The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the north. Despite its relatively small size, the country features a diverse landscape shaped by mountains, hills, plains, and river systems.
The western part of the country, known as Bohemia, is a broad basin surrounded by mountains, including the Ore Mountains (Krusne hory) to the northwest, the Bohemian Forest (Sumava) to the southwest, and the Giant Mountains (Krkonose) to the northeast. These ranges help define the country's natural borders and are popular destinations for hiking and skiing. Mount Snezka, located in the Krkonose range, is the highest peak in the Czech Republic at 1,603 meters (5,259 feet).
The eastern region, Moravia, is more hilly and features fertile valleys and low mountains. The Moravian landscape is defined by the Morava River, which, along with the Elbe (Labe) and Vltava Rivers, forms part of the country's important river network. These rivers are used for agriculture, industry, and recreation.
The Czech Republic's moderate continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, supports a variety of vegetation and agriculture. Its central location and natural terrain have historically made it a key crossroads of trade and cultural exchange in Europe.
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