Czech Republic Facts and Culture

What is Czech Republic famous for?

• Food and Recipes: Dinner is the main Czechs meal. About 70 percent of the population eat meals while watching TV, reading a... More
• Family: Parents generally work outside the home, but women are also responsible for the household and children. Grandparents often help with... More
• Fashion: European fashions and formal dress is common on the streets, at work and in shops, Two-piece suit for women and... More
• Visiting: Friends visit quite frequently for small talk with coffee and drinks. Most first-time visitors are invited for a more formal... More
• Recreation: The country's most popular sport is soccer. Huge crowds go to watch the games at the Letná stadium in Prague.... More
• Cultural Attributes: Professionals are respected. The long tradition of highly industrialized nation formed a skilled nation of manual workers. This brought a... More
• Dating: Young people usually socialize in their sphere of interest. Following European trends, most men are married by the age of... More
• Diet: Unfortunately the high fat eating culture survived into the modern low physical activity way of life. Tasty meals close to... More

What is the capital of Czech Republic?

Capital	Prague
Government Type	parliamentary republic
Currency	koruny (CZK)
Total Area	30,451 Square Miles 78,867 Square Kilometers
Location	Central Europe, between Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria
Language	Czech
GDP - real growth rate	2.5%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$33,200.00 (USD)

What is the population of Czech Republic?

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%
Languages	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.
Nationality Adjective	Czech
Nationality Noun	Czech(s)
Population	10,702,498
Population Growth Rate	-0.15%
Population in Major Urban Areas	PRAGUE (capital) 1.276 million
Predominant Language	Czech
Urban Population	73.4%

What type of government does Czech Republic have?

• Executive Branch: chief of state: President Milos ZEMAN (since 8 March 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Andrej BABIS (since 13 December 2017);... More
• Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal More
• Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Czechia dual citizenship recognized: yes,... More
• National Holiday: Czechoslovak Founding Day, 28 October (1918) More
• Constitution: history: previous 1960; latest ratified 16 December 1992, effective 1 January 1993 amendments: passage requires at least three-fifths concurrence by members... More
• Independence: 1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia); note - although 1 January is the day the... More

What environmental issues does Czech Republic have?

• Overview: The Czech Republic lies in the heartland of Central Europe. The Czech Republic is almost entirely surrounded by mountains. To... More
• Climate: Prague has a humid, continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from January's average daily high of... More
• Border Countries: Austria 362 km, Germany 646 km, Poland 658 km, Slovakia 215 km More
• Environment - Current Issues: air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain... More
• Environment - International Agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic... More
• Terrain: Bohemia in the west consists of rolling plains, hills, and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; Moravia in the east consists... More

How big is the Czech Republic economy?

• Economic Overview: Czechia is a prosperous market economy that boasts one of the highest GDP growth rates and lowest unemployment levels in... More
• Industries: motor vehicles, metallurgy, machinery and equipment, glass, armaments More
• Currency Name and Code: koruny (CZK) More
• Export Partners: Germany 32.4%, Slovakia 9%, Poland 5.8%, UK 5.3%, France 5.1%, Austria 4.1% More
• Import Partners: Germany 30%, Poland 9%, China 8.3%, Slovakia 6.6%, Netherlands 5%, Austria 4.1% More

What current events are happening in Czech Republic?
Source: Google News

What unique things can you discover about Czech Republic?

• According to a 16th century legend, Rabbi Jehuda Low ben Bezalel of Prague brought a clay statue to life by putting a piece of paper in its mouth with the Hebrew word for “God” written on it. He called it the Golem, which means “shapeless mass” in Hebrew. Although he intended that his creature would protect the Jews of Prague, the Golem attacked the Jews as well and had to be destroyed.
• Bohemia is sometimes called “ the roof of Europe” because no rivers or streams flow into the country, but many rivers flow out of it.
• Bohemian handmade crystal is world-famous. Glass workers today use many of the same techniques as their ancestors did 600 years ago.
• Czech students played an important part in the resistance to the Soviet invasion in 1968. On 16 January 1969, a student called Jan Palach publicly set himself on fire in Wencelas Square in Prague to protest Soviet oppression. In 1989, demonstrators chose this site to renew their protest.
• December 6 is St. Nicholas Day. According to legend, St. Nicholas, accompanied by an angel and a devil, visit everyone's home. Children who have been good get a small gift consisting of fruit, nuts or chocolates. Those who have been bad are given a piece of coal or a potato.
• During the Communist regime, the novels of Milan Kundera were published in Czech in Toronto by Josef Škvorecký, a Czech novelist who came to Canada in 1969 and founded a Czech publishing house called 68 Publishers.
• Hospital stays for women who give birth are longer than in Canada. During the Communist era, a pregnant woman went into the hospital a week before the birth and stayed for about two weeks. Now when a woman has a baby, mother and child will remain in the hospital for almost a week.
• In 1959, the Nobel Prize for Chemistry was won by a Czech, Jaroslav Heyrovský. Heyrovský, a professor of physical chemistry at Charles University in Prague, developed polarography, a method of analyzing chemical compounds using electrical polarities.
• 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.
• 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.
• It is common to share a table at a bar or café. If there is only one patron in a restaurant, a second patron will always join the first. Strangers sharing a table wish each other “Bon appetit” before the meal.
• Jan Hus's work preceded the Protestant reforms of Martin Luther in the 16th century by more than 100 years.
• Many Czechs play in the National Hockey League, including Jaromir Jágr and Dominik Hašek.
• Many Czechs play in the National Hockey League, including Jaromir Jágr and Dominik Hašek.
• Many Czechs play in the National Hockey League, including Jaromir Jágr and Dominik Hašek.
• Martin Doktor, a Czech canoeist, won two gold medals at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, for the 500-metre and 1000-metre races.
• Martina Navrátilová and Ivan Lendl, who are among the best tennis players in the world, are of Czech origin. The oldest tennis club in the Czech Republic was founded in 1893.
• Miloš Forman is a Czech film director who won an Oscar for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in 1975 and Amadeus (1984), which he filmed in Prague.
• 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.
• 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.
• The Czech population, like the Canadian, is aging. In 1997, 13% of the population was 65 years and above.
• The Czechs drink more beer than any other people in the world. Two Czech beers are Pilsner Urquell, produced in Plzen (Pilsen), and Budweiser, produced in Ceské Budejovice.
• 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.
• The word “ robot” was invented by Karel Capek in a 1920 science fiction play called RUR (Rossum's Universal Robots). The word comes from an old Czech word, “robota”, meaning hard work.
• 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.
• 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.

What can you learn about Czech Republic in this video?

Prague Guide YouTube, Expoza Travel

What makes Czech Republic a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

The Czech Republic is centrally located in the heart of Europe. It has a democratic parliamentary system of government and a well-developed economy. The Czech Republic is a member of NATO and the European Union. Tourist facilities in the capital city of Prague are at the level of those found in most European capitals, although travelers can expect varying standards outside of Prague.

Crime

The Czech Republic generally has a low crime rate. However, pick-pocketing is a problem, especially in major tourist areas in Prague. Travelers are at a particularly high risk when:

On public transportation (trains, trams or the Prague metro);
In the city center;
In crowded areas; and
Eating at outdoor cafes.

As criminals may operate in groups, and could conceivably be armed with simple weapons, victims should avoid direct confrontation with potential criminals. Pick-pocketing rings in the Czech Republic tend to be professional and highly organized.

Keep a copy of your passport biodata page (and any pages with valid visas) in a safe place separate from the passport itself; this can help you to apply for a new passport if yours is lost or stolen. Under Czech law, you must verify your identity by presenting a travel document, a residence permit card, or an identity card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if asked by Czech police. If you are a tourist, this means that you are expected to carry your passport with you. Please ensure the security of your passport while traveling to prevent incidents of pick-pocketing or theft. If you cannot produce your passport upon request, an immediate on-the-spot fine may be levied. Laws against traffic violations by pedestrians, such as jaywalking, are also frequently enforced in the Prague city center, and a fine will also be applied.

Incidents of violent crime, while still relatively infrequent, are possible. U.S. citizens have reported incidents of sexual assault in recent years. You should be aware of the reported use of rohypnol and other “date rape” drugs in the Czech Republic. Use caution when accepting open drinks at bars or clubs, and don’t leave your drinks unattended.

You should only change money at banks or legitimate money kiosks. An offer to change money by an unknown person on the street is most likely a scam. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widely available throughout major cities in the Czech Republic. Most Czech ATMs offer instructions in multiple languages and allow access to U.S. bank accounts.

The press has reported that criminal organizations are illegally obtaining users’ ATM card numbers and PIN codes by electronically “skimming” the information from victims’ cards at ATMs. This activity has reportedly occurred at ATMs in public areas--even bank lobbies covered by security cameras. Visitors requiring ATM services should attempt to use machines at more secure or heavily traveled and monitored locations, such as commercial banks, large hotels, and the airport.

U.S. citizens have reported being overcharged by merchants on credit card transactions. While visiting the Czech Republic, you should carefully verify that charges are correct before signing for purchases, keep all receipts, and check your credit card accounts online to ensure that you are billed properly for credit card payments.

Auto thefts and break-ins are common in the Czech Republic, especially in major cities. To avoid vehicle-related crimes, you should use parking garages and anti-theft devices. You should also not leave valuables in plain sight inside vehicles, as this increases the possibility of theft.

Czech bars and dance clubs are generally safe. However, as with many cities, you may be approached to purchase illicit drugs; this is against the law in the Czech Republic. Be mindful that security at nightclubs could respond more forcefully than at similar venues in the United States. Be aware that casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, but some have been affiliated with, or attracted the interest of, organized crime.

Taxis: You should be alert to the potential for substantial overcharging by taxis, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. Some taxi drivers charge unsuspecting foreigners two or three times the standard rate. To minimize the possibility of being overcharged, you should obtain a price estimate in advance and ensure that the driver is using the meter.

The Embassy has also received limited reports of passengers being assaulted or robbed by taxi drivers after hailing a random cab on the street. We strongly recommend that you call for a taxi, rather than hail one on the street. If calling is not possible, visitors should obtain a taxi at one of the clearly marked “Fair Place” taxi stands, which are regulated by the Prague city government. All taxis should be clearly marked.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in the Czech Republic, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. The Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and this is strictly enforced. Criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, by purchasing them you may also be breaking local law. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in the Czech Republic, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are traveling.

If you are arrested in the Czech Republic, authorities are required to notify the U.S. Embassy in Prague of your arrest. If you are concerned the Embassy may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy.

Languages

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.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Prague has adequate Western-style medical clinics with English-speaking doctors and dentists. However, the Czech medical system is organized differently from the medical system in the United States. Even though central emergency rooms exist in most hospitals, patients are often sent to the facility that treats their specific medical condition (i.e., broken noses are sent to the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist rather than to the General Practitioner). There are family practices in the Czech Republic that function like those in the United States, but they are located mostly in larger cities.

All major hospitals accept credit cards or cash as a method of payment. Private specialists usually expect cash payment for health services, though some private facilities accept credit cards as well. Administrative staff at the majority of Czech medical facilities may not speak English. Hospitalization in the Czech Republic is much more liberal than in the United States; conditions that would be treated on an outpatient basis in the United States are often treated on an inpatient basis in the Czech Republic. Ambulance services are on par with U.S. standards. Response time is generally less than 15 minutes. Ambulance companies generally expect payment at the time of service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Please note that because euthanasia is not permitted under Czech law, U.S. living wills stipulating no exceptional interventions to prolong life cannot be honored in the Czech Republic.

Tick-Borne Illness: If you plan to camp or hike in long grass or woodlands from March through October, you run the risk of both tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. You should take precautions to prevent tick bites. While there is no vaccine for Lyme disease, you may obtain a vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis in a three-shot series. The first two shots are given 2-4 weeks apart, and the last shot 6 -12 months after the second.

Safety and Security

The Czech Republic remains largely free of terrorist incidents. However, like other countries in the Schengen Zone, the Czech Republic’s open borders with its neighbors allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country undetected.

Civil disorder is rare in the Czech Republic, although strikes and demonstrations may occur. You should be vigilant in protecting your security, bearing in mind that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful may turn violent. Avoid street demonstrations whenever possible.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in the Czech Republic, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning the Czech Republic is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Road fatalities in the Czech Republic in 2011 were at their lowest level since 1947, according to Czech safety experts, but caution should be exercised while driving. Driving speeds on European highways are higher than in the United States, and drivers are expected to stay in the right lane except when passing. Highways in the Czech Republic generally meet European standards; however, on two-lane roads, drivers should be prepared to encounter uneven surfaces, irregular lane markings, and sign placements that are not clear. Streets in towns are not always in good condition. You should pay special attention to driving on cobblestone and among streetcars in historic city centers, especially in wet or icy conditions. Traffic lights are placed before the intersection, so be aware of where you stop at signaled intersections. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside of towns, and 130 km/h on highways, but drivers routinely flout the limits. An International Driving Permit (IDP), available from AAA (in the United States only), must accompany a U.S. driver’s license; failure to have the IDP with a valid license may result in denial of an insurance claim after an accident.

Persons driving into the Czech Republic should be aware that a toll sticker is required to drive legally on major highways. Signs stating this requirement are posted near the border, but are easy to miss. The stickers are available at most gas stations. The fine for failing to display a toll sticker is assessed on the spot.

Czech law requires that drivers have their headlights on at all times when driving in the Czech Republic. The law also requires that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry each of the following items: fluorescent green high visibility safety jacket, first aid kit, spare pair of prescription glasses kept in the glove compartment (if necessary), warning triangle, and complete set of spare bulbs.

Czech law allows for breathalyzer testing of drivers stopped by local law enforcement officials for any reason. There is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and driving; driving with any trace of detected alcohol, however slight, is illegal and those caught usually face immediate fines and possible criminal proceedings.

U.S. citizens have reported instances of motorists stopped on the shoulders of highways waving at drivers as if they needed assistance. Some drivers have reported being pressured into giving money to the person who has purportedly broken down, and it was unclear in those situations if the motorist was truly in need or trying to scam those who stopped to offer assistance.

For specific information concerning Czech requirements for driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Czech Tourist Authority offices in New York by telephone at (212) 288-0830 or by email. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Czech Republic’s national tourist office and the Ministry of Transport.