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European HD Network Plenary Meeting - EHDN 2010 - About Prague |
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About PraguePrague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is situated in the heart of Europe. The Czech Republic neighbours Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. Its central location makes Prague easily accessible from many different airports. History Prague's
history dates back to the 9th century. As early as the Middle Ages, the
city had the reputation as one of the most beautiful towns in Europe
and the city is affectionately referred to as "golden", "stone dream"
or "World's crown".
Under the reign of King Charles IV (14th
century) and King Rudolph II (turn of 16th to 17th century) Prague
gained policital and cultural power. It was during this period that the
University of Prague was founded (1348), the first University in
Central Europe. As the city expanded, King Charles IV commissioned a
number of spacious and remarkably impressive buildings.
In 1526, under the Hapsburg monarchy, Prague fell within the "Kingdom
of Bohemia" for the next 400 years. The Kingdom of Bohemia was a
country that included the Czech Republic and other middle European
lands.
The
independence of the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed in 1918, and
Prague became its capital city. During the second world war the
Czechoslovak Republic was occupied by the Nazis and then for the next
40 years it fell under Communist rule.
The Velvet Revolution
in 1989 opended the way to democracy, freedom and economic prosperity.
In 1993, the Federation of Czechs and Slovaks divided peacefuly into
two new sovereign democratic states - the Czech Republic and the Slovak
Republic. Prague became once more the capital of the independent state
and is today a flourishing European city.
Source: Agent's Manual Prague | | Climate
The climate of the Czech Republic is mild. The Annual Average temperature is 9°C (68F). During the summer the average is 19°C and in the winter -1°C.
Currency
The
currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown. Foreign currency may be
exchanged at banks, exchange offices and ATMs. Within larger retailers and at the airport Euros are accepted as currency, but you will receive your change in Czech Crowns.
Electricity
The electric voltage in the Czech Republic is 230V.
Spoken Languages
The official language is Czech. English and German are spoken widely all over the country. Tourist services are available in French and Russian.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency - 112 Police - 158 Municipal Police - 156 Firemen - 150 Road Emergency Service - 1230 |
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