Facts about Czech Republic
Czechia connects Prague’s riverside streets with Bohemian castles, Moravian vineyards and mountain forests. Explore its regions, cities and waters, discover the history and everyday life behind the places, then practise Czech. Czech Republic is the country’s formal name, while Czechia is its short name.
- Population
- 10.9 million, end of 2025
- Capital
- Prague
- Regions
- 14, including Prague
- Currency
- Czech koruna (CZK)
- Official language
- Czech
- Highest mountain
- Sněžka, about 1,603 m
Czech Republic · 0 of 20 rounds passed
Two timed rounds per topic, 20 seconds a question
Bohemia occupies the west, Moravia the east and Czech Silesia part of the northeast. These historic lands differ from the fourteen modern administrative regions. Prague is a region in its own right, surrounded by Central Bohemia. Brno is the capital of South Moravia, while Ostrava anchors the Moravian-Silesian Region near Poland.
Start with all fourteen regions, then place twenty-four selected cities and towns and follow four rivers and two reservoirs. The Vltava connects Lipno, Český Krumlov and Prague before meeting the Elbe. The Morava drains towards the Danube, while the Oder flows towards the Baltic. Ten illustrated facts topics and the existing Czech lessons connect these maps with the country’s culture and daily life.
Geography of Czechia
Fourteen regions sit within historic lands whose rivers drain towards three seas.
- How many regions does Czechia have?
- Fourteen administrative regions, including Prague. Prague is separate from the Central Bohemian Region surrounding it. Bohemia, Moravia and Czech Silesia are historic lands rather than the modern regional units.
- Which river flows through Prague?
- The Vltava. It passes through South Bohemia and Prague before joining the Elbe, called Labe in Czech, at Mělník.
- How can a landlocked country drain towards three seas?
- Its river basins lead beyond its borders. The Elbe basin reaches the North Sea, the Oder basin the Baltic Sea and the Morava the Black Sea through the Danube.
More about Czech Republic: geography
Czechia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordering Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. Bohemia forms much of the west, Moravia the east and Czech Silesia part of the northeast. These historic lands are not the fourteen administrative regions used on today’s map. Prague has its own region, separate from the Central Bohemian Region that surrounds it. Brno is the capital of South Moravia, rather than an administrative capital for all of historic Moravia.
Mountain ranges frame much of the country. Sněžka in the Krkonoše, on the Polish border, rises to about 1,603 metres. The Šumava extends along the southwestern border, while the Moravian Gate forms a lower corridor through the east. The Elbe, including its Vltava tributary, drains towards the North Sea. The Oder drains towards the Baltic, and the Morava reaches the Black Sea through the Danube. Lipno and Orlík are artificial reservoirs on the Vltava, not natural lakes.
History of Czechia
Medieval Bohemia leads to Czechoslovakia, the Prague Spring and two different velvet events.
- When was Charles University founded?
- In 1348, by Charles IV in Prague. The university was an important part of the city’s development as a medieval centre of learning.
- What was the Prague Spring?
- A period of political reform in Czechoslovakia in 1968. A Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion suppressed it.
- Are the Velvet Revolution and Velvet Divorce the same event?
- No. The Velvet Revolution ended communist rule in 1989. The Velvet Divorce was the peaceful division of Czechoslovakia into Czechia and Slovakia on 1 January 1993.
More about Czech Republic: history
The medieval Kingdom of Bohemia was part of the Holy Roman Empire. Charles IV made Prague an imperial centre and founded Charles University in 1348. Jan Hus’s religious reform movement influenced the Hussite wars after his execution in 1415. The 1618 Defenestration of Prague helped begin the Thirty Years’ War. The Czech lands later remained within the Habsburg monarchy until the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
The Munich Agreement of 1938 ceded Czechoslovakia’s borderlands to Nazi Germany, and occupation of the remaining Czech lands followed in 1939. Communist rule began in 1948. The Prague Spring reforms of 1968 were suppressed by a Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion. The Velvet Revolution ended communist rule in 1989, and Václav Havel became president of Czechoslovakia. The separate event called the Velvet Divorce divided that country peacefully into Czechia and Slovakia on 1 January 1993. Havel then served as president of the Czech Republic.
The Czech language
Czech uses diacritics and seven cases, with a close relationship to Slovak.
- Is Czech the same language as Slovak?
- They are distinct, closely related West Slavic languages. Many speakers understand each other, but exposure and familiarity affect how easily they do so.
- How do you say thank you in Czech?
- Děkuji. Dobrý den is a polite greeting, and prosím can mean please or you’re welcome. The Czech lessons teach useful phrases with pronunciation guidance.
- Where does the word robot come from?
- Karel Čapek’s play R.U.R. introduced it internationally. He credited his brother Josef with suggesting the word, which is connected with the Czech word robota for compulsory labour.
More about Czech Republic: language
Czech is a West Slavic language, closely related to Slovak and also related to Polish. Many Czech and Slovak speakers understand each other, although familiarity and exposure affect comprehension. Czech uses the Latin alphabet with marks such as the háček in č, š and ž. Its seven grammatical cases change the forms of nouns and related words. Word order is flexible, but it still carries meaning and emphasis.
Dobrý den is a polite greeting meaning good day, while ahoj is an informal hello or goodbye. Děkuji means thank you, and prosím can mean please or you’re welcome. The letter ř represents a distinctive Czech sound, while syllabic r and l allow words with no written vowel, such as krk, meaning neck. The play R.U.R. by Karel Čapek introduced the word robot internationally. Čapek credited his brother Josef with suggesting the word. Everyday speech includes regional varieties alongside Standard Czech.
Culture and traditions in Czechia
Composers, writers and puppet theatre connect local traditions with international culture.
- What is Dvořák’s New World Symphony?
- His Ninth Symphony, subtitled From the New World. Dvořák wrote it during his time in the United States.
- Which language did Franz Kafka write in?
- German. He was born in Prague, illustrating the multilingual history of the Czech lands.
- How does UNESCO recognise Czech puppet theatre?
- Puppetry in Slovakia and Czechia is on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It recognises a living tradition shared by the two countries.
More about Czech Republic: culture
Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák are central figures in Czech music. Smetana’s Má vlast includes a musical portrait of the Vltava, and Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony is known as From the New World. Prague-born Franz Kafka wrote in German. Other literary figures include Karel Čapek, Bohumil Hrabal and Milan Kundera, who was born in Brno. Alfons Mucha’s posters helped define Art Nouveau.
Puppet theatre is a living tradition shared with Slovakia and recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Czech animation includes the work of Jiří Trnka and Jan Švankmajer. Seasonal customs vary between families and regions. Easter traditions include decorated eggs and the braided willow pomlázka, while Christmas gatherings may include carp and potato salad. Beer halls, cafés and weekend trips to cottages are familiar parts of social life. South Moravia also has a strong wine culture.
The economy of Czechia
Vehicle manufacturing sits alongside machinery, glassmaking and city-based services.
- What currency does Czechia use?
- The Czech koruna, abbreviated CZK or Kč. Czechia is an EU member but does not use the euro.
- Where is Škoda Auto headquartered?
- Mladá Boleslav in Central Bohemia. Vehicle production and suppliers are an important part of Czech manufacturing.
- What does Czechia produce besides cars?
- Machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals and glass are among its industries. Services include tourism, business services and technology.
More about Czech Republic: economy
Czechia’s economy combines a large manufacturing sector with services. Škoda Auto is headquartered in Mladá Boleslav and belongs to the Volkswagen Group. Other vehicle plants and component suppliers connect Czech production with European supply chains. Machinery, electrical equipment and chemicals also matter. Germany is a major trading partner, so changes in demand there affect many Czech exporters.
Bohemian glass and crystal, brewing and spa tourism have long histories. Prague attracts visitors to its historic centre and supports business services and technology companies. Brno has universities and a substantial technology sector, while Ostrava has been adapting former coal and steel sites to new uses. Czechia belongs to the European Union but uses the Czech koruna, written CZK or Kč. The currency is distinct from the euro used by neighbouring Slovakia.
Government and politics in Czechia
An elected parliament and government operate alongside a directly elected president.
- What are the two chambers of the Czech parliament?
- The Chamber of Deputies, with 200 members, and the Senate, with 81. The government is accountable to the Chamber of Deputies.
- How is the Czech president chosen?
- By direct popular election for a five-year term. The first direct presidential election took place in 2013.
- When did Czechia join NATO and the EU?
- NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. It also participates in the Schengen Area.
More about Czech Republic: politics
Czechia is a parliamentary republic. The government is headed by a prime minister and is accountable to the Chamber of Deputies. Parliament has two chambers: the 200-member Chamber of Deputies and the 81-member Senate. Deputies serve four-year terms. Senators serve six-year terms, with one third of Senate seats contested every two years. The Constitutional Court is based in Brno.
The president is head of state and serves a five-year term. The first direct presidential election took place in 2013, replacing election by parliament. Czechia joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. It participates in the Schengen Area. The fourteen regions, including Prague, form the main level of regional self-government. These are modern administrative units, distinct from the historic lands of Bohemia, Moravia and Czech Silesia.
Nature and landscapes in Czechia
Sandstone towers, mountain peatlands and a river valley preserve different landscapes.
- What is Bohemian Switzerland known for?
- Sandstone cliffs, gorges and the Pravčická brána natural arch near the German border. It adjoins Saxon Switzerland in Germany.
- Are Lipno and Orlík natural lakes?
- No. Both are artificial reservoirs on the Vltava. Lipno has the larger surface area, while Orlík stores more water.
- Where is Podyjí National Park?
- Along the Dyje valley near Znojmo in South Moravia. Across the Austrian border it connects with Thayatal National Park.
More about Czech Republic: nature & wildlife
Bohemian Switzerland lies beside Germany’s Saxon Switzerland. Its sandstone cliffs, gorges and Pravčická brána natural arch make the northern border landscape distinctive. The Adršpach-Teplice rocks farther east form another sandstone area, with narrow passages between tall rock towers. In the Krkonoše, forests give way to higher mountain habitats around Sněžka.
The Šumava protects forests, peatlands and glacial lakes along the German border. Lipno Reservoir lies nearby on the upper Vltava, but it was created by a dam. Podyjí National Park follows the Dyje valley near Znojmo and connects with Austria’s Thayatal National Park. The Moravian Karst north of Brno contains caves and the Macocha Abyss. Forestry, habitat restoration and responsible access are recurring conservation concerns. Conditions and access restrictions can change, so visitors should check the relevant park authority before a trip.
Food and drink in Czechia
Svíčková, dumplings and open sandwiches share a table with regional beer and wine.
- What is svíčková na smetaně?
- Beef served with a creamy root-vegetable sauce, usually with sliced bread dumplings and garnishes such as cranberries.
- Why is Plzeň associated with pilsner?
- Pilsner Urquell was first brewed there in 1842, establishing an influential pale lager style named after the city.
- Where is Czechia’s main wine region?
- South Moravia, including the countryside around places such as Znojmo and Mikulov. Wine is part of the region’s agricultural and cultural identity.
More about Czech Republic: food & cuisine
Many Czech dishes pair meat and sauce with knedlíky, sliced bread or potato dumplings. Svíčková na smetaně combines beef with a creamy root-vegetable sauce and usually bread dumplings. Vepřo knedlo zelo is roast pork with dumplings and cabbage. Other familiar foods include smažený sýr, fried cheese, bramboráky, potato pancakes, and chlebíčky, decorated open sandwiches.
Sweet dishes include fruit-filled dumplings and koláče, pastries with fillings such as poppy seed, quark or fruit. Pilsner Urquell was first brewed in Plzeň in 1842 and helped establish the pale pilsner style. Budvar comes from České Budějovice. South Moravia is the country’s main wine region, and slivovice is a plum spirit associated with Moravian traditions. Trdelník is widely sold in tourist areas, but it should not be presented as a uniquely Czech invention or the defining pastry of Czech home cooking.
Landmarks in Czechia
Prague’s bridge and castle lead to historic towns, gardens and modern architecture.
- What does Charles Bridge cross?
- The Vltava in Prague. It links the Old Town with the Lesser Town below Prague Castle.
- Which landmarks make Kutná Hora a World Heritage Site?
- Its historic centre, including St Barbara’s Church, together with the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec. The nearby Sedlec Ossuary is a different building.
- Which modern landmark can you visit in Brno?
- Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed modern house designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Brno is the capital of South Moravia.
More about Czech Republic: landmarks
Prague’s historic centre includes Charles Bridge over the Vltava, Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral. The Old Town Hall holds the astronomical clock installed in 1410. The UNESCO property also includes Průhonice Park southeast of the city. The bridge’s statue groups were added over centuries, and many figures visible today are copies made to protect the originals.
Český Krumlov’s historic centre curves around the Vltava beneath its castle. Kutná Hora’s World Heritage property includes St Barbara’s Church and the cathedral at Sedlec. The nearby Sedlec Ossuary is known for decorations made from human bones. Telč has an arcaded Renaissance town square, while Lednice-Valtice combines châteaux with a designed landscape in South Moravia. Villa Tugendhat in Brno represents modern architecture. Kroměříž’s gardens and castle and Třebíč’s Jewish Quarter and St Procopius’ Basilica offer further routes beyond Prague.
People and everyday life in Czechia
Regional identities, migration and different religious affiliations shape a country of about eleven million.
- How many people live in Czechia?
- About 10.9 million at the end of 2025, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Prague is the largest city.
- Where was Martina Navrátilová born?
- Prague. She grew up in Řevnice, a town southwest of the capital. Her birthplace and childhood home are different places.
- Where did Gregor Mendel carry out his experiments?
- Brno, where his work with pea plants helped establish the foundations of genetics.
More about Czech Republic: people & society
Czechia had about 10.9 million residents at the end of 2025, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Prague is the largest city, followed by Brno. Residents may identify with Bohemia, Moravia or Silesia as well as the country as a whole. Czechia includes Slovak, Ukrainian, Vietnamese and Roma communities, among others. Citizenship, birthplace, nationality and language describe different things and should not be treated as interchangeable population categories.
Many residents report no religious affiliation, alongside Roman Catholic and other religious communities. Census questions about religion were voluntary, so nonresponse should not be counted as proof that someone is atheist. Technical and vocational education has an important place alongside universities. Gregor Mendel carried out his pea-plant experiments in Brno. Martina Navrátilová was born in Prague and grew up in Řevnice. Václav Havel’s life links theatre with democratic politics, while the country’s history also includes people who wrote or worked in other languages.