The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. It covers an area of 78,866 square kilometers (30,450 sq mi). It is a unitary parliamentary republic with 10.6 million inhabitants. Due to its location, it is very easily accessible from all over the world.
Prague is the capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic, the 14th largest city in the European Union and the historical capital of Bohemia. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people.
Prague has been a political, cultural and economic center of central Europe complete with a rich history. Founded during the Romanesque and flourishing by the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras, Prague was the capital of the kingdom of Bohemia and the main residence of several Holy Roman Emperors, most notably of Charles IV (r. 1346–1378). It was an important city to the Habsburg Monarchy and its Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city played major roles in the Bohemian and Protestant Reformation, the Thirty Years' War and in 20th‑century history as the capital of Czechoslovakia, during both World Wars and the post‑war Communist era.
Prague is home to a number of famous cultural monuments, many of which survived the violence and destruction 20th‑century Europe. Main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petřín Hill and Vyšehrad. Since 1992, the extensive historic center of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
The city has more than ten major museums, along with numerous theatres, galleries, cinemas and other historical exhibits. Also, it is home to a wide range of public and private schools, including Charles University in Prague, the oldest university in Central Europe.
An extensive modern public transportation system connects the city.
Prague is the fifth most visited European city after London, Paris, Istanbul and Rome.
Further information is available at www.prague.eu.