Czech Republic: Landlocked Gem of Central Europe
Czechia: Its Dual Identity
The Czech Republic, historically known as Bohemia, is a landlocked nation situated in Central Europe. It shares borders with Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, Poland to the northeast, and Germany to the northwest.
Official Nomenclature
Both "Czechia" and "Czech Republic" have been officially recognized since 2016. While "Czechia" is a shorter and more concise name, "Czech Republic" provides a clearer geographical designation.
Historical Origins
The Czech Republic comprises the historical provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, along with part of Silesia. It formed part of the Kingdom of Bohemia from the 10th century until 1918, when it became a republic as part of Czechoslovakia.
Nonviolent Transition
In January 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved in a process known as the "Velvet Divorce." This resulted in the creation of two independent states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Democratic Traditions and Economic Development
The Czech Republic has a strong democratic tradition and a highly developed economy. It is a member of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
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