Czech Republic Facts

Czech Republic, State of Central Europe; 78,860 km², 10.6 million residents (2019).The Czech Republic borders in the north to Poland, in the northwest, west and southwest to Germany, in the south to Austria and in the east to Slovakia. The state was created on January 1, 1993 through the division of Czechoslovakia. The capital is Prague (1.2 million residents, 2014).

Country facts

• Česká Republika / Czech Republic
• Country abbreviation: CZ
• Area: 78 860 km²
• Population (2019): 10.6 million residents
• Capital: Prague
• Main language: Czech
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Miloš Zeman (President)
• Head of Government: Andrej Babiš
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 23,079
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 20,260
• Currency unit: 1 koruna = 100 haléruy
• Currency code: CZK
• Country number (telephony): 420
• Internet domain name: cz
• Time difference compared to Sweden: 0
• National Day: October 28 (Founding of the Czechoslovak Republic, 1918)

Nature

• Land use: forest (34%), agricultural land (55%), other (13%)
• Highest mountain: Sněžka (1,603 m asl)
• Longest river: Vltava (400 km)

Population

• Population density (2019): 134 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 0%; birthrate 11 ‰, deathrate 11 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (16%), 15-64 (64%), 65- (20%)
• Average life expectancy (2019): men 76 years, women 82 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 3 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 11 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.888 (place 27 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 74%
• Most populous cities (2014): Prague (1.2 million residents), Brno (377,500), Ostrava (295,600)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (2%), industry (37%), service (61%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 144,800 million
• Main export products: machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and fuel, chemicals
• Main exporting countries: Germany, Slovakia, Poland
• Imports (2017): US $ 134,700 million
• Main import products: machinery and transport equipment, raw materials and fuel, chemicals
• Main importing countries: Germany, Poland, China
• Railway network (2017): 9,400 km

Geography

Location and Borders

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a landlocked country situated in Central Europe. It shares borders with Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the north. The country’s central location in Europe has historically made it a crossroads for various civilizations, cultures, and trade routes. Its strategic position in Europe has influenced its rich history, with the region being a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Kingdom of Bohemia, and, more recently, Czechoslovakia before the country’s peaceful separation in 1993.

The Czech Republic covers an area of approximately 78,866 square kilometers (30,450 square miles). Despite being relatively small in size, it has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains and forests to plains and river valleys. Its central location makes it an important cultural and economic hub in Europe.

Topography and Natural Features

Czechia’s topography is characterized by a variety of landscapes, from rolling plains and river valleys to forested hills and mountains. The country is divided into three main geographic regions: the Bohemian Massif in the west, the Moravian-Silesian region in the east, and the Czech-Moravian Highlands. The Bohemian Massif is the largest and most populous region of the country, and it includes the capital city of Prague.

The Bohemian Forest and Ore Mountains mark the western and northern borders of the Czech Republic with Germany and Poland, respectively. The country’s highest mountain range is the Krkonoš (Giant Mountains) in the northeast, which contains the highest peak, Sněžka, at 1,603 meters (5,259 feet) above sea level. The Czech Republic is home to a number of natural parks, including the Bohemian Switzerland National Park, famous for its sandstone rock formations and deep forests.

Czechia is also known for its rivers, which are vital to both the country’s geography and economy. The Vltava River is the longest river in the Czech Republic, flowing through Prague and into the Elbe River. Other significant rivers include the Elbe, the Oder, and the Morava, which are important for transportation, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

Czechia experiences a temperate continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold, particularly in the inland areas, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) in January. Snowfall is common in the winter months, particularly in the mountains, which makes the country a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

Summers are generally warm, with temperatures averaging around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) in July, although temperatures can occasionally reach 30°C (86°F) during heatwaves. The Czech Republic enjoys moderate rainfall, with the wettest months occurring from May to August, especially in the western regions. The weather in the central and eastern regions is typically milder, while the more mountainous areas experience cooler temperatures and higher precipitation.

The seasonal variation in climate significantly influences the country’s agricultural practices, with crops like barley, wheat, oats, and potatoes being grown in the plains, and vineyards and orchards thriving in the warmer, more temperate southern regions.

People

Population and Demographics

Czechia has a population of approximately 10.7 million people, making it one of the smaller nations in Europe in terms of population size. The majority of the population is ethnically Czech, accounting for around 90% of the population. The remaining population consists of minority groups, including Slovaks, Poles, Germans, and Romani people. The Czech Republic is a highly urbanized country, with more than 70% of the population living in urban areas, particularly in the capital city of Prague, the largest city in the country, and other major cities like Brno, Ostrava, and Plzeň.

The country has a relatively low birth rate and a rapidly aging population, similar to many other European nations. This demographic trend presents challenges for the country’s social systems, including healthcare, pensions, and employment, as the working-age population shrinks and the elderly population increases. Emigration to countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States has also contributed to population changes.

Czechia has a high standard of living, with a well-developed infrastructure, a robust education system, and a strong healthcare sector. Life expectancy in the country is high, with the average being around 79 years for men and 84 years for women.

Languages

The official language of Czechia is Czech, a West Slavic language closely related to Slovak and Polish. Czech is the dominant language in daily life, education, government, and media, and it is spoken by the vast majority of the population. The language uses the Latin alphabet and has a rich literary tradition, with historical figures like Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera contributing to its cultural significance.

In addition to Czech, many Czechs speak foreign languages, with English being the most widely spoken foreign language, especially among the younger generation. German and Russian are also commonly spoken, particularly in regions with historical ties to Germany and Russia. Czechia’s historical position at the crossroads of Germanic, Slavic, and Romance-speaking peoples has made it a multilingual society.

While Czech is the primary language of communication, the country has a relatively small number of minority languages, including Slovak, Romani, and Polish, which are spoken by their respective communities.

Religion

The majority of people in Czechia identify as non-religious, reflecting the country’s secular nature. This trend is a result of the long-standing influence of secularism and atheism in Central Europe, particularly during the Communist era, when religious practice was discouraged by the state. Today, around 34% of the population identifies as atheist or agnostic, making Czechia one of the most secular countries in the world.

Despite the secular majority, Czechia has a significant Christian population, primarily Roman Catholics, who make up about 10% of the population. Protestantism, particularly the Czech Brethren Church and other Protestant denominations, is also practiced by a small portion of the population. There are also smaller religious minorities, including Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Buddhists.

Czechia has a rich Christian heritage, with many historical churches, cathedrals, and monasteries scattered throughout the country. Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most famous religious landmarks in the country, reflecting the deep Christian roots of Czech history and culture.

Economy

Overview

The economy of the Czech Republic is one of the most developed in Central and Eastern Europe, with a high standard of living and a diverse, export-driven economy. The country has made significant progress in transitioning from a centrally planned economy during the Communist era to a market-based economy after the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Czechia became a member of the European Union in 2004 and adopted a market economy, which has helped to integrate it into the global economy.

The Czech economy is characterized by its industrial base, particularly in the automotive, machinery, and electronics sectors. The country has a strong export market, with goods like vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, and chemicals being among its largest exports. The country also has a growing services sector, with tourism, finance, and information technology contributing to GDP.

Despite its economic success, the Czech Republic faces challenges related to an aging population, income inequality, and regional disparities between urban and rural areas. However, the country’s commitment to economic modernization and its competitive business environment have made it an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Industry and Manufacturing

Czechia has a highly industrialized economy, with a strong focus on manufacturing and exports. The automotive industry is one of the country’s most important economic sectors, with companies like Škoda Auto, Toyota, and Hyundai operating large manufacturing plants in the country. The automotive industry is a major contributor to both employment and exports, with vehicles and automotive parts being key export commodities.

In addition to automotive manufacturing, Czechia has a diverse industrial base that includes heavy machinery, electronics, chemicals, and steel production. The country’s well-established industrial sector is supported by a skilled labor force and modern infrastructure, making it an attractive location for multinational companies.

The country is also known for its production of beer, particularly Pilsner, which originated in the Czech town of Pilsen. Czech beer is internationally recognized, and the beer industry remains a significant contributor to the country’s economy. Wine production, while smaller in scale, also plays an important role in the agricultural sector, particularly in southern Moravia.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is an important sector in Czechia, particularly in the rural regions. The country’s fertile soil and moderate climate support the cultivation of a variety of crops, including cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The Czech Republic is one of the top producers of hops in the world, which is essential for the brewing industry. Other significant agricultural products include potatoes, sugar beets, and maize.

Czechia’s natural resources include coal, which has historically been a major energy source. The country has significant coal reserves, particularly in the northern regions, although the industry has been in decline due to environmental concerns and the shift towards renewable energy. Czechia is increasingly focusing on the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and biomass, in line with EU sustainability goals.

The country’s forests, which cover about one-third of its land area, provide timber and wood products, making forestry an important part of the economy. Czechia has also made strides in promoting sustainable forestry and conservation.

Government

Political System

The Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party political system. The country has a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president is the head of state and is elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term. The president has limited powers, primarily representing the country in diplomatic matters, appointing the prime minister, and signing bills into law. The president’s role is largely ceremonial, though it carries significant political influence.

The prime minister, appointed by the president, is the head of government and is responsible for leading the executive branch and implementing policy. The prime minister is usually the leader of the largest party in the lower house of parliament, the Chamber of Deputies.

The Czech Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The Chamber of Deputies has 200 members who are elected by proportional representation, while the Senate has 81 members who are elected through a mixed system of direct and indirect elections. The Parliament is responsible for passing laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the executive branch.

Legal System

Czechia’s legal system is based on civil law, with strong influences from the German legal tradition. The judiciary is independent, with the Constitutional Court serving as the highest authority on constitutional matters. The Czech court system includes regional courts, district courts, and specialized courts, such as administrative and commercial courts.

The country’s legal system ensures the protection of individual rights and freedoms, as enshrined in the Czech Constitution. Czechia is a member of the European Union and adheres to EU law, which supersedes national law in certain areas.

Foreign Relations

The Czech Republic is a member of several international organizations, including the European Union, the United Nations, NATO, and the World Trade Organization. The country’s foreign policy is focused on promoting stability and security in Europe, supporting human rights, and contributing to global economic and environmental efforts.

Czechia has strong ties with its European neighbors, particularly Slovakia, with which it shares historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. The country has also cultivated strong relations with the United States, particularly in defense and trade. Czechia’s membership in the European Union has helped integrate it into European economic and political structures, contributing to its growing influence in global affairs.

Czech Republic Map