Czech Republic — map and facts

Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its well-preserved historic city centres, centuries-long brewing tradition and strong manufacturing economy. Its capital is Prague, and the country covers about 79,000 square kilometres with a population of roughly 10.9 million. Czechia uses the Czech koruna as its currency.

About Czechia

Czechia is a democratic republic and a member of the European Union and NATO. It consists of three historical regions: Bohemia in the west and centre, Moravia in the east, and a small part of Silesia. Prague is one of Europe's most visited capital cities, drawing visitors with its medieval old town, Gothic and Baroque architecture, historic bridges and squares.

Geography and landscape

Czechia borders Germany to the north-west and west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the north-east. Bohemia is a basin enclosed by mountain ranges: the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) in the south-west, the Ore Mountains in the north-west, the Sudetes in the north and north-east, and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the east. Moravia is flatter, with the Morava River flowing south. The highest point is Sn?žka at 1,603 metres on the border with Poland. The country has no sea coast.

History

The lands of Bohemia and Moravia have been inhabited since prehistoric times and formed part of the Great Moravia empire in the ninth century. Prague became the seat of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in the fourteenth century. After Habsburg rule, the independent state of Czechoslovakia was founded in 1918. Nazi Germany occupied Bohemia and Moravia in 1939. After the Second World War, Czechoslovakia became a communist state. The peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989 ended communist rule. In 1993 Czechoslovakia peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia — the Velvet Divorce.

Economy and currency

Czechia has one of the most advanced economies in Central and Eastern Europe, built on manufacturing, automotive production, machinery, electronics and glass. The Škoda car brand, owned by Volkswagen, is based here. The currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Czechia is an EU member but has not yet adopted the euro.

Culture and language

The official language is Czech, a West Slavic language. Czechia is famous for its beer: it holds one of the world's highest per capita consumption rates and a centuries-long brewing tradition. Prague's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Composers Antonín Dvo?ák and Bed?ich Smetana are among the country's celebrated cultural figures.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Czechia? The capital of Czechia is Prague (Praha), one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities and a major international tourist destination.

What currency is used in Czechia? Czechia uses the Czech koruna (CZK). It is an EU member but has not adopted the euro.

What are the historical regions of Czechia? Czechia consists of three historical regions: Bohemia, Moravia and a small part of Silesia.