The Czech Republic is a beautiful country in Central Europe. It has a population of over 10 million people, and its capital city is Prague. The Czech Republic is bordered by Poland to the north, Germany to the west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east.
The country covers an area of 78,866 square kilometers (30,450 square miles). And has a population of over 10 million. The capital of the Czech Republic is Prague, which is also its largest city with a population of 1.3 million.
The Czech Republic has a long history and culture that dates back centuries. Some of the most famous landmarks in the country include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square. The Czech Republic is also home to many world-renowned spas, such as Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně.
A short history of the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a rich and complex history, dating back to the early Middle Ages. The region was first settled by Celtic tribes, who were later replaced by Germanic peoples. In the 9th century, the Czech lands came under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire.
However, they regained their independence in the late 10th century after defeating the invading Magyars at the Battle of BTC Bridge. For centuries, the Czech lands were ruled by a succession of kings and queens (Austrian Empire). In 1918 after World War I, the country was renamed Czechoslovakia and declared itself a republic.
However, this newfound independence was short-lived, as Czechoslovakia was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1939. After World War II, Czechoslovakia became a communist state till 1989. The Velvet Revolution ushered in a new era of democracy for the country, and in 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two separate states: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Making both of countries one of the youngest countries in the world.
The Czech Republic joined European Union in 2004 with nine other countries: Poland, Slovakia, and Malta.
Today, the Czech Republic is a thriving democracy with a rich culture and vibrant economy.
The name Czech
The name Czech (Čechy) appeared for the first time in written sources in the 9th century.
It derives from the name of the West Slavic ethnic group from the Czech lands – the Czechs, who settled in this area in the 6th or 7th century. It means the westernmost and the largest historical region of the Czech lands and the modern Czech Republic.
The Latin medieval name of the Czech Republic – Bohemia (Boiohaemum) derives from Boje, a Celtic tribe inhabiting this area before the arrival of the early Slavs. Bohemus – a resident of Bohemia, later referred to as the Gypsies who, it was believed, came from Bohemia.
Facts about the population in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a population of 10.7 million people, making it the 34th most populous country in Europe. The majority of the population is ethnic Czech (63%), with small minorities of Slovaks (4%), Roma (2%), Germans (2%), and Poles (1%).
The Czech Republic is a unitary state with a single official language, Czech.
The Czech language is one of the Slavic languages.
Religion
Although religion was historically an important part of Czech identity, the Czech Republic ranks now one of the most secular in Europe, with just over 10% of the population professing any religious belief. The percentage of professed atheists (30%) is the third largest in the world after China (47%) and Japan (31%).
The Czech nation has historically been characterized as “tolerant” and even indifferent to religion.
The Czech Republic has a developed economy and high standard of living, with a per capita GDP of $38,000. The country has as well the most hospital beds per resident in Europe.
Education
Around 90 % of Czech people completed at least secondary education. Similar scores only have Slovakia, Poland, and Slovenia.
Interesting facts about Prague – the capital of the Czech Republic
Prague is the “handsomest” city in Europe. Situated in the northwest of the country on the Vltava river, the city has a population of over 1.2 million people. Its historical center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Due to its many attractions, Prague is one of the most visited European cities. In 1992, its historic center was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Prague was an important city to the Habsburg monarchy and Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Prague has one of the oldest university in the world. The Charles university was founded in 1348.
In Prague’s Old Town, you can find one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world.
Prague has many nicknames!
Prague has many nicknames, including the “City of a Thousand Spires” and the “Golden City.”
This unique city has been a center of culture and politics for centuries, and its rich history is reflected in its architecture and art.
The city is also famous for its coffeehouses, which have long been a gathering place for artists and intellectuals.
Few facts about Prague Castle
The Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.
The Prague Castle is over 900 years old.
Prague Castle is made up of a number of different buildings, including the St. Vitus Cathedral.
What is Czech famous for?
Castle Capital
The Czech Republic is known as the castle capital of the world. It has the most castles in Europe, with over 2000 castles located throughout the country – making it the country with the highest concentration of castles in the world! Many of these castles are open to the public and make for a fascinating day trip.
Be sure to visit some of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic, including Karlstein Castle, Orlík Castle, Konopiste Castle, and Cesky Krumlov Castle.
Highest Beer consumption
The Czech Republic is also well-known for its beer, which is considered some of the best in the world.
The Czech Republic is the world’s heaviest consumers of beer. The average person in the Czech Republic drinks 156 liters of beer per year, which is more than double the amount of beer consumed by the average American.
While this may seem like a lot of beer, the Czechs just love their beer and are proud of their brewing traditions. One of the most popular types of beer in the Czech Republic is Pilsner Urquell, which was the first pale lager brewed in Pilsen in 1842.
Food
Last but not least, the Czech Republic is known for its delicious food. From hearty dumplings and pork roast to goulash and apple strudel, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So be sure to sample the local cuisine while you’re in the Czech Republic-you won’t be disappointed!
Beloved sport – Ice Hockey
The Czech Republic is also home to some of the best ice hockey players in world hockey. The country has produced many NHL greats, including Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias, and Dominik Hasek. So if you’re an ice hockey fan, be sure to catch a game.
Glass Making
Czech glassmaking is world-renowned and has been practiced since the 13th century. In fact, Bohemian glass was so highly prized that it was even used to adorn royal palaces!
Mushroom hunting
The national passion of Czech (same as Polish people) is mushroom hunting. Learning which mushrooms are eatable and which are not is part of autumn walks.
Unesco Sites in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a country with a rich and varied history, and this is reflected in its architecture. The country boasts 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites, three of which are transnational in nature. The architectural heritage includes castles and palaces from different historical eras, 12 cathedrals and 15 churches raised by the Pope to the rank of basilica, and monasteries.
This diversity is a testament to the Czech Republic’s architectural heritage, and it is one of the reasons why the country is such a popular tourist destination. Visitors from all over the world come to admire the country’s historic buildings, and many of them return year after year to explore more of what the Czech Republic has to offer.
Major Rivers in the Czech republic
There are many major rivers in the Czech Republic, including the Vltava, Elbe, Oder, and Morava.
The Vltava is the longest river in the country, flowing for over430 kilometers through the heart of Prague. The Elbe river rises in the northwest of the country in the Krkonoše Mountains and flows for over370 kilometers before emptying into the North Sea.
The Oder forms part of the border between the Czech Republic and Poland and drains into the Baltic Sea. The Morava forms part of the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In addition to these major rivers, there are also numerous smaller streams and brooks throughout the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic has few natural lakes.
The biggest lake is Czarne, with an area of only 18.4 ha. On the other hand, there are numerous ponds and retention reservoirs that protect the country from floods.
The Czech Republic is known for its spa towns with mineral waters and hot springs (thermal springs), e.g., Karlovy Vary (73 ° C) or Marianske Lazne (29.6 ° C).
The Czech Republic shares a border with four countries.
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It borders Poland to the north, Germany to the west and northwest, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east.
Famous Czech people
The Czech Republic has produced many famous people who have made significant contributions in a variety of fields.
Let’s start with Otto Wichterle, a leading chemist and inventor. Wichterle is best known for his work in developing soft contact lenses, and he also made significant contributions to the fields of polymer science and biochemistry.
Another well-known Czech is composer Antonin Dvorak, who was one of the leading figures of the Romantic era. His best-known works include the symphonies “From the New World” and “Carnevale.” Dvorak was also a prolific painter, and his work can be seen in many of Prague’s museums.
Other notable Czech artists include painters Alphonse Mucha and František Kupka and photographer Josef Sudek.
Among other notable Czechs are writer Franz Kafka, who was born in Prague, and athlete Emil Zatopek, who won four gold medals at the 1952 Olympics.
And btw sugar cube was invented by the Czech as well (Krystof Rad)
Interesting facts about the Czech
Whether you’re interested in history and culture or just want to enjoy some of the best beer in the world, the Czech Republic has something for everyone.
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