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AdvancedSpecial charactersHelpHeadingLevel 2Level 3Level 4Level 5FormatInsertLatinLatin extendedIPASymbolsGreekGreek extendedCyrillicArabicArabic extendedHebrewBanglaTamilTeluguSinhalaDevanagariGujaratiThaiLaoKhmerCanadian AboriginalRunesÁáÀàÂâÄäÃãǍǎĀāĂ㥹ÅåĆćĈĉÇçČčĊċĐđĎďÉéÈèÊêËëĚěĒēĔĕĖėĘęĜĝĢģĞğĠġĤĥĦħÍíÌìÎîÏïĨĩǏǐĪīĬĭİıĮįĴĵĶķĹĺĻļĽľŁłŃńÑñŅņŇňÓóÒòÔôÖöÕõǑǒŌōŎŏǪǫŐőŔŕŖŗŘřŚśŜŝŞşŠšȘșȚțŤťÚúÙùÛûÜüŨũŮůǓǔŪūǖǘǚǜŬŭŲųŰűŴŵÝýŶŷŸÿȲȳŹźŽžŻżÆæǢǣØøŒœßÐðÞþƏəFormattingLinksHeadingsListsFilesDiscussionReferencesDescriptionWhat you typeWhat you getItalic''Italic text''Italic textBold'''Bold text'''Bold textBold & italic'''''Bold & italic text'''''Bold & italic textDescriptionWhat you typeWhat you getReferencePage text.<ref>[https://www.example.org/ Link text], additional text.</ref>Page text.[1]Named referencePage text.<ref name="test">[https://www.example.org/ Link text]</ref>Page text.[2]Additional use of the same referencePage text.<ref name="test" />Page text.[2]Display references<references />↑ Link text, additional text.↑ Link text== Economy == {{Main|Economy of the Czech Republic}} [[File:GDP per capita development of Czechia.svg|thumb|right|Real GDP per capita in the Czech Republic from 1973 to 2018]] [[File:Schengenzone.svg|thumb|The Czech Republic is part of the [[European Single Market]] and the [[Schengen Area]] (dark and light blue on the map above), but uses its own currency, the [[Czech koruna]].]] The Czech Republic has a [[IMF advanced economy list|developed]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.czech.cz/en/czech-republic/getting-to-know-czech-republic/|title=Getting to know Czech Republic|author=Mccanndigital.cz|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719090840/http://www.czech.cz/en/czech-republic/getting-to-know-czech-republic/|archive-date=19 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[World Bank high-income economy|high-income]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20421402~pagePK:64133150~piPK:64133175~theSitePK:239419,00.html#High_income |title=World Bank 2007 |publisher=Web.worldbank.org |access-date=25 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524215837/http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0%2C%2CcontentMDK%3A20421402~pagePK%3A64133150~piPK%3A64133175~theSitePK%3A239419%2C00.html |archive-date=24 May 2008 }}</ref> [[Trading nation|export-oriented]] [[social market economy]] based in services, manufacturing and innovation, that maintains a [[welfare state]] and the [[European social model]].<ref name="An Ideal-Typical Perspective">{{cite journal|doi=10.1111/j.1467-9515.2009.00654.x|title=Analysing the Welfare State in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia: An Ideal-Typical Perspective|journal=Social Policy & Administration|volume=43|issue=2|pages=170–185|year=2009|last1=Aspalter|first1=Christian|last2=Jinsoo|first2=Kim|last3=Sojeung|first3=Park|doi-access=free}}</ref> The Czech Republic participates in the [[European Single Market]] as a member of the [[European Union]] and is therefore a part of the [[economy of the European Union]], but uses its own currency, the [[Czech koruna]], instead of the [[euro]]. It has a per capita GDP rate that is 91% of the EU average<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tec00114&plugin=1|title=GDP per capita in PPS|publisher=Eurostat|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524215819/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tec00114&plugin=1|archive-date=24 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and is a member of the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]]. [[Monetary policy]] is conducted by the [[Czech National Bank]], whose independence is guaranteed by the [[Constitution of the Czech Republic|Constitution]]. The Czech Republic ranks 12th in the [[United Nations Development Programme|UN]] [[List of countries by inequality-adjusted HDI|inequality-adjusted human development]] and 24th in [[World Bank Human Capital Index]]. It was described by ''[[The Guardian]]'' as "one of Europe's most flourishing economies".<ref>{{cite web |first=Robert|last=Tait|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/06/czech-democracy-threat-debt-crisis|title=Czech democracy 'under threat' from rising debt crisis|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=6 January 2019}}</ref> {{as of|2023}}, the country's [[GDP per capita]] at [[purchasing power parity]] is $51,329<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=30&pr.y=7&sy=2018&ey=2018&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=935%2C961%2C436%2C136&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a= |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019 |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org |access-date=4 June 2019}}</ref> and $29,856 at [[Real versus nominal value (economics)|nominal value.]]<ref name="IMFWEOCZ201901">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=44&pr.y=12&sy=2016&ey=2021&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=935&s=NGDP_RPCH%2CNGDPD%2CPPPGDP%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= |title=World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019 |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref> According to Allianz A.G., in 2018 the country was an MWC (mean wealth country), ranking 26th in net financial assets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/azcom/Allianz_com/migration/media/economic_research/publications/specials/en/Allianz_Global_Wealth_Report_2018_e.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.allianz.com/content/dam/onemarketing/azcom/Allianz_com/migration/media/economic_research/publications/specials/en/Allianz_Global_Wealth_Report_2018_e.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|title=Allianz Global Wealth Report 2018|last1=Brandmeir|first1=Kathrin|last2=Grimm|first2=Michaela|last3=Heise|first3=Michael|last4=Holzhausen|first4=Arne|access-date=25 January 2021}}</ref> The country experienced a 4.5% [[Economic growth|GDP growth]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Česká ekonomika na konci roku dál rostla, HDP loni stoupl o 4,5 procenta|url=https://ekonomika.idnes.cz/rust-hdp-cesko-2017-4-5-procenta-d1r-/ekonomika.aspx?c=A180216_092208_ekonomika_jj|work=iDNES.cz|date=16 February 2018|language=cs|access-date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315070633/https://ekonomika.idnes.cz/rust-hdp-cesko-2017-4-5-procenta-d1r-/ekonomika.aspx?c=A180216_092208_ekonomika_jj|archive-date=15 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2016 [[unemployment]] rate was the lowest in the EU at 2.4%,<ref name="Eurostat Unemployment 2016">[http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Unemployment_rates,_seasonally_adjusted,_September_2016.png Unemployment rates, seasonally adjusted, September 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228112313/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/File:Unemployment_rates,_seasonally_adjusted,_September_2016.png |date=28 December 2017 }}. [[Eurostat]].</ref> and the 2016 poverty rate was the second lowest of OECD members.<ref name="FT 19 October 2016">Federica Cocco. [https://www.ft.com/content/eacb2221-86f3-3be6-b3a9-075f0415367f Israel and the US have the highest poverty rates in the developed world] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171632/https://www.ft.com/content/eacb2221-86f3-3be6-b3a9-075f0415367f |date=28 December 2017 }}. ''[[Financial Times]]''. Published on 19 October 2016.</ref> Czech Republic ranks 27th in the 2021 [[Index of Economic Freedom]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heritage.org/index/ranking|title=Country Rankings: World & Global Economy Rankings on Economic Freedom|website=www.heritage.org|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124020846/https://www.heritage.org/index/ranking|archive-date=24 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 31st in the 2023 [[Global Innovation Index]], down from 24th in the 2016,<ref>{{Cite journal |last=WIPO |title=Global Innovation Index 2023, 15th Edition |url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2023/index.html |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=www.wipo.int |doi=10.34667/tind.46596 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=The Global Innovation Index 2016 | publisher=The Global Innovation Index | date=2016 | url=https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/gii-2016-report | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000859/https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/gii-2016-report | archive-date=2 February 2017 | access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref> 29th in the [[Global Competitiveness Report]],<ref name="GCR 2018/19">{{cite web|url=http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2018/|title=The Global Competitiveness Report 2018|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017082148/http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2018/|archive-date=17 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and 25th in the [[Global Enabling Trade Report]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reports.weforum.org/global-enabling-trade-report-2016/enabling-trade-rankings/|title=Enabling Trade rankings|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321024142/http://reports.weforum.org/global-enabling-trade-report-2016/enabling-trade-rankings/|archive-date=21 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Czech Republic has a diverse economy that [[List of countries by economic complexity|ranks 7th]] in the 2016 [[Economic Complexity Index]].<ref name="Atlas of Economic Complexity">[https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/rankings/country/eci/ Economic Complexity Rankings (ECI)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314191933/https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/rankings/country/eci/ |date=14 March 2018 }}. [[The Atlas of Economic Complexity]]. Access date 3 October 2017.</ref> The industrial sector accounts for 37.5% of the economy, while services account for 60% and agriculture for 2.5%.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2048.html LABOR FORCE – BY OCCUPATION] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522214333/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2048.html |date=22 May 2014 }}. [[The World Factbook]].</ref> The largest trading partner for both export and import is [[Germany]] and the EU in general. Dividends worth CZK 270 billion were paid to the [[Foreign ownership|foreign owners]] of Czech companies in 2017, which has become a political issue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Czech foreign owned companies take second biggest dividend yield in 2017:report |url=https://www.radio.cz/en/section/business/czech-foreign-owned-companies-take-second-biggest-dividend-yield-in-2017report |work=Radio Prague |date=7 March 2018}}</ref> The country has been a member of the [[Schengen Area]] since 1 May 2004, having abolished border controls, completely opening its borders with all of its neighbors on 21 December 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Czech Republic to join Schengen|url=http://www.praguepost.com/articles/2006/12/13/czech-republic-to-join-schengen.php|publisher=The Prague Post|date=13 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225173344/http://www.praguepost.com/articles/2006/12/13/czech-republic-to-join-schengen.php|archive-date=25 February 2008|access-date=8 October 2007}}</ref> === Industry === [[File:Skoda Octavia IV RS IMG 4250.jpg|left|thumb|[[Škoda Octavia]] RS iV]] {{as of|alt=In 2018|2018}} the [[List of companies of the Czech Republic#Largest by revenue|largest companies]] by revenue in the Czech Republic were: automobile manufacturer [[Škoda Auto]], utility company [[ČEZ Group]], conglomerate [[Agrofert]], energy trading company [[Energetický a průmyslový holding|EPH]], oil processing company [[Unipetrol]], electronics manufacturer [[Foxconn CZ]] and steel producer [[Třinec Iron and Steel Works|Moravia Steel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=100 Nejvýznamnějších |url=https://www.czechtop100.cz/cs/projekty/zebricky/100-nejvyznamnejsich |website=CZECH TOP 100 |access-date=1 July 2019 |language=cs}}</ref> Other Czech transportation companies include: [[Škoda Transportation]] (tramways, trolleybuses, metro), [[Tatra (company)|Tatra]] (heavy trucks, the second oldest car maker in the world), [[Avia]] (medium trucks), [[Karosa]] and [[SOR Libchavy]] (buses), [[Aero Vodochody]] (military aircraft), [[Let Kunovice]] (civil aircraft), [[Zetor]] (tractors), [[Jawa Moto]] (motorcycles) and [[Česká zbrojovka Strakonice|Čezeta]] (electric scooters). Škoda Transportation is the fourth largest [[tram]] producer in the world; nearly one third of all trams in the world come from Czech factories.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tramvaje firmy Pragoimex: česká klasika v novém kabátě|url=https://www.euro.cz/byznys/tramvaje-firmy-pragoimexceska-klasika-v-novem-kabate-892314|work=Euro.cz|date=16 December 2008|language=cs|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414010557/https://www.euro.cz/byznys/tramvaje-firmy-pragoimexceska-klasika-v-novem-kabate-892314|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Czech Republic is also the world's largest [[Phonograph record|vinyl records]] manufacturer, with [[GZ Media]] producing about 6 million pieces annually in [[Loděnice (Beroun District)|Loděnice]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Zlaté české ručičky. V tomhle jsme nejlepší, i když se o tom skoro neví|url=http://www.ctidoma.cz/firmy/2018-04-11-zlate-ceske-rucicky-v-tomhle-jsme-nejlepsi-i-kdyz-se-o-tom-skoro-nevi-39910|work=ČtiDoma.cz|date=11 April 2018|language=cs|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413190004/http://www.ctidoma.cz/firmy/2018-04-11-zlate-ceske-rucicky-v-tomhle-jsme-nejlepsi-i-kdyz-se-o-tom-skoro-nevi-39910|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod|Česká zbrojovka]] is among the ten largest [[firearm]]s producers in the world and five who produce automatic weapons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Příběh firmy Česká zbrojovka: kde se rodí pistole |url=https://www.e15.cz/byznys/obchod-a-sluzby/pribeh-firmy-ceska-zbrojovka-kde-se-rodi-pistole-1311359 |work=E15.cz}}</ref> In the [[food industry]], Czech companies include [[Agrofert]], [[Kofola]] and [[Hamé (company)|Hamé]]. === Energy === {{Main|Energy in the Czech Republic}} [[File:Nuclear.power.plant.Dukovany.jpg|thumb|[[Dukovany Nuclear Power Station]]]] Production of Czech electricity exceeds consumption by about 10 [[Kilowatt hour|TWh]] per year, the excess being exported. [[Nuclear power]] presently provides about 30 percent of the total power needs, its share is projected to increase to 40 percent. In 2005, 65.4 percent of electricity was produced by steam and combustion power plants (mostly coal); 30 percent by nuclear plants; and 4.6 percent came from renewable sources, including hydropower. The largest Czech power resource is [[Temelín Nuclear Power Station]], with another nuclear power plant in [[Dukovany Nuclear Power Station|Dukovany]]. The Czech Republic is reducing its dependence on highly polluting low-grade [[Lignite|brown coal]] as a source of energy. Natural gas is purchased from [[Norway|Norwegian]] companies and as liquefied gas LNG from the [[Netherlands]] and [[Belgium]]. In the past, three-quarters of gas supplies came from [[Russia]], but after the outbreak of the [[War in Ukraine (2022)|war in Ukraine]], the government gradually stopped these supplies.<ref>{{Cite web |title='V lednu ani kubík.' Dovoz plynu z Ruska do Česka klesl na nulu, uvedl Síkela |url=https://www.irozhlas.cz/ekonomika/cesko-zasoby-plyn-rusko_2302182048_zuj |access-date=30 March 2023 |website=iROZHLAS |date=18 February 2023 |language=cs}}</ref> Gas consumption (approx. 100 TWh in 2003–2005) is almost double electricity consumption. South Moravia has small [[Oil and gas deposits in the Czech Republic|oil and gas deposits]]. === Transportation infrastructure === {{Main|Transport in the Czech Republic}} [[File:Prague Václav Havel Airport in 2019.02.jpg|thumb|[[Václav Havel Airport Prague]]]] {{As of|2020|post=,}} the road network in the Czech Republic is {{convert|55768.3|km|2|sp=us}} long, out of which {{cvt|1276.4|km|mi}} are motorways.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Yearbook 2020: 3.2.1. Road transport infrastructure|url=https://www.sydos.cz/cs/rocenka-2020/yearbook/htm_uk/uk20_321000.html|publisher=Ministry of Transport|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> The [[Speed limits by country|speed limit]] is {{cvt|50|km/h}} within towns, {{cvt|90|km/h}} outside of towns and {{cvt|130|km/h}} on motorways.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/czech_republic/speed_limits_en.htm|title=Going abroad – Czech Republic|website=ec.europa.eu|access-date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003221115/http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/czech_republic/speed_limits_en.htm|archive-date=3 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Czech Republic has one of the [[List of countries by rail transport network size|densest rail networks in the world]]. {{As of|2020|post=,}} the country has {{convert|9542|km|mi|sp=us}} of lines. Of that number, {{cvt|3236|km|mi}} is electrified, {{cvt|7503|km|mi}} are single-line tracks and {{cvt|2040|km|mi}} are double and multiple-line tracks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Yearbook 2020: 3.1.2. Lines|url=https://www.sydos.cz/cs/rocenka-2020/yearbook/htm_uk/uk20_312000.html|publisher=Ministry of Transport|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> The length of tracks is {{cvt|15360|km|mi}}, out of which {{cvt|6917|km|mi}} is electrified.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Yearbook 2020: 3.1.1. Tracks|url=https://www.sydos.cz/cs/rocenka-2020/yearbook/htm_uk/uk20_311000.html|publisher=Ministry of Transport|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> [[České dráhy]] (the Czech Railways) is the main railway operator in the country, with about 180 million passengers carried yearly. Maximum speed is limited to {{cvt|160|km/h}}. [[Václav Havel Airport Prague|Václav Havel Airport]] in Prague is the main international airport in the country. In 2019, it handled 17.8 million passengers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Letiště|url=https://www.mdcr.cz/Dokumenty/Letecka-doprava/Pravni-predpisy/Letiste|publisher=Ministry of Transport|language=cs|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> In total, the Czech Republic has [[List of airports in the Czech Republic|91 airports]], six of which provide international air services. The public international airports are in [[Brno–Tuřany Airport|Brno]], [[Karlovy Vary Airport|Karlovy Vary]], [[Mnichovo Hradiště Airport|Mnichovo Hradiště]], [[Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava|Mošnov]] (near [[Ostrava]]), [[Pardubice Airport|Pardubice]] and Prague.<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Yearbook 2020: 3.4. Air transport infrastructure |url=https://www.sydos.cz/cs/rocenka-2020/yearbook/htm_uk/uk20_340000.html|publisher=Ministry of Transport|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> The non-public international airports capable of handling airliners are in [[Kunovice Airport|Kunovice]] and [[Vodochody Airport|Vodochody]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Letišť má Česko až moc, většinou jsou ztrátová|url=https://www.novinky.cz/ekonomika/clanek/letist-ma-cesko-az-moc-vetsinou-jsou-ztratova-40293826|publisher=Novinky.cz|language=cs|date=21 August 2019|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> Russia, via pipelines through Ukraine and to a lesser extent, Norway, via pipelines through Germany, supply the Czech Republic with liquid and natural gas.<ref name="guidepost">{{cite web|url=https://www.mpo.cz/en/guidepost/for-the-media/press-releases/minister-kocourek-launches-the-gazela-gas-pipeline-linking-the-czech-republic-to-nord-stream--80040/|title=Minister Kocourek launches the Gazela gas pipeline linking the Czech Republic to Nord Stream|last=Vlček|first=Pavel|date=14 November 2010|publisher=Ministry of Industry and Trade|access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref> === Communications and IT === {{Main|Internet in the Czech Republic}} [[File:Eduard Kučera, Milada Kučerová, Jarmila Baudišová, Pavel Baudiš, foto Milan Bureš.jpg|thumb|Founders and owners of the antivirus group [[Avast]]]] The Czech Republic ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide with the fastest average internet speed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/state-of-the-internet-reports-reveals-internet-speeds-around-the-world/story-e6frfro0-1226344876391|title='State of the Internet' report reveals the fastest web speeds around the world|first=Lee|last=Taylor|date=2 May 2012|work=news.com.au|access-date=2 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502094323/http://www.news.com.au/technology/state-of-the-internet-reports-reveals-internet-speeds-around-the-world/story-e6frfro0-1226344876391|archive-date=2 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> By the beginning of 2008, there were over 800 mostly local [[Wireless Internet service provider|WISPs]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Wi-Fi: Poskytovatelé bezdrátového připojení |url=http://www.internetprovsechny.cz/wifi-poskytovatele.php |publisher=internetprovsechny.cz |access-date=17 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308231712/http://www.internetprovsechny.cz/wifi-poskytovatele.php |archive-date=8 March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bezdrátové připojení k internetu|url=http://www.bezdratovepripojeni.cz|publisher=bezdratovepripojeni.cz|access-date=18 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623212438/http://www.bezdratovepripojeni.cz/|archive-date=23 June 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> with about 350,000 subscribers in 2007. Plans based on either [[General Packet Radio Service|GPRS]], [[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution|EDGE]], [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]] or [[CDMA2000]] are being offered by all three mobile phone operators ([[T-Mobile International AG|T-Mobile]], O2, [[Vodafone]]) and internet provider U:fon. Government-owned [[Český Telecom]] slowed down broadband penetration. At the beginning of 2004, [[local-loop unbundling]] began and alternative operators started to offer [[ADSL]] and also [[Symmetric digital subscriber line|SDSL]]. This and later privatization of Český Telecom helped drive down prices. On 1 July 2006, Český Telecom was acquired by globalized company (Spain-owned) Telefónica group and adopted the new name [[Telefónica O2 Czech Republic]]. {{as of|2017}}, VDSL and ADSL2+ are offered in variants, with download speeds of up to 50 Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbit/s. Cable internet is gaining more popularity with its higher download speeds ranging from 50 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s. Two [[computer security]] companies, [[Avast]] and [[AVG Technologies|AVG]], were founded in the Czech Republic. In 2016, Avast led by [[Pavel Baudiš]] bought rival AVG for [[United States dollar|US$]]1.3 billion, together at the time, these companies had a user base of about 400 million people and 40% of the consumer market outside of China.<ref>{{cite news|title=Antivirus giant Avast is acquiring rival AVG for $1.3b|url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/07/07/antivirus-giant-avast-acquiring-rival-avg-1-3b/|publisher=TNW|date=7 July 2016|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184524/https://thenextweb.com/insider/2016/07/07/antivirus-giant-avast-acquiring-rival-avg-1-3b/|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Avast not done with deal-making after AVG buy, but no rush|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-avast-avg-tech-ceo-idUSKCN1201R2?type=companyNews|work=Reuters|date=30 September 2016|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016123038/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-avast-avg-tech-ceo-idUSKCN1201R2?type=companyNews|archive-date=16 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Avast is the leading provider of antivirus software, with a 20.5% market share.<ref>{{cite news|title=Avast Buys Piriform, the Company Behind CCleaner and Recuva|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/business/avast-buys-piriform-the-company-behind-ccleaner-and-recuva/|work=BleepingComputer|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720002226/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/business/avast-buys-piriform-the-company-behind-ccleaner-and-recuva/|archive-date=20 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> === Tourism === {{Main|Tourism in the Czech Republic}} [[File:Burg Karlstein - Karlštejn - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Medieval castle [[Karlštejn]]]] [[Prague]] is the fifth most visited city in Europe after London, Paris, Istanbul and Rome.<ref name="Bremner 2015">{{cite web|url=http://blog.euromonitor.com/2015/01/top-100-city-destinations-ranking.html|title=Top 100 City Destinations Ranking|publisher=Euromonitor International|first=Caroline|last=Bremner|year=2015|access-date=9 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628204803/http://blog.euromonitor.com/2015/01/top-100-city-destinations-ranking.html|archive-date=28 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2001, the total earnings from tourism reached 118 billion [[Czech koruna|CZK]], making up 5.5% of the country's [[Measures of national income and output|GNP]] and 9% of its overall export earnings. The industry employs more than 110,000 people – over 1% of the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.czechtourism.com/index.php?show=001006&lang=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328141615/http://www.czechtourism.com/index.php?show=001006&lang=3|archive-date=28 March 2007|title=Promotion Strategy of the Czech Republic in 2004–2010|access-date=19 December 2006|publisher=Czech Tourism}}</ref> Guidebooks and tourists reporting overcharging by taxi drivers and pickpocketing problems talk mainly about Prague, though the situation has improved recently.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radio.cz/en/article/106877 |title=Prague sees significant dip in tourist numbers |publisher=Radio.cz |date=21 April 2010 |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403080652/http://www.radio.cz/en/article/106877 |archive-date=3 April 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="indy">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/prague-mayor-goes-undercover-to-expose-the-great-taxi-ripoff-486682.html|title=Prague mayor goes undercover to expose the great taxi rip-off|work=The Independent|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905001434/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/prague-mayor-goes-undercover-to-expose-the-great-taxi-ripoff-486682.html|archive-date=5 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2005, Prague's mayor, [[Pavel Bém]], has worked to improve this reputation by cracking down on petty crime<ref name="indy" /> and, aside from these problems, Prague is a "safe" city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/safety.html|title=Tips on Staying Safe in Prague|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923074842/http://www.myczechrepublic.com/prague/safety.html|archive-date=23 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The Czech Republic's crime rate is described by the United States State department as "low".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1099.html#crime |title=Czech Republic – Country Specific Information |access-date=13 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217101224/http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1099.html |archive-date=17 December 2013}}</ref> The Czech Republic boasts [[List of World Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic|17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites]], 3 of them being transnational. {{as of|2024}}, further 13 sites are on the tentative list.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tentative Lists|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/?action=listtentative&state=cz&order=states|website=UNESCO|access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref> [[File:Český Krumlov, historické jádro.jpg|left|thumb|[[Český Krumlov]]]] Architectural heritage is an object of interest to visitors – it includes [[List of castles in the Czech Republic|castles and châteaux]] from different historical epochs, namely [[Karlštejn]] Castle, [[Český Krumlov]] and the [[Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape]]. There are 12 [[List of cathedrals in the Czech Republic|cathedrals]] and 15 churches elevated to the rank of [[Minor basilica|basilica]] by the Pope, as well as many monasteries. Away from the towns, areas such as [[Bohemian Paradise]], [[Bohemian Forest]] and the [[Giant Mountains]] attract visitors seeking outdoor pursuits. The country is also known for its various [[List of museums in the Czech Republic|museums]], [[puppeteer|puppetry]] and [[marionette]] exhibitions that take part within larger puppet [[theatre festival|festivals]], and [[beer festival]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.travelguidepro.com/czech-republic/|title=Czech Republic Travel Guide – Tourist Information and Guide to Czech Republic|website=www.travelguidepro.com|access-date=10 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823183212/http://travelguidepro.com/czech-republic/|archive-date=23 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Aquapalace Prague]] in [[Čestlice]] is the largest [[water park]] in the country. === Science === <!-- {{Main|Science of the Czech Republic}} --> [[File:Heyrovsky Jaroslav.jpg|thumb|234x234px|Chemist [[Jaroslav Heyrovský]], Nobel Prize winner]] The Czech lands have a long and well-documented history of scientific innovation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Czech Science: Past, Present, and Future |url=http://connect.ceitec.cz/science-and-society/czech-science-past-present-and-future/ |publisher=Ceitec Connect |website=connect.ceitec.cz/ |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Czech Footprint: Inventions and Inventors |url=https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/heritage/czech-footprint-inventions-and-inventors/ |date=16 November 2018 |website=www.skoda-storyboard.com/ |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> Today, the Czech Republic has a highly sophisticated, developed, high-performing, innovation-oriented scientific community supported by the government,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mpo.cz/assets/en/guidepost/for-the-media/press-releases/2019/5/NAIS_eng_web.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.mpo.cz/assets/en/guidepost/for-the-media/press-releases/2019/5/NAIS_eng_web.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|title=National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Czech Republic |publisher=Ministry of Industry and Trade |website=www.mpo.cz |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> industry,<ref>{{cite web |title=Research and Development in the Czech Republic |url=http://www.czech-research.com|publisher=Czech Invest |website=www.czechinvest.org/en |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> and leading [[Czech Universities|universities]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Best Global Universities in the Czech Republic|url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/czech-republic|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|website=www.usnews.com |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> Czech scientists are embedded members of the global scientific community.<ref>{{cite web|title=Research News|url=https://gacr.cz/en/news|access-date=1 June 2021|website=gacr.cz/en |publisher=Grantová agentura České republiky}}</ref> They contribute annually to multiple international academic journals and collaborate with their colleagues across boundaries and fields.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exhibition traces Czech contribution to finding Amazon River source|url=https://english.radio.cz/exhibition-traces-czech-contribution-finding-amazon-river-source-8718816|access-date=1 June 2021|publisher=Radio Prague International|date=28 May 2021|website=www.czech.radio}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Czech Republic, home of robotics|url=https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/czech-republic-home-robotics|access-date=1 June 2021|date=19 June 2012|website=ec.europa.eu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=World success of Czech scientists: A breakthrough method can help in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease or cancer|url=https://imtm.cz/world-success-czech-scientists-breakthrough-method-can-help-treatment-alzheimers-disease-or-cancer|access-date=1 June 2021|publisher=Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine|website=imtm.cz|archive-date=2 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220026/https://imtm.cz/world-success-czech-scientists-breakthrough-method-can-help-treatment-alzheimers-disease-or-cancer|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Czech and Slovak Freedom Lecture: The Role of Czech and International Scientists in the Fight Against the Pandemic|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/czech-and-slovak-freedom-lecture-role-czech-and-international-scientists-fight-against|access-date=1 June 2021|publisher=The Wilson Center|website=www.wilsoncenter.org}}</ref> The Czech Republic was ranked 24th in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2020 and 2021, up from 26th in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Innovation Index 2021 |url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2021/|work=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]]|publisher=[[United Nations]]|access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Release of the Global Innovation Index 2020: Who Will Finance Innovation?|url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2020/index.html|access-date=2 September 2021|website=wipo.int}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Global Innovation Index 2019|url=https://www.wipo.int/global_innovation_index/en/2019/index.html|access-date=2 September 2021|website=wipo.int}}</ref> Historically, the Czech lands, especially [[Prague]], have been the seat of scientific discovery going back to early modern times, including [[Tycho Brahe]], [[Nicolaus Copernicus]], and [[Johannes Kepler]]. In 1784 the scientific community was first formally organized under the charter of the [[Royal Czech Society of Sciences]]. Currently, this organization is known as the [[Czech Academy of Sciences]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Czech Academy of Sciences |url=https://www.avcr.cz/en |publisher=The Czech Academy of Sciences |website=www.avcr.cz |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> Similarly, the Czech lands have a well-established history of scientists,<ref>{{cite web |title=Czech Made |url=https://english.radio.cz/czech-made-8705902 |publisher=Radio Prague International |date=19 January 2021 |website=www.czech.radio |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Czechoslovak Society of Arts & Sciences |url=https://www.svu2000.org|website=svu2000.org|publisher=Společnost pro vědy a umění|access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> including Nobel laureates biochemists [[Gerty Cori|Gerty]] and [[Carl Ferdinand Cori]], chemists [[Jaroslav Heyrovský]] and [[Otto Wichterle]], physicists [[Ernst Mach]] and [[Peter Grünberg]], physiologist [[Jan Evangelista Purkyně]] and chemist [[Antonín Holý]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=All Nobel Prizes|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/lists/all-nobel-prizes|access-date=2 June 2021|website=NobelPrize.org}}</ref> [[Sigmund Freud]], the founder of [[psychoanalysis]], was born in [[Příbor]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sigmund Freud {{!}} Biography, Theories, Works, & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sigmund-Freud|access-date=2 June 2021|website=Encyclopedia Britannica}}</ref> [[Gregor Mendel]], the founder of [[genetics]], was born in [[Hynčice (Vražné)|Hynčice]] and spent most of his life in [[Brno]],<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/857364787 |title=Solitude of a Humble Genius-- Gregor Johann Mendel. Volume 1, Formative years |date=2013 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3-642-35254-6 |editor-last=Klein |editor-first=Paul |location=Berlin |oclc=857364787}}</ref> logician and mathematician [[Kurt Gödel]] was born in Brno. [[File:ELI Beamlines building in Dolní Břežany.jpg|thumb|Eli Beamlines Science Center with the most powerful laser in the world in [[Dolní Břežany]]]] Historically, most scientific research was recorded in Latin, but from the 18th century onwards increasingly in German and later in Czech, archived in libraries supported and managed by religious groups and other denominations as evidenced by historical locations of international renown and heritage such as the [[Strahov Monastery]] and the [[Clementinum]] in [[Prague]]. Increasingly, Czech scientists publish their work and that of their history in English.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Psychology in the Czech lands: Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, and the Czech Republic |journal=International Journal of Psychology |year=2020 |pmid=31304980 |last1=Klicperová-Baker |first1=M. |last2=Hoskovcová |first2=S. |last3=Heller |first3=D. |volume=55 |issue=2 |pages=133–143 |doi=10.1002/ijop.12607 |s2cid=196613980 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Research and Innovation Ranking |url=https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?country=CZE |publisher=Scimago Institutions Rankings |website=www.scimagoir.com |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> The current important scientific institution is the already mentioned [[Czech Academy of Sciences|Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic]], the [[Central European Institute of Technology|CEITEC]] Institute in [[Brno]] or the [[HiLASE]] and [[Eli Beamlines]] centers with the most powerful laser in the world in [[Dolní Břežany]]. Prague is the seat of the administrative center of the GSA Agency operating the European navigation system [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo]] and the [[European Union Agency for the Space Programme]]. Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Christianpedia:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window) Discuss this page