Did You Know

Interesting Facts about Czech Republic

Trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits about Czech Republic.

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Did You Know?

28 curious facts about Czech Republic.

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.
Wenceslas was a Bohemian prince of the Premyslid dynasty who lived in the 10th century A.D. and promoted Christianity in Bohemia. After he was killed by his brother, who opposed his beliefs, he became the patron saint of Bohemians. Although he is remembered as “ Good King Wenceslas” in the popular carol, he reigned as a prince, not as a king.
In rural areas when a person dies, amateur bands, usually made up of members of the local fire brigade, walk with family and friends to the final resting place of the body.
Some houses in Prague that were built in the 18th century have signs or ornamental frames made of metal, stone or wood above the entrance. These frames, called cartouches, indicated the social rank or profession of the occupant.
In 1995, the Czech Republic became the first post-Communist state in Central Europe to be admitted to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It is also a member of NATO.