Czech Republic country profile
27 August 2006by eub2 -- last modified 30 May 2012
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.
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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: 10.18 million (July 2012 est.)
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: Prime Minister Petr Necas (since 28 June 2010)
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: 1.8% (2011 est.); 2.3% (2010 est.)
Unemployment rate: 8.5% (2011 est.); 9% (2010 est.)
National debt as % of GDP: 40.7% (2011 est.); 37.6% (2011 est.)
Inflation: 1.9% (2011 est.); 1.5% (2010 est.)
Public deficit/surplus as % of GDP: -3.7% (2011 est.)
Source: Eurostat
Links
Head of State: Head of Government: Foreign Minister: Parliament:
Source: European Commission, Spanish EU Presidency