Global - Technology - Review

Part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the First World War, the Czech Republic broke away from Slovakia in the ‘Velvet Divorce’ of 1993. The varied countryside, ranging from rolling hills and plains to some mountain ranges, contains several spa towns which attract tourists. There are many historic castles dating from the Habsburg era. Prague, the capital, is known as ‘The City of a Hundred Spires’. Once the seat of the Holy Roman Emperors, it is situated on the Vltava River, and boasts the largest castle in the world. At its heart lies the busy Wencelas Square and some fine examples of baroque and gothic architecture. There is a long tradition of brewing beer in the Czech Republic. Pilsener lager comes from Plzen, while Budweis gave its name to Budweiser. Another popular drink is Slivovitz or plum brandy. The national dish is Roast Pork with Dumplings and Sauerkraut. Various local cheeses, pastries and soups are also produced. The Czech composers Dvorak and Smetana both made important contributions to European culture. Puppetry is an important part of the national culture, and some towns hold puppet festivals.