Founded towards the end of the 9th century, Prague became the seat of Czech kings throughout the ages, some of whom reigned when the area was part the Holy Roman Empire of German Nations. The Prague that visitors are pulled to today is the city that was envisioned by King Charles IV in the 14th century. During this time he ordered the construction of New Town, Charles Bridge, Saint Vitus Cathedral and Charles University. Today, the cathedral is the oldest Gothic cathedral and Charles University is the oldest university in central Europe. So it’s safe to say that he was ahead of his time. But the city went on to survive wars, Communism and a flood and remains the city that it always has been—beautiful and rife with history.

After the Czechs made world headlines in November 1989 by toppling a Communist regime by pursuing a non-violent revolution—what would become known as the Velvet Revolution for its softness and smoothness—it was like a call to arms for all the hippies, novelists and poets around the world. Many of them moved to Prague, creating a mix of poseurs and real talent, lending it the arguably accurate reputation of being the Left Bank of the 90s.

But now, in this country of over 10 million people, the city’s cafés and restaurants have cancelled the poetry readings and many of the beatnik black turtlenecks can be found in second-hand clothing stores. Prague no longer stands for something deeper than it is—and it is comfortable with what it is. With gems like restored cubist cafés and a neoclassical bank turned five-star hotel, Prague has taken the old and made it new.

ECONOMY

The country is economically strong and it’s one of the most stable and prosperous in the post-Communist countries in the region, with a $172.2 billion GDP in 2004. Everyone, from car manufacturers to Hollywood, is showing an interest. Because the country wasn’t heavily damaged during the Second World War, Prague is often used as a movie location, posing as the doppelganger, of sorts, for many other cities—for example Paris in The Bourne Identity. According to the Association of Audiovisual Producers, the Czech Republic received Kc 7.5 billion last year in direct investments from international film-makers.

The automotive industry is one of the most powerful forces in the country’s economic growth, accounting for 20% of its production and exports. The anticipated foreign trade surplus for this year is about Kc 55 billion, whereas last year that number was Kc 20 billion. Although the current president Vaclav Klaus (the second president since the fall of Communism) is openly opposed to the expansion of the European Union, the country’s accession to the EU has given more structure to the economy, and the available EU funds are anticipated to strengthen output growth. Czechs are keeping their fingers crossed that the economy—and its currency—will remain strong.

RELIGION

For a country that isn’t known for its steadfast faith, it has certainly left its mark on religious history. J an Hus’s religious movement was the forerunner of Protestantism and had the consequence of his excommunication from the Catholic Church in 1411—the reason he was burned at the stake in 1415. A statue of him stands in the Old Town Square.

Perhaps it was a distasteful ending for Czechs, but religion has not been something they are particularly enthusiastic about, despite what you might think from the preservation of the churches here. In fact, 59% of the population claim no religious affiliation, while 26.8% proclaim themselves Roman Catholic, 2.1% Protestant and 3.3% adherents of other religions.

POPULATION

The country’s population breakdown is just as staid. Of the over 10 million people in the Czech Republic, 90.4% are Czech, 3.7% are Moravian, 1.9% are Slovak and 4% are from other countries.

In Prague, the population is 1.2 million inhabitants, although there are thousands of foreigners who are estimated to be living in Prague unregistered. The common theme among expats here is that they just came for a vacation and have accidentally stayed a lifetime, such is the allure of this magnificent city.