Czechia Travel & Culture Guide

Introduction to the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic (Česká republika in Czech) is a parliamentary democracy located in Central Europe, established on 1 January 1993 following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia. The country is landlocked, bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the northeast. The Czech Republic is known for its diverse landscape, which includes the Bohemian Plateau in the west and the Carpathian Mountains in the east.

The region's history dates back to the 6th century with the arrival of Slavic tribes. The Duchy of Bohemia emerged in the 9th century and became a kingdom in 1198. The Kingdom of Bohemia became a significant power in Central Europe under the rule of the House of Luxembourg in the 14th century, particularly during the reign of Charles IV, who was also Holy Roman Emperor. The Habsburgs acquired the Bohemian crown in 1526, ruling the region until the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918. Czechoslovakia was then formed as an independent state, lasting until its peaceful division in 1993.

Today, the Czech Republic is a highly developed country with a strong economy. It boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union and a high standard of living. The country joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004, further solidifying its position in the international community.

Tourism plays a significant role in the Czech economy, with Prague being one of the most visited cities in Europe. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country welcomed over 21 million foreign tourists, more than twice its population of approximately 10.7 million.

The Czech Republic has produced many notable figures throughout history, including (chronologically): Jan Hus (religious reformer), John Amos Comenius (philosopher and educator), Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák (composers), Alfons Mucha (Art Nouveau painter), Franz Kafka (writer), Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk (first president of Czechoslovakia), Jaroslav Seifert (Nobel Prize-winning poet), Emil Zátopek (long-distance runner), Miloš Forman (film director), Václav Havel (playwright, dissident, and first president of the Czech Republic), Martina Navratilova (tennis player), Jaromír Jágr (ice hockey player), and Petr Čech (football goalkeeper).

Fun Facts about Czechia
Interesting, amazing and little known facts about the Czech Republic.

History of Czechia
Discover the rich history of Czechia from its Celtic origins to the modern republic. Learn about the Great Moravian Empire, Charles IV's golden age, and the path to independence after centuries of foreign rule.

Czech Cuisine
Discover the hearty delights of Czech cuisine, from rich meat dishes with creamy sauces to traditional soups and sweet pastries. Pair your meal with world-famous Czech beer.

Prague Travel Guide ※
Discover Prague's iconic Castle, Charles Bridge & Astronomical Clock. Explore medieval charm, UNESCO Old Town & Vltava River views.

Attractions

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is historically comprised of two principal regions: Bohemia and Moravia. To facilitate efficient trip planning and visualisation, this travel guide has organised tourist destinations by region. This regional categorisation enables travellers to strategically plan their itineraries and gain a comprehensive understanding of the country's geographical layout. Note that a tiny part of historical Silesia is now part of Czechia. It is part of the Moravia Guide.

Bohemia Travel Guide

Moravia Travel Guide