Czechia

Czechia, officially known as the Czech Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the west, Poland to the north, Slovakia to the east, and Austria to the south. The country comprises the historical regions of Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia, and its capital and largest city is Prague.

Geography and environment include a mix of lowland basins and highlands, with major rivers such as the Vltava and the Elbe. The terrain features forests, farmland, and several mountain ranges, including the Bohemian Forest and portions of the Carpathians. The climate is temperate, with variations by region and season.

Czechia has a long historical legacy as a central European state. It emerged as part of the Bohemian Crown lands, became Czechoslovakia after World War I, and gained independence in 1993 after a peaceful division with Slovakia. The country underwent political and economic transformation in the late 20th century, transitioning from a centrally planned system to a market economy. It joined the European Union in 2004 and the Schengen Area in 2007, and it is a member of NATO. It is also a member of the OECD and participates in regional organizations such as the Visegrád Group.

Government and politics operate as a parliamentary republic. The president serves as head of state with largely ceremonial duties, while the prime minister is the head of government. The bicameral legislature consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The judiciary is independent, and the rule of law underpins civil rights and market regulation.

Economy and society are characterized by a diversified, high-income economy with strengths in manufacturing, automotive and engineering industries, services, and tourism. Czechia is known for its cultural heritage, beer brewing, and a rich architectural legacy, including Prague’s historic center and other UNESCO sites. The population is about 10.7 million, with Czech as the official language.