Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$25900 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

6.3 % (2008)

Population

10,211,904 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

A2

Ease of Doing Business

75/181

Global Competitiveness

33/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 10 members in the
gE Network for this country.

Czech Rep. : Introduction

Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Czech Republic: Bohemica.com: Czech Culture

The Czech Culture page of Bohemica.com provides input on the following topics: cultural values, history, art, geography, culture essays. The website also provides daily facts about the Czech culture and "Dos and Don'ts of the Day".

Czech Republic: Czech National Bank

The Czech National Bank is the central bank of the Czech Republic and the supervisor of the Czech financial market. The CNB sets monetary policy, issues banknotes and coins and manages the circulation of currency, the payment system and settlement between banks. Available in English and Czech.

Czech Republic: Czech Statistical Office

Statistical information on the Czech Republic. The information includes demographic, economic, and financial data, year books, annual reports, news, press releases and more. Available in English, French and German.

Czech Republic: Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic

The Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic offers mediation services between foreign and domestic companies as well as general information for the investor. Site is available in English and Czech languages.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (July 2008)