Prague 5
Prague was a city in the territory of military and political control of the Soviet Union (see Iron Curtain). The 4th Czechoslovakian Writers' Congress held in the city in 1967 took a strong position against the regime.
Charles Bridge Spanning the Vltava River, Balloon Ride on the Right Side
As of 2008, there were 13,000 researchers (out of 30,000 in the Czech Republic, counted in full-time equivalent), representing 3% share of Prague's economically active population. Gross expenditure on research and development accounted for 901.3 million. Some well-known multinational companies have established research and development facilities in Prague, among them Siemens, Honeywell and Sun Microsystems. In 2010, Prague was selected to host administration of the EU satellite navigation system Galileo.
Circular Island in a Pond in Wallenstein Garden
In 1618, the famous second Defenestration of Prague provoked the Thirty Years War, a particularly harsh period for Prague and Bohemia. Ferdinand II of Habsburg was deposed, and his place as King of Bohemia taken by Frederick V, Elector Paltine; however the Czech Army under him was crushed in the Battle of White Mountain (1620) not far from the city. Following this in 1621 was an execution of 27 Czech leaders (involved in the uprising) in Old Town Square and an exiling of many others.
The Rider's Staircase, Vladislav Hall in the Royal Palace
After the Battle of Prague in 1757 the city was badly damaged during a Prussian bombardment. In 1784, under Joseph II, the four municipalities of Mala Strana, Nove Mesto, Stare Mesto, and Hradcany were merged into a single entity.
Horse and Carriage Ride Waiting for Patrons in Old Town Square, Tyn Church Looming in the Background
Prague's economy accounts for 25% of the Czech Republic's GDP making it the highest performing regional economy of the country. According to the Eurostat, as of 2007, its GDP per capita in purchasing power standard is 42,800. Prague ranked the 5th best-performing European NUTS 2 level region at 172% of the EU-27 average.
Watching a Mysterious Trio from the Charles Bridge at Night
On a per capita basis, Prague has the second highest tram patronage after Zurich. All services have a common ticketing system, and are run by the Prague Public Transit(Dopravn? podnik hl. m. Prahy, a.s.) and some other companies. Recently, Prague integrated transport coordinator (ROPID) has franchised operation of ferries on the Vltava river, which are also a part of the public transport system with common fares. Taxi services operate from regulated taxi stands, and from independent drivers who make pick-ups on the street.
Golden Lane: Picturesque Artisan Cottages Inside Castle Wall. Built Late 16th Century for Guards & Gunners
Though Melbourne has the longest tram track length in the world, Prague's tram network is one of the biggest in the world by other measures: it runs more trams (900 against 500 in Melbourne), has more routes (33 against 28) and carries more passengers (356?million against 178?million), the third highest tram patronage in the world after St Petersburg and Budapest.
