Backgrounder: Basic facts about Prague

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BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and European Union (EU) leaders on Wednesday are to gather in Prague, the Czech Republic, which holds the current rotating EU presidency, for the 11th summit between Chinese and EU leaders.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is home to 1.21million people with a total area of 496 sq km.

Due to its vicinity to Germany, Austria and Poland (within 200 km), the Czech Republic is in active communication with its neighbors.

Prague is also known as an important transport hub, thanks to its geographic location in central Europe. The city's Ruzyne airport is considered to be one of the most modern in Europe.

Prague produces one-fifth of the country's industrial output. Machine manufacturing is traditionally its economic strength, while light industry has been experiencing a boom for the past 20 years. The city ranks among the 12 richest EU regions in terms of GDP per capita.

Prague entered its prime under the reign of Charles 4th as the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia in the 14th century, during which period the city established Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe.

Prague boasts many historic and cultural resources. Architecture of various styles and eras can be found everywhere, among which Baroque and Gothic are most the prominent. Concert halls, galleries, theaters and music clubs are in abundance. International cultural events are held monthly, among which the Prague Spring Music Festival and others, have won worldwide acclaim.