Pick! Basic Guide



Introduction to the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is situated in central Europe, is bordered by Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Austria and covers 78,884 square kilometres (31,553 square miles). About 53 percent of the land is used for agriculture; 36 percent is covered by forest.

The country offers a colourful mosaic of natural scenery and rarities such as caves, sandstone rock formations or canyons. Its highest peak is Snezka (1,602 m) and there are many other mountains suitable for winter sports, hiking and climbing. The longest river, the Vltava (430 km), is famous for its romantic cascade of dams. You can also visit one of the numerous lakes and fishponds, the biggest one being Rozmberk (489 hectares) in South Bohemia. A considerable part of Czech natural resources consist on mineral springs, the source of many well-known spa towns.

The Czech Republic is a country with a mild continental climate (warm summers and cold winters). Maximum temperatures are 32 to 35 degrees centigrade; July is the hottest month (average 29.9). Minimum temperatures are -12 to -20 degrees. January is the coldest month (average -8).



Population
The Czech population was estimated to be about 10.5 million in 1992. The capital of the Czech Republic is Prague, with 1,300,000 inhabitants.

Czech is the official language spoken in the Czech lands (i. e. Bohemia and Moravia). However, a large proportion of the population speaks German or English.

Under the previous regime, the Czech probably enjoyed the highest standard of living of all the Come-on countries.



Cultural & Social Life
The Czech Republic has been the centre of European culture for centuries, most notably in Prague, and boasts some of Europe's most famous literary figures and composers, including Franz Kafka and Antonin Dvorak. Throughout the year there are wide-ranging cultural programmes covering classical and contemporary music, art, drama, dance and opera. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and the Prague Spring Festival of classical music are internationally renowned.

Architectural treasures may be encountered with at every step: in hundreds of preserved medieval houses, palaces and churches: castles and chateaux with valuable collections; and historic town reserves with unique monuments or open-air museums of folk architecture.



Hints for visitors
Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic may be reached easily by any means of transport. The Czechoslovak airline CSA, operates direct flights to 50 countries; aircraft of 27 foreign airlines stop at Ruzyne International Airport in Prague. Direct express trains link the Czech Republic with the capitals of ten European countries. Regular bus services connect major cities and spa towns with metropolises of Europe. An extensive network of highways and motorways enables motorists to reach any location in the Czech Republic quickly, comfortably and safety.



VISAs
The Czech Republic has signed agreements with 25 European countries, as well as with Canada and the USA, to eliminate the need for entry visas.



Currency
The Czech crown (Koruna ceska - Kc), divided into 100 hellers.

The following denominations are in circulation:

Notes: 20; 50; 100; 200; 500; 1,000; 2000 and 5,000 Kc

Coins: 10, 20, and 50 hellers and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Kc.



International Time
The Czech Republic is located in the same time zone as continental Western Europe and much of Eastern Europe (Central European Time, i. e. GMT + 1 hour). Summer time is in effect from the last Saturday in March until the end of September (GMT + 2 hours).



Post Office
The main post office is situated on Jinøišská 14 ( a side street to Wenceslals square) and is open 24 hours a day.Postcards,fax and telegrams, can be sent from here and stamps caan be purchased.Orange mailboxes are found on every street corner.



Business & Shopping hours
The working day starts between 6.00 a. m. and 9.00 a. m. and finishes between 2.00 p. m. and 6.00 p. m.

Most shops are open from 8.00 a. m. to 6.00 p. m. (there may be a lunch break of 1 to 2 hours in smaller ones) from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, usual opening hours are from 8.00 a. m. to 12.00 a. m.

Department Stores are open until 7.00 p. m. on weekdays (late - night shopping on Thursday until 8.00 p. m.), and until between 2.00 p. m. and 4.00 p. m. on Saturdays. Some private shops open even on Sundays.



Official Public Holidays

January 1	New Year’s Day , Independent Czech State Renewal Day
May 1	Labour Day
May 8	Day of Liberation from the Nazis
July 5	Slav Missionary (Cyril and Methodius) Day
July 6	Mr. Jan Hus Day
September 28	St. Vaclav Day
October 28	National holiday Rise of Czechoslovakia 1918
November 17	International day of Students
December 24	Christmas Eve
December 25	Christmas Day
December 26	St. Stephen Day