech Republic in a nutshell
- Capital: Prague
- Area in sq. Km: 78,860
- Population: 10,296,700 (first half of 2001)
- Religion: Catholic with minorities of Protestants and Orthodox and a high percentage who declare themselves to be atheists.
Where is it
The Czech Republic borders Poland to the north, Austria to the south, Germany to the west, Slovakia to the southeast.
In the north-west, the Bohemian region extends over the upper Elbe basin, limited by the Ore Mountains, the Bohemian Forest, the Sudetes and the Carpathians.
In the center, Moravia with part of Silesia and a series of small reliefs (Small Carpathians, White Carpathians and the Javornik Mountains) that separate it from Slovakia.
Hydrography
The main rivers are: the Elbe that originates in the Sudeten Mountains, flows into the North Sea and is one of the longest rivers in Europe, the Vltava its tributary, which flows entirely in the Czech Republic and crosses the city of Prague.
Morava is the most important river in Moravia, for a stretch it marks the border between the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia and then flows into the Danube near Bratislava in Slovakia. The largest lake is the Lipenska 'lake (dam).
Climate
The climate of the Czech Republic is continental, with harsh winters and cool summers.
Population
The population of the Czech Republic is made up of Czechs (around 81%) and Moravians (around 13%).
The largest minority is represented by the Slovaks, who remained in the Czech Republic after separating from Slovakia.
There are also minorities of Gypsies, Poles, Germans (expelled massively after the Second World War), and a very small percentage of Jews, Hungarians, Russians and Ukrainians.
Time zone
In the Czech Republic the time is the same as the Italian one for the whole period of the year.
Recommended readings- Czech Republic: useful information
- Golden Lane (Prague): between alchemists, guards and crafts
- Ancient prepositure of Prague
- Stare Mesto (Prague): what to see in the neighborhood
- Prague Castle: what to see in the fortress of the Bohemian city
Spoken language
The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, (language belonging to the Slavic group). Other languages spoken are Slovak, German, and Rom.
Economy
In the economy of the Czech Republic the service sector corresponds to half of the national income, while 40% of the national income is attributable to the metallurgical industry sector (it produces lead and copper) of machinery, armaments and automotive (in Plzen there is the headquarters of the famous Skoda).
In northern Bohemia there is the glass industry with its famous Bohemian glass, as well as Bohemian porcelain, musical instruments and Bohemian beer.
Agriculture corresponds to 4% of the national income and is mainly based on the production of cereals, hops, sugar beet, vines and fruit trees.
The economic situation is supported by the influx of foreign capital, since a process of privatization is underway in the banking, telecommunications, and energy sectors.
When to go
Any month of the year is suitable for a trip to the Czech Republic, in particular Prague, although the spring and summer months, from May to September, are preferable: in these months the temperatures are pleasant and the days are longer.
Necessary documents
In order to enter the Czech Republic, Italian citizens need an identity card valid for expatriation or a passport.
Phone
The prefix for calling from Italy to the Czech Republic is: 00420. The area code for calling from the Czech Republic to Italy is: 0039
Electricity
The electric current in the Czech Republic is 220 volts.
Currency
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (Kc). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and in places frequented by tourists.
How to get
By air
The Czech flag carrier, CSA czech airlines operates flights from Milan and Rome to Prague. With Alitalia departures from Rome Fiumicino to Prague.
Car
The fastest way to get to the Czech Republic is via the Brenner pass and Austria.
Train
There is a direct connection from Venice (Mestre) to Prague.
Bus
EUROLINES, BOHEMIA EUROEXPRESS INTERNATIONAL, SMLUVNI CESTOVNI KANCELARE IN AGENTURY, organize trips with departures from various Italian cities to the Czech Republic.
