Czech Republic

History

Czech and Slovacks joined together in 1918 to form the independent republic of Czechoslovakia.

It was formally under the Soviets before they withdrew from the country in 1991.

It joined NATO in 1999 and 2004.

Food/ culture

The country’s culture is distinct because of the influences of the neighbouring counties.

The major crops grown in the country are barley, sugar beets, maize, hops, rapeseed, fruit and potatoes.

People there are known for eating mushrooms.

Wildlife

The most common wildlife animals here include bears, wolves, lynx, wildcats, martens, martens and minks.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

The major festivals in the country are Ostrava, rock festival, summer Shakespeare, Karlovy Vary international festival and harvest festival.

Things to see

There is the Prague historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also, there is the Prague Castle, built during the 9^th century and is the official seat of the country’s president. It was the former seat of kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors and Czechoslovakia presidents

Other major tourist attraction sites are Charles Bridge, Prague’s Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square and Cesky Krumlov Castle.

Interesting facts

The republic consumes the most beer per capita in the world.

The official language is Czech.

Majority of the population are Christians.

Borders

Czech is bordered on the south by Austria, on the west by Germany, on the northeast by Poland and the southeast by Slovakia.