Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is located centrally. The geographic location of Prague, and that of the Czech Republic has influenced the city and the country's history. The Czech Republic is landlocked by the four countries of Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. The country is located at the "Heart of Europe," (see map above) nearly the same distance from the Mediterranean, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Within the Czech Republic, the country is divided into three regions: Bohemia, Moravia and Czech Silesia. These three regions are divided in terms of natural boundaries by mountains, hills and rivers, and historical cultural differences as well. Bohemia, in which Prague is located, has a natural border making a nearly complete ring of mountains and highlands surrounding the Bohemian plains and plateaus. Prague is in the center of Bohemia and the fertile soil, natural resources and important waterways have been instrumental in the nation's early and successful development. The Vltava River runs through Prague. The river and the contour in the city caused by the hills provide for an interesting landscape, full of places to enjoy the natural and built landscape.