I.　　The former Czechoslovakia is a picturesque and friendly area of Europe. This guidebook offers extensive accommodation and restaurant listings, as well as information on medieval villages, language hints and over 100 maps. This travel guide to Czech and Slovak Republics covers hotels and hostels, where to eat and entertainment options.

II.　　Sample the beers, taste the high life, feast on the architecture - and when you've had your fill, chill out in the spa towns, discover the fairy-tale castles and breathe deep in Slovakia's glorious mountain scenery. Whether you want to party in Prague or hike in the High Tatras, you can connect with the heart of Europe through this inspiring guide.

　　1.BEHIND THE SCENES - our comprehensive listings cover art-house cinema and world-class opera, traditional old pubs and the trendiest nightclubs

　　2.CASTLE COUNTRY - special section on the countries' spectacular castles and chateaux

　　3.HIKE the Tatras or rambel through the valleys - our Activities chapter is packed with ideas

　　4.SLEEP TIGHT - recommendations for every budget, from penzións to palaces

　　5.HIT THE ROAD with our fully cross-referenced maps

　　Czechoslovakia

　　A former country of central Europe. It was formed in 1918 from Czech- and Slovak-speaking territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Communists gained control of the government after World War II and stayed in power until late 1989 when demands for democratic political reform forced Communist leaders to resign. In 1993 the country split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

　　Slovak

　　A landlocked country of central Europe. Settled by Slavic peoples c. 6th century A.D., the region was conquered by Magyars in the early 10th century and was generally under Hungarian rule until 1918, when it became part of Czechoslovakia. Slovakia became a German puppet state during World War II and was liberated by the Soviets in 1945. After the war Slovakia rejoined Czechoslovakia, where in 1948 a Communist government assumed power. After the end of Communist rule in 1989, government leaders reached an agreement to separate the country into two fully independent republics. The Republic of Slovakia came into existence on January 1, 1993. Bratislava is the capital and largest city. Population: 5,430,000.