Prague - The inhabitants of the Czech capital have another reason to be happy. Their city is the twelfth richest region of the EU, according to the latest research made by the Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat).

With GDP of 60 per cent points higher than the EU average, Prague is the richest region from all the countries that joined the European Union in 2004 and 2007.

As usual, the richest region of all the EU member states is London and its surroundings. GDP of this area is three times higher than the EU average.

The poorest part of the new EU member states is Romanian Nord-Est whose GDP is less then one quarter of the European average.

Prague standing out

The city of Prague has significantly outrun the rest of the country.

Having GDP below 75 per cent of the Union's average, the remaining Czech regions are classified as "developing" and thus have a right to use the EU structural funds.

The second richest part of the Czech Republic is Central Bohemian Region whose GDP is about 70 per cent of the EU average.

The poorest is Central Moravian Region with no more than 60 per cent of the EU average.