Geography
Czech Republic, as a part of Middle (Central) Europe, is squeezed between Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. The capital Prague is on the half way from Berlin (Germany) on the North to the South East to Vienna (Austria). Country is bordered by the mountains (Krusne hory, Jizerske hory, Krkonose and Orlicke hory from the North; Cesky les and Sumava from the South). Its area is almost 79.000 sq. km (30.000 sq. miles), as same size as South Carolina, Belgium or the island of Ireland. The highest point is Snezka, 1602 m (5222 ft), as same high as the highest points of Maine, New York County or Quebeck. The capital Prague is just in the middle of the western part of the country, 244 m (801 ft) above sea level, as same altitude as Luxembourg or Minneapolis.
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People
There are over 10,5 million people (10.504.203 on Dec 31, 2012) living in the Czech Republic, as same number as in Michigan or in Belgium. There are 1,3 million people living in Prague, as same as in Dallas, Texas or in Millan, Italy or in Munich, Germany. Most of them are Czechs and they speak Czech language. They tend to be polite, mild-mannered with a good sense of humor, not incline to argue or fight. They are intelligent, creative, well educated and can be quite conservative. If you are invited into home, you will find them friendly and very hospitable. Do bring flowers or a box of chocolate for your female host or bottle of wine for your male host and remember to remove your shoes when you enter the house. The largest Church is Roman Catholic but Czechs often do not belong to any Church, because of the systematic oppression of religion during 40 years of Communism (1948-1989). It is good chance for New Age, it became as same popular as in California.Recently there are many young American people in Prague. For reference about the Czech Republic check out the US Consular Information Sheet (updated January 2012).
Nameday Search
Czech people celebrate not only their birthday, but also their nameday. It is a custom that parents select their child's name from a list of 400 first names. So every day of the year celebrate one or two names. Enter your Czech friend's first name, find out the nameday and send him or her the nameday card or flower. Your friend will really appreciate it!
Economy
Unemployment in the Czech Republic is 8,57% (March 2012). Inflation is 2,2% (March 2012). The average wage is 26.067 Kc = $1409 a month (March 2012). Get more and the latest economic data from the Czech Statistical Office.Czech industries include car manufacture, power engineering, metallurgy, glass, leather, plastics, chemicals, ceramics and of course beer.