Capital: Prague
Area: 78,866 sq km
Population: 10.220.911 in 2008

Languages: Czech is the official language.

The Czech Republic is in Central Europe and consists of Bohemia, Moravia and part of Silesia.

The Czech Republic borders on Austria in the north, Germany in the south-eastern side, Poland in the south and Slovakia in the east.

The territory is varied consisting of plateau, highlands and lowlands. The highest mountains are the Krkonose (Giant Mountains), followed by the Hruby Jesenik (Ash Montains), the Sumava mountain range and the Beskydy Mountains. Rivers include the Elbe, Morava, Oder and Vltava.

The climate of the Czech Republic is temperate with warm summers and cold winters. The wettest seasons are spring and summer. Maximum temperatures in summer are usually bellow 30ºC and minimum in winter use over -10ºC.

National Nature Reserves and National Nature Monuments are overseen by the Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection of the Czech Republic. National Parks are Krkonose National Park, Sumava National Park and Podyji National Park.

Prague is the Czech Republic's capital. Other important cities are Brno, Olomouc, Ostrava and Plzen.
Prague is a World Heritage site. Most of the important buildings in the old town date back to the reign of Charles IV (1346-78), the King of Bohemia and Emperor of the Holy Roman Emperor. At this time Prague was the capital of Europe.
Prague is without doubt the most famous city in the Czech Republic. Prague has enjoyed a period of immense popularity, becoming one of the premier tourist destinations in the whole Europe.

Other World Heritage sites include the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, the old city of Kutna Hora, the historic town of Telc, Litomysl Castle, the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc and the Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelena Hora.

Main meals in the Czech Republic often consist of beef or pork, and sometimes fish, with potatoes or rice or dumplings. Sauerkraut is used in recipes including soup. Other soups are potato soup and liver dumpling soup.
Dumplings are also served sweet. Desserts include strudel and pancakes. Gingerbread and pastries are popular.
The Czech Republic is famous for Pilsner beer and Budweiser Budvar. Wine is produced and stronger drinks include a herbal liqueur and plum brandy.