The Czech Republic is still all things to all people. From the pulsing capital Prague to the back-in-time villages of Moravia, from toiling up mountains to lounging in spas, from the world-famous Pilsner to the strains of Smetana and Dvořák, there's an experience to suit every taste.

Stunning architecture is not limited to Prague - there are plenty of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades in other towns. Among the richest are Kutná Hora in Central Bohemia; Cheb, Loket and Domažlice in western Bohemia; Olomouc in northern Moravia; and Telč and Kromêříž in southern Moravia.

Cyclists will appreciate the undulating Bohemian plateau, drained by the Vltava, the republic's longest river, and its parent river, the Labe, and dotted with castles and modest villages. A natural pathway through Moravia is the 'Moravian Gate', the linked valleys of the Morava, Beàva and Odra rivers, the only lowland corridor across the Czech Republic. Though this is the most densely populated part of the republic, the hills to both sides offer some of its most peaceful travelling.

Full country name: Czech Republic
Area: 78,864 sq km
Population: 10.27 million (growth rate 0.5%)
Capital city: Prague (pop 1.15 million )
People: Czech with minorities of Slovaks, Poles, Germans, Romanies (also known as Gypsies)and Hungarians
Language: Czech
Religion: 40% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant
Government: Parliamentary democracy
President: Václav Klaus

GDP: US$69.9 billion
GDP per head: US$15,800
Annual growth: 1.5%
Inflation: 0.6%
Major industries: Machinery, transport, steel, armaments, vehicles, cement, ceramics, cotton, beer
Major trading partners: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Russia, Italy
Member of EU: Yes

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