NUMERI PRAGENSES 2003 - Statistická ročenka hl.m. Prahy

Characteristics of the City of Prague

“Hlavní město Praha” (Prague) is the Capital City of the Czech Republic. It is a natural centre of politics, international relations, education, culture and economy. Prague is also an important city of Central Europe. This fact is becoming important again especially during the last years. From the beginning of the 1990´s, barriers in relationships among states, regions and towns of Eastern Europe and the West that have arisen during the previous years are being eliminated on the Continent. The Capital City of Prague has an extraordinary role at inclusion of the Czech Republic to newly formed geopolitical space of Europe. Prague is also a centre of the Region and a home for more than a million inhabitants. However, it is also a part of socio-economic and settlement structure of the entire country. All these aspects are reflected in the specific character and position of Prague as one of the regions of the CR.

The Capital City of Prague is the largest city of the Czech Republic. Its area is 496 sq km, which is only 0.6% of the CR’s territory, but with the population of 1,160,118 inhabitants it represents 11.4% of the country and is more than three times bigger than the population of the second largest city, Brno.

The current area of the city is a result of natural historical development and a long-term territorial growth. The beginnings of Prague could be put in the second half of the 9th century when the Prague Castle was founded and independent settlements began to develop under its protection in the surrounding area. These settlements grew to constituent independent towns of Prague: Staré Město (the Old Town) called the Head (caput regni), i.e. the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, as early as before 1280, Malá Strana (the Lesser or Little Quarter), Nové Město (the New Town), and Hradčany (the castle district). Milestones in the development of Prague so far include the year of 1784 when the four still independent towns were joined into the town of Prague, then the years of 1850, 1883, 1884 and 1901 when other four towns were attached, respectively. The Act of 6 February 1920 established the Great Prague when other 39 nearby municipalities joined to the existing eight Prague neighbourhoods. Further territorial growth took place in 1960 (attachment of three municipalities and two cadastral areas), in 1968 (attachment of 21 municipalities of the former Středočeský Region, in 1970 (modification of the territorial borders of Prague, particularly in relation to the airport) and finally in 1974 when other 30 municipalities of the former Středočeský Region were attached to Prague.

Population of Prague had been increasing already from half of the 17th century. It culminated in 1991; according to the 1991 Population and Housing Census results it had the historically biggest number of inhabitants, namely 1,214,174.

When we judge Prague as such, in its historical context, its population grew very noticeably. From the end of the 18th century to the beginning of 21st century population of Prague grew almost eight times on the territory that belonged to Prague at that time; the amount of 1 million was exceeded in the 1961 census.

When we look at the results of periodic censuses that were carried out regularly every ten years (with the exception of the Second World War), we can see that Prague’s population increased 4.5 times from the first census (1869) to 1991 Census in which the biggest number of Praguers was counted (all that calculated for the same territory). From 1991 to 2001 Census Prague’s population decreased for the very first time of censuses taking place. According to the 2001 Population and Housing Census, the number of inhabitants was even lower than the number in 1980.

The area of the city lies in the central parts of Česká vysočina (the Bohemian Highlands), predominantly in the area of Poberounská soustava (the Berounka River Formations). Rather a small part situated in the northeast is included in Česká tabule (the Bohemian Plate). Erosion and accumulation processes of the Vltava River along both the sides of which the city is situated influenced the current relief of the city in the first place. As for geomorphology, there is the flat relief of the high-raised areas on one hand, contrasting with the sharp valleys of the Vltava River and its tributaries on the other hand. The most broken topography originated on the left bank of the river. The highest point is the flattened landscape southwest of the Zličín town part (399 m above sea level), while the lowest point is the surface of the Vltava River at the north edge of the city in the Suchdol town part where the River leaves the territory of Prague (177 m above sea level). Therefore, the maximum altitude difference exceeds 200 m within rather a small area.

From geographical point of view, Prague can be considered a centre of Europe. It lies almost in the centre of the Continent, approximately the same straight-line distance away from three seas: the Baltic Sea (365 km), the North Sea (495 km) and the Adriatic Sea (490 km).

The environment, particularly the poor quality of air in the centre and some mid-distance settlements, can be compared to the most damaged parts of the Ústecký, Liberecký and Moravskoslezský Regions. The landscape was deforested, drained and built up. The terrain level was intentionally raised by means of made-up ground and the course of the river was modified by training and weirs.

Despite improvements in several indicators last decade, the quality of air in Prague is classified as unsuitable. Though the level of sulphur dioxide pollution decreased significantly last decade, the annual limit in force, specified in the Clear Air Act and implementing regulations, is still exceeded in the centre and in the Vltava River valley. Moreover, the airborne dust pollution slightly exceeds the annual limit (this fact applies to 20% of the city’s area), though a decreasing trend is observed. The level of nitrogen oxides pollution, exceeding limits in force for the area of the city in all indicators, is the highest in the centre of Prague, along the main road traffic routes and, unlike the levels of dust and sulphur dioxide concentrations, reports an increasing trend in the long term. The level of airborne lead pollution is decreasing in the long term. Along with the increase in road traffic during the summer months, the level of ozone concentration increases as well, though not dramatically.

The most serious of the physical factors having impact on the environment is noise pollution and Prague is the most noise-polluted region in the entire CR. About 30% of the city’s population is exposed to excessive level of noise. Road traffic is estimated to generate about 90% of the acoustic energy in the city. Vibrations affect human health similarly as the effects of noise pollution. Moreover, they have severe impact on buildings and might lead to a serious and irreversible damage of historical buildings and monuments.

There are four national nature reserves in the area of the Capital City of Prague – Prokopské údolí (the Prokop Valley), Radotínské údolí (the Radotín Valley) and Satalická bažantnice (the Satalická pheasantry), two nature protected areas – Petřínské skály (the Petřín Hill) and Královská obora (the Royal Game Park), two protected localities and 75 protected nature formations.

Prague’s centre has not much lawn and planting (public parks) of good quality. After fortification wall had been demolished (in 1871-1888) the space that was made available has been built up unlike many European cities have done it.

In accordance with the importance, location and role of Prague, a wide range of transport links has developed over time. Mutual regional links with the surrounding Středočeský Region are the closest ones, predominated by incoming travel as far as commuting, shopping and cultural activities are concerned, while the surrounding region serves Prague population as the place of recreation. People are coming to Prague (as it is the capital) from the entire Czech Republic. On the other hand, Prague population goes for recreation not only to its nearest surroundings but also all over the CR.

Thanks to its highly central location both within the CR and Europe, Prague is determined to play the role of a transport crossroads as well as a target destination of goods and persons movement. Traditionally, Prague is the largest centre of international transport in the country, both in the west-east and north-south directions, as well as the largest transport node interconnecting the individual regions of the country.

Prague is a central point of all highway routes. Before the split-up of the former Czechoslovakia the first highway D 1 linking Prague, Brno and Bratislava was developed. The construction of another highway, D 5, to interconnect Prague and Nuremberg, has been commenced and the highway D 8 to lead from Prague via Dresden to Berlin is under construction. Other highway connections have been planned. However, highways on the territory of the city are only 11 km long and other fast routes are linked to them (76 km). The total length of road network in Prague is 3,400 km. More and more painful becomes especially absence of alternate routes around Prague and, most of all, around the inner city. Up to now, only partial segments were built out of two rounds planned.

Prague is an important international railway node, too. Stress is being put on the development of railway transport on the European basis (e.g. Eurocity trains) along with the current phase-out on the less travelled tracks. What is under preparation is the reconstruction of key railway routes to fit express traffic. The reconstruction will contribute to high comfort of travel on long-distance routes, especially international ones.

The Vltava River flowing through Prague is used for waterway transport of goods as well as passengers (passenger transport is operated within the 30.5-km long course between the villages of Zbraslav and Sedlec). Three ports in the area of Prague provide waterway transport of goods and 11 quays provide recreation waterway transport.

Air transport of freight as well as passengers is provided particularly by the Prague-Ruzyně airport. The total annual transport capacity is 6.2 mil. checked-in persons. Now, more than 30 airlines use the Prague airport providing regular direct service to more than 70 destinations all over the world.

Prague has relatively well functioning public transport with a backbone system of the metro (50 km long) and networks of tram railways (138 km long). Annually, about 1 billion passengers use public transport vehicles and 150 million km are driven. Urgent need to make the public transport more attractive helped gradual origination of the system of Prague integrated transport. Now, it is operated up to 35 km far from Prague and thus it includes also an important part of the Středočeský Region (about 240 municipalities).

Population in Prague directly corresponds to the development of the territory. Gradual enlargement of the territory influenced also increasing of the number of inhabitants. However, the population of the Capital City of Prague regularly increased (when calculated for the current territory) also due to its own demographic development. In the periods when some negative tendencies appeared nationwide in the balance of live births and deaths (which in Prague especially due to permanently higher number of older population meant natural decrements of inhabitants), decrease of population of the city was not reported. These decrements were always compensated by high migration increments. In 1994, total annual decrement of inhabitants was observed for the first time. Since that year, number of inhabitants of the city is decreasing every year. Unfavourable population situation of the entire CR is reflected there again with bigger intensity and a new migration tendency comes on top of that consisting in outflow of Prague inhabitants to the outskirts of the city. The Středočeský Region has changed from the source to target of migration. In 2002 the migration balance was again slightly positive, because for the first time also foreigners with long-term residence were included in the total. From continual demographic statistics it further results that in 1990s the average age was increasing in Prague and was the very highest among all regions of the CR. Also life expectancy became higher and in Prague it is the highest; e.g. the average of years 1999-2000 was 79.0 years for females and 73.3 years for males (national average was 78.2 and 71.5 respectively). It is ascribed to better health care accessibility and better regimen even despite worse environment conditions. What is also lowest is infant mortality (3.8 per mille in 1996-2000).

Position of Prague as a centre with big offer of job opportunities and low unemployment rate showed also in two aspects of demographic development. Number of foreign citizens with permanent or long-term residence who are coming to Prague to work has increased. Also some shifts in distribution of inhabitants of the three main age groups (0-14, 15-59, and 60+) are to a certain extent related to the situation on the Prague labour market. Permanently increasing is share of inhabitants in the age of 15-59 who find their job in Prague. On the contrary, share of children under 15 is decreasing as well as number of inhabitants over 60. However, these changes reflect also nationwide demographic trends characterised by decreasing of birth rate. Older inhabitants were more often moving out of Prague to villages during the last years to find cheaper and healthier living.

Pursuant to the Act of the Czech National Council on the Capital City of Prague, the city is a statutory town. It is administered by the bodies of the Capital City: the Assembly of the City of Prague, the Council of the City of Prague and the Prague City Hall. For execution of the state administration, Prague is from 2001 newly divided to 22 administration districts, from the point of view of self-government it consists of 57 autonomous City Districts with own elected bodies. These City Districts are significantly different. There are City Districts of distinct character of urban centre, City Districts of prevalent residential area with houses dating back to the 1920´s and 1930´s, City Districts of chiefly industrial nature, neighbourhoods of high-rise houses, and suburban areas many of which originated by gradual connection of surrounding municipalities of rural type. They differ in the level of urbanisation, population density, quality of technical infrastructure and socio-economic conditions of life of their inhabitants. As for the number of inhabitants these City Districts are also very different. While population of four City Districts account for more than 100,000 each, 20 City Districts comprise less than 2,000 inhabitants each, of which five have less than 500 inhabitants each.

As for performance of economy, the Capital City of Prague has a unique position. The Region generates almost a quarter of nationwide GDP (in 2001 it was 24.9%). In GDP per capita, the CR reaches about 60% of the EU Member States average, but in the case of Prague the volume of regional GDP per capita exceeds already for several years the EU average by more than a fifth; in 2001 the EU average was exceeded by 32.2%. High level of this indicator is typical for metropolises; it is influenced by some conditions that are closely related to economic conditions in these conurbations. It is a different economic structure in contrast with other regions, high level of wages, but also big volume of commute to work as well as location or registrations of headquarters of major economic entities in towns.

Basic structural reconstruction that has much fastened during the last five years is reflected in changes of industrial structure of Prague economy. Characteristic features of the development of Prague economic basis are a long-term strengthening of the sphere of services and decrease of production industries. Tertiary industries represent now in Prague more than 80% of value added (in 2001 it was 83.6%). Also employment in this sphere is much higher in Prague than in the CR in total, approximately 80% (in 2001 it was 80.4%) of all employed. Share of production industries on generation of value added and on employment in Prague is, on the contrary, much lower than the national average.

Employment rate in industry is lower in Prague and the problem with restructuring of industry is growing as well as the need of renovation of large abandoned areas. Also the České dráhy company (Czech Railways) has not got rid of extensively used large areas, yet. Released plots are used for new functions only in exceptional cases, up to now: e.g. in the centre at Smíchov town part (a multi-functional centre on the place of which originally trams were produced), in Vysočany town part (used for new ice-hockey hall) – all that usually thanks to the proximity of underground stations. However, Prague still has an important range of production: heavy and light engineering (motors, trucks, and trams), chemistry (tyres, paints, pharmaceuticals), electrotechnics, printing and film, food industry with several breweries. Many areas of construction companies that were left after construction of prefabs are used nowadays for small production and distribution. Number of industrial enterprises is slightly decreasing, however, sales from industrial activity have increased.

An increasing trend is observable in construction in recent years. Increasing are number of construction companies as well as volume of construction works, which represent more than a third of the total for the entire Czech Republic. Housing construction is higher in volume only in the Středočeský Region that is in this sense closely related to Prague.

Retail trade (and distribution in general) underwent in 1990s an extraordinary development. Traditional concentration in the centre of Prague and overall under sizing of the branch has improved thanks to privatisation and later also to construction of large-area outlets at suburbs as well as new shopping malls in the centre. However, when we take the total sales area per inhabitant, Prague still falls behind many regional towns of the CR.

Also tourism belonged to branches with the fastest dynamics in the 1990s; it became an important support to the city’s development. However, during the last three years the growth hit its limits and also floods in the CR in 2002 had an unfavourable influence together with stagnation of German mark and the attack against New York City (September 2001). Prague noticeably enlarged and reconstructed its accommodation capacities (in 2002 there were 73 thousand beds), however, the problem is in their structure: capacities in higher categories are missing (in 5* hotels only one fifth of guests stay overnight; in 2002 it was 17.1%). Importance of congress tourism is increasing. Number of overnight stays in 2002 reached 6,824 thousand, which was only 84% from the 2001 figure. From 2.5 million guests that visited Prague 2.2 million were foreigners (88%). Average number of overnight stays is small (2.7 per guest in 2002). As air transport gets cheaper, popularity of weekend tours increases. Tourist season in Prague is not limited in time, in Prague’s centre a cosmopolitan character of the city got restored. However, they say that Prague will have to push itself more in the network of European metropolises. Return of Prague to Europe will be formally confirmed in May 2004 when the Czech Republic will become a member of the European Union.

Directly related to the performance of economy is the situation on the labour market. Prague is the biggest regional labour market in the Czech Republic. Characteristic features of the development so far are high attractiveness of jobs on the Prague labour market on one hand and the ability of the market to meet great demand on the other hand. This is explainable by considerable mobility of inner resources as well as rapidly enlarging resources of foreign workers. Registered number of employees in Prague was 28% of the national employment (in 2002). Prague work force has distinctively higher qualification in comparison with other regions. More than a quarter of all employed are persons with university education (in 2002 it was 28%) and their number has been regularly increasing during the last years. Also average wages in Prague reach much higher values than in other regions. Another characteristic feature of Prague labour market is also under-average unemployment rate. Prague labour market thanks to the wide scope of professions was able to absorb almost all labour force released in the transformation process as well as newcomers. During the last years, the development of unemployment rate in Prague has been analogous to the national average; however, in total it is around its half-value.

As for education, Prague has a unique position among other regions in the CR. It applies especially to universities that serve to population of the entire country and more and more also to students from abroad. Moreover, there can be found as many universities as eight in Prague. The universities comprise 36 faculties and 79,609 students in 2002/2003 school year. In addition, there are 10,443 students in doctoral studies. Charles University, the oldest university in the CR, founded in 1348 comprises 14 faculties, the Czech Technical University six, the Institute of Chemical Technology four, the Czech University of Agriculture four, the University of Economics five, and the Academy of Music and Drama three faculties. Other universities include the Academy of Fine Arts and the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design.

Scientific capacity of universities together with high number of young research workers, doctorands and students is a very good base for future technological development.

In health service Prague has a similar position: it provides some specialised types of care for the entire Czech Republic. In 2002, there were 25 hospitals with 196 departments and 10,535 beds. Total converted number of physicians reached 3,487. Relative indicators of equipment and performance of health service are slightly increasing (e.g. 9.1 beds per 1,000 inhabitants; 6.7 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants).

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, the most populated metropolis in the CR and also an important European city and that determines also its extraordinary position in culture. Most cultural establishments of national importance are placed in Prague. A dense network of other cultural establishments can be found there, too (13% of all galleries, 28% of theatres).