The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic – location, area, population The Czech Republic is the state in the centre of Europe. Area is about 79 thousand square kilometres. Population is about 10 million people.

The Czech Republic – division Our country consists of three parts: Bohemia Moravia Silesia

The Czech Republic - neighbouring countries Neighbours of the Czech Republic are: • Poland in the north • Slovakia in the east • Austria in the south • Germany in the west

The Czech Republic is a democratic republic The Czech Republic - system of government, head of our state, political bodies The Czech Republic is a democratic republic The head of state is the president (Miloš Zeman) Political bodies of the Czech Republic are: • the government • the parliament • the senate

The Czech Republic – mountains, peaks The highest mountains are the Giant Mountains The highest peak is Sněžka/Snowdon, it is 1 602 m high. Next mountains are Krušné Mountains, Šumava, Vysočina, Beskydy, Jeseníky… A lot of protected areas and four national parks can be found in our mountains.

The Czech Republic – rivers Our longest river is the river Vltava – it is 430 km long, there are some dams on this river, for example Orlík or Slapy. Our biggest river is the Elbe flowing from the Giant Mountains to the North Sea.

The Czech Republic – lakes and ponds The biggest and the most beautiful lake is Lake Mácha. In Šumava Mountains we can find Black Lake and Devil's Lake. South Bohemia is famous for its ponds (Rožmberk,Horusický, Bezdrev). Rožmberk is the largest pond in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Republic is visited by many tourists from all over the world. Popular tourist destinations are: Castles and chateaus (Karlštejn Castle, Český Krumlov) Spa towns (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Poděbrady) Places of natural beauty (Bohemian Paradise, Moravian Karst) National Parks (Giant Mountains, Šumava)

Castle Karlštejn A large Gothic castle founded 1348 AD by Charles IV. One of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic.

Český Krumlov Beautiful old town in South Bohemia with the country's second biggest chateau.

Situated in South Moravian Region. Lednice - Valtice Area Situated in South Moravian Region. Protected by UNESCO.

Kutná Hora Historical town with famous St. Barbora cathedral, old silver mines and the Chapel of All Saints, which is decorated with thousands of human bones. Protected by UNESCO.

National Parks Šumava National Park Krkonoše National Park National Park Podyjí České Švýcarsko National Park

Famous Czech Personalities History Master Jan Hus J.A. Komenský Charles IV

Famous Czech Personalities Politicians T.G. Masaryk, Václav Havel

Musicians Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák

Writers Karel Čapek, Božena Němcová, Franz Kafka

Sportsmen, sportswomen Jaromír Jágr Petr Čech Ester Ledecká Tomáš Berdych Petra Kvitová

Famous Czech Products Gingerbread Pilsner Urquell Semtex Cut glass Czech Jewellery Jan Becher liquor Olomouc cheese Baťa shoes Automobiles Škoda

The Czech Republic – important cities Prague - the capital city of the Czech Republic, the largest city of the CR. It is one of the most visited towns in Europe, full of historical places and buildings. Brno is capital city of Moravia, it is the second largest city of the CR, famous for the Masaryk University and the Masaryk circle (motorcycle races).

The Czech Republic – important cities Opava is capital city of Silesia, it is famous for Silesian University Ostrava - the third largest city of the CR, steel industry Plzeň - brewery, automobile industry Pardubice - horse-racing, Semtex, gingerbread Hradec Králové -PETROF pianos, HK university – automobile industry