Czech Republic

Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 10,228,744 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Czech(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Czech

Official Language(s): Czech

Major Languages Spoken: Czech, Slovak

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Czech Republic

Country Name (short form): Czech Republic

Country Name (local long form): Ceska Republika

Country Name (local short form): Cesko

Name of Capital: Prague

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Czech Republic: Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Germany

Land Area: 77276 sq km

Water Area: 1590 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than South Carolina

Total Land Boundry: 2,290.2 km

National Holiday: Czech Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

International Phone Code: 420

Currency Code: Czech koruna (CZK)

Internet Country Code: .cz

US Embassy Location: Trziste 15, 11801 Prague 1

US Embassy Mailing Address: use embassy street address