The capital of the Czech Republic is Prague - Praha. It is the seat of the Parliament and the Senate, the economic and cultural centre of the country and a city of well-known historical significance.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of the most scenic cities in the world. Its historical centre covers an area of 8.1 sq. km; and includes more than 2000 monuments built between the 8th and 20th centuries. Prague was for this reason awarded the status of a UNESCO Monument Reservation. Nearly every architectural era, from the Romanesque period, through Gothic, to Baroque and Art Nouveau, is represented in and around Prague. The most ancient monuments show that the territory was inhabited as long ago as the Neolithic age.

Greater Prague, where some 1 300 000 people live, covers an area of more than 500 sq. km. The dynamic development of the city is reflected not only in visible changes downtown, but also in all the suburbs. Prague is a major administrative and commercial centre, with a very strong tourist industry. The level of unemployment is very low in this thriving city.

Prague, with its 28 permanent theatres, 50 museums, over 120 state and city galleries and exhibition halls, plays host to over 300 000 overnight visitors and millions more day-trippers. In addition to the cultural institutions, there are hundreds of entertainment, recreation and sports venues in Prague.

However, Prague is not only a city of historical monuments and cultural establishments, but is also a hospitable place. Renowned pubs spread the fame of Czech breweries. A vast range of quiet wine-bars and restaurants also serve excellent local and imported wines. There are cinemas, discos, clubs, and other places of entertainment to cater for every taste. Parks and gardens take up an area of 870 ha. The Vltava River, with a maximum width of 330 m, flows for 31 km through Prague, has 10 islands, and is crossed by 18 bridges.

Prague is also a prominent educational centre. Besides the Czech Technical University, there are 8 other institutions of higher education here. These establishments are attended by a total of some 70 000 students.

Prague is situated at a latitude of 50o 05’ 19” N and a longitude of 14o 25’ 17” E, at an average height of 235 m above sea level. Distances from some European towns are as follows, in km: Berlin 352, Leipzig 253, Nürnberg 273, Zürich 654, München 353, Salzburg 374, Wien 297, Bratislava 336, Warszawa 609.