A Central European Hub of Heritage, Industry, and Democratic Evolution
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland. Known for its medieval architecture, manufacturing strength, and rich intellectual heritage, the country plays a vital role in the European Union while maintaining its distinct national identity.
Formation and Historical Background
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Historically part of Great Moravia and later the Kingdom of Bohemia under the Holy Roman Empire.
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Became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then Czechoslovakia after World War I in 1918.
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Experienced Nazi occupation during WWII, then Soviet influence under communism.
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Regained democracy in 1989 via the Velvet Revolution.
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Became the Czech Republic after the peaceful split from Slovakia in 1993.
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EU and NATO member; known for strong civil institutions and economic reform.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Country Name | Czech Republic (Czechia) |
| Capital | Prague (Praha) |
| Continent | Europe (Central) |
| Official Language | Czech |
| Currency | Czech Koruna (CZK) |
| Area | Approx. 78,870 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 10.8 million (2025 est.) |
| Time Zone | Central European Time (UTC+1), DST: UTC+2 |
| ISO Code | CZ |
| Internet TLD | .cz |
| Calling Code | +420 |
Religious Affiliation (Estimated – 2025)
| Religion | Population Share |
|---|---|
| Non-religious / Atheist | ~47% |
| Christianity (Mostly Roman Catholic) | ~30% |
| Other / Undeclared | ~23% |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Petr Pavel |
| Prime Minister | Petr Fiala |
| Government Type | Parliamentary republic |
| Legislature | Bicameral – Chamber of Deputies and Senate |
| Judiciary | Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Supreme Administrative Court |
Administrative Divisions (Regions)
Czechia is divided into 14 administrative regions (kraje), each governed by a regional council and a regional governor (hejtman).
| Region (English) | Czech Name | Capital City |
|---|---|---|
| Central Bohemian | Středočeský kraj | Prague* |
| South Bohemian | Jihočeský kraj | České Budějovice |
| Plzeň | Plzeňský kraj | Plzeň |
| Karlovy Vary | Karlovarský kraj | Karlovy Vary |
| Ústí nad Labem | Ústecký kraj | Ústí nad Labem |
| Liberec | Liberecký kraj | Liberec |
| Hradec Králové | Královéhradecký kraj | Hradec Králové |
| Pardubice | Pardubický kraj | Pardubice |
| Vysočina | Kraj Vysočina | Jihlava |
| South Moravian | Jihomoravský kraj | Brno |
| Olomouc | Olomoucký kraj | Olomouc |
| Zlín | Zlínský kraj | Zlín |
| Moravian-Silesian | Moravskoslezský kraj | Ostrava |
| Prague (Capital Region) | Hlavní město Praha | Prague |
*Note: Prague is both the capital of the country and a self-governing region.
Local Government Structure
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Regions have elected assemblies and governors (hejtmani).
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Municipalities are governed by mayors (starosta) and local councils.
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Strong tradition of local self-government with EU-aligned decentralization policies.
Leadership & Governance
2025 focus areas:
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Strengthening rule of law and judicial independence
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Investments in green energy and infrastructure renewal
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Promotion of digital governance and cybersecurity
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Continued support for Ukraine, democratic values, and EU integration
Law Enforcement & Safety
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Main agencies:
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Police of the Czech Republic
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Municipal Police Forces
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Czech Customs and Border Protection
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Generally safe and stable, with efficient crime prevention systems and high public trust.
Economy & Industry
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Major industries:
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Automotive (Škoda, Hyundai)
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Electronics and IT
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Machinery and heavy industry
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Glass and beer production
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Tourism and services
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GDP (2024): Approx. USD 370 billion
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GDP per capita: ~USD 34,000
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Highly integrated into the EU single market, known for export-oriented growth
Education & Institutions
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Free and compulsory education up to age 15
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Dual vocational and academic pathways
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Leading institutions:
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Charles University (Prague)
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Czech Technical University
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Masaryk University (Brno)
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Strong in science, engineering, and medical studies
Healthcare
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Universal healthcare system, publicly funded via health insurance funds
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Affordable and accessible services for all legal residents
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Notable hospitals:
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General University Hospital in Prague
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St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno
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Transport & Connectivity
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Rail: České dráhy (Czech Railways) operates an extensive domestic and international network
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Road: Modern highways and EU-funded road projects
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Airports:
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Václav Havel Airport Prague
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Regional airports in Brno, Ostrava, Karlovy Vary
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Excellent public transport in cities (trams, metro, buses)
Tourism & Attractions
Historical Sites:
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Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Charles Bridge
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Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov, Karlštejn Castle
Natural Beauty:
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Bohemian Switzerland National Park, Krkonoše Mountains, Moravian Karst
Festivals:
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Prague Spring Festival, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, folklore events
Culture & Lifestyle
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Deep cultural roots in music, literature, theater, and visual arts
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Known for beer tradition, Czech glass, folk costumes, and castles
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Cuisine: Goulash, svíčková, dumplings, roast pork, fruit-filled koláče
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Proud of democratic values, historical identity, and intellectual freedom
Summary
The Czech Republic blends deep-rooted European heritage with modern resilience. A leader in innovation, manufacturing, and culture, Czechia continues to strengthen its role as a stable and progressive force in the heart of Europe.