CZECH REPUBLIC :By Catherine Schriedel

 In Central Europe and is landlocked  Bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland (approx. the size of South Carolina, 10.5 million) Prague Czech, formerly known as Bohemian, is the language used 95% of its population Only gained independence since 1993 (Slovakia, Czech) Stable, prosperous, healthy country (low IMR and DR) Exporting brings in over 160 billion dollars a year for machinery, fuel, chemicals etc… The Czech’s drink more beer per capita than anyone else in the world, consuming on average 43 gallons (160 liters) per person, per year. (993 AD) The Czech Republic has the highest rate of secondary education IN THE WORLD! Czech Republic facts

Vaclav Havel ( play writer, author )  Wrote a book called “Politics, Morality, and Civility” which was written about the fall of Communism in Czechoslovakia. He was a former President for Czech Republic, after presidency he wrote the book to help open up the minds of the people. He wanted democracy, a free market economy, and more spirituality from his country. The book discusses “moralism”, individuality, and teachings about life. He loves the human spirit and mind and wants peace amongst nations. He does not believe this will ever happen because “we can win a battle or two, but not even that is certain.”  “I consider it immensely important that we concern ourselves with culture not just as one among many human activities, but in the broadest sense—the “culture of everything,”

“Stereotypes are barriers to be demolished” David Cerny *27 states of the European Union are represented in this piece. It was a piece meant to bring peace and understanding that there should equality amongst states, not separation. *was torn down piece by piece a few months later because of controversy ENTROPA

Folklore Music (also known as POLKA)  The dances and songs are still used today at every festival all across Europe  The songs and dances are passed down from generation to generation. It is now kept live through competitions, plays and for entertainment for all ages  The Czech Republic is divided into any different ethnographic regions. Each of them has special folklore traditions, songs or costumes and specializes in different crafts!  Traveled across the World through war, and migration. Influenced music and dance from Mexico to Japan Folk music helps promote individuality while also creating a team environment and the elaborate costumes are almost always hand made by those who wear them! *Fun fact (Roll out the Barrel was written by a Czech, Jaroslav Vejvoda…played in American baseball games during the 7 th inning stretch)

Gender inequality in politics, the workplace, and the home cause major issues in this country. There are several men and women activists trying to get the mess under control. There are plays, papers, and books constantly being written about both of these problems to get the importance out to the public. They have unintentionally brought together many people with different political backgrounds, outlooks, and they have come up with new ways on how to deal with and lessen the problems. The government is literally paying immigrants to “go home” because of a decline in exporting goods. A $3Mill. Program was launched and has sent over 2000 immigrants back to their prior countries in only 8 months. The government is hoping this will bring more jobs to their own people therefore increasing employment rate dramatically.

References      _czech_republic/social_problems.htm _czech_republic/social_problems.htm  