Central Europe.

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

78,866 sq km (30,450 sq miles).

10.2 million (UN, 2005).

129.4 per sq km.

Prague. Population: 1.25 million.

The Czech Republic is situated in central Europe, sharing frontiers with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Austria. Only about one-quarter of the size of the British Isles, the republic is hilly and picturesque, with historic castles, romantic valleys and lakes, as well as excellent facilities to ‘take the waters’ at one of the famous spas or to ski and hike in the mountains. Among the most beautiful areas are the river valleys of the Vltava (Moldau) and Labe (Elbe), the hilly landscape and rocky mountains. Bohemia, to the west, is one of two main regions. Besides Prague, tourists are drawn to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne, and to the very beautiful region of south Bohemia. The Elbe flows through eastern Bohemia from the Krkono˘se/Giant mountains, one of the most popular skiing regions. The eastern part, the rich agricultural area of Moravia offers a variety of wooded highlands, vineyards, folk art and castles. There are many historic towns such as Olomouc, Kromeríz and Telc. Brno is Moravia’s administrative and cultural centre.

Under the Czech Republic’s constitution, legislative power rests with the bicameral legislature, comprising a 200-member Chamber of Deputies (Poslanecká Snemovna) and an 81-member Senate (Senat), which are elected for four- and six-year terms respectively. The legislature jointly elects the President of the republic for a five-year term. The President appoints the Prime Minister as head of the Government.

Republic since 1993. Head of State: President Václav Klaus since 2003. Head of Government: Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek since August 2006. Recent history: The conservative Civic Democrats, led by Mirek Topolanek, won the most votes in the 2006 general elections, but with no overall majority, tricky coalition negotiations had to take place before a government could be formed. Combining their votes with those of their Communist allies, the Civic Democrats make up exactly half the seats in parliament. Topolanek will need to gain support from the opposition Social Democrats in order to govern.

The official language is Czech. English and German are also spoken.

Mostly Roman Catholic and some Protestant, including churches such as the Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, Unity of Czech Brothers and Baptist. There is a small community of Jews, mainly in Prague. According to the March 2001 national census, 60 per cent of the population profess no religious beliefs.

Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and at quality hotels or restaurants.

Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Most major hotels have standard international two-pin razor plugs.