USEFUL FACTS - CZECH REPUBLIC
Czechoslovakia’s independence was established in 1918. Previously, Moravia and Bohemia had been under Austrian rule, while Slovakia came under the aegis of Hungary. During World War II, Bohemia and Moravia together became a German protectorate. After the war, a reconstituted Czechoslovakia was established under the supervision of the occupying Red Army. By 1948, as planned, the Communists had become the dominant political force in the country and took effective control, following elections that year. Soviet-style political and economic systems were put in place and Czechoslovakia became a firm Soviet ally, joining the Warsaw Pact and COMECON. The Government adhered closely to Soviet policy in all respects, until the emergence of a new leadership group under Alexander Dubcek in the late 1960s. In what became known as the ‘Prague Spring’, the Dubcek governments introduced a series of liberalizing reforms.
After several months, the Soviets decided that the reforms had gone too far and, after failing to persuade the Czechoslovaks to desist from their chosen course, sent the tanks in. Dubcek and his allies were deposed in favor of a hard-line leadership led by Gustav Husak. For the next two decades, Czechoslovakia barely deviated from the Soviet line. That was until the appointment of Mikhail Gorbachev as Soviet leader and his promotion of glasnost and perestroika. The Husak Government aligned itself with those, such as East Germany’s Honeker, who were opposed to such reforms. But four years later, as Eastern Europe was engulfed by political upheaval and massive demonstrations, the Communists were swept from office. The main opposition movement, Civic Forum, became the principal political force in the country; its most celebrated member, playwright Václav Havel, was appointed president, as the country set about introducing a pluralistic political system and market economy. Multi-party elections for a new National Assembly were won by Civic Forum, in June 1990. However, divisions within the victorious party quickly emerged.
The decisive split occurred in January 1991, when right-wing federal Finance Minister Václav Klaus, the architect and chief engineer of the privatization program, left the Forum with his supporters to create the Civic Democratic Party (ODS, Obcanské Demokratická Strana). Klaus emerged as the most powerful figure within the federal government. Meanwhile, there was a growing clamour in Slovakia, the eastern part of the country, for greater autonomy and, among a vocal and growing constituency, full independence. Despite the firm opposition of President Havel, who considered that the country could ill afford a split at that stage, the positions adopted by Czech and Slovak nationalists were endorsed by the people at the June 1992 national election. Klaus’ ODS won a substantial majority in the Czech part of the country, just as the main Slovak party – the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), led by an ex-communist turned nationalist, Vladimir Meciar – won the lion’s share in Slovakia. Division into two independent countries was quickly accepted as the only mutually acceptable option and took place formally on 1 January 1993.
Under Klaus’ premiership, the Czech Republic pursued a comprehensive program of market-oriented reforms and social policies designed to reduce the role of the state. A period of economic growth and rising prosperity for most of the population followed. After re-election in 1996, the ODS administration eventually fell to popular disillusionment and an economic slowdown in June 1998. The Czech Social Democratic Party (CSSD), under Milos Zeman, managed to form a minority government with, improbably enough, the support of Klaus’ ODS. Also in 1998, Václav Havel, the country’s towering political figure, was comfortably re-elected to a second term as president, despite chronic ill health. Against expectations, the Social Democrats not only completed its term, which ended in 2002, but also won the ensuing general election in June. Zeman then ceded the premiership to Vladimir Spidla. However, Klaus remains a potent political figure after winning the March 2003 presidential vote by the narrowest of margins (see Government for details). Despite Klaus' reputation as a Eurosceptic, integration into the EU became a top political priority, and in May 2005, the Czech Republic became a member of the EU.
Elections in April 2005 saw Jiri Paroubek, the deputy leader of the center left Social Democratic Party become Prime Minister. Paroubek's government faces the task of continuing with reforms designed to slash public spending in preparation for membership of the Eurozone.
Government
Under the Czech Republic’s constitution, legislative power rests with the bicameral legislature, comprising a 200-member Chamber of Deputies (Poslanecká Snemovna) and an 81-member Senate (Senat), which are elected for four- and six-year terms respectively. The legislature jointly elects the President of the republic for a five-year term. The President appoints the Prime Minister as head of the Government.
Economy
Under Soviet control, the former Czechoslovak economy was subject to a particularly high level of state control, lacking even the small-scale private enterprise that existed to some extent in all other Eastern European economies. In the aftermath of the ‘Prague Spring’, especially, economic development was concentrated for political reasons on heavy industry at the expense of traditional strengths in light and craft-based industries. In the immediate post-Soviet era at the beginning of the 1990s, these inefficient and, in some cases, redundant industrial monoliths appeared to be a considerable impediment to the growth of the economy. The other problem was a dearth of natural resources – the country relied heavily on the former Soviet Union for most of its raw materials, particularly oil.
After a period of political and economic crisis, which ended with the separation of the Czech and Slovak Republics in 1993 and a dispute with the Soviets over oil supplies, the Czech government pushed ahead with a rapid program of market reforms, including a program of mass privatization and a major overhaul of the country’s financial system. The Government identified priority industries for development. These included: aircraft and vehicles, electronics, nuclear energy, gasification of coal, transport and communications, as well as traditionally strong light industries such as textiles, leather, ceramics and glass, and a variety of agricultural and service industries.
Although more than three-quarters of economic output is now in private hands, the State retains a major influence through minority shareholdings and state-owned banks (which in turn own parts of major corporations) in the economy. The results have been fairly good, with the exception of a mild recession during 1997-98. The Czech Republic has recorded steady growth within, on the whole, a sound fiscal and monetary environment. Annual growth is now slowly climbing, at 4.3 per cent (final quarter of 2004). The country joined, along with nine other countries, the European Union in May 2004. Trade links with Austria and Germany in particular, and with the EU generally, have grown substantially (70 per cent of trade). The Czech Republic has already acquired membership of the IMF, World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.Outdoor pursuits
The Czech Republic has a wealth of beautiful areas to explore. More than 10 per cent of the country’s surface area is occupied by the three national parks and the 1200 protected natural areas. Skiing is a very popular activity, and there are many well-established resorts. The most frequented areas for downhill skiing are in the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) in northern Bohemia, where Pec pod Snezkou, Spindlorov Mlyn and Harachov are the main resorts. Facilities are also to be found in the Jeseniky and Besniky ranges, and in the Orlické Hory (Eagle Mountains). Cross-country skiing is also a widespread sport, and facilities and tracks are to be found not only in the Krkonoše, but also in the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) in southern Bohemia. In summer, these areas become havens for hikers, and contain well-marked trails. The Krkonoše are the Czech Republic’s highest mountain range, with the country’s highest peak, Snezka (1602m/5255ft). Several other peaks exceed 1500m (4920ft). Less strenuous walks can be pursued in other natural areas, such as the Beskidy range. Rock climbers should go to the sandstone rock formations in the north (Cesky raj, Adršpach Rocks and Ceskosaské švycarsko). Cavers should go to the Moravsky Kras (Moravian karst) near Brno, where there are interesting caves. Cycling is emerging as a popular pastime, and the network of cycle tracks is growing. Southern Bohemia is a good region for this. Horse riding is very popular, with many stables offering riding holidays or treks. Contact the Czech Horse Riding Federation for more information (tel: (2) 2051 1105; fax (2) 3335 4399).
Watersports
There are many lakes, both natural and artificial, and a variety of watersports can be pursued there. South Bohemia and Lednice-Valtice (south Moravia) contain extensive fishing lakes. For more information on fishing, contact the Czech Angling Federation (tel: (2) 7481 1751; fax: (2) 7481 1754). Canoeing is done on rivers such as the Luznice, upper Vltava and Sazava. Windsurfing and sailing equipment can be hired at various locations.
Golf
This sport is increasingly popular, with some beautiful courses. Contact the Czech Golf Federation for more information (tel: (2) 5731 7865; fax: (2) 5731 8618).
Spas
The many thermal springs and mineral baths in Bohemia and Moravia have been frequented by patients seeking cures for various ailments for centuries. Nowadays, advanced medical techniques are combined with traditional methods of treatment. The best known spas are at Karlovy Vary, Marianské Lazne and Franti¡skovy Lazné (see the Where to Go section for details). There are world-famous radioactive springs in Jáchymov, which specializes in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system, while Janské Lazne in the Krkonoše is also a very popular resort. In northern Moravia, the most significant spas are at Jesenik and Luhacovice, where Vincenc Priessnitz, a local doctor, developed methods of treatment which are still followed today. All the spa resorts are located in beautiful surroundings. For further information on spa stays, contact the Czech Tourist Authority (see General Info section).Part of Czechoslovakia until the 'velvet divorce' in January 1993, the Czech Republic has a rich cultural heritage represented by classical composers such as Dvorak and writers like Kafka. Tourism in the Czech Republic really dates from the 1989 'velvet revolution' when the communists were ousted out and a democratic government was installed with Vaclav Havel as President.
Tourism has largely focused on Prague (near the middle of Bohemia), with its great museums, galleries, concerts and other attractions. Many day trips are possible from Prague, including the great western spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Láznì, early settlements like Kutná Hora and castles like Karlštejn. However, the rest of the country has much to offer the independent traveller. Although prices have risen over the past decade, the country still represents very good value for money.
The Šumava Mountains of south Bohemia offer excellent rambles and a range of sports, and well-preserved medieval towns like Èeský Krumlov. Northeastern Bohemia’s mountains, like the Èeský Ráj, offer superb hiking amidst unusual scenery. In Moravia, the eastern half of the country, life is even less hectic; Brno provides an excellent base for exploring important historic towns like Olomouc and Kromìøíž.
The country possesses an immense number of fascinating castles, churches and other architectural gems. It has always been known for its musicians, and there are an enormous number of all types of concerts and festivals to choose from.
Geography
The Czech Republic is situated in central Europe, sharing frontiers with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Austria. Only about one-quarter of the size of the British Isles, the republic is hilly and picturesque, with historic castles, romantic valleys and lakes, as well as excellent facilities to ‘take the waters’ at one of the famous spas or to ski and hike in the mountains. Among the most beautiful areas are the river valleys of the Vltava (Moldau) and Labe (Elbe), the hilly landscape and rocky mountains. Bohemia, to the west, is one of two main regions. Besides Prague, the Czech capital, tourists are drawn to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne, and to the very beautiful region of south Bohemia. The Elbe flows through eastern Bohemia from the Krkono¢se/Giant mountains, one of the most popular skiing regions. The eastern part, the rich agricultural area of Moravia offers a variety of wooded highlands, vineyards, folk art and castles. There are many historic towns such as Olomouc, Kromeríz and Telc. Brno is Moravia’s administrative and cultural center.
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