5. HISTORY OF CZECH REPUBLIC
Archaeologists have found evidence of prehistoric human settlements in
the area, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The figurine Venus of Dolní
Věstonice, together with a few others from nearby locations, found here
is the oldest known ceramicarticle in the world.
In the classical era, from the 3rd century BC Celtic migrations,
the Boii and later in the 1st century, Germanic tribes
of Marcomanni and Quadi settled there. Their king Maroboduus is the
first documented ruler of Bohemia. During the Migration Period around
the 5th century, many Germanic tribes moved westwards and
southwards out of Central Europe.
Slavic people from the Black Sea–Carpathian region settled in the area
(a movement that was also stimulated by the onslaught of peoples
from Siberia and Eastern Europe: Huns, Avars, Bulgars and Magyars). In
the sixth century they moved westwards into Bohemia, Moravia and
some of present-day Austria and Germany.
6. During the 7th century, the Frankish merchant Samo,
supporting the Slavs fighting against nearby
settled Avars, became the ruler of the first known Slav
state in Central Europe, the Samo's Empire. The
principality Great Moravia, controlled by Moymir
dynasty, arose in the 8th century and reached its zenith
in the 9th (during the reign of Svatopluk I of Moravia)
when it held off the influence of the Franks. Great
Moravia was Christianized, the crucial role
played Byzantine mission of Cyril and Methodius. They
created the artificial language Old Church Slavonic, the
first literary and liturgic language of the Slavs, and
the Glagolitic alphabet.
7. CULTURE OF CZECH REPUBLIC
Czechs like to keep their personal space, especially when they meet someone new.
Unlike many other European nations, Czechs do not usually give hugs or kisses
upon meeting new people. This is not necessarily the same with friends, where less
personal space between one another is acceptable—the closer the friend, the
smaller the distance.
Czechs greatly value reliability and respect those who try to be on time. It is
customary to notify someone in advance if you will be late. Additionally, if you
commit to an event or meeting time, you are expected to keep to it. If you do not
show, the person waiting will likely continue to call you. It is considered highly
impolite not to keep commitments and promises.
The Czechs are a polite people and niceties are commonplace. For example, it is
customary to let others leave a room, shop or restaurant before you enter. This
also goes for public transport. Additionally for public transport, it is expected that
someone young and able will get up and offer his or her seat to an elderly person.
Czechs always close the door behind them and routinely put their chair back under
the table when they get up
Czechs like casual clothes and if their job allows this, they do not tend to dress up,
especially Czech men. However, sometimes company rules are strict about dress
codes and Czechs have to wear suits. In school, casual dress is acceptable as well,
however, not so casual as sweat pants.
8. Density
134/km2 (84th)
c
Area
Total 78,866 km2 (116th)
Religion
80% Non-declared
or non-religious
10.3% Roman Catholi
Official language
Czech
Nationalities
Czechs
Moravians
Slovakians
6 732 104
522 474
149 140
Water 2% Polish 39 269
Germans 18 772
Romanyes 13 150
9. NATO on 12 March 1999
1995, the OECD, Czech education system as the 15th best in the
world
Part of Schengen Area and European Union from 1 May 2004
It held the Presidency of the European Union for the first half
of 2009.
The Czech Republic is ranked 30th in the 2012 Index of Economic
Freedom.
Currency is Czech crowns. Euro adaptation not earlier than 2019.
10. Czech railways is the main railway operator in the Czech Republic, with about 180 millio
passengers carried yearly. Its cargo division, ČD Cargo, is the fifth largest railway cargo
operator in the European Union. With 9,505 km of tracks, the Czech Republic has one of
the densest railway networks in Europe.
11. The road network in the Czech Republic is 55,653 km long. and 738,4 km of motorways
and 439,1 km of expressways. The speed limit is 50 km/h within towns, 90 km/h outside
of towns and 130 km/h on expressways.
12. PragueIt is the sixth-most-visited European city after
London, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Berlin.
13. High above the old city of Brno is the beautiful Cathedral of St. Peter
and Paul, one of the Czech Republic's most important national
monuments. In addition to its splendid exterior, the exquisite Baroque
interior of this 18th-century masterpiece is well worth exploring. Also of
interest is its crypt, home to numerous old tombs as well as remnants
of the original city walls. Other highlights include the building's two 84-
meter-high towers. Added in the early 20th century, they're home to a
rather unique noontime bell that is notable for being rung an hour
early, at 11am, a tradition that dates back to its founding and which
commemorates the city successfully tricking its besiegers into ending
their attack early. Also in Brno is the 13th-century Špilberk Castle (hrad
Špilberk), home to the Brno City Museum, as well as the
fascinating Tugendhat Villa, built in 1930 and one of the most
important examples of modern architecture from the early 20th century
in Europe.
Brno's Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
14. This western Bohemian city is the fourth largest in
the Czech Republic, and is known worldwide as the
home and the namesake of Pilsner beer. For those
looking for great architecture, St Bartholemew’s
Cathedral, the Great Synagogue, and the
Renaissance style Town Hall are must-sees. The
town is a vibrant economic center, home of
breweries like Pilsner Urquell, and the well-known
University of West Bohemia, the nation’s premiere
college of
Law.
Plzen