The Czech Republic (its official name is the Czech Republic) is located in Central Europe. Its territory has common borders with such states as Slovakia, Austria, Poland, and Germany. The area of the Czech Republic is 78,703 square meters. km. This territory contains rich natural resources and mineral deposits. What are these resources and how are they located on the territory? How is mining carried out in the Czech Republic? It is these issues that require careful consideration.
Relief and minerals of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a varied topography, consisting of plains, hills and mountain ranges. The Czech Republic has medium-high mountains, which are indicated on the map as:
- Czech forest;
- Czech Massif;
- Krkonose;
- Bohemian-Moravian Upland.
Mountain ranges stretch along the borders of the Czech Republic. In a relatively small area there are 16 mountain ranges and 400 peaks. The mountains of the Czech Republic are lower in height than the Swiss, but they are located in denser, more frequent ridges.
The country is landlocked, but there are about 15,000 ponds and small lakes on its territory.
Forest resources
According to international rankings, the Czech Republic is considered the most forested country in Europe. Forest, which occupies about 30% of the country's total territory, is the most important resource for industry. The most common type of trees can be called conifers (as a percentage, they occupy about 60% of the entire forest). Coniferous forests are represented mainly by spruce and pine trees, while deciduous forests consist mainly of oak and beech groves.
There are not a large number of mineral deposits on the territory of this country, and many of the existing ones have already exhausted their resources, and their development has already ceased.
In the list of mineral resources of the Czech Republic:
- uranium ore;
- iron ore;
- oil;
- natural gas;
- lead;
- zinc;
- copper;
- silver;
- precious and semi-precious stones (garnet, jasper, agate, sapphires, rubies);
- hard and brown coal;
- sand.
Coal mining
Coal is one of the most common types of fossils found in the Czech Republic. The development of deposits is important for the country, because this material is the main fuel resource. 
According to rough estimates, the volume of coal reserves reaches about 13 billion tons. The largest mining area for such minerals in the Czech Republic can be called the Ostrava-Karvina basin - it accounts for almost 70% of coking coals from all the country's reserves. The quality of the coal mined here is also much higher. This is explained by the composition, which contains a small amount of sulfur.
Smaller coal deposits are also located near cities such as Brno, Kladno and Pilsen.
Brown coal is also represented in fairly large volumes. The largest lignite basin is called the North Bohemian basin. More than half of all Czech brown coal reserves are located here.
A distinctive feature of coal deposits in the Czech Republic is the high spatial concentration of reserves, which makes it possible to use open-pit mining. This, in turn, allows for significant savings on the development of mineral resources in the Czech Republic.
Oil and natural gas
The Vienna Basin is an area where oil and gas fields are concentrated and actively being developed. Most of them are small in volume. The largest oil field is called Grushki, gas field is Visoka. 
Currently, the search for new gas and oil deposits is in full swing. Work on the development of territories is carried out in the Cis-Carpathian trough near the slopes of the Czech Massif (in the south-eastern part). During this time, the Zavod gas field in the Vienna Basin and the Zdanice oil field were discovered (according to preliminary estimates, there is about 1 million tons of oil here).
Metal Ore
The number of metal ore deposits in the Czech Republic is insignificant. Moreover, the largest of them, which produced the lion's share of ore, have today turned out to be completely or almost depleted. 
Most deposits contain low-grade phosphorous iron ores. Their metal content is less than 30. The Ore Mountains are the main location for minerals such as rare and non-ferrous metals.
Polymetallic ores in the Czech Republic are widespread in Pribram (Pb, Zn, Ag were mined here), Kut na Hora. Deposits of Cu, Pb and Zn were discovered near the Jeseniky Mountain.
The Czech-Moravian border is known for a very large deposit of Stare Ransko copper-nickel ore, but the ores here are poor.
Other earth resources
The reserves of uranium ore in the Czech Republic are quite large. Their deposits are located in the Ore Mountains. In the last century, a large number of polymetallic ores with a high content of native silver were mined. This figure was achieved thanks to a uranium-polymetallic deposit located in Central Bohemia. It was this that supplied the entire country with raw materials. In addition, there are smaller deposits that are currently being actively developed. They are located in the regions of Příbram (in Central Bohemia), Zadní Chodov (a region in Western Bohemia) and Gamrajona-Jezere (a region in Northern Bohemia).
As for silver, it was a by-product obtained from working in copper, uranium-metal, and lead-zinc deposits. Currently, the extraction of this mineral in the Czech Republic is no longer carried out in the fields.
Non-metallic minerals
The extraction of precious and semi-precious stones is important. The Krkonoše Mountains are home to jasper and agate. The pomegranate was found in the Czech Middle Mountains. There are small deposits here. 
The glass sands of the Czech Republic are popular all over the world. They are used as raw materials in the production of colored glass and Czech crystal, which is highly valued not only in the Czech Republic itself, but also in many other countries.
The areas of Pilsen and Karlovy Vary are rich in graphite, magnesite and kaolin. The latter is mined in the vicinity of Karlovy Vary, Pilsen and Podborany (located in Western Bohemia).
The country has significant reserves of minerals such as limestone and dolomite. Quite a few deposits of building materials have been found throughout the country, represented by:
- decorative and facing stones;
- brick clays;
- pebbles.
Their production is limited, since the development of these deposits is under the protection of environmental organizations.
The favorable geographical location, rich nature, relief features, and mineral resources of the Czech Republic open up many roads for development for the country. Among them are the development of land and natural resources, the extraction of minerals, and great opportunities in the development of tourism.
The Czech Republic is a small country in terms of population; according to the 2006 census, there were 10,200,000 people in the country. The population density is 130.2 people / km 2, the majority of the population is concentrated in cities (66%), in particular small towns. The settlement system is dominated by small towns and villages
By ethnic composition. The Czech Republic is almost a one-national state, 94% of the population are Czechs, Slovaks - 3%, Poles - 0.6%, Germans - 0.5%, Romanians - 0.3%, Hungarians - 0.2%, a small proportion of the population.
The religious structure is 39.2% of the population. The Czech Republic is Catholic, 4.6% is Protestant (Hussite), the country also has Evangelical, Orthodox, Greek Catholic and other Christian movements. A significant part of the country's population, as a result of the communist past, are atheists (39.8%).
According to statistics, the average life expectancy of men in the country is 68 years, women - 75 years. The birth rate is 9%, and the mortality rate is 10.6%.
By population density. The Czech Republic occupies one of the first places among the former post-socialist states - 130.2 people / km 2, however, there are significant contrasts in the distribution over the territory: in industrial areas 500 people / km 2 or more, in sparsely populated mountainous areas - less than 20 people / km 2 .
The official state language in. The language of the Czech Republic is Czech, which belongs to the group of West Slavic languages. The literary Czech language was formed in the 13th century; the basis of writing is the Latin alphabet. Slovak, German, English and Russian are also widely used in communication in the country.
Urban population. The Czech Republic accounts for more than 66% of its total population. The largest cities by population:. Prague - 1.2 million people. Brno -386 thousand people. Ostrava - 323 thousand people. Pilsen - 169 thousand persons. Ústí nad Labeabem
106 thousand people. Olomouc - 106 thousand people. Liberec - 104 thousand people. Cities with a population of 20-50 thousand people predominate. Rural settlements are also small in size. Czech Republic, with villages of typical size 150-25 50 os0 osib.
Natural conditions and resources
The Czech Republic is a country of picturesque landscapes of various types; plains alternate with mid-altitude mountains. Significant areas are occupied by forests, the forest cover is one of the highest in the world. Europe - 62.7%, many rivers, especially in the western part of the country. Mountain ranges in the west of the country attract with unique landscapes - steep rocky peaks, slopes covered with forests, snow-capped peaks, attractive for the development of various types of tourism.
The country's topography is varied and complex in structure. There are two main parts, different in geological structure:. Czech massif and. Moravian Plain. The Czech massif is located in the west and has the shape of four icons with raised edges. The Czech massif is represented by a hilly plateau with heights of 460-610 m, above which individual hills rise
Brdi, located south-west of. Prague,. Doupovski Mountains, located east of the city. Karlovy. Vary. The plateau slopes down to the north in the river valley. Labs (Elbes). On three sides. The Czech massif is surrounded by mountains of medium height, only in some places they exceed 1000 m. These are mountains. Kruszne in the north-west. Korkonoshi in the north. Orlitsky Mountains in the east. Carpathians in the southeast. Shumavski Mountains in the south and southwest. Czech forest in the west. The average altitude of the country above sea level is 450 m (the average in Europe is 315 m5 m).
In the east and southeast. The Czech massif is limited much lower and much wider. Bohemian-Moravian Upland. They have the greatest length and height. The Sudetes consist of mountain ranges separated by transverse and longitudinal valleys. This. Luzhitsky and. Izerski Mountains (from west to east, Krkonoše Mountains, Orlicky Mountains, High and Low Jesenik. These massifs are low and only in some places exceed 1000 m. In the interior regions of the Czech Massif there are lower massifs (the main one is the Polabian Plain ) alternates with low ridges. In the southeast, the Czech massif ends with the Czech-Moravian Upland, which rises 500 - 600 m above sea level. In the central part there is Mount Snezka (1603 m), which is the highest point of the country.
The Moravian Plain consists of lowlands and low elevations. It tapers towards the north, where... Studets and. The Carpathians are moving closer together, becoming very narrow, forming the so-called. Moravian. Gates. In the east of the plain and along the border with. Slovakia begins. Karpatti.
The complex geological structure contributed to the formation of a variety of minerals, the deposits of which have a complex geography in their location on the territory of the country in relation to large reserves of coal, which are rare, mainly in. Ostrava-Karvina basin (a significant part of which is coking). There are even more reserves of brown coal concentrated in basins. Prikrushnogirya -. Mostetsky and. Sokolovsky bass einah. In the Ore Mountains and other regions there are small deposits of iron, antimony, and polymetallic ore. The country has significant reserves of kaolin, magnesite, graphite, and quartz sandstone.
Climatic conditions. The Czech Republic, due to the peculiarities of the geographical location of the country, is formed mainly under the influence of air masses from. Atlantic Ocean. The general features of the climate are characterized as temperate continental, with clearly defined seasons. Due to the predominance of mountainous terrain, local circulation is of great importance. Relief influences the temperature regime and the spatial distribution of precipitation in the region. Because the. The Czech Republic is elongated in the longitudinal direction, climatic features differ significantly between the western and eastern parts of the country, and slight differences in the climate of the northern and southern parts of the country are noticeable.
Territory. Czech. The Republic is located in a climatically favorable temperate zone. Northern Hemisphere. Climatic conditions. The Czech Republic can be called a bridge between. East and. West. Europe. The country is located in the transition zone from the Central European maritime climate to the continental South European climate.
Average annual air temperature in. Czech Republic fluctuates between 8 - 10 0. C. For most of the country, a mild winter is typical with an average temperature of the coldest month (January) -2 0. C - (-4 0 . C) there may be short-term cold spells with a drop in air temperature to -20 0 . C, which is caused by the invasion of cold Arctic air. There are often thaws in winter, especially in the west of the country. V. Moravia, located in the southeastern part of the country, is somewhat warmer than in other areas. Maximum temperature in January: 10°. C, average: - 3 °. C, minimum: -12 °. C, in June, respectively - 33 °. C, 18°. C, 10°. C. The climatic difference within the country is relatively small and is determined by the nature of the relief and the altitude above sea level. The amplitude of air temperature fluctuations is much greater in the summer, which is due to the increasing continentality of the climate in the eastern direction, at the same time large contrasts in temperature between the flat and mountainous parts of the country. The average air temperature on July 1 is +19 0. C, in the mountains summer is cooler - 8 - 13 0. C. The climate is mild in spring, in the second half of May, and in autumn. By the second half of October
Amount of precipitation in different areas. Czech Republic ranges from 450 to 2000 mm per year. Most of the country receives 600-800 mm of precipitation per year, about 20% of precipitation falls in the form of snow. The greatest amount of precipitation is typical for the windward slopes of the high mountains in the western part of the country (in the Krkonoše, Šumava, Vysoký, Jesenik, precipitation is more than 1200 mm per year), while the flat areas in the rooster chi from. Prague receives only 480 mm in. The Czech Republic almost completely lacks arid areas; this is facilitated by high forest cover and an extensive network of various reservoirs, especially rivers created on the rivers.
River system. The Czech Republic is characterized by significant density, but due to its location on the main European watershed, there are few large and high-water rivers in the country. The Danube flows only along the border of the country, has a length of only 172 km, and is of navigable importance along its entire length. From the territory. Czech Republic in. Rivers flow into the Danube. Vag i. Morava. Another large river. Laba, starting in the mountains. The Krko Stretcher River also partially flows within the country. The flow of all rivers fluctuates sharply throughout the year, which leads, first of all, in the fall to the problem of water supply to certain regions of the country. The regulation of river flows for water supply needs, as well as the needs of navigation and electricity generation, is important. The rivers are at their highest in summer and spring.
The country is poor in lakes, which are small, mainly of glacial origin and located in the mountains. The lakes complement the picturesque mountainous landscape against the backdrop of the fast-moving ones. Tall. Tatra Mountains, the banks are lined with rock breaking streets. The Czech Republic is famous for artificial ponds for fish breeding, which were created back in the 15th - 16th centuries. Only in. South. In the Czech Republic there are about 5 thousand ponds, the area of which is approximately 20 thousand hectares. ha.
The Czech Republic is not sufficiently supplied with groundwater. These hydrological conditions complicate water supply, especially in regions with high population densities and industrial areas. Most rivers freeze in winter, but not for a long period. The Danube remains navigable throughout the year. Not only navigable. Danube, too. Laba, the lower part of its tributaries -. Vltava river hydropotential. The Czech Republic is about 1.2 million kWh.
The Czech Republic is known in the world for its healing mineral water springs; in the areas where the springs are located, balneological resorts arose: Karlovy. Vary,. Marianske. Lazne, Frantiskovi. Lazne, Pestany et al.
The Czech Republic is one of the most forested countries. In Europe, forests occupy about 28 thousand km 2. Coniferous forests predominate, mainly Norway spruce and pine, with a significant distribution at the time, especially on. Low mountains have deciduous trees of beech and oak, occupying about half of the covered area. ICOM territories. Most of the natural forests today have been cut down. On the site of cleared natural forests back in the period. In Austria-Hungary, spruce was planted, characterized by rapid growth, so over time the proportion of coniferous forests increased, and the proportion of deciduous forests decreased.
Forests play an important role in the formation of balneological and climatic resorts in the country, the development of various types of recreation and active tourism. Forests. The Czech Republic is known for its well-preserved ungulate fauna and huts. Live animals, as well as rich in berries and mushrooms.
Fauna in. The Czech Republic is well preserved, characterized by significant popularity, typical European species are common at the time, a significant number of species common in the country in the past, for example, bison, elk, beaver and beaver are completely destroyed.
The country effectively records wild animals and has created a network of protected areas. The Czech Republic is known for capturing animals and exporting them to other countries.
The diversity of natural conditions is reflected in the soil cover. Soils are influenced by topography, climate and hydrogeological features of individual territories. Most widespread in. The Czech Republic has brown forest soils, characteristic of mountainous areas; less widespread is typical for chernozems and other soils. Chernozem soils are common in the central part and in. Central. Moravia. Podzolic soils are mainly common in the highlands and are almost completely occupied by vegetation.
The Czech Republic is a country that, due to its natural features, was created for the development of tourism. In a formerly post-industrial world. Europe, today the combination of picturesque, neatly groomed agricultural plains, mid-altitude mountains, dense forests, mineral water springs, and turbulent mountain streams is especially important. The use of tourism potential resulted in total revenues from foreign tourism in the country amounting to $1.6 billion in 2004. USA.
V. Western. In the Czech Republic there is a unique natural complex - a natural park. Sumava, stretching for 125 km, occupies an area of more than 50 thousand hectares on the border with. Austria and Germany. This is a significant region of natural broad-leaved forests that are not involved in economic activities. However, only a small part. Šumava -. Innocent. Forest. Bubin, preserves the reserved typical European vegetation cover, other territories are disturbed by selective logging located in separate mines. In general, the natural complex of European mountain broad-leaved forests, more or less preserved, almost does not exist.
The most mountain system in. Czech. Republic -. Šumava is ideal for walking or trekking. Powerful. The Vltava, as well as the five other main rivers of the country, starts from here, creating special conditions for active water sports. There are also all conditions for skiing and alpine skiing; ski resorts in this area are actively developing today. In the foothills. Sumava is located from Omi Castles. Shvigov. Velgartice,. Rabi and also the city. Klatovy, famous for its Renaissance clock tower, Baroque cathedral and catacombs.
In the Czech Republic, volcanic landforms are common, located in. Western. Bohemia's most famous one is the crater of an extinct volcano. Komorny-Khurk. Here between. Heb and. Františkovy Lazne, in a large swampy area and. Slavkovsky. The forests contain numerous mud volcanoes that emit mineralized water. Also unique nature. Konepruska caves are amazing karst caves, where, in contrast to. Moravian karst under. Brno, you can absolutely freely get into Rokoku at any time.
The Czech Republic is located in the very center of Europe and borders Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. The territory of the republic is almost 79,000 square meters and unites the historical regions of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. The capital is Prague, the largest city in the country. Most settlements are small. Among the large ones, we highlight the cities of Brno, Pilsen, Ceske Budejovice, Olomouc, Hradec Králové and Ostrava.
The country's landscape is dominated by highlands and medium-high mountains - the Bohemian Massif, bordered by the Šumava ridges, the Bohemian Forest, the Giant Mountains and the Bohemian-Moravian Upland. The largest river is the Vltava, 440 km long. The Czech Republic is located on the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, which is the watershed between the Elbe and the Danube. The Elbe - also known as Laba - flows through the territory of the Czech Republic, other large rivers are the Morava, Odra - also known as Oder - Ohře, Strela and Berunka.
The landscapes of the Czech Republic are amazing in their beauty and diversity. Wide valleys with a dense network of rivers and lakes give way to dense forests, hills and mountain ranges, preserving the centuries-old freshness and coolness of stalactite caves. It is here that the healing springs of the most popular European resorts are located - Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne - making up the “golden triangle of Czech health”.
15,000 lakes and ponds, sandstone rock formations, 2,000 mineral springs, hundreds of palaces and castles, meadows and fields - all this is the Czech Republic. The most valuable natural areas are protected by the state. They became national parks and reserves - almost 12 percent of the territory.
Climate of the Czech Republic
The climatic conditions in the Czech Republic are very favorable. The country is located in the transition zone from the Central European maritime climate to the continental Eastern European climate, i.e. is located in the climatically favorable temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. The climate of the Czech Republic is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental, more or less equal throughout the country, but its regional characteristics depend mainly on the topography.
Winters are usually mild, with temperatures ranging from –2 to –4 °C in the plains and –8 to –10 °C in the mountains. On the coldest days, the temperature can reach -15 degrees, but this happens no more than once every 10 years. The average temperature in winter is approximately 0 degrees. Summers are usually moderately hot. Average daily temperatures in the warmest summer month, July, range around 19–21 °C in the plains and 4–8 °C in the mountains.
Spring in the Czech Republic begins at the end of February. Autumn begins only in October.
Statistical indicators of the Czech Republic
(as of 2012)
In terms of climate, the Czech Republic can well be called a bridge between East and West. The Czech Republic attracts tourists all year round. The Czech Republic is located practically in the very center of Europe. The landscape of the Czech Republic is amazing in its beauty and diversity. Wide valleys with a dense network of rivers and lakes give way to dense forests, hills and mountain ranges that preserve the centuries-old freshness and coolness of stalactite caves. Large temperature fluctuations are rare. But in the mountains and the Czech Forest, everything is the other way around, as cold, heavy air descends into the valleys, and warmer, clearer air layers rise into the mountains - an excellent opportunity for mountain tourism.
Skiing in the Czech Republic is well developed and very popular among the population. In the Czech Republic there are many famous ski resorts where you can relax and have a good time.
The best months to visit the country's ski resorts are January - February. As for precipitation in the Czech Republic, rain prevails here, brought mainly by westerly winds. The average annual precipitation is 550 mm on the plains and 1400 mm in the mountains. In general, the climate of the Czech Republic is very mild.
Vegetation and fauna
The Czech Republic is one of the most forested countries in Europe. Forests cover about 30% of its territory. Industrially valuable coniferous species predominate, primarily spruce (61% of the tree stand) and pine (22%). Above the forest line there are alpine meadows. Vast forests create conditions for people to relax and provide habitat for wild animals - deer, beavers, pheasants and hares. In the mountain forests there are lynxes and numerous small animals - foxes, squirrels, weasels.
Nature conservation in the Czech Republic has a long tradition and is one of the best in the world. 12% of the territory of the entire country (9270 sq. km) is occupied by nature reserves. In Western Bohemia there is a unique natural complex - the Šumava Park, stretching for 125 km along the border with Austria and Germany. It is a vast region of tranquil broadleaf forests, largely untouched by human activity. Although only one small part of Sumava - the Bubin Virgin Forest, can be regarded as, indeed, a protected ancient European plant community, a more preserved complex of European mountain broad-leaved forest simply does not exist. Wild flowers abound everywhere.
The mighty Vltava, as well as the five other main rivers of the country, begins from here, creating excellent conditions for active water sports. There are also all conditions for skiing and alpine skiing. In the foothills of Sumava there are the amazingly beautiful castles of Švigov, Velgartice, and Rabi.
The Czech Republic even has its own volcanoes located in Western Bohemia. The most famous of them is the crater of the extinct volcano Komorni-Hurka. Here, between Cheb and Frantiskovy Lazne, in the vast swampy area of Slavkov Forest, there are numerous mud volcanoes that emit mineral water. There is also an amazing natural formation here - the Koneprusskie Caves - absolutely amazing karst caves, where you can get absolutely freely at any time of the year.
Natural conditions of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a continental country in Central Europe. It has no access to the sea and covers an area of 79 thousand square meters. km.
Its neighbors are:
- Slovakia,
- Austria,
- Germany,
- Poland.
According to its relief, the country is conventionally divided into the Bohemian Massif and the Moravian Plain. The Czech Massif, located in the west, is a hilly plateau with a height of 450 to 600 m. To the north, towards the valley of the Laba River, the Czech Massif decreases.
The massif is surrounded by mountains of medium height - the Sudetes, Ore Mountains, Šumava, and the Czech Forest.
The Bohemian-Moravian Upland limits the massif from the east and southeast. The longest and highest Czech mountains are the Sudetes, consisting of mountain ranges.
The massifs, in turn, are separated by longitudinal and transverse valleys.
Separate hills and lowlands form the Moravian Plain, to the east of which rise the Carpathian Mountains.
The country's climatic conditions are related to the peculiarities of its geographical location and are formed under the influence of Atlantic air masses.
In general, the climate is temperate continental with distinct seasons.
Since the country is dominated by mountainous terrain, local circulation is of great importance. Temperature conditions and precipitation are related to the terrain.
Significant climatic differences exist between the western and eastern parts of the country, the reason for which is the elongation in the longitudinal direction.
Average annual temperature fluctuations are within 8-10 degrees. Winter is mild with January temperatures of -2...-4 degrees, but a significant short-term drop in temperature is also possible.
The west of the Czech Republic is characterized by winter thaws. Summer is humid and warm. The average July temperature is +19 degrees. As you go up the mountains, summer becomes cooler - from +8 to +13 degrees.
Precipitation falls unevenly, and in different areas its amount ranges from 450 to 2000 mm per year. 20% of precipitation falls as snow. The greatest amount of them falls on the windward slopes of the mountains.
Natural resources of the Czech Republic
The presence of various mineral resources in the country is due to its complex geological structure.
There are significant reserves of hard and brown coal. Coal reserves are estimated at 13 billion tons. The North Bohemian brown coal basin accounts for 2/3 of its total reserves.
A number of Czech coal deposits can be mined using open pit mining.
Ore resources are insignificant, and the best deposits have already been depleted. Phosphorous iron ores are poor, containing less than 30% metal.
Non-ferrous and rare metals are concentrated in the Ore Mountains.
The Czech Republic is richer in nonmetallic resources; in its depths there is magnesite, graphite, kaolin, and quartz sand.
Of the European countries, the Czech Republic is one of the most forested. Coniferous species occupy 60% of the total forest area. There are deciduous and mixed forests.
Coniferous species are represented by spruce and pine, while deciduous forests consist of beech and oak. Today, natural forests have largely been cut down.
The country's fauna is associated with the forests - these are typical European species: red deer, roe deer, wild boar, hare, fox, beaver.
Rivers and lakes are rich in fish. There are few large rivers in the country, although the river network is dense.
It is divided between three drainage basins – Laba, Morava, Odra. Navigable rivers include the Vltava and Laba. Czech rivers belong to the basin of three seas – the North, Black, and Baltic.
The Danube flows along the border, and its tributaries flow through the territory of the Czech Republic, for example, the Váh, Morava, Laba.
Note 1
Czech rivers are short and have insufficient water. There are few lakes in the country, and they are located mainly in the mountains and are of glacial origin.
Many artificial ponds have been created for fish breeding in the country. Groundwater reserves are small, but there are world-famous healing springs of mineral waters, where balneological resorts were formed - Karlovy Vary, Lazne, Pestany, etc.
The formation of soils was greatly influenced by relief, climate, and hydrogeological features. Brown forest soils are common, chernozems are less common, and podzolic soils are typical for the highland parts.
Recreational resources of the Czech Republic
In addition to mineral, water, soil, plant and animal resources, there is another type of resource in the Czech Republic, called recreational.
Recreational resources include:
- territories with natural or artificially created conditions for people’s recreation;
- historical or cultural sites;
- factors related to the economic potential of the territory, for example, infrastructure, population.
Based on these resources, it is possible to form a recreational economy, and one that operates effectively.
Note 2
In other words, recreational resources are a complex of natural, socio-economic, historical and cultural factors that provide recreation and health improvement for people on a mass scale.
The basis of these resources is made up of natural landscapes - mountains, picturesque shores of reservoirs, forest and steppe landscapes, mineral springs, therapeutic mud, etc.
The second place in importance is occupied by various historical and cultural monuments.
The Czech Republic has health, tourism, excursion, and medical resources.
In a country with rich and picturesque nature, many nature reserves have been created, including the prehistoric forest in Boubin, the Šumava region, in Moravia - the Palava Upland, the Labe sandstones.
Industrial tourism is developed in the North Moravian Region with a variety of Silesian enterprises.
There are recreational resources in the Jesenik and Beskid ridges - geological engineering surveys are being carried out here.
Several mixed architectural styles characterize the city of Olomouc. The South Moravian Region has become a popular tourist destination. The resort of Luhačevice with healing springs, karst caves near the city of Brno, the fortresses of Vevergy and Pergdtein, the monument at Austerlitz, the castle and the high minaret of the city of Lednice have become an area of international tourism.
In addition, foreign tourists are attracted to this area by traditional international engineering fairs.
The development of sports and health tourism is facilitated by the mid-altitude ridges of Sumava, the Czech Forest, the Ore Mountains, and lowlands alternating with low-mountain massifs in the Czech Basin.
1,200 specially protected natural areas, occupying 10% of the country’s area, are suitable for ecotourism.
In the Republic there are more than 2 thousand historical and cultural monuments protected by the state.
Note 3
9 sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, including Prague, Kutna, Telc Mountain, Cesky Krumlov, etc.
Many monuments are used for economic purposes and therefore require restoration, which makes their development difficult for tourists.
The therapeutic resource fund includes sources of mineral waters and deposits of medicinal mud. 30 settlements located in the west of the country have resort status.
The South Bohemian Region is famous for its ponds, there are 7,500 of them, the Lipen Dam, and the Orlik Dam. Here, amateurs can hunt and fish.
Numerous castles and fortresses give the area its attractiveness.
The tourist area of the East Bohemian Region includes the Krkonoše and Orlické mountain regions. The famous resort of Janske Lazne is located here.
The region attracts not only its picturesque nature, but also its amazing architecture - the city of Hradec Kralove with the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, the White Tower, etc. Some places in this region are associated with the life of J. Hasek and his brave hero Švejk.
-Demographic composition:
The Czech Republic is home to 10.5 million people (data for 2012, 80th place in the world), average population density: 129.7 people/km 2 incl. urban population – 73%
Fertility balance is positive
Balance of migration: + 0.97 per 1,000 inhabitants
Average life expectancy:
men = 72.1 years, women = 78.7 years.
Economically active population = 51.5% of the total number. A specific feature of the Czech Republic among other countries is the high level of employment of women, who make up about 48% of the total economically active population.
- Ethnic composition:
Among the citizens, Czechs predominate (90%), as well as Germans - 3.8%, Moravians - 3.7%, Slovaks - 1.9%. Foreigners make up about 4% of the country's population, among them 120 thousand Ukrainians, 60 thousand Vietnamese.
Number of Russians permanently residing in the Czech Republic: 32 thousand people.
- Confessional composition:
Catholics - 39%,
Protestants - 4.6%
Orthodox - 3%
atheists - 40%
5. Natural resources
- Agroclimatic resources
Temperate zone.
Climate: temperate continental, with warm summers and cloudy, wet winters.
- Mineral resources
Terrain: mostly low mountains and plateaus; in the east there is a hilly plain. Mineral deposits are quite widely scattered throughout the country. Coal reserves are relatively large. The country is rich in high-quality kaolin, magnesite, graphite, quartz sand, construction and ornamental stone. Hard and brown coal and iron ore are mined. Czech mineral springs are world famous. However, the Czech Republic does not have any significant reserves of such important minerals as oil and natural gas.
- Land resources
Soil distribution is largely determined by topography. Chernozems are common on the plains, and brown forest soils are common in hilly areas, giving way to podzolic soils as the altitude increases. The natural conditions of the country are generally favorable for economic activity. The terrain does not create too many obstacles for communications and agricultural development.
41% arable land
11% pasture
- Forest resources
More than a third of the Czech Republic's territory is covered by forests. Coniferous trees predominate, mainly spruce and also pine, but there are also many deciduous forests.
Forest cover L = 34%
- Water resources
The river network of the Czech Republic is quite dense, but there are few more or less large and high-water rivers.
The Danube flows only along the southern border, and for a short distance (172 km).
Laba, which starts in the Giant Mountains, is also only partially within the Czech Republic.
The flow of almost all rivers fluctuates sharply throughout the year. There are no significant lakes. The country is relatively poor in groundwater. All this complicates water supply, especially in densely populated industrial areas. Most rivers freeze in winter, although only for a short time.
2% water surface