The current official name of the Czech Republic. State structure and form of government. Independent Czech Republic

Tourism plays an important role in the economy, every year the Czechs earn more than 100 billion dollars from tourists. is 5.5% of the country's GDP. The tourism sector employs about 170,000 people, although this figure is clearly underestimated, because it does not include bartenders and waiters, shop assistants, and all these establishments work both for tourism and for the local population.

The Czech Republic receives about 9 million visitors a year. According to statistics for 2016, German citizens are in the lead among travelers - 1,880,000. Tourists come from Slovakia (645,000), Poland (543,000), USA (511,000), Great Britain (470,000). The Russians in this list are in 6th place - 406,000 tourists in 2016.

The attendance of the Czech Republic by tourists from China is growing at a tremendous pace, South Korea, Japan. Do not be surprised if by 2020 in Prague you will see Chinese characters on shops and currency exchange offices.

What attracts tourists to the Czech Republic? What is the country proud of? What surprises visitors?

First, historical centuries-old monuments. Although not as long as the Greek, Chinese or Egyptian ones, there are a lot of monuments preserved here, and most of them are in excellent condition.

Having a thousand-year historical path behind it, the state is full of architecture different styles and directions. These are more than 2 thousand castles, their ruins and palaces, among them the most popular are: Litomysl, Pardubice Castle, Jindrichuv Hradec, Star Summer Palace, Kromeriz Castle, Wallenstein Palace, Kinsky Palace.

Religious monuments in the Czech Republic fascinate with their grandeur and unique architectural solutions. This is the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas in Olomouc, the Church of St. James the Elder, and many others, like pearls scattered throughout the country. There are 11 Catholic cathedrals in the country.

Medical tourism is another strength of the Czech tourism industry. healing springs Karlovy Vary is famous all over the world. It is believed that the resort was founded here by Emperor Charles IV in 1350. Other destinations: Poděbrady, Jáchymov, peloid springs in Bechyn and Trebon, sulphurous-ferrous peloid springs in Lazne-Touseni, natural warm and hot water in Teplice and several others.

The Czech Republic is one of the European "Meccas" of gastronomic tourism. Beer tours are in particular demand, when tourists are taken to breweries and tastings. However, there are so many varieties of beer in the Czech Republic that even during the longest beer tour don't try them all.

Ski holidays are gaining momentum. Unfortunately, the country cannot boast of high mountains, in this area it is difficult for the Czechs to compete with neighboring Austria and Switzerland. There are mountains in the Czech Republic - these are the Sudeten Mountains, the highest point of the country is Mount Snezhka (1602 meters). Some ski resorts are located in the hills of Moravia. most developed ski resort The country is now Pec pod Snezkoy.

Story

The Czech lands have been known since the end of the 9th century, when they were united by the Přemyslids. The Kingdom of Bohemia had considerable power, but religious conflicts (the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century) devastated it. It later came under the influence of the Habsburgs and became part of Austria-Hungary.

As a consequence of the collapse of this state after the First World War, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Subcarpathian Rus united and formed the independent Republic of Czechoslovakia in 1918. This country had a large enough ethnic German minority that was the reason for the disbandment of Czechoslovakia when Germany secured the annexation of the Sudetenland as a result of the Munich Agreement of 1938, which led to the secession of Slovakia. Remaining Czech state was occupied by Germany in the (Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia).

Sights of the Czech Republic

Main article: Sights of the Czech Republic

Political structure

Main article: Political structure of the Czech Republic

According to the Constitution, the Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy. The head of state (president) is indirectly elected every five years by parliament. The President is given special powers: to propose judges to the Constitutional Court, to dissolve parliament under certain conditions, to veto laws. He also appoints the prime minister, who sets the direction of domestic and foreign policy, as well as other members of the government cabinet on the advice of the prime minister.

Among all the post-communist states, the Czech Republic has one of the most stable and successful economic systems. Its basis is industry (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and electronics, chemistry, food industry and ferrous metallurgy) and the service sector. The share of agriculture and forestry, as well as the mining industry, is insignificant and continues to decrease.

The monetary unit of the Czech Republic is the kroon (1 kroon = 100 hellers), which has been fully convertible since 1995. Unlike almost all other post-communist countries, the Czech Republic managed to avoid hyperinflation and sharp devaluations. national currency. After some weakening of the crown in the late 90s. to date, its rate relative to the main world currencies has increased markedly.

Following the initial difficulties caused by the collapse of the CMEA, the division of the country and the change in the structure of the economy, and the subsequent growth of the Czech economy in 1997-1998. experienced a certain crisis, from which it began to emerge only from mid-1999. The result was an increase in foreign debt and a jump in unemployment. The crisis phenomena were overcome by increasing exports to market economy countries, primarily the European Union (and within its framework - Germany), attracting foreign investment and increasing domestic consumption. After joining the EU in May 2004, the economic growth of the Czech Republic accelerated markedly and, despite the largely populist economic policies of several governments of the Social Democrats, reached 6-7% per year. The share of industry in GDP, which reached 62% by 1990, having decreased by half at first, is now growing and reaches 38%, which is a rather rare occurrence among developed countries. Ferrous metallurgy and the military industry have lost their importance due to the automotive and electrical industries, thanks to the development of which the Czech Republic has had a positive foreign trade balance since 2004, despite the rapid rise in prices for imported energy carriers (oil and gas). In terms of foreign trade per capita, the country is one of the leaders, ahead of such countries as Japan, Great Britain, France or Italy.

Population

Building consulate general in St. Petersburg

The basis of the population of the Czech Republic (95%) are ethnic Czechs and speakers of the Czech language, belonging to the group of West Slavic languages. Foreigners make up about 4% of the country's population. Among immigrants, the largest diaspora in the Czech Republic is Ukrainians, who at the end of 2007 lived in the country 126,500. In second place are Slovaks (67,880), many of whom, after the separation in 1993, remained in the Czech Republic and make up approximately 2% of the population. On the third - citizens of Vietnam (51,000). They are followed by citizens of Russia (23,300) and Poland (20,600). Other ethnic groups include Germans, Gypsies, Hungarians and Jews. The border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia is open to citizens of the former Czechoslovakia.

According to the language, the Czechs belong to the West Slavic peoples. The language of central Bohemia was put at the basis of the early works of Czech writing of the 13th-14th centuries. But as influence grows in the country catholic church, German feudal lords and the patriciate of cities, the Czech language began to be subjected to oppression in favor of the German and Latin languages. But during the period of the Hussite wars, literacy and the literary Czech language became widespread among the masses. Then came the two-century decline of Czech culture under the rule of the Habsburgs, who pursued a policy of Germanizing the subject Slavic peoples (by the middle of the 19th century, Czech 15% of the population spoke, the possibility of taking one of the Slavic languages, in particular the Russian literary language, was considered as a literary language). The Czech language began to revive only at the end of the 18th century, its basis was the literary language of the 16th century, which explains the presence of many archaisms in the modern Czech language, in contrast to the living spoken language. Colloquial It is subdivided into several groups of dialects: Czech, Middle Moravian and East Moravian.

The Czech Republic is one of the densely populated states. The average population density is 130 people. per 1 sq. km. The distribution of the population on the territory of the republic is relatively even. The most densely populated are the areas of large urban agglomerations - Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen (up to 250 people per 1 sq. km). The regions of Cesky Krumlov and Prachatice have the minimum population density (about 37 people per 1 sq. km). As of 1991, there were 5,479 settlements in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic belongs to highly urbanized countries: about 71% of the population lives in cities and towns, while more than 50% live in cities with a population of over 20 thousand inhabitants, the share of the rural population continues to decline. The only metropolis in the Czech Republic is Prague, which has a permanent population of 1,188,000 inhabitants (as of December 31, 2006; the population of Prague has been slowly decreasing since 1985). As of 2006, the Czech Republic has 5 cities with a population of more than 100,000 inhabitants (Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen, Olomouc), 17 cities with a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, and 44 cities with a population of more than 20,000 inhabitants.

The total population of the Czech Republic, having reached a post-war maximum in 1991 - 10,302 thousand people - then slowly decreased until 2003, when it amounted to just over 10,200 thousand people, but since then there has been a slight increase to 10,280 thousand pers. - mainly due to an increase in the flow of migrants (primarily from Ukraine, Slovakia, Vietnam, Russia, Poland and the countries of the former Yugoslavia). Natural population growth was negative in the period 1994-2005, in 2006 there is some positive growth due to an increase in the birth rate and a decrease in mortality. At the same time, the level of female fertility is still deeply insufficient for the reproduction of the population (about 1.2 children per 1 woman of reproductive age). In recent years, the Czech Republic has become one of the states with the lowest level of infant mortality (less than 4 per 1,000 births). Since 1990, there has been a steady decline in the number of abortions and induced abortions in the Czech Republic.

Most of the population - 71.2% - is in the productive age (from 15 to 65 years), while 14.4% of Czech citizens are under 15 years old, and 14.5% are over 65 years old. In the productive age, the number of men slightly exceeds the number of women, but in the post-productive age, women noticeably prevail (for every two women there is one man). The average age of the population of the Czech Republic is 39.3 years (women - 41.1 years, men - 37.5 years). Average life expectancy is 72.9 years for men and 79.7 years for women (as of 2006).

The majority of the adult population is married, although the proportion of singles is relatively high, with one in five men and one in eight women unmarried. Currently, men marry at 28 years old, women - at 26 years old, which is close to the European trend (for comparison: in 1993 these figures were 23 and 19 years, respectively). The first child appears in the family most often within 6 months after the wedding. Czech families are characterized by a high divorce rate. Currently, almost every second marriage ends in divorce, as a result of which almost 80% of all children under the age of 15 live in single-parent families. The average family size has decreased over the past 30 years from 3.5 to 2.2 people.

The economically active population is 51.5% of the total. A specific feature of the Czech Republic among other countries is the high level of employment of women, who make up about 48% of the total economically active population. Most women work in the service industries - health care, education, trade and catering. Most women work out of economic necessity in order to maintain the family's standard of living. The unemployment rate is 7.3% (November 2006), which is more than in 1990-1997. (3-5%), but noticeably less than in 1999-2004. (up to 10.5%).

A significant part of Czechs lives outside the Czech Republic - in Austria, Germany, USA, Canada, Australia and other countries. This is the result of economic migration in search of work, which took on noticeable proportions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and political emigration after the political upheaval of 1948 and the occupation of 1968.

Illiteracy in the Czech Republic is practically absent (occasionally found among older Roma). A high level of literacy was typical of Czechs even during the First Republic (1918-1938): at that time, about 95% of all residents had a basic education. In recent years, the level of education has increased markedly. Every third economically active resident of the Czech Republic has completed secondary education (corresponding to the level of 12-13 years of education), and every tenth citizen of the Czech Republic has or is receiving higher education. A typical worker has at least a secondary vocational training. The high qualification of Czech workers is one of the main advantages of the Czech economy. So far, the country lags behind the most developed European countries in terms of the proportion of the population with completed secondary and higher education.

culture

Orlik Castle

Main article: Culture of the Czech Republic

• Famous people of the Czech Republic
• Music of the Czech Republic
• Cinema of the Czech Republic
• Literature of the Czech Republic

Humanitarian organizations

Czech Red Cross(Czech. Český červený kříž, English Czech Red Cross)

The Czech Red Cross (ČKK) is a humanitarian organization operating throughout the Czech Republic. In its activities, the ChKK concentrates on humanitarian issues and the provision of medical and social assistance to the population.

Currently, the number of members of the ChKK reaches 70381 people working in 1712 local organizations.

The Czech Red Cross is the only internationally recognized National Red Cross Society in the Czech Republic that is recognized by the state. In accordance with the Geneva Conventions, the CHKK provides assistance and support to the medical service of the armed forces.

The status of the ČKK and its objectives are regulated by the Law on the Protection of the Emblem and Name of the Czech Red Cross and on the Czechoslovak Red Cross (Act No. 126/1992).

On August 26, 1993, the ChKK was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and on October 25, 1993 admitted to membership in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The Czech Red Cross continues the activities of its predecessors - the Patriotic Society for Aid of the Czechoslovak Kingdom (Czech. "Vlastenecký pomocný spolek pro Království české", English. "Patriotic Society for Aid in the Czech Kingdom.") (founded on September 5, 1868) and the Czechoslovak Red Cross (founded February 6, 1919).

How independent organization The Cheka, after the division of the Czechoslovak Red Cross, was registered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic on June 10, 1993 (Ministerstvo vnitra ČR dne 10. 6. 1993 pod čj. VS/1-20998/93-R)

Notes

Links

Information

• Official portal of the Czech Republic (Russian) (Czech) (English) (German) (French) (Spanish)
• Official portal of the Government of the Czech Republic (Czech)
• Official website of the President of the Czech Republic (Czech) (English)
• Official website of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic (Czech) (English)
• Official website of the Senate of the Czech Republic (Czech) (English)
• Train and bus timetables (Czech) (English) (German)
• Embassy of the Czech Republic in Moscow (Russian) (English)

Czech Republic.

The name of the country comes from the ethnonym of the tribe - the Czechs.

Capital of the Czech Republic. Prague.

Czech Republic Square. 78,864 km2.

Population of the Czech Republic. 10.53 million (

Czech GDP. $205.3 billion (

Location of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is a state in Central, located on the historical lands of Bohemia, Moravia and part of Silesia. It borders in the west and northwest with , in the northeast and north - with , in the east and southeast - with , in the south - with .

Administrative division Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is divided into 7 regions, 77 districts, which, in turn, are divided into communities.

Czech form of government. Republic.

Head of State of the Czech Republic. President elected for a term of 5 years.

Supreme legislative body of the Czech Republic. Bicameral Parliament (Chamber of Deputies - term of office - 4 years and Senate - term of office - 6 years).

Supreme executive body of the Czech Republic. Government.

Big cities Czech Republic. Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen.

State language of the Czech Republic. Czech.

Czech currency. Czech koruna = 100 hellers.

Czech Republic- a state in the center of Europe with a simply crazy concentration of attractions per square kilometer in the literal sense of the word.The country borders on Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Poland. Territory Czech Republic is divided into three regions: Bohemia (west), Silesia (northeast), Moravia (east).

Tourist Czech Republic

Most interesting cities Czech Republic
Prague- the capital of the Czech Republic, the most beautiful and romantic city in Europe.
Brno- the largest population center in eastern region Czech Republic(Moravia).
Krumlov- one of the oldest Czech cities, where the castle of the same name is located.
Opava - the most important city Czech Republic with a high concentration of historical values. It is located almost on the border with Poland.
Karlovy Vary- the highest concentration of health resorts, historical sights and simply beautiful cobbled streets with colorful houses.
Jesenik- a well-known winter resort town.
Kutna Hora- historical value Czech Republic, where the Cathedral of St. Barbara, silver mines and many other interesting buildings are located.
Pilsen- the largest city in the west of the country, the birthplace of the most famous in Russia and not only Pilsner Urquell foamy drink.

Useful information for tourists:
- tips in restaurants, taxi driver and guide are 10% of the check amount
- museums and attractions, where admission is not free, do not work on Mondays and the day after the holidays
- The sale of entrance tickets to the museum ends one hour before the closing of the museum. Almost all museum complexes open from 9 am to 6 pm. Working hours Jewish Museum located in Prague from Sunday to Friday. Saturday is a day off.
- V Czech Republic it is forbidden to smoke at public transport stops, as well as in the premises of educational institutions, public institutions. For violation of this prohibition, a fine of 1000 kroons
- numbers emergency services: fire safety service - 150; health care- 155; police - 156
- there are a lot of ticks in the country - carriers of borreliosis and encephalitis. Local residents try to vaccinate themselves and their loved ones in the spring, and tourists should be extremely careful, choose paved sidewalk paths for walking and avoid lawns and walking on tall grass.
- Czech- a country where it is allowed to carry drugs, but in limited quantities
- do not know Czech or English - you can try to communicate with the locals in Russian, most of the old-timers remember the language perfectly and can speak it fluently with tourists from Russia.

"Mobile" communication in the Czech Republic
IN Czech Republic you can buy a SIM card from the Vodafone mobile operator. The cost of a SIM card is 200 kroons, which are credited immediately to the account (the so-called credit for calls). You can buy a SIM card in Prague in close proximity to Wenceslas Square. Calling to Russia follows the following scheme: +7, then the codecity, then the subscriber's number. IN Czech Republic call code +420. Trafika kiosks are installed in Prague to replenish the account. The nearest such kiosk is located near Wenceslas Square at the Mustek metro station.

Currency transactions in the Czech Republic
The country that is part of the EU has its own currency - Czech crowns. The exchange rate in each bank is different. BUT! Do not be fooled by an attractive exchange rate - most private exchangers set commission fee for currency exchange, often the commission reaches ten percent of the exchange amount. Usually the commission is indicated on the stand, but it can be written in very small letters, which you can’t immediately make out, and when the exchange has passed, it will be very difficult to return the money back. In many exchangers, far from Czechs work, but people of Asian appearance. Therefore, it is worth, having come to the bank, the first thing to ask about the commission and its percentage. You can exchange currency in any, even a three-star hotel, however, the rate is not very profitable. Also exchange offices work for railway stations, in an Aeroport.In Prague, you can exchange currency at souvenir sellers. Usually, good "currency traders" who will not be deceived and exchanged without any commissions are known by the guides.

Czech traditions and holidays
The formation of the culture of this wonderful country has been going on for several centuries. The traditions of neighboring countries also actively influenced it. Czech Republic countries.
The hospitality of the local people is amazing. Moreover, this is not a simulated quality, the desire to show oneself from the best side. The Czechs are really very friendly, hospitable, constantly smiling and trying to help every tourist who has applied. Many old-timers still remember the Russian language, so it will be easy for a tourist who does not know Czech or English to communicate with a local resident whose age is from 45+. Young people, almost young and old, speak English quite well, so going on a tour of Czech Republic you can take an English-Russian phrase book with you. In general, the Czech language is not so difficult - before traveling to replenish your vocabulary, you can learn a couple of frequently used phrases in order to feel comfortable and respond with your own courtesy to the courtesy of local residents.
IN Czech Republic love to celebrate holidays. Moreover, it does not matter whether it is a religious event (Catholic or Orthodox) or a secular one.Here's what you should really visit while in Czech Republic, so this is a local wedding, taking place according to all Czech traditions. Impressive and amazing performance!
The Czechs have a special attitude to national holidays - they not only honor them, but also celebrate them according to all traditions and rules. December is one of the busiest months of the year, with Saint Barbara's Day (December 4th), Saint Nicholas' Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
IN Saint Barbara's Day locals cut off a sprig of rowan and put in water. If the branch blooms for Christmas, then the next year will be successful for the family.
St. Nicolas day - it's like international day children, celebrated around the world on June 1, only in Czech. On this day, children's events, matinees, concerts and competitions are held throughout the country.
Christmas traditions
Christmas without carp is not Christmas. It is this opinion that the Czechs hold, who cannot imagine a holiday without carp in any form of cooking. The fish is stewedbaked, stuffed, fried, made aspic. Generally in Czech Republic more than a dozen dishes led by carp. It is believed that every self-respecting housewife should without fail cook this fish for Christmas.
An interesting fact: on the eve of the Catholic holiday, the shops begin an active sale of carp, well-fed, fattened, selected. But he swims in aquariums, barrels, mini-pools, bathtubs right on the street near the entrance to the store. Moreover, the containers with water and fish are not fenced in any way - you can touch, look, get the fish. Many Russian tourists a fish left unattended and properly controlled causes at least surprise and a logical question: "Don't they really steal?". We explain. No. They don't steal. It would never occur to local residents to steal. They have it in their upbringing and mentality. By the way, many shopping centers have self-service terminals for paying for purchased goods. This is done so that a person does not stand idle at the box office, but can independently scan the cost of the goods and make a payment for it. We asked the security service a logical question: “And if they don’t pay for all the goods?”, The security guards answered with a smile: “We trust our customers.” That's it!

How to get to Prague from Moscow

Get to Czech Republic If you have a Schengen visa, it will not be difficult. The country is located on the mainland, not fenced off by seas and oceans, so you can safely travel by car, especially when it comes to residents of Moscow, the Moscow region and other not remote regions.
By private vehicle
You can give yourself a lot of pleasure and go to Czech Republic by private car. The distance from Moscow to Prague is about 1600 kilometers.
By plane
If the principle "quickly and comfortably" applies, then it is optimal to choose an air flight. Fly to Prague (the capital Czech Republic) can be from Moscow in two hours with a "tail". The flight is organized by several airlines: "Aeroflot", " Czech Airlines". Daily from Moscow, these airlines serve up to six flights to Prague and back.
On average, the cost of a ticket in the "peak" season is 9,000 rubles per direct flight Moscow-Prague. If you choose the option with a transfer, you can get 1,400 rubles as a "bonus". The only caveat is the increased flight time (minimum - 4 hours, maximum - 19 hours). Therefore, if you want to get to Prague quickly, then the best option there will be a direct flight to Prague from Moscow.
The cheapest tickets can be bought in February, June and July.

Transport in the Czech Republic

Urban transport connection
Municipal transport links in the Czech Republic are very well developed, operate smoothly and are in high demand among local residents. For trips to public transport a single ticket is provided, it is purchased at the box office at metro stations or in special kiosks located at many bus stops.A single ticket allows you to freely travel around the city on any type of public transport. The only condition is the validity period of the travel card, the countdown of which starts from the moment the ticket was validated. The fares are quite affordable. If you plan to travel by metro, by tram toduring the day, it is better to buy a daily pass. By the way, controllers are a regular phenomenon in public transport, and fines for an expired travel card are significant. It's better not to risk it.
Public transport runs exclusively according to the schedule. And for daylight hours - one schedule, and for the night - another. You can get acquainted with the movement of transport literally at every stopping point.
IN Czech Republic intercity transport links are well developed - you can move around the country by rail, scheduled buses or by plane.
Rail connection
The cheapest and most comfortable way to get around Czech Republic there will be a railroad. IN Czech Republic well-developed railway communication, led by the management company Ceske Drahy (abbreviation - CD). Trains depart to all regions of the country from Prague several times per hour.
The country has three types of trains running between cities:
- InterCity, EuroCity (sometimes you can see the abbreviation "IC", "EC" on the cars). The fare is not cheap, but it is very comfortable, convenient and fast.
- Rychlik, Express (abbreviation - R, Ex) - the fare is average, the speed of movement is high.
- Osobni (abbreviation - O) - they drive very slowly, but they are also cheap.
Ticket offices at railway stations are open only during the day!
Intercity buses
Bus Passenger Transportation well developed in Czech Republic. This method of transportation is used by the locals themselves. There is nothing surprising - dozens of transport companies offer passengers comfortable, convenient, modern buses, on which traveling is a pleasure.
Every city has at least one bus station where you can buy bus tickets. Buses run strictly according to the schedule, and the trip will bring a lot of pleasant emotions and will not tire you in any way.Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver directly at the entrance to the bus or on online services. Seats are not indicated on the tickets, so the passenger can sit anywhere.
The main bus carrier in the Czech Republic is CSAD, which operates both domestic and international flights. In Prague, you can take the bus of this company from the Florenc bus station.You can also contact the CSAD information window, which is open from 6 am to 8 pm on weekdays, on Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm, on Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm. In the information window, you can immediately purchase a ticket for travel.
No less popular in the Czech Republic is the motor transport company that provides bus transportation around the country, Student Agency, whose vehicles are characterized by impeccable comfort, as well as unparalleled service. By the way, route tickets are often cheaper at Student Agency than with other carriers. Buses leave Prague from the Zlicin metro station. Tickets, where the landing places are indicated, are sold there, in a special kiosk near the metro station.
How much are travel tickets in the Czech Republic
The cost of a ticket is influenced by several factors, firstly, the class of the car, and secondly, the distance. But you can save a lot by purchasing "weekend" travel SONE +. The advantage of this pass is that it allows you to travel around the country on any type of train without restrictions throughout the weekend. By the way, this species travel ticket valid even in areas on the borders of neighboring countries of the Czech Republic. For trips on weekdays, you can buy a Sitova jizdenka ticket.By the way, students have the opportunity to get significant discounts on travel in public transport. Children under the age of six can ride for free. A 50% discount will be given to children under the age of fifteen. And for students, a ticket will cost one and a half times cheaper than for ordinary passengers.
Car rent
At long stay V Czech Republic The best option would be to rent a vehicle. To rent a car, two conditions are required: age - from 21 years old and a new type of driver's license.
Attention! Rules of movement on the roads of the Czech Republic!
Traffic Laws Czech Republic slightly different from the rules established in Russia.
For example, the maximum speed in the city is 50 km / h, on the highway - no more than 90 km / h, on high-speed roads the maximum allowable speed is 130 km / h.In the city, the tram has an advantage while driving, and this must always be remembered - in every city, the tram service is developed with a bang.
For unhindered movement around the country by car (even rented), you must pay a transport tax. You can do this at any gas station, after which you will be issued a special permit card, which must be kept and not lost, but it is best to immediately stick it on the windshield. The coupon is valid for a year. Its absence entails the imposition of a very impressive fine on the driver.
Gas stations are located at the entrance to cities, as well as on highways at a distance of approximately every fifty kilometers. But unlike gas stations in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, operating around the clock, in Czech Republic they are open until nine in the evening and then they close.
Cycling in the Czech Republic
Bicycle riding is very common in Czech Republic. More than 37 thousand kilometers of bicycle paths have been laid across the country. Prague has the largest length of cycling routes. In other regions, there are no fewer bike paths than in Prague. Routes are laid, which locals call "greenway" mainly along reservoirs, rivers, railways. Traveling through Czech Republic by bike, you can explore a lot historical sites, including pilgrimage and trade routes, routes, monuments of architecture and history. You can rent a bike at any of the numerous rental points located literally in every city.

Holidays in the Czech Republic

Czech- a country with incredible tourism potential. Each city is a real treasure of the country. Only Prague with its cobbled streets, breathtaking architectural monuments drives you crazy, and what can we say about Karlovy Vary, Brno, which are beautiful regardless of the time of year and the weather outside the window. Numerous castles, manors, caves deserve special attention, which are unrealistic to explore even for a week-long vacation in the country.

Accommodation in the Czech Republic
The hotel chain is well developed in the country. Moreover, you can stay without fear even in three-star hotels, private boarding houses, renting apartments or apartments. Distinctive feature is a high level of service regardless of the "star" of the hotel, spacious, comfortable, clean rooms, affordable prices even in four and five-star hotels. Most hotels have free wifi, parking (though paid). For large families with children, it is most profitable to rent apartments. Apartments, even the most presentable, are also distinguished by low cost.

Main Czech sights

Castles of the Czech Republic
This is the main pride of the country - only in the territory Czech Republic there are more than 2.5 thousand castles that have been perfectly preserved to this day! In every region Czech Republic has its own castle attraction, with history, legends.Today, many castles host a variety of festivals, theatrical performances, concerts, costume shows and knightly battles. And each of the events is aimed at revealing the story Czech Republic with its color, features and traditions.

Czech cities according to the Must See principle
IN Czech Republic, probably one of the highest concentrations of ancient cities that you should definitely visit when you come to this wonderful country.
Czech krumlov
One of the most famous cities South Bohemia, where historical buildings in the Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic styles are located. Krumlov Castle is not inferior in its importance to Prague Castle and is included in the UNESCO list. The "Krumlov" ensemble includes more than forty buildings, palaces, five courtyards and a wonderful garden with centuries-old green spaces.
In the immediate vicinity of Krumlov, there is an interesting landmark, opened in 2012 and awarded the title of the best Czech landmark of the new generation - the Observation Tower with a suspended structure made of wood, starting from the ground, stretching over Lake Lipno and rising to the very top of the tower.
Telc - Czech "Venice"
In the region of Moravia there is unique city on the water, surrounded by two artificial reservoirs and channel. The central object of Telč is considered to be an ancient fortress, built in the Middle Ages and preserved in its almost original form to this day. Arriving in Telč, you should definitely visit the Palace with many halls, distinguished by chic decoration and incredible beauty and entertainment.
Jindrichuv Hradec - acquaintance with the castle of the 13th century
This city is the third largest and most important castle complex, built in the 13th century. The main attraction of the complex is the palace with the most valuable paintings, the church of St. John, the interior of which is decorated with rare frescoes, as well as the Minorite monastery. The city annually hosts festivals of folklore and classical music that are significant for the country.
Brno - the largest concentration of spiritual values
The central object of the city is the Gothic castle of Spielberg, founded in the 13th century and still striking in its charm. The castle is located on the top of the mountain, so the view from its central point is amazing. By the way, the city of Spielberg is depicted on almost all Czech coins.
While in Brno, you should definitely visit the Moravian Gallery - the second largest and most important Czech museum.And Brno is very beautiful. Cathedral St. Paul and Peter, the Catholic Churches of St. Jacob, St. Michael, the majestic Town Hall, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary and many other equally significant historical sights.
Kutna Hora
It was here that active silver mining took place in the 14th century. And in the city there is the famous Chapel of All Saints, built in the 15th century. While in Kutná Hora, you should definitely get acquainted with the Vlašsky Dvor - a complex of buildings dating back to the 13th-14th centuries (it was here that the residence of Czech kings was in the old days). Kutna Hora is also famous for its mint, the Silver Museum located in the Stone Palace, the Cathedral of St. Barbara (outwardly, the cathedral is practically no different from the French Notre Dame de Paris).
Memorial complex "Terezin"
It will be interesting for Russian tourists to visit the Terezin memorial, where during the Second World War there was a Jewish ghetto, in which, according to estimates, there were about 140 thousand people. During the hostilities, only 17 thousand people survived. Terezin was liberated by Soviet troops on May 9, 1945. Today Terezin is a memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the concentration camp.

Czech cuisine

National cuisine Czech Republic: not for losing weight and that's a fact! "Puffy" - that's what you can call the kitchen Czech Republic where meat, flour, fried dishes predominate. Portion sizes are a foodie's dream. But with such an abundance of food, its high calorie content, the locals are distinguished by a slender and fit figure! By the way, many Czechs consider most dishes national cuisine snacks. Yes Yes. It is appetizers for the most important dish, or rather a drink - beer. Brewing is so developed in the Czech Republic that for the production of this foamy drink, the country can be safely recorded on the podium. Hundreds of varieties, flavors and aromas. Delicious beer is served to the table in any restaurant and cafe. Moreover, many tourists note that it is in cafes and bars that the most delicious beer, the most delicious pork knuckle and dumplings are. So when walking along Czech city and being in search of the "very-most" restaurant, pay attention to the cafe on some quiet street. IN Czech Republic the quality of food, the level of service in the institution, the degree of serving dishes are not determined by the status of the catering establishment.

Shopping in the Czech Republic

Czech one of the most attractive countries for shopaholics after Germany. In every city you can find stores of famous world brands. Pleased with a wide range, reasonable prices. IN Czech Republic the TESCO supermarket chain is well developed, where, by Russian standards, the price tag for most goods and food is simply ridiculous. Be sure to pay attention to the "red price", as you can literally buy excellent things and interior items for next to nothing.
Most retail outlets are open from 9 am to 6 pm. Hypermarkets and grocery stores open until 9pm and open at 6am. On weekends, pre-holiday and holidays, the opening hours of stores are reduced by several hours, but not critically. By the way, many hypermarkets, especially in large cities, operate around the clock.
the day before catholic christmas, national holidays most boutiques and shopping centers, for example, in the same one in Prague, it works normally. But on Christmas itself, almost everything is closed - the locals really honor this holiday and try, despite the huge flows of tourists, to celebrate the church holiday with their families.

The Czech Republic is an inland state in Central Europe. It borders with Poland in the north, Germany in the northwest and west, Austria in the south (362 km) and Slovakia in the east. The total length of the state border of the Czech Republic is 1880 km.

The official name of the Czech Republic is the Czech Republic.

The territory of the Czech Republic - The area of ​​​​the state of the Czech Republic - 78866 km².

The population of the Czech Republic - The population of the Czech Republic is more than 10 million inhabitants (10538275 people).

Ethnic groups of the Czech Republic - The basis of the population of the Czech Republic (95%) are ethnic Czechs. Other ethnic groups include Germans, Gypsies, Hungarians, Ukrainians, Poles and Jews.

Average life expectancy in the Czech Republic is 78.80 years.

The capital of the Czech Republic is the city of Prague. Large cities of the Czech Republic - Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen, Olomouc.

Official language of the Czech Republic: Czech. Belongs to the group of West Slavic languages. According to the language, the Czechs belong to the West Slavic peoples. The language of central Bohemia was put at the basis of the early works of Czech writing of the 13th-14th centuries. As the influence of the Catholic Church, the German feudal lords and the patriciate of the cities in the Czech Republic increased, the Czech language began to be subjected to oppression in favor of the German and Latin languages. During the period of the Hussite wars, literacy and the literary Czech language became widespread among the masses. Then came the two-century decline of Czech culture under the rule of the Hagsburgs, who pursued a policy of Germanizing the subject Slavic peoples (by the middle of the 19th century, 15% of the population of the Czech Republic spoke Czech, and the possibility of taking one of the Slavic languages, in particular the Russian literary language, was considered as a literary language). The Czech language began to revive only at the end of the 18th century, its basis was the literary language of the 16th century, which explains the presence of many archaisms in the modern Czech language, in contrast to the living spoken language. The spoken language of the Czech Republic is divided into several groups of dialects: Czech, Middle Moravian and East Moravian.

Religion in the Czech Republic: Catholics - 27%, Czech Evangelical Brothers - 1%, Czech Hussites - 1%, other religions (Christian minority churches and sects, Orthodox, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.) - about 3%. The majority of the Czech population considers themselves to be atheists (59%), and almost 9% find it difficult to answer the question about their religion.

Geographical position of the Czech Republic: The Czech Republic is an inland state in Central Europe. The Czech Republic borders Poland (border length 658 km) in the north, Germany in the northwest and west (border length 646 km), Austria in the south (border length 362 km) and Slovakia in the east (border length 214 km). The total length of the border is 1880 km. The Czech Republic was formed by the merger of two historical regions(Bohemia (Cechy) and Moravia (Morava)) and parts of Silesia (ceske Slezsko).

The Czech landscape is very diverse. The western part of the Czech Republic (Bohemia) lies in the basins of the Elbe (Labe) and Vltava (Moldau) rivers, surrounded mainly low mountains(The Sudetenland and part of them - the Krkonoše), where is highest point Bohemia - Mount Sněžka, 1602 m high. Moravia, the eastern part of the Czech Republic, is also quite hilly and mainly lies in the Morava (March) river basin, and also contains the source of the Oder (Odra) river.

The rivers of the Czech Republic are the Elbe (Labe), the Vltava (Moldau), the Morava (March), the Oder (Odra). The rivers from the landlocked Czech Republic flow into three seas: the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.

Administrative-territorial division of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic consists of 13 regions and the capital:

• Prague
• Central Bohemian Region (Stredocesky kraj)
• South Bohemian Region (Jihocesky kraj)
• Pilsen Region
• Karlovy Vary Region
• Ustecky kraj
• Liberec Region
• Hradec Kralove Region
• Pardubice region
• Olomouc Region
• Moravian-Silesian Region
• Zlinsky region
• Vysochina (Vysocina)
• South Moravian Region (Jihomoravsky kraj)

State structure Czech Republic: According to the Constitution, the Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy. The Czech head of state (president) is indirectly elected every five years by parliament. The President is given special powers: to propose judges to the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic, to dissolve parliament under certain conditions, to veto laws. The President of the Czech Republic also appoints the Prime Minister, who sets the direction of domestic and foreign policy, as well as other members of the government cabinet on the proposal of the Prime Minister.

The Czech Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies (Poslanecka snemovna) and the Senate (Senat). The 200 members of the House are elected for 4-year terms, on the basis of proportional representation. The 81 members of the Czech Senate serve a 6-year term, with a third of the membership being re-elected every two years based on majoritarian elections, which are held in two rounds.

The Chamber of Deputies is the main legislative body of the Czech Republic, it can raise the issue of confidence in the government (at the request of at least 50 parliamentarians). A draft law adopted by the Chamber of Deputies may not be approved by the Senate (the upper house of Parliament). Unlike the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies can be dissolved by the President before the end of the electoral term and early elections can be called.

The highest appellate body is the Supreme Court of the Czech Republic. The Czech Constitutional Court, which is responsible for constitutional matters, is appointed by the President and its members serve for 10 years.