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Czech Republic

Ceska Republika

Capital:Prague
Population:10.2M
Currency:koruny (CZK)
Language:Czech
Government soldier on guard, Prague

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Czech Republic.

Czech Republic Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Czechs value modesty, humor, education, cleverness, social standing, and sometimes cutting corners. Professionals are respected. The long tradition of highly industrialized nation formed a skilled nation of manual workers. This brought a very individualistic approach to life, forming strong opinion and wishes. But society's emphasis is still on conformity and cooperation. Historically the nation always adopted new trends, and encouraged arts, music, and sport, pursuing ties to Western European culture. Czechs are avid theater and art goers, and pride themselves on participation. Czech migrants therefore join in and adapt easily into local society and activities.

Cultural Attributes

Professionals are respected. The long tradition of highly industrialized nation formed a skilled nation of manual workers. This brought a very individualistic approach to life, forming strong opinion and wishes. But society's emphasis is still on conformity and cooperation.

Historically the nation always adopted new trends, and encouraged arts, music, and sport, pursuing ties to Western European culture. Czechs are avid theater and art goers, and pride themselves on participation. Czech migrants therefore join in and adapt easily into local society and activities.

Government soldier on guard, Prague

Land of Bohemian Spires and Unbending Spirit

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

Acquaintances and friends shake hands firmly with a verbal greeting. A young person greets an older person politely. Women are always politely acknowledged by men. To show respect, one addresses both men and women by their professional titles. First or Christian names are used only among friends.

About half of the Czechs emphasize conversation by gesturing with hands, and Czechs often beckon and point with their index finger. Noisy speaking, particularly laughing too loud is considered impolite in about 50% of society.

Handshakes are common during introduction, and sometimes during meetings. Hand-slaps are not usual between teenagers. Hugs are very unusual and only displayed by females.

Friends visit quite frequently for small talk with coffee and drinks. Most first-time visitors are invited for a more formal coffee visit to get to know one another. An invitation for guests to share a meal at home is usually formal. Invited guests usually bring flowers to the hostess. Out of respect for the hostess, most Czechs remove their shoes before entering a house, and leave them in the hall entrance. It is an honor to be invited to a home for a meal. Friends often enjoy socializing in coffee houses and pubs.

European fashions and formal dress is common on the streets, at work and in shops, Two-piece suit for women and a suit men. The youth wear the latest styles. Jeans and T-shirts or sportswear are popular even with older people. Village people are adapting quickly to modern trends.

Diet

Unfortunately the high fat eating culture survived into the modern low physical activity way of life. Tasty meals close to French and German traditions are served in large portions. Lunch usually begins with a hearty and nutritious soup, followed by a main dish of meat and potato or bread dumplings, and finally sweets. Many desserts are made from fruit. A common dish is vepro-knedlo-zelo ( pork roast, dumplings, and sauerkraut). Many other meals are based on cream sauces, and other combinations by choice.

Breakfast usually consists of rolls, coffee cake, butter, jam, and coffee. Ham, salami, cheese and sausages with rolls are popular snack foods, while beer is the number one beverage followed by common soft drinks and bottled water.

Kuba is a barley casserole that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. Most everyone in the eastern part of the Czech Republic makes Moravské Vanocní Sušenky (Moravian Christmas Cookie) during Christmas time. Fruit desserts such as Kolače are often served during tea time or after the main meal.

Dinner is the main Czechs meal. About 70 percent of the population eat meals while watching TV, reading a book, or the newspaper. Most families don't eat together except on weekends. Sunday lunch is usually eaten with the family at home. People eat meals in continental style. Hands, but not elbows, are kept above the table. Most Czechs do not eat out often.

Unfortunately the high fat eating culture survived into the modern low physical activity way of life. Tasty meals close to French and German traditions are served in large portions. Lunch usually begins with a hearty and nutritious soup, followed by a main dish of meat and potato or bread dumplings, and finally sweets. Many desserts are made from fruit. A common dish is vepro-knedlo-zelo ( pork roast, dumplings, and sauerkraut). Many other meals are based on cream sauces, and other combinations by choice. Breakfast usually consists of rolls, coffee cake, butter, jam, and coffee. Ham, salami, cheese and sausages with rolls are popular snack foods, while beer is the number one beverage followed by common soft drinks and bottled water. Kuba is a barley casserole that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. Most everyone in the eastern part of the Czech Republic makes Moravské Vanocní Sušenky (Moravian Christmas Cookie) during Christmas time. Fruit desserts such as Kolače are often served during tea time or after the main meal.

Charles Bridge from Cathedral Tower

Family

Parents generally work outside the home, but women are also responsible for the household and children. Grandparents often help with child care, especially when young couple is just starting out. Parents feel responsible for adult children until they are financially independent. At the same time adult children expect to take care of their parents if needed.

Dating Customs

Young people usually socialize in their sphere of interest. Following European trends, most men are married by the age of thirty. A church wedding after the civil ceremony is becoming increasingly common. The divorce rate is relatively high.

Recreation

The country's most popular sport is soccer. Huge crowds go to watch the games at the Letná stadium in Prague. The second most popular sport is ice hockey.

In 1862, a Czech professor of art history at Charles University, Miroslav Tyrš, founded a gymnastic organization called Sokol, which means “falcon” in Czech. Sokol promoted calisthenics and gymnastics. Tyrš believed a healthy, strong nation must be made up of physically fit citizens. Sokol became an important part of Czech nationalism.

Spartakiade is an eight-day national sports event held every five years. More than 70,000 adults and children participate in gymnastics and dance performances.

During the summer vacation, many Czech children go to holiday camps in the mountains where they hike, camp and play team sports. In the late summer and early autumn many people spend their weekends at their country homes picking mushrooms in the forests. They dry, pickle or freeze them for later use. Cycling in the countryside is another popular summer pastime.

Holidays

  • Czech Founding Day

    10/28

    Independence

  • Vánoce -- Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Celebrations for Christmas begin with the visit of St. Nicholas on December 6th and end with the visit of the Three Kings.

    Svaty Mikalas (St. Nicholas) is believed to climb to earth down from heaven on a golden rope along with his companions: an angel and a whip-carrying devil.

    A girl can tell her future, it is said that according to tradition, by putting a cherry twig in water on December 4th. If the twig blossoms before Christmas Eve, the girl will marry sometime during the year.

    The famous King Wenceslas of the Christmas Carol was a real King in this country. His goodness and his beliefs in Christianity infuriated his mother, and his brother murdered him on the Church steps. Before he died he asked for God’s mercy for his brother’s evil act. He became the patron saint of the Czech Republic.

    Christmas is a quiet and peaceful religious time in the Czech Republic. They fast for one day, and have baked carp for Christmas dinner. St Nicholas visits, and brings good children gifts, and for those children who are bad, the devil is said to come with switches.

    At midnight, most families go to Pasterka (Holy Mass). On Christmas Day, the churches are filled with evergreens and Christmas Trees. Celebrations go on for three days.

    Czechs eat a soup made of cod roe and tempt each other with tales of a mythical golden pig.

Dates of Interest

  • December 25th

    Celebrations for Christmas begin with the visit of St. Nicholas on December 6th and end with the visit of the Three Kings. Svaty Mikalas (St. Nicholas) is believed to climb to earth down from heaven on a golden rope along with his companions: an angel and a whip-carrying devil. A girl can tell her future, it is said that according to tradition, by putting a cherry twig in water on December 4th. If the twig blossoms before Christmas Eve, the girl will marry sometime during the year. The famous King Wenceslas of the Christmas Carol was a real King in this country. His goodness and his beliefs in Christianity infuriated his mother, and his brother murdered him on the Church steps. Before he died he asked for God’s mercy for his brother’s evil act. He became the patron saint of the Czech Republic. Christmas is a quiet and peaceful religious time in the Czech Republic. They fast for one day, and have baked carp for Christmas d

How do people greet each other in the Czech Republic?

Acquaintances and friends shake hands firmly along with a verbal greeting, and respect is shown by using professional titles for both men and women.

Do

  • Shake hands firmly with a verbal greeting
  • Address men and women by their professional titles to show respect
  • Have younger people greet older people politely
  • Men should politely acknowledge women

Don’t

  • Don't use first or Christian names except among friends

What are dining and eating customs like in the Czech Republic?

Dinner is the main meal, and people eat continental style; a typical lunch begins with a hearty soup, followed by meat with potato or bread dumplings, and ends with sweets.

Do

  • Eat in continental style
  • Keep hands, but not elbows, above the table
  • Try vepro-knedlo-zelo (pork roast, dumplings, and sauerkraut)

Good to know

  • Beer is the number one beverage, followed by soft drinks and bottled water
  • Breakfast is usually rolls, coffee cake, butter, jam, and coffee
  • Kuba (barley casserole) is traditionally served on Christmas Eve
  • Fruit desserts like Koláče are served at tea time or after the main meal

What etiquette should I know when visiting a Czech home?

Being invited to a home for a meal is an honor and usually formal; guests are expected to bring a gift and remove their shoes.

Do

  • Bring flowers for the hostess
  • Remove your shoes and leave them in the hall entrance
  • Accept that a first-time invitation is often a more formal coffee visit

Good to know

  • Friends visit frequently for coffee, drinks, and small talk
  • Coffee houses and pubs are common places to socialize

How should I dress in the Czech Republic?

European fashions and formal dress are common on the streets, at work, and in shops, with two-piece suits for women and suits for men.

Good to know

  • Youth wear the latest styles
  • Jeans, T-shirts, and sportswear are popular even with older people

What should I know about gestures and body language in the Czech Republic?

About half of Czechs gesture with their hands while talking, and they often beckon and point with the index finger.

Don’t

  • Don't speak too noisily or laugh too loudly, considered impolite by about half of society
  • Don't expect hugs, which are very unusual and mainly among females

Good to know

  • Handshakes are common at introductions and sometimes during meetings

What is family life like in the Czech Republic?

Both parents usually work outside the home, though women also manage the household and children, and generations support one another.

Good to know

  • Grandparents often help with child care, especially for young couples starting out
  • Parents feel responsible for adult children until they are financially independent
  • Adult children expect to care for their parents if needed

What do people do for recreation in the Czech Republic?

Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by ice hockey, and there is a strong tradition of gymnastics and outdoor activities.

Good to know

  • Watch soccer with huge crowds at the Letná stadium in Prague
  • Spartakiade, an eight-day national sports event, is held every five years
  • In late summer and autumn, people pick mushrooms in the forests on weekends
  • Cycling in the countryside is a popular summer pastime

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Czech Republic

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
25.02
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Prague has a humid, continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from January's average daily high of 32°F (0°C) and low of 22°F (-4°C) to July's average daily high of 76°F (24.5°C) and low of 56°F (14°) Average annual rainfall is about 30 inches, distributed throughout the year. Humidity averages about 80 percent. During the winter months, high humidity makes the winter cold penetrating. Light to moderately heavy snow can be expected during January and February. Pollution can be severe during the winter months because of soft-burning coal and frequent temperature inversions. Reduced hours of daylight from November through March combined with smog and raw weather create a gloomy atmosphere. In fact, from mid-October when Daylight Savings Time ends until early April when it begins again, Czech law requires drivers to drive with their headlights on at all times.
Airports
120
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Vánočká (Czech Christmas Bread)

Bread

Browse all 18 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Early Slavic & Moravian

    550 – 1085

    Slavic tribes settled the Bohemian and Moravian basins from the 6th century onward, eventually forming the Great Moravian Empire around 830. Christianity spread through the missions of Cyril and Methodius, and the Přemyslid dynasty emerged to consolidate rule over Bohemia. The Moravian Empire collapsed under Magyar invasion in 907, but Bohemia persisted as a distinct political entity within the broader Holy Roman Empire.

  2. Přemyslid & Medieval Kingdom

    1085 – 1420

    Vratislav II received the first royal crown in 1085, elevating Bohemia to a kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire. The Přemyslid dynasty presided over significant economic and cultural growth, founding Prague as a major European center before the line ended with the assassination of Wenceslas III in 1306. The Luxemburg dynasty succeeded them, with Charles IV making Prague the imperial capital and founding Central Europe's first university there in 1348.

  3. Hussite Revolution

    1420 – 1526

    The execution of reformer Jan Hus in 1415 ignited the Hussite Wars (1420–1434), a series of fierce religious and military conflicts that challenged both Catholic orthodoxy and Holy Roman imperial authority. Hussite forces under Jan Žižka repeatedly repelled crusading armies, and in 1458 the Bohemian estates elected the Protestant George of Poděbrady as king. This era established a distinctly Czech religious identity and a tradition of resistance to external religious and political domination.

  4. Habsburg Rule

    1526 – 1918

    The Habsburg dynasty assumed the Bohemian crown in 1526, drawing the Czech lands into a vast Central European empire. Czech Protestant resistance was decisively crushed at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, after which forced re-Catholicization and Germanization suppressed Czech language and culture for nearly two centuries. Nationalist revival movements gained strength in the 19th century under figures such as František Palacký, laying the intellectual groundwork for eventual independence.

  5. Czechoslovakia

    1918 – 1993

    The collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918 enabled Tomáš Masaryk and Edvard Beneš to found Czechoslovakia, the only Central European parliamentary democracy to survive intact until 1938. Nazi occupation (1939–1945) was followed by a Communist coup in 1948 and decades of Soviet-aligned rule, briefly interrupted by the Prague Spring reform movement of 1968, which was crushed by Warsaw Pact invasion. The peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989 restored democracy, leading to the amicable dissolution of the federation on 1 January 1993.

  6. Czech Republic

    1993 – present

    The independent Czech Republic emerged from the so-called Velvet Divorce as a stable, export-driven economy with strong industrial and technological sectors centered on Prague and Brno. The country joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004, firmly anchoring itself within Western political and economic institutions. It has navigated challenges including political fragmentation, corruption reform, and debates over EU integration while maintaining one of the highest standards of living in post-communist Europe.

Overview

The Czech Republic was the western part of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. Formed into a common state after World War I (October 28, 1918), the Czechs, Moravians, and Slovaks remained united for almost 75 years. On January 1, 1993, the two republics split to form two separate states. The Czechs lost their national independence to the Hapsburgs Empire in 1620 at the Battle of White Mountain and for the next 300 years were ruled by the Austrian Monarchy. With the collapse of the monarchy at the end of World War I, the independent country of Czechoslovakia was formed, encouraged by, among others, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. Despite cultural differences, the Slovaks shared with the Czechs similar aspirations for independence from the Hapsburg state and voluntarily united with the Czechs. For historical reasons, Slovaks were not at the same level of economic and technological development as the Czechs, but the freedom and opportunity found in Czechoslovakia enabled them to make strides toward overcoming these inequalities. However, the gap never was fully bridged, and the discrepancy played a continuing role throughout the 75 years of the union. Although Czechoslovakia was the only east European country to remain a parliamentary democracy from 1918 to 1938, it was plagued with minority problems, the most important of which concerned the country’s large German population. Constituting more than 22% of the interwar state’s population and largely concentrated in the Bohemian and Moravian border regions (the Sudetenland), members of this minority, including some who were sympathetic to Nazi Germany, undermined the new Czechoslovak state. Internal and external pressures culminated in September 1938, when France and the United Kingdom yielded to Nazi pressures at Munich and agreed to force Czechoslovakia to cede the Sudetenland to Germany. Fulfilling Hitler’s aggressive designs on all of Czechoslovakia, Germany invaded what remained of Bohemia and Moravia in March 1939, establishing a German "protectorate." By this time, Slovakia had already declared independence and had become a puppet state of the Germans. Hitler’s occupation of the Czech lands was a clear betrayal of the Munich Pact and still stirs passions in modern-day Czech society, but at the time it was met by muted resistance; the brunt of Nazi aggression was felt by Czech Jews and other minorities who were rounded up and deported to concentration camps in systematic waves. Over 100,000 Jews lived in the Czech lands in 1939. Only several thousand remained or returned after the Holocaust in 1945. At the close of World War II, Soviet troops overran all of Slovakia, Moravia, and much of Bohemia, including Prague. In May 1945, U.S. forces liberated the city of Plzen and most of western Bohemia. A civilian uprising against the German garrison took place in Prague in May 1945. Following Germany’s surrender, some 2.9 million ethnic Germans were expelled from Czechoslovakia with Allied approval under the Benes Decrees. Reunited after the war, the Czechs and Slovaks set national elections for the spring of 1946. The democratic elements, led by President Eduard Benes, hoped the Soviet Union would allow Czechoslovakia the freedom to choose its own form of government and aspired to a Czechoslovakia that would act as a bridge between East and West. The Czechoslovak Communist Party, which won 38% of the vote, held most of the key positions in the government and gradually managed to neutralize or silence the anti-communist forces. Although the communist-led government initially intended to participate in the Marshall Plan, it was forced by Moscow to back out. Under the cover of superficial legality, the Communist Party seized power in February 1948. After extensive purges modeled on the Stalinist pattern in other east European states, the Communist Party tried 14 of its former leaders in November 1952 and sentenced 11 to death. For more than a decade thereafter, the Czechoslovak communist political structure was characterized by the orthodoxy of the leadership of party chief Antonin Novotny. The 1968 Soviet Invasion
The communist leadership allowed token reforms in the early 1960s, but discontent arose within the ranks of the Communist Party central committee, stemming from dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the economic reforms, resistance to cultural liberalization, and the desire of the Slovaks within the leadership for greater autonomy for their republic. This discontent expressed itself with the removal of Novotny from party leadership in January 1968 and from the presidency in March. He was replaced as party leader by a Slovak, Alexander Dubcek. After January 1968, the Dubcek leadership took practical steps toward political, social, and economic reforms. In addition, it called for politico-military changes in the Sovi

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 550

    Slavs begin settling in eastern Alps

    Slavs begin settling in eastern Alps.

  2. 700

    The rule of Charlemagne who was the King of the Franks

    The rule of Charlemagne who was the King of the Franks.

  3. 750

    The spread of Christianity in the Slovene lands

    The spread of Christianity in the Slovene lands.

  4. 830

    The Great Moravian Empire was established

    The Great Moravian Empire was established.

  5. 907

    The Moravian Empire collapsed with the Hungarian invasion

    The Moravian Empire collapsed with the Hungarian invasion.

  6. 962

    Holy Roman Empire established

    Holy Roman Empire established.

  7. 1085

    Vratislav II was granted the royal crown

    Vratislav II was granted the royal crown and become the first Czech king starting the Premyslid dynasty.

View full timeline (25 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The Roma, often known as Gypsies, are thought to be descendants of people who migrated from India in the 15th century. In 1997, about 1,500 Roma from the Czech Republic applied for refugee status in Canada.

  • More than 70,000 Czechs have made Canada their home, including Thomas Bata, founder of Bata Shoes, Yuri Dojc, one of Canada's top photographers, Karel Ancerl, a former conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Josef Skvorecký, novelist and winner of the Governor General's award for fiction in 1984.

  • Bohemia is sometimes called “ the roof of Europe” because no rivers or streams flow into the country, but many rivers flow out of it.

  • There are several natural hot springs in the country, including the famous spas Karlovy Vary (known as Karlsbad in German) and Mariánské Lázne (Marienbad). In the 19th century, kings, nobles and famous artists came to enjoy the mineral waters in these resorts.

  • There are several natural hot springs in the country, including the famous spas Karlovy Vary (known as Karlsbad in German) and Mariánské Lázne (Marienbad). In the 19th century, kings, nobles and famous artists came to enjoy the mineral waters in these resorts.

  • Jan Hus's work preceded the Protestant reforms of Martin Luther in the 16th century by more than 100 years.

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Geography and Environment

The Czech Republic lies in the heartland of Central Europe. The Czech Republic is almost entirely surrounded by mountains. To the north and northeast are the Sudetes Mountains, which include the Krkonose Mountains and Mt. Snazka, the highest point in the country. To the southeast along the Czech-Slovak border are the Carpathian Mountains. The Sumava Mountains in the southwest form the border with Germany. These mountain ranges protect the country from the extremes of western and northern European winters. The main geographic subdivisions are the Czech lands of Bohemia to the west and Moravia to the east. In addition, a section of what was once Silesia occupies the north-central part of the country. The Czech Republic covers a total area of 30,332 square miles (78,864 square kilometers). The terrain is typically hilly with wide, rolling plains. Bohemia has more low mountains and plateaus than Moravia, which tends to be flatter. At 20,368 square miles (52,764 square kilometers), Bohemia is twice the size of Moravia and includes the capital city of Prague. Prague lies on the Vltava River (Moldau in German), which flows northward and joins the Labe (Elbe) north of Prague. Prague, with an altitude of 800 feet, lies at the center of the gently rolling Bohemian Plain.
Terrain
Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains, hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists of very hilly country
Climate
Prague has a humid, continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from January’s average daily high of 32º F (0º C) and low of 22º F (-4º C) to July’s average daily high of 76º F (24.5º C) and low of 56º F (14º) Average annual rainfall is about 30 inches, distributed throughout the year. Humidity averages about 80 percent. During the winter months, high humidity makes the winter cold penetrating. Light to moderately heavy snow can be expected during January and February. Pollution can be severe during the winter months because of soft-burning coal and frequent temperature inversions. Reduced hours of daylight from November through March combined with smog and raw weather create a gloomy atmosphere. In fact, from mid-October when Daylight Savings Time ends until early April when it begins again, Czech law requires drivers to drive with their headlights on at all times.
Natural Hazards
flooding
Current Environmental Issues
air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests; efforts to bring industry up to EU code should improve domestic pollution
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Czech

  • Czech

Population

Population
10,201,717
Population in Major Urban Areas
PRAGUE (capital) 1.276 million
Nationality Noun
Czech(s)
Ethnic Groups
Czech 81.2%, Moravian 13.2%, Slovak 3.1%, Polish 0.6%, German 0.5%, Silesian 0.4%, Roma 0.3%, Hungarian 0.2%, other 0.5%
Language Note
Czech belongs to the Slavic group of languages. The central European nation is ethnically quite homogeneous. The only noticeable minority is Roms (Gypsies), who are bilingual. Many Czechs speak German, French, Russian or English as a second language, depending on their generation. Younger Czechs generally use English as a second language. The Czech Republic came into existence first in 1918, and then on 1 January 1993 the division of the Czech and Slovak Republics. In their language days, months, season and lots of other words are wrote with non-capitalized first letters.

Education

Literacy Definition
NA
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
CzechRepublic
Full Country Name
Czech Republic
Local - Long
Ceska Republika
Local - Short
Ceska Republika

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary democracy
Legal System
civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to bring it in line with Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) obligations and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Petr PAVEL (since 9 March 2023) note: Petr PAVEL, a retired general and former chairman of the NATO Military Committee, won the presidential runoff election on 28 January 2023, defeating former Prime Minister Andrej BABIS; he succeeded Milos ZEMAN, who served two five-year terms from 2013 to 2023; prior to ZEMAN, Vaclav KLAUS served from 2003 to 2013, and the Czech Republic's founding president Vaclav HAVEL served from 1993 to 2003 head of government: Prime Minister Petr FIALA (since 17 December 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers Vit RAKUSAN (since 17 December 2021), Ivan BARTOS (since 17 December 2021), Marian JURECKA (since 17 December 2021), and Vlastimil VALEK (since 17 December 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term, eligible for a second term; election last held on 13–14 January 2023 with a runoff on 27–28 January 2023 (next election to be held in January 2028); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Petr PAVEL elected president in the second round on 28 January 2023; Petr PAVEL received 58.3% of the vote, Andrej BABIS received 41.7%; note that direct presidential elections were introduced in 2013, replacing the previous system under which the president was elected by parliament
Legislative Branch
bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat (81 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Poslanecka Snemovna (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: Senate - last held in two rounds 5-6 November and 12-13 November 2004 (next to be held November 2006); Chamber of Deputies - last held 14-15 June 2002 (next to be held by June 2006) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ODS 37, KDU-CSL 14, Open Democracy 13, CSSD 7, Caucus Open Democracy 7, independents 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 30.2%, ODS 24.5%, KSCM 18.5%, KDU-CSL & US-DEU coalition 14.3%, other minor 12.5%; seats by party - CSSD 70, ODS 57, KSCM 41, KDU-CSL 21, US-DEU 10, independent 1
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; chairman and deputy chairmen are appointed by the president for a 10-year term
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993
Independence
1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)
National Holiday
Czech Founding Day, 28 October (1918)

Capital City

Capital Name
Prague
Capital - geographic coordinate
50 05 N, 14 28 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

the name may derive from an old Slavic root "praga" or "prah", meaning "ford", and refer to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava (Moldau) River

Military

Branches: Army of the Czech Republic (Armada Ceske Republiky): Joint Forces Command (Spolocene Sily; includes Land Forces (Pozemni Sily) and Air Forces (Vzdusne Sily))

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The U.S. Embassy in Prague

Trziste 15, 118 01 Prague 1, Czech Republic

Telephone: (420) 257 022 000

Emergency after-hours telephone: (420) 257 022 000

Fax: (420) 257 022 809

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Economy

The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and prosperous of the post-Communist states, with a developed, high-income economy that joined the European Union in 2004. The country boasts a GDP per capita that ranks among the highest in Central and Eastern Europe and maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU. Its economy is heavily industrialized, with manufacturing—particularly automotive production, machinery, and electronics—accounting for a substantial share of output and exports. Germany remains the country's largest trading partner, absorbing roughly a third of Czech exports.

Following solid growth in the late 2010s, the Czech economy contracted sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 before rebounding in 2021. More recently, growth has been constrained by the energy price shock and supply chain disruptions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given the country's previously heavy reliance on Russian natural gas. Inflation surged to multi-decade highs in 2022 and 2023, prompting the Czech National Bank to tighten monetary policy aggressively before beginning a gradual easing cycle as price pressures moderated.

The country continues to benefit from deep integration into European supply chains, a skilled labor force, and a favorable geographic position. Long-term challenges include an aging population, labor shortages in key sectors, dependence on the automotive industry amid the EV transition, and the need to diversify energy sources. Although the Czech Republic is an EU member, it has not adopted the euro and continues to use the koruna, with no firm timeline for eurozone entry.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
koruny (CZK)
GDP — official exchange rate
$109,400,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
6%
Gini Index
25.4

Banknotes

Czech Republic Money - Front
Czech Republic Money - Front
Czech Republic Money - Back
Czech Republic Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$53,040,000,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
33.1%
External Debt
$43,200,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP)
26.2%
Current Account Balance
$9,521,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange
$2,147,483,647 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture 5%; industry 35%; services 60%
Household Income — highest 10%
22.4%
Industries
metallurgy, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, glass, armaments
Agriculture Products
wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, poultry
Export Commodities
machinery and transport equipment 44%, intermediate manufactures 25%, chemicals 7%, raw materials and fuel 7%
Export Partners
Germany 36.6%, Slovakia 7.7%, UK 5.8%, Austria 5.6%, Poland 4.7%, France 4.7%, Italy 4.1%
Import Commodities
machinery and transport equipment 40%, intermediate manufactures 21%, raw materials and fuels 13%, chemicals 11%
Import Partners
Germany 32.9%, Italy 5.5%, Slovakia 5.3%, France 4.9%, China 4.7%, Russia 4.6%, Austria 4.4%, Poland 4.1%

Energy

Oil Production
12,380 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
185,200 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
17,250,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
133,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
9,892,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
9,623,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
1,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
1,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
General assessment: Privatization and modernization of the Czech telecommunication system got a late start but are advancing steadily; virtually all exchanges are now digital; existing copper subscriber systems are enhanced with Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) equipment to accommodate Internet and other digital signals; trunk systems include fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay Domestic: Access to the fixed-line telephone network expanded throughout the 1990s but the number of fixed-line connections has been dropping since then; mobile telephone usage increased sharply beginning in the mid-1990s and the number of cellular telephone subscriptions now greatly exceeds the population International: Country code - 420; satellite earth stations - 6 (2 Intersputnik - Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, 1 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1 Globalstar)
Internet Country Code
.cz

News & Weather

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Climate Overview

Prague has a humid, continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from January's average daily high of 32°F (0°C) and low of 22°F (-4°C) to July's average daily high of 76°F (24.5°C) and low of 56°F (14°) Average annual rainfall is about 30 inches, distributed throughout the year. Humidity averages about 80 percent. During the winter months, high humidity makes the winter cold penetrating. Light to moderately heavy snow can be expected during January and February. Pollution can be severe during the winter months because of soft-burning coal and frequent temperature inversions. Reduced hours of daylight from November through March combined with smog and raw weather create a gloomy atmosphere. In fact, from mid-October when Daylight Savings Time ends until early April when it begins again, Czech law requires drivers to drive with their headlights on at all times.

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Czech Republic?
The population of Czech Republic is approximately 10.2M.
How do people greet each other in the Czech Republic?
Acquaintances and friends shake hands firmly along with a verbal greeting, and respect is shown by using professional titles for both men and women. Do: Shake hands firmly with a verbal greeting Address men and women by their professional titles to show respect Have younger people greet older people politely Men should politely acknowledge women Don't: Don't use first or Christian names except among friends
What are dining and eating customs like in the Czech Republic?
Dinner is the main meal, and people eat continental style; a typical lunch begins with a hearty soup, followed by meat with potato or bread dumplings, and ends with sweets. Do: Eat in continental style Keep hands, but not elbows, above the table Try vepro-knedlo-zelo (pork roast, dumplings, and sauerkraut) Beer is the number one beverage, followed by soft drinks and bottled water Breakfast is usually rolls, coffee cake, butter, jam, and coffee Kuba (barley casserole) is traditionally served on Christmas Eve Fruit desserts like Koláče are served at tea time or after the main meal
What etiquette should I know when visiting a Czech home?
Being invited to a home for a meal is an honor and usually formal; guests are expected to bring a gift and remove their shoes. Do: Bring flowers for the hostess Remove your shoes and leave them in the hall entrance Accept that a first-time invitation is often a more formal coffee visit Friends visit frequently for coffee, drinks, and small talk Coffee houses and pubs are common places to socialize
How should I dress in the Czech Republic?
European fashions and formal dress are common on the streets, at work, and in shops, with two-piece suits for women and suits for men. Youth wear the latest styles Jeans, T-shirts, and sportswear are popular even with older people
What should I know about gestures and body language in the Czech Republic?
About half of Czechs gesture with their hands while talking, and they often beckon and point with the index finger. Don't: Don't speak too noisily or laugh too loudly, considered impolite by about half of society Don't expect hugs, which are very unusual and mainly among females Handshakes are common at introductions and sometimes during meetings
What is family life like in the Czech Republic?
Both parents usually work outside the home, though women also manage the household and children, and generations support one another. Grandparents often help with child care, especially for young couples starting out Parents feel responsible for adult children until they are financially independent Adult children expect to care for their parents if needed
What do people do for recreation in the Czech Republic?
Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by ice hockey, and there is a strong tradition of gymnastics and outdoor activities. Watch soccer with huge crowds at the Letná stadium in Prague Spartakiade, an eight-day national sports event, is held every five years In late summer and autumn, people pick mushrooms in the forests on weekends Cycling in the countryside is a popular summer pastime
What is the capital of the Czech Republic?
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, serving as the country's political, cultural, and economic heart. Situated on the Vltava River in Bohemia, Prague is celebrated for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, including its Gothic cathedral, Baroque palaces, and the iconic Charles Bridge. The city has been a major Central European hub since the Middle Ages and today ranks among Europe's most visited destinations, drawing millions of visitors to its historic Old Town and castle district each year.
Where is the Czech Republic located?
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country situated in Central Europe, occupying the historical regions of Bohemia, Moravia, and a small part of Silesia. It lies roughly at the geographic heart of the European continent. The region of Bohemia is sometimes called the "roof of Europe" because no rivers flow into the country from outside — instead, major rivers such as the Elbe and Oder flow outward from its elevated interior into neighboring lands.
What countries border the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic shares borders with four countries: Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the northeast. The Czech and Slovak nations were closely linked for much of the 20th century as the unified state of Czechoslovakia, formed after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire following World War I, before peacefully separating into two independent republics in 1993 in what became known as the Velvet Divorce.
What religion is practiced in the Czech Republic?
Atheism or no religious affiliation is the single largest category in the Czech Republic, accounting for roughly 39.8% of the population, making it one of the most secular societies in Europe. Roman Catholicism follows very closely at approximately 39.2%, a legacy of centuries of Habsburg rule and the Counter-Reformation. The remaining population includes small Protestant communities and other religious groups. This notable balance between non-belief and Catholic tradition shapes much of the country's philosophical and cultural character.
What is the currency of the Czech Republic?
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the koruna, with the ISO code CZK. Although the Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004, it has retained the koruna rather than adopting the euro, reflecting a degree of economic and political independence that remains broadly supported domestically. The koruna (meaning "crown" in Czech) has its roots in the currency system established after the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918 and remains a point of national identity.
What language is spoken in the Czech Republic?
Czech is the official and predominant language of the Czech Republic, spoken by the vast majority of the population. It is a West Slavic language closely related to Slovak and Polish, written in the Latin alphabet with several distinctive diacritical marks. German and Russian are spoken by older generations as second languages, a legacy of Habsburg administration and Soviet-era influence respectively, while English has become the most widely taught foreign language among younger Czechs and is commonly spoken in Prague and other urban centers.
What is the Czech Republic known for?
The Czech Republic is internationally recognized for its world-class beer culture — it consistently leads global rankings in per-capita beer consumption — and is the birthplace of the Pilsner style of lager. The country is also celebrated for its Bohemian crystal and glassware, exported worldwide for centuries, and for a rich literary and musical tradition that includes composer Antonín Dvořák and novelist Franz Kafka. Prague's extraordinarily intact historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the country's dramatic castle-dotted countryside make it one of Europe's most culturally layered destinations.

Last reviewed 2026

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