CZECH

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: The central part of the Czech Republic is dominated by the elevated plateaus of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and the low plains and rolling hills of the Bohemian Basin. A number of rivers drain these areas, and much of the country’s farmland is located there. A number of mountain ranges rise along the edges of these central regions and extend outward to form much of the country’s natural borders. The Erzgebirge in the north and the Šumava Mountains in the west are known for their spas and ski resorts. The Šumava comprise part of the Böhmerwald, a highland region located in the west and southwest that forms the country’s border with Germany. The Sudety mountains are located in the north and form part of the border with Poland. The Sudety range includes the Krkonoše Mountains, which contain the country’s highest point, Sněžka. One of the country’s largest nature reserves is also located in the Sudety range. Extending along the Czech-Slovak border in the southeastern part of the country is a section of the Carpathian Mountains. Also located in the southeast are the Moravian Lowlands, which contain the fertile valley of the Morava River where a variety of crops are grown. The main rivers of the Czech Republic are the Elbe, the Vltava, the Ohře, the Morava, the Lužnice, the Jihlava, and the Svratka. The Sázava, Odra, and Opava rivers are also important. The Czech Republic is heavily dependent on imported energy and raw materials. Large deposits of lignite, the country’s main domestic source of energy, are found near the cities of Chomutov, Most, Karlovy Vary, Teplice, and České Budějovice. Hard coal is found near Ostrava, Plzeň, and Kladno. Sizable uranium deposits and smaller deposits of mercury, antimony, and tin are located in the Ore Mountains. There are also small amounts of lead and zinc ore in central Bohemia and iron ore near Prague. Some 34 percent of the country is forested. The Bohemian Forest is an important source of lumber.
AGRICULTURE: Some 40 percent of land in the Czech Republic is cultivated. During the communist period, farms were either owned by the state or administered as cooperatives, in which farmworkers received a share of the farm’s profits and some of its products. In 1991 legislation was passed allowing citizens to own their own farms. Due largely to a reduction in state subsidies, the number of workers employed in agriculture has declined dramatically since the end of communism. Agriculture plays a relatively small role in the nation’s export industry. The principal crops grown in the Czech Republic are barley, wheat, corn, rye, sugar beets, potatoes, flax, and hops. Czech farmers also raise sizable numbers of livestock animals, including poultry, pigs, cattle, and sheep.
ENERGY: Due to limited resources, the Czech Republic must import the bulk of its energy supply. Gas and oil are supplied mainly by pipelines through Slovakia. In 2003 thermal plants fueled by coal provided 66 percent of electricity in the Czech Republic; 31.44 percent was generated by nuclear reactors. Due largely to the problem of air pollution resulting from the burning of coal, the Czech government is increasing the country’s use of nuclear energy, although safety concerns continue to be an issue.
TOURISM: The tourism industry in the Czech Republic has grown significantly since the collapse of communism. The country’s numerous resorts, winter sports facilities, and historic cities and towns are popular destinations for travelers. Prague has become an international center for members of the business and financial communities.