The Czech Republic is a land-locked country which is situated in the

centre of a temperate zone of the northern hemisphere in the central

part of Europe and covers the territory of the historic lands of

Bohemia, Moravia and a part of Silesia.

From the physical-geographical point of view the Czech Republic is

situated on the divide of two mountain systems of the Bohemian massive

and the Western Carpathians. The main European watersheds dividing the

river basins of the North, Baltic and Black Seas pass through the

territory of the Czech Republic.

Thanks to its position in the heart of Europe the country has been

confronted with various cultural influences and architectural styles

in the course of its history. Since the country suffered little damage

during the World War II, nor destruction due to redevelopment

projects, a rich cultural heritage has been preserved. In the Czech

Republic there are a total of 12 listed heritage reservations

recognized by the international organization UNESCO: Prague - the

historic centre, Cesky Krumlov - the historic centre, Telc - the

historic centre, Zdar nad Sazavou - the pilgrimage church of St. Jan

Nepomucky on Zelena Hora, Kutna Hora - the historic centre, Lednice -

the Lednicko-Valticky grounds, Holasovice - the village reservation,

Kromeriz - the gardens and palace, Litomysl - the palace and its

grounds, Olomouc - the column of the Holy Trinity, Brno - Villa

Tugendhat, Trebic - the Jewish quarter and St. Procopus Basilica.

The most significant areas in food production are industries

processing flour, sugar, meat and brewing beer. There is a long

prevailing tradition in breeding freshwater fish and in this

connection fish-farming in the numerous man-made lakes is well

developed. Hops are an important export article.