In the 7th century, the Frankish merchant Samo became the ruler of the first known Slavic state in Central Europe, which was partly situated in present-day Moravia. The importance of Moravia grew further, and in 833 Great Moravia was created. In the end of the 9th century, the Czech state was unified by the Přemyslids (who ruled the country until 1306) and prospered. During the Middle Ages, it played an important role in Europe. Czech king Charles IV of the Luxembourg dynasty even became the Holy Roman Emperor. Twice in its history, the country was devastated by major political-religious conflicts. At the end of WWI, Czechs and Slovaks joined together and formed the independent Czechoslovak Republic in 1918. During WWII, Slovakia broke away and the Czech state was occupied by the Germans. After the war, Czechoslovakia was restored, but soon it fell under the rule of the communist party and the influence of the Soviet Union. In 1993 it split into two independent states. In 2004, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia joined the European Union.
The Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy. The head of the state is a president, currently Miloš Zeman.
The Czech Republic has four neighbours. In the north it borders with Poland, in the south with Austria, in the east with Slovakia and with Germany in the west.
Our state has a varied landscape. Bohemia is surrounded by a ring of mountains – the Šumava range, the Czech Forest, the Ore Mountains, the Jizerské Mountains, the Giant Mountains (with the highest Czech mountain Sněžka), and the Eagle Mountains. The Moravan Plain is protected on the West by the Bohemian-Moravian Highland, and on the North by the wooded mountainous ranges of Jeseníky and Beskydy. Fertile lowlands can be found in the valleys of big rivers – the Vltava, the Elbe (flowing into the North Sea), the Oder (flowing into the Baltic Sea), and the Morava (flowing into the Danube and thene into the Black Sea). The climate is mostly continental, the warmest area is in South Moravia. We have four seasons – winter, spring, summer, autumn. Czech republic has many natural jewels, for example Czech paradise with breathtaking rocks.South Bohemia is known for its large and numerous ponds. Fresh water fish are farmed there, primarily carp. Ponds were created in 15th century. All around there is a beautiful nature and flat roads perfect for biking.
Czech beer brewing and wine making have a long tradition and popularity both at home and abroad.
Interesting places
Prague castle – the czech crown jewels are kept there. According to guiness book, i tis a biggest ancienit kastle in the world
Kutná hora – architecture jewel with its historical centre, durch of st barbora, silver was mined there
Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape – Baroque and Renaissance styles, exotic trees, parks
Charles Bridge – Gothic bridge over the river Vltava, named after king Charles IV, baroque statues, painters, stalls and musicians, view of Hradčany and Prague Castle