Czech Geography

Elementary facts about Czech geography.

The Czech Republic is situated approximately in the geographical center of Europe and has an area of 78,866 sq. km. It is a landlocked country 326 km from the Baltic and 322 km from the Adriatic see. It shares borders with Germany (810 km), Poland (762 km), Austria (466 km) and Slovakia (265 km). The highest point of elevation is the peak of Mt. Sněžka (1,602 m above sea level) and the lowest point of elevation is near Holensko where the River Labe leaves Czech territory (117 m above sea level).

Czech Republic is divided into Bohemia (Čechy) and Moravia (Morava). The language and culture are similar, although some parts of Moravia are known for their specific accent. The Moravian culture is generally more friendly and laid back than that of the people in Bohemia. Moravia is also predominantly wine drinking while most beer is produced and drunk in Bohemia.

The capital of Bohemia is Prague (Praha) and the capital of Moravia is Brno, although it has no special administrative status.

Administratively Czech Republic is divided into regions (kraj) which in turn consist of counties (okres), each with an administrative center. The structure and powers of local government as well as the geographic layout of regions and counties is a topic of much political debate.