Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is an ideal vacation spot for the discerning tourist. This old-style European city captures the essence of central Europe and offers tourists a multitude of attractions, restaurants, and sights to see.

The Czech Republic

Czechs are known as west Slavs, as are the Poles and Slovaks. This country is often called the heart of Europe, and is home to more than ten million people. Over 1.3 million of those people reside in Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in central Europe. Located west of the Czech Republic is Bohemia, and east of the Czech Republic is Moravia.

The Czech Republic was once part of Czechoslovakia, a former communist country. In 1989, the country emerged from communism following demonstrations in a period known as the Velvet Revolution. The Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic were formed in 1992 as part of the peaceful splitting of Czechoslovakia, also known as the Velvet Divorce. In May 2004, the Czech Republic became part of the European Union.

Facts

In the Czech Republic, the average rate of unemployment is about 10 percent. The average rate of inflation is approximately 2 and a half percent, and the average wage is about 18.697 Kc, or about $667 per month. Some famous Czechs include Vaclav Havel, a dramatist, essayist, and philosopher. He was also president of the Czech Republic and is popular both at home and abroad. Another popular Czech is Nobel Prize Laureate Jaroslav Heyrovsky, who won the prize for his accomplishments in chemistry.

Prague is certainly a fascinating place to visit, with sights including beautiful landscapes and architecture ranging from Art Deco styles to gothic designs. Famous sights such as the Charles Bridge await interested tourists. Prague also offers a wide range of musical concerts, theatre venues, and pubs and restaurants to suit any taste and budget. Visitors interested in booking a vacation to Prague should consider whether they want to take a guided tour or explore the city on their own. Either way, Prague is an excellent choice for a relaxed and enjoyable trip to central Europe.