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Location
Central Europe.
Time
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Area
78,866 sq km (30,450 sq miles).
Population
10.2 million (2006 estimate).
Population Density
129.3 per sq km.
Capital
Prague. Population: 1.25 million.
Geography
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country situated in central Europe, sharing frontiers with Germany in the west, Poland in the north, the Slovak Republic in the east and Austria in the south. Only about one-quarter of the size of the British Isles, the republic is hilly and picturesque, with vast plains and mountains in the west (Bohemia).
EU
Member since 2004.
Government
Republic since 1993.
Head of State
President Václav Klaus since 2003.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek since 2006.
Recent History
Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek's multi-party, centre-right coalition scraped through in a parliamentary vote of confidence in January 2007. This was not his first attempt to form an administration: tricky coalition negotiations also had to take place after the 2006 general elections. Parliament also narrowly re-elected President Václav Klaus in February 2008.
Language
The official language is Czech. English and German are also spoken.
Religion
Mostly Roman Catholic and some Protestant, including churches such as the Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, Unity of Czech Brothers and Baptist. There is a small community of Jews, mainly in Prague. According to the March 2001 national census, 60% of the population profess no religious beliefs.
Electricity
Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most major hotels have standard international two-pin razor plugs.
Social Conventions
Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and at quality hotels or restaurants.
