The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe. Maintaining an open investment climate has been a key element of the Czech Republic's transition from a communist, centrally planned economy to a functioning market economy. As a member of the European Union, with an advantageous location in the center of Europe, a relatively low cost structure, and a well-qualified labor force, the Czech Republic is an attractive destination for foreign investment. Prior to its EU accession in 2004, the Czech government harmonized its laws and regulations with those of the European Union. The small, open, export-driven Czech economy grew by over 6% annually from 2005-2007 and by 2.5% in 2008. The conservative Czech financial system has remained relatively healthy throughout 2009. Nevertheless, the real economy contracted by 4.1% in 2009, mainly due to a significant drop in external demand as the Czech Republic's main export markets fell into recession.
Full Name: Czech Republic
Area: 78,866 sq km (water: 1,590 sq km, land: 77,276 sq km)
Population: 10,211,904 (July 2010 est.)
Capital City: Prague
People: Czech 90.4%, Moravian 3.7%, Slovak 1.9%, other 4% (2001 census)
Language: Czech
Religion: Roman Catholic 26.8%, Protestant 2.1%, other 3.3%, unspecified 8.8%, unaffiliated 59% (2001 census)
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy
Chief of State President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March 2003)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Petr NECAS (since 28 June 2010); First Deputy Prime Minister Karel SCHWARZENBERG (since 13 July 2010), Deputy Prime Minister Radek JOHN (since 13 July 2010)
GDP: $US 254.1 billion (2009 est.)
GDP per Capita: $US 24,900 (2009 est.)
Inflation: 1% (2009 est.)
Unemployment: 8.1% (2009 est.)
Industries: Metallurgy, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, glass, armaments
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
Member of EU: Yes
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