Overview of Czechia

Profile

Czechia comprises three historical regions: Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia, rich with castles, cobblestone old towns, spa resorts, and diverse cultural heritage. Known as the world''s top beer consumer and birthplace of Pilsner beer. With strong industrial capabilities and growing IT sector, it maintains stable democracy and market economy as a member of the EU, NATO, and OECD. Culturally acclaimed for Andersen fairy tales, design, and New Nordic cuisine.

Official name: Czech Republic
Common name: Czechia
Numeric code: 203
Alpha-3 code: CZE
Alpha-2 code: CZ
Population: Approximately 10.7 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 137 people/km2
Primary languages: Czech
Major religions: Non-religious, Catholic, Protestant
National anthem: Kde domov můj (Where Is My Home)
Calling code: +420
Internet TLD: .cz

History

Unified in the 10th century and expanded as a Viking nation during the Middle Ages. Modern era saw North Sea oil development and establishment of welfare state model for unique development.

Prague flourished as the center of the Holy Roman Empire under Charles IV in the 14th century. After the Hussite Wars of the 15th century and the Thirty Years' War of the 17th century, it became part of the Habsburg realm. After World War I, it gained independence as Czechoslovakia but experienced Nazi German occupation and post-war communist regime. Following the 1989 Velvet Revolution, it democratized and peacefully separated into Czech and Slovak republics in 1993. Joined the EU in 2004.

Geography & climate

Varied terrain with Bohemian Basin surrounded by mountains on all sides, and Morava River lowlands and karst plateaus

Temperate continental climate (cold winters, warm summers)

Area: Europe / 78867 km²
Capital: Prague
Largest city: Prague
Coastal status: No
Bordering countries: Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Austria

Natural resources

Lignite, Coal, Uranium ore, Kaolin, Limestone, Timber, Glass sand, Clay, Agricultural land, Hops

Politics

Government: Parliamentary republic

Economy

Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 305 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 515 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Czech

Time zone: Central European Time (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Czechs, Moravians, Slovaks, Ukrainians, Poles, Germans, Roma, Hungarians, Vietnamese

Life expectancy

Approximately 79.0 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Ice hockey, Football, Tennis, Floorball, Volleyball, Athletics, Basketball