Following its liberation from communism through 1989’s ‘velvet revolution’ Czechoslovakia went through a ‘velvet divorce’ in 1993. This peaceful splitting of the state yielded the creation of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. This densely populated country of small cities, towns and villages, has one of the most stable economies of the post-communist states in central and eastern  Europe. Its openness to foreign investment, a fairly low-cost structure, and a well-qualified labour force have helped the post revolution economy to prosper. Freedom of religion came with the fall of communism but a degree of complacency exists. Today over 40% of the population profess atheism, with an additional 16% uncertain whether there is a God.  The Catholic Church has a stronger standing than any protestant denomination, but its priests and laity are aging. Protestant churches are enjoying religious freedom for only the second time since 1620.