Maturitní otázka 01: The Czech Republic
Introduction
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country in the heart of Europe. It borders Germany
to the west, Poland to the north, Slovakia to the east, and Austria to the south. The country has a population of
about 10.5 million people, and its capital city is Prague, which is also the largest city.
The Czech Republic is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage. It is a member of
the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations.
Geography
The Czech Republic is divided into three main historical regions:
- Bohemia (in the west)
- Moravia (in the east)
- Silesia (a smaller region in the northeast)
The country has a diverse landscape, including mountains such as the Krkonoše Mountains with the highest
peak, Sněžka, and lowlands like the Elbe River Basin. Major rivers include the Vltava and Elbe. The country is
also famous for its forests, national parks, and natural landmarks like Macocha Abyss and Český ráj.
Prague and Other Important Cities
Prague, the capital city, is one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is famous for its historical architecture,
such as:
- Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world.
- Charles Bridge, a medieval bridge connecting two parts of the city.
- Old Town Square, with the Astronomical Clock.
Other major cities include:
- Brno, the capital of Moravia, known for its modern architecture, like the Villa Tugendhat, and lively student
atmosphere.
- Ostrava, an industrial city in the northeast.
- Plzeň, famous for its beer.
History and Government
The Czech Republic has a long and complex history. It was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later
became part of Czechoslovakia after World War I. In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two countries:
the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This event is known as the Velvet Divorce.
The Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy with a president (the head of state) and a prime minister (the
head of government). The Parliament has two houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Culture and Traditions
Czech culture is influenced by its Slavic roots and Western European traditions. The official language is Czech,
and the majority of people are non-religious, although there is a strong historical connection to Christianity.
Traditional Czech customs include:
- Easter traditions, like decorating eggs and whipping with willow branches.
- Christmas traditions, such as baking Christmas cookies and eating carp for dinner.
- Folklore music and dance, especially in Moravian regions.
The Czech Republic is also famous for its contributions to music, literature, and cinema, with figures like
Antonín Dvořák, Franz Kafka, and Miloš Forman.
Czech Cuisine
Czech cuisine is hearty and based on meat, potatoes, and dumplings. Popular dishes include:
- Svíčková (beef with creamy vegetable sauce and dumplings).
- Guláš (a type of stew).
- Trdelník (a sweet pastry, although it is more popular with tourists).
The Czech Republic is also known for its beer, which is considered some of the best in the world. The most
famous brands are Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar.
Tourism and UNESCO Sites
The Czech Republic is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as:
- Český Krumlov, a medieval town with a stunning castle.
- Kutná Hora, known for the Bone Church.
- Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, with its beautiful gardens and chateaux.
Tourists also enjoy hiking in the Šumava and Krkonoše mountains or relaxing in spa towns like Karlovy Vary.
