Czech Republic

czech-republicThe Czech Republic is a landlocked European country. Its geographical location is rather unique, similar to a central meeting point for the well-developed Western Europe (with Germany in the west and Austria in the south), and relatively less developed, former Soviet Bloc Eastern Europe (with Poland in the north and Slovakia in the east). The population of the Czech Republic, which joined the European Union (EU) in 2004, and is economically considered as a developed country, is about 10.5 million (2012). The name of its capital is Prague. The country has earned global respect for its high-rated human development index, peaceful coexistence, democratic governance, and liberal economic policies that include, among other initiatives, privatization of key sectors like banks and telecommunications. The Czech Republic has an active program of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, which is operated by the Czech Development Agency. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 13 regions, each having its own elected assembly.

Acknowledgements

  • Authored by M. Kalim Qamar (January 2014)
  • Edited by Burton E. Swanson