While all of the nation's problems have not been solved in the ensuing years, much has been done. In the autumn of 1996, the Czech Republic's first Senate as upper house of parliament was elected.

The Czech Republic became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on March 12, 1999 and became a full member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. Both events are milestones in the country's foreign policy and security orientation. The Czech Republic is scheduled to host the rotating EU Presidency during the first half of 2009.

The Czech Republic is also a member of the United Nations and participates in its specialised agencies. It is a member of the World Trade Organisation and it maintains diplomatic relations with more than 85 countries, of which 80 have permanent representation in Prague.

The fall of the Iron Curtain has re-opened formerly closed borders, and the Czech Republic is fast becoming one of the premier tourist destinations in the world. Unspoilt medieval city centres in Prague, Telc, Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora are on the UNESCO World Heritage list as is the Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk in Zdar nad Sazavou.

Many foreigners have also moved to the Czech Republic, especially to Prague. This has returned the kind of lively, cosmopolitan feel the capital city has traditionally enjoyed through the ages, situated as it always has been at the "Crossroads of Europe."

The writer hopes that in the years to come, the continuing history of the Czech Republic, as it unfolds, will be able to record the further advancement of this wonderful country, without having to document repression and the stifling of the skills, expertise and considerable talents shown by these resourceful peoples from Central Europe.

Thanks to the Czech Radio History Division for providing much of the

material used within this article.