Panorama | All stories

Harvard University in Massachusetts is one of the best known universities in the world and attracts the cream of under- and post-graduate students from around the world. The first Czech to graduate from the august institution was Gerhardt Bubnik in 1969.Today, almost forty years later, there are over forty Czech Harvard graduates. They meet in the Harvard Club Prague, which was set up by Mr Bubnik in 1993, attending presentations which are followed by heated discussions.

In the second half of the 20th century governments as well as various international organizations decided to pay more attention to low numbers of women involved in politics: today the European parliamentary average is about 16%. The Czech Republic, slightly below the average, follows Uzbekistan, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic in 62nd place on the worldwide chart.

Alternative medicine is a booming industry in western countries and the Czech Republic has not been slow to pick up this trend. More and more centres in Prague are offering various treatments in anything from traditional Czech herbalism, aromatherapy, or Chinese deep tissue massage. So, whether they are discontent with the current medical system or out to try something new, Czechs are using holistic medicine in increasing numbers.

The story of Lubos Hruska is a remarkable tale of persecution and despair but ultimate survival. Born in 1927 he was too young to play a role in World War II, although he witnessed the bombing of Plzen and the liberation of Czechoslovakia. His fight started after the war, when he refused to sell his soul to the Communist regime and was punished.

I am standing in the main departure hall of Prague's main train station. Right to me a group of homeless men is staring into nowhere, drinking cheap wine ... fast food stands scattered around are offering rather overpriced refreshment. Not a welcoming sight ... Dark, dirty corners and hallways have given the main train station a bad reputation. It is now perceived as a dangerous and disgusting place. You wouldn't want to spend too much time here. It would be difficult to find a single person, local or foreign, who would be proud of this gateway

The Czech Republic is in the grip of a severe political stalemate, with neither left nor right capable of forming a majority government and the prospect of early elections lurking on the horizon. But honestly, who really cares?

Cosmetic surgery, once a privilege of the rich, is now reshaping women and men of all ages and incomes. You can opt for a total face-lift or just gentle Botox injections that stretch your wrinkles and smooth your skin for up to six months. 'After all, it's important to look good' I learn from a leaflet I picked up in a cozy waiting room of one of several state-of-the-art clinics in Prague. Without a doubt, I agree. After all, what 'sells' more than design?

In this week's Panorama, Rob Cameron attends the annual Wines and Spirits trade fair in Prague, one of the most important dates on the Czech winemaker's calendar.

For decades Letna Plain was reserved on May 1st for the Communist Party - whether it was the totalitarian Communist Party of Czechoslovakia before 1989 or the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia after it. Each year this large open space a few hundred metres from Prague Castle was filled with red flags, and Letna rang out to the sound of the Internationale. But this year, Letna was moving to a different rhythm.

You can find Camphill communities all over the world. Their philosophy is simple - to create a community where mentally ill and healthy people can live side by side. The mentally ill try to lead as normal lives as possible, taking part in daily activities depending on their skills and abilities. They are free to choose from different workshops, housekeeping activities or work on a farm which supplies the community with ecologically grown food. Mentally ill people, who are usually kept isolated in psychiatric hospitals, here enjoy an everyday