Geographics
The country of the Czech Republic is located in Central
Europe or it is also called the heart of Europe because of its location. The
Czech Republic borders four other countries: Germany, Poland, Austria, and
Slovakia. The total area of the land is about 77,276 miles. The geography of
the land consists of rolling plains, plateaus, and low mountains. There are
also some dense forest areas with the countries borders. The summers are very
mild running at about seventy-five degrees in the hottest months. During the
winter the areas average temperature is about thirty degrees. The rainfall
varies significantly depending on the area which is about eighteen to sixty
inches a year. Even at eighteen inches, it defiantly rains more in the Czech
Republic than in Southern California. Due to some of the geographical features
some areas are subject to flooding especially in low lying valleys. There are
several major rivers that run through out the area. The Elbe River runs from
the North Sea to Germany into the Northern central portion of the Czech
Republic. It is a major river in Central Europe that brings lots of tourism to
the area. Vitava River is the longest river in the Czech Republic. It runs
through the major city of Prague. In Prague there are many tourist locations
along the river. Morava River runs through the Eastern portion of the Czech
Republic. It is named after the ancient region of Moravia and currently
separates the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The
largest urban center is Prague. Prague is the countries capital city and is
located in the central area of the country.The cities population is about 1.2
million. Prague is a very beautiful place filled with history and character.
There are many districts with in Prague containing many monuments and must see
tourist spots. The second largest city in the Czech Republic is Brno. The city
is located in the Southeast corner of the country near Slovakia. This city is
where most of the judicial system lies in the country. Brno receives a small
amount of rain totaling about nineteen inches per year. The third major city in
the Czech Republic is Ostrava. This city is located on the Northeast corner of
the country near Poland. This area is very well known for steel manufacturing
and use to be a major coal mining area. Ostrava receives a moderate amount of
rain totaling out to about twenty eight inches.
Europe or it is also called the heart of Europe because of its location. The
Czech Republic borders four other countries: Germany, Poland, Austria, and
Slovakia. The total area of the land is about 77,276 miles. The geography of
the land consists of rolling plains, plateaus, and low mountains. There are
also some dense forest areas with the countries borders. The summers are very
mild running at about seventy-five degrees in the hottest months. During the
winter the areas average temperature is about thirty degrees. The rainfall
varies significantly depending on the area which is about eighteen to sixty
inches a year. Even at eighteen inches, it defiantly rains more in the Czech
Republic than in Southern California. Due to some of the geographical features
some areas are subject to flooding especially in low lying valleys. There are
several major rivers that run through out the area. The Elbe River runs from
the North Sea to Germany into the Northern central portion of the Czech
Republic. It is a major river in Central Europe that brings lots of tourism to
the area. Vitava River is the longest river in the Czech Republic. It runs
through the major city of Prague. In Prague there are many tourist locations
along the river. Morava River runs through the Eastern portion of the Czech
Republic. It is named after the ancient region of Moravia and currently
separates the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The
largest urban center is Prague. Prague is the countries capital city and is
located in the central area of the country.The cities population is about 1.2
million. Prague is a very beautiful place filled with history and character.
There are many districts with in Prague containing many monuments and must see
tourist spots. The second largest city in the Czech Republic is Brno. The city
is located in the Southeast corner of the country near Slovakia. This city is
where most of the judicial system lies in the country. Brno receives a small
amount of rain totaling about nineteen inches per year. The third major city in
the Czech Republic is Ostrava. This city is located on the Northeast corner of
the country near Poland. This area is very well known for steel manufacturing
and use to be a major coal mining area. Ostrava receives a moderate amount of
rain totaling out to about twenty eight inches.
Historical
The oldest
dated history I was able to locate was during 400 B.C. Celtic people by the
name of Boii resided in the area. In about 500 A.D., Slavs settled in Bohemia
which is a region in the Czech Republic. By the 10th century, the Slavs were
converted to Christianity. The region of Bohemia became part of the Roman
Empire and began to thrive. The thirty Year war began in 1618 and left Bohemia
in complete shambles. The Austrian Empire ruled from 1804 over the next three
hundred years. The Austrian-Hungarian Empire fell during World War I. After
this the country became a Czechoslovakian state. Some years following this the
Germans began to occupy the region through World War II because of the Munich
Pact which gave Hitler the right to invade the borders. The beginning of World
War II did not start until after the borders of the country were invaded.
After Hitler was defeated communism began to rise and Czechoslovakia became a
communist country. Communism ran strong in this country from 1945 until 1989.
In 1968 Russia invaded Czechoslovakia because of the Warsaw Pact where they
occupied the area until 1989. During the year of 1989 the country under went
what is called The Velvet Revolution. This battle was nearly bloodless. On
January 1, 1993 the country split into two, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Czech Republic became a democratic country. This revolution happened because
the once two countries had differences that they could not agree on. So they
decided it was better to separate. Following this the Czech Republic joined
NATO in 1999.
dated history I was able to locate was during 400 B.C. Celtic people by the
name of Boii resided in the area. In about 500 A.D., Slavs settled in Bohemia
which is a region in the Czech Republic. By the 10th century, the Slavs were
converted to Christianity. The region of Bohemia became part of the Roman
Empire and began to thrive. The thirty Year war began in 1618 and left Bohemia
in complete shambles. The Austrian Empire ruled from 1804 over the next three
hundred years. The Austrian-Hungarian Empire fell during World War I. After
this the country became a Czechoslovakian state. Some years following this the
Germans began to occupy the region through World War II because of the Munich
Pact which gave Hitler the right to invade the borders. The beginning of World
War II did not start until after the borders of the country were invaded.
After Hitler was defeated communism began to rise and Czechoslovakia became a
communist country. Communism ran strong in this country from 1945 until 1989.
In 1968 Russia invaded Czechoslovakia because of the Warsaw Pact where they
occupied the area until 1989. During the year of 1989 the country under went
what is called The Velvet Revolution. This battle was nearly bloodless. On
January 1, 1993 the country split into two, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Czech Republic became a democratic country. This revolution happened because
the once two countries had differences that they could not agree on. So they
decided it was better to separate. Following this the Czech Republic joined
NATO in 1999.
Political
The Czech Republic has come a long way since their time when communism ruled the area. The Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy. In the Czech republic they have a President who is the head of state and a Prime Minister who heads
the government.
The Czech Republic's legislative power is divided up into two parts: the House of Parliament and the Senate. The house of parliament has about two hundred members who go through elections once every four years. According to the rules
as long as you are able to vote and at least twenty-one years old, one could become a member of the House of Parliament. The duties of the House of Parliament is discussing and approving laws, decided the budget, and they elect the President. The Senate is composed of 81 members with terms of six years in
office. One has to be at least forty years old and able to vote to run for Senate. The Senate has important duties such as proposing bills, discuss treaties, and expresses disagreements and agreements with things like the President and bills.
The executive power belongs to the President of the country. A President is elected
every five years by the Parliament. The first President of the country of the
Czech Republic was Vaclav Havel. The current President of the Czech Republic is
Vaclav Klaus, however his term ends this year. The President of the country has
very important duties like pardoning and moderating punishments given by the
court, sign laws, and summon important meetings. Anyone who is eighteen years
old can vote in elections.
The Czech Republic also has a Supreme Court system much like ours. Here is where
people appear before judges and await their judgement. Currently there are
about fifteen judges that can serve a term of ten years.
the government.
The Czech Republic's legislative power is divided up into two parts: the House of Parliament and the Senate. The house of parliament has about two hundred members who go through elections once every four years. According to the rules
as long as you are able to vote and at least twenty-one years old, one could become a member of the House of Parliament. The duties of the House of Parliament is discussing and approving laws, decided the budget, and they elect the President. The Senate is composed of 81 members with terms of six years in
office. One has to be at least forty years old and able to vote to run for Senate. The Senate has important duties such as proposing bills, discuss treaties, and expresses disagreements and agreements with things like the President and bills.
The executive power belongs to the President of the country. A President is elected
every five years by the Parliament. The first President of the country of the
Czech Republic was Vaclav Havel. The current President of the Czech Republic is
Vaclav Klaus, however his term ends this year. The President of the country has
very important duties like pardoning and moderating punishments given by the
court, sign laws, and summon important meetings. Anyone who is eighteen years
old can vote in elections.
The Czech Republic also has a Supreme Court system much like ours. Here is where
people appear before judges and await their judgement. Currently there are
about fifteen judges that can serve a term of ten years.
Economic
The Czech Republic is a very stable country. It is currently a high income economy and most business is privatized. A large portion of the world is in economic turmoil, however the Czech Republic has been able to maintain some sort of stability. The Czech Republic is a producer of exports and they rely on buyers to keep their economy going. When the global recession hit, they did take a hit mostly because there biggest trading partner is Germany, which got hit hard.
They have been able to maintain stability in spite of this hit. The Czech
Republic has a very large list of industry that they specialize in. Some of the
biggest items they manufacture are: machinery, cars, chemicals, petroleum
products, cement, glass, iron, steel, footwear, and lastly beer. These are all
items that the Czech Republic most notably manufactures. The country typically
imports mostly oil and gas. The Czech Republic also has a very strong
agricultural business. The country farms many different items such as: hops,
grains, potatoes, and sugar beets. A consequence from all of this manufacturing
is very poor air quality which is noticed in some places more than others. At
times the air quality can be dangerous. During the communist era, the Czech
Republic had everything planned. Their exports, imports, what was manufactured,
etc. After the "Velvet Divorce" the Czech Republic became an economy that
supports small business and has become more about the people. Citizens were
starting to make purchases after communism fell for land and businesses which
propelled the economy into stability.
The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown or Czech Koruna. This form of
currency was created in 1993. The current exchange rate is for every one U.S.
dollar the amount of Koruna you would receive is about $19.12. While visiting
in Prague I realized how different money is from some locations to the next. I
bought a pair of shoes that cost about four hundred and fifty Koruna. I was so
shocked because it sounded like so much money. In reality the shoes were about
$25 U.S. dollars which was about normal. I don't feel like we spent more or
less money there. Everything was priced very similar.
They have been able to maintain stability in spite of this hit. The Czech
Republic has a very large list of industry that they specialize in. Some of the
biggest items they manufacture are: machinery, cars, chemicals, petroleum
products, cement, glass, iron, steel, footwear, and lastly beer. These are all
items that the Czech Republic most notably manufactures. The country typically
imports mostly oil and gas. The Czech Republic also has a very strong
agricultural business. The country farms many different items such as: hops,
grains, potatoes, and sugar beets. A consequence from all of this manufacturing
is very poor air quality which is noticed in some places more than others. At
times the air quality can be dangerous. During the communist era, the Czech
Republic had everything planned. Their exports, imports, what was manufactured,
etc. After the "Velvet Divorce" the Czech Republic became an economy that
supports small business and has become more about the people. Citizens were
starting to make purchases after communism fell for land and businesses which
propelled the economy into stability.
The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown or Czech Koruna. This form of
currency was created in 1993. The current exchange rate is for every one U.S.
dollar the amount of Koruna you would receive is about $19.12. While visiting
in Prague I realized how different money is from some locations to the next. I
bought a pair of shoes that cost about four hundred and fifty Koruna. I was so
shocked because it sounded like so much money. In reality the shoes were about
$25 U.S. dollars which was about normal. I don't feel like we spent more or
less money there. Everything was priced very similar.
Demographic
Current Population
The current population count as of 2012 is estimated at 10,177,300. Out of that population ages 0-14 make up 13.5%, 15-64 is 70.2%,and over 65 is 16.3% of the total population.
Growth Rate
The current growth rate as of 2011 is -0.134%.
Birth Rate
The average birth rate per person is 1.27 per household as of 2011.
Ethnic Groups
The ethnic group breakdown is Czech 90.4%, Moravian 3.7%, Slovak 1.9%, and other is at 4%
Languages
Thelanguage breakdown of the country is Czech 94.9%, Slovak 2%, other 2.3%, and unidentified 0.8%.
The current population count as of 2012 is estimated at 10,177,300. Out of that population ages 0-14 make up 13.5%, 15-64 is 70.2%,and over 65 is 16.3% of the total population.
Growth Rate
The current growth rate as of 2011 is -0.134%.
Birth Rate
The average birth rate per person is 1.27 per household as of 2011.
Ethnic Groups
The ethnic group breakdown is Czech 90.4%, Moravian 3.7%, Slovak 1.9%, and other is at 4%
Languages
Thelanguage breakdown of the country is Czech 94.9%, Slovak 2%, other 2.3%, and unidentified 0.8%.
Social/Culture/Religious
Language
The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech. The majority of the country speaks this language. Other language that are spoken through out the country are German, Polish, Slovak, and Russian. There are also other minor languages that are found though out the area.
Religion
Christianity was brought to the area around the century A.D. The approximate breakdown of religions that reside in the country are 40% catholic, 4-5% protestant, and about 54% agnostic. I found it kind of odd that a majority of the country was registered as being agnostic with no religious affiliation. It is thought that during the communist ear, religion was frowned upon and therefore many people lost their religion. Since communism is out of the country people are slowly finding their way back to religion. Before World War II there was a fair amount of Jews that lived in the country
and practiced, but sadly most of them did not survive the Holocaust. One of the
big churches that still exist is Prague is called the Tyn Church. This church
was beginning to be built in the 11th century. By the 15th century it was
nearly completed.
National Holidays
January
1st- Independence Day
May
1st- Labor Day
May 8-
Liberation Day (Marks the end of WWII in Europe)
July
5th- Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (In 863, Church teachers St. Cyril and
Metoděj came from the Balkans to Great Moravia to bring Christian faith and
literacy).
July
6th- Jan Hus Day (Bohemian religious leader Jan Hus was burned at the stake on
this day in 1415).
September 28th- St. Wenceslas Day
October
28th- Independent Czechoslovak State Day (Czechoslovakia was created on this day
in 1918).
December 24th- Christmas Eve
Decemeber 25th- Christmas Day
Men, Women, & Family
In a typical home, if a family can afford it the wife stays home with the children for a few years while the husband goes out into
the workforce. In todays world men and women both work however, the women end up on the lower end of the pay scale even today. It wasnt always like this. In the past prior to WWI women didn't work. When the men started to be recruited for war, more woman had to go out in the workforce. At that point the roles of men and women started to change in the workforce.
If a mother can stay at home to raise her child or children she will until they are about three or four years of age. Close family is very highly valued. Typically families do not live with their parents like they do in the United States. On some rare occasions a parent may live with their adult children depending on circumstance. Czech people are big on leisure time and it is usually spent with their immediate family. Children are raised to be obedient and this is usually enforced by the mother. Manners and etiquette is very highly valued in this culture. Parks in the city are often frequented by the families as often as possible.
Etiquette
The Czech Republic is a very formal country. Manners and respect go a long way in this country. Older people are to be given the utmost respect. By respect I mean don't ever address them by their first name, use titles, and always give eye contact. These are some of the behaviors that are expected. Most people do not address others by their first names unless they are friends. It is improper to do so. They are also very clean people.
They are usually very presentable and proper. Typically during meal times people do not converse.
Food
The Czech culture are very big on meat and potatoes. It is common to have this at meal times often. The most common meats that are consumed are pork, beef, chicken, and animal organs. Potatoes and beef tripe is a common soup that is served during lunch meals. Typical vegetables that are consumed is carrots, cabbage, and peas. The Czech Republic also has a national dish that consists of roast pork, served with a dough dumpling and purple and white sauerkraut, with gravy. My husband and I went on an outing where we found a very traditional style place where we tried beef goulash which is another popular dish. We were served soup prior to the meal, and to this day I have no idea what kind of soup I ate, I just know it had potatoes in it. Another type of place you will run into occasionally are family style restraints. We had the pleasure of eating at
a resturaunt like this where again we were served very traditional food. I realized I did not mention how much the Czech people enjoy beer. It is served with many meals. They manufacture many dark beers and again it is typically served during meals. At the family style resturaunt we ate at, it was served a lot.
The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech. The majority of the country speaks this language. Other language that are spoken through out the country are German, Polish, Slovak, and Russian. There are also other minor languages that are found though out the area.
Religion
Christianity was brought to the area around the century A.D. The approximate breakdown of religions that reside in the country are 40% catholic, 4-5% protestant, and about 54% agnostic. I found it kind of odd that a majority of the country was registered as being agnostic with no religious affiliation. It is thought that during the communist ear, religion was frowned upon and therefore many people lost their religion. Since communism is out of the country people are slowly finding their way back to religion. Before World War II there was a fair amount of Jews that lived in the country
and practiced, but sadly most of them did not survive the Holocaust. One of the
big churches that still exist is Prague is called the Tyn Church. This church
was beginning to be built in the 11th century. By the 15th century it was
nearly completed.
National Holidays
January
1st- Independence Day
May
1st- Labor Day
May 8-
Liberation Day (Marks the end of WWII in Europe)
July
5th- Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (In 863, Church teachers St. Cyril and
Metoděj came from the Balkans to Great Moravia to bring Christian faith and
literacy).
July
6th- Jan Hus Day (Bohemian religious leader Jan Hus was burned at the stake on
this day in 1415).
September 28th- St. Wenceslas Day
October
28th- Independent Czechoslovak State Day (Czechoslovakia was created on this day
in 1918).
December 24th- Christmas Eve
Decemeber 25th- Christmas Day
Men, Women, & Family
In a typical home, if a family can afford it the wife stays home with the children for a few years while the husband goes out into
the workforce. In todays world men and women both work however, the women end up on the lower end of the pay scale even today. It wasnt always like this. In the past prior to WWI women didn't work. When the men started to be recruited for war, more woman had to go out in the workforce. At that point the roles of men and women started to change in the workforce.
If a mother can stay at home to raise her child or children she will until they are about three or four years of age. Close family is very highly valued. Typically families do not live with their parents like they do in the United States. On some rare occasions a parent may live with their adult children depending on circumstance. Czech people are big on leisure time and it is usually spent with their immediate family. Children are raised to be obedient and this is usually enforced by the mother. Manners and etiquette is very highly valued in this culture. Parks in the city are often frequented by the families as often as possible.
Etiquette
The Czech Republic is a very formal country. Manners and respect go a long way in this country. Older people are to be given the utmost respect. By respect I mean don't ever address them by their first name, use titles, and always give eye contact. These are some of the behaviors that are expected. Most people do not address others by their first names unless they are friends. It is improper to do so. They are also very clean people.
They are usually very presentable and proper. Typically during meal times people do not converse.
Food
The Czech culture are very big on meat and potatoes. It is common to have this at meal times often. The most common meats that are consumed are pork, beef, chicken, and animal organs. Potatoes and beef tripe is a common soup that is served during lunch meals. Typical vegetables that are consumed is carrots, cabbage, and peas. The Czech Republic also has a national dish that consists of roast pork, served with a dough dumpling and purple and white sauerkraut, with gravy. My husband and I went on an outing where we found a very traditional style place where we tried beef goulash which is another popular dish. We were served soup prior to the meal, and to this day I have no idea what kind of soup I ate, I just know it had potatoes in it. Another type of place you will run into occasionally are family style restraints. We had the pleasure of eating at
a resturaunt like this where again we were served very traditional food. I realized I did not mention how much the Czech people enjoy beer. It is served with many meals. They manufacture many dark beers and again it is typically served during meals. At the family style resturaunt we ate at, it was served a lot.
Educational
The Czech culture is very big on education. The majority
of the children start attending preschool at age four or five. There is a very
big pressure on the children to achieve good grades in school because it is an
embarrassment to the family if a child receives low grades. Children start
grade school at about six all the way to fifteen years of age. They attend
elementary school until they are fifteen years old. The children who plan on
attending a University start attending a eight-year gymnazium program. This
kind of school prepares students to move on to higher education. After they
finish the eight year program the students take an exam to see if they qualify
for the University. The students who choose not to go to a University complete
nine years instead of eight which includes specialized vocational training
programs for the career they choose.
of the children start attending preschool at age four or five. There is a very
big pressure on the children to achieve good grades in school because it is an
embarrassment to the family if a child receives low grades. Children start
grade school at about six all the way to fifteen years of age. They attend
elementary school until they are fifteen years old. The children who plan on
attending a University start attending a eight-year gymnazium program. This
kind of school prepares students to move on to higher education. After they
finish the eight year program the students take an exam to see if they qualify
for the University. The students who choose not to go to a University complete
nine years instead of eight which includes specialized vocational training
programs for the career they choose.
Pictures Etc.
Symbolism
The country has many symbols. Some of the important
ones are their flag, the national anthem, and the coat of arms. There are four
pictures on the coat of arms that iindicate meaning. The first picture on the
top left means the arms of Bohemia. Bohemia is a region in the Czech Republic.
The picture on the top right indicates the Moravian culture. The picture on the
bottom left indicates the region of Silesia. All of the regions combined
together is what was represented on the coat of arms. The fourth picture on the
bottom right indicates the country as a whole. This piece of symbolism dates
back to the 13th century. This symbol can be found in many places through out
the country including goverment buildings.
National Anthem
Below is a youtube link to the National Anthem
The country has many symbols. Some of the important
ones are their flag, the national anthem, and the coat of arms. There are four
pictures on the coat of arms that iindicate meaning. The first picture on the
top left means the arms of Bohemia. Bohemia is a region in the Czech Republic.
The picture on the top right indicates the Moravian culture. The picture on the
bottom left indicates the region of Silesia. All of the regions combined
together is what was represented on the coat of arms. The fourth picture on the
bottom right indicates the country as a whole. This piece of symbolism dates
back to the 13th century. This symbol can be found in many places through out
the country including goverment buildings.
National Anthem
Below is a youtube link to the National Anthem