Czech Republic country profile

The Czech Republic became an independent state in January 1993 after Czechoslovakia split into its two constituent parts. The country became a member state of the European Union on 1 May 2004.

The Czech Republic became an independent state in January 1993 after Czechoslovakia split into its two constituent parts. Before World War II, Czechoslovakia was one of the 10 most industrialised states in the world, and the only central European country to remain a democracy until 1938.

The Czech capital, Prague, is more than 1 000 years old and has a wealth of historic architecture of different styles. Because of this, the city has become a favoured location for many international film makers.

Manufacturing is still a major economic activity, especially the production of automobiles, machine tools, and engineering products. Iron and steel industries are important in Moravia. The chief crops are maize, sugar beet, potatoes, wheat, barley, and rye.

Hills and mountains cover about 95% of the country – ideal for skiing, mountain biking and hill walking. Wild boar and fox are found in the abundant woodlands.

The Czech Republic produces world-famous beer as well as mineral water from more than 900 natural springs (a world record). Wine is produced in the southern regions of Moravia and in part of Bohemia. Traditional dishes often include “knedlíky”, which is a type of dumplings made from potatoes or bread.

Among the famous Czech people are the Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha, composers Antonin Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, as well as the writer Milan Kundera.

Official name: Czech Republic

Area (km²): 78 866

Population: 10.38 million (2008); 10.46 million (forecast for 2009)

Capital: Prague

National holiday: 28 October

Currency: Czech Koruna

Date of joining: 01 May 2004

Head of state: Václav Klaus, since March 2003

Head of government: Jan Fischer, since May 2009; until the October 2009 elections he presides as an independent of a government drawn from the two main parties: the conservative Civic Democratic Party and the centre-left Czech Social Democratic Party.

GDP (millions €): 148 555.6 (2008); 136 350.5 (forecast for 2009)

GDP per capita in PPS: € 20 200 (2008); € 19 600 (forecast for 2009)

Real growth rate of GDP: 3.0% (2008); -2.7% (forecast for 2009)

Unemployment rate: 7,1% (October 2009)

National debt as % of GDP: 29.8% (2008)

Inflation: -0,6% (October 2009)

Public deficit/surplus as % of GDP: -1.5% (2008)

Source: Eurostat

Links:

http://www.hrad.cz

http://www.vlada.cz

http://www.mzv.cz

http://www.psp.cz

Source: European Commission, Spanish EU Presidency