Location and Borders: The Czech Republic is located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the west, Poland to the north, Slovakia to the east, and Austria to the south.
Square: The country covers an area of approximately 78,867 square kilometers.
National Currency: The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK).
Official Language: The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech.
Interesting Facts about the Czech Republic:
Largest Car Producer in Central Europe: The Czech Republic is the largest car producer in Central Europe, annually manufacturing approximately 1.24 million cars, 8,000 buses, and 1,000 motorcycles. In contrast, Russia produces over 2 million cars.
Invention of Contact Lenses: In 1959, Czech chemist Otto Wichterle invented silicone and later developed a method for using this silicone to make soft contact lenses.
Safety: Due to its low levels of crime and absence of major international or internal conflicts, the Czech Republic is ranked as the 6th safest country in the world.
Religious Beliefs: The Czech Republic is one of the least religious countries globally, with only 19% of its citizens claiming to believe in God.
Economic Stability: It is considered one of the most stable and successful countries among post-communist nations, with the lowest unemployment rate in the European Union.
High Education Levels: Approximately 90% of Czechs have completed secondary education, the highest percentage in the European Union.
Invention of Sugar Cubes: Sugar cubes were patented in the Czech Republic in 1843, revolutionizing how sugar is used in everyday life.
Historical Language: At the beginning of the 20th century, German was the national language of Bohemia. Today, less than 15% of the population speaks Czech as a native language.
Smoking Culture: The Czech Republic is known for its high smoking rates. Historically, smoking was allowed in many public places, though regulations have since tightened.
Presidential Scandal: Václav Klaus, the second president of the Czech Republic, was involved in a scandal for stealing a pen during a visit to Chile.
First Sobering Station: The world’s first sobering station was opened in Prague in 1951 to help intoxicated individuals safely.
National Hero: The famous comic strip character Krtek (Little Mole), created in Czechoslovakia, is a national hero and symbol of the country.
Velvet Divorce: After the Velvet Revolution, Czechs and Slovaks successfully parted ways without conflict, maintaining a mutual respect for each other’s languages.
Smallest Town in Europe: The smallest town in Europe, Rožmberk, is located in the Czech Republic, with a permanent population of fewer than 20 people. It can be reached only by a bridge older than the Charles Bridge.
Ice Hockey Success: The Czech national ice hockey team won the Olympic gold medal in 1998 and has also secured six gold medals at the World Championships.
Blood Typing Pioneer: Czech neurologist Jan Janský was the first person to classify human blood into four groups, a major breakthrough in blood donation and transfusion.
Beer Culture: The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. The country is famous for its beer culture and is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious breweries.
Architectural Heritage: Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including Prague Castle, which is one of the largest castles in the world.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Czech Republic boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic centers of Prague, Český Krumlov, and Telč.
Traditional Cuisine: Traditional Czech cuisine includes dishes such as goulash, dumplings, and roast pork. Svíčková, a dish of marinated beef with creamy vegetable sauce, is especially popular.
Cultural Festivals: The Czech Republic is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, including the Prague Spring International Music Festival and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Fairy Tale Castles: The country is home to numerous fairy-tale-like castles and chateaux, including Karlštejn Castle, which was built by Emperor Charles IV to protect the Crown Jewels.
Czech Language: The Czech language is one of the few Slavic languages that use the Latin alphabet and has a complex system of diacritical marks to denote different sounds.
Historic Towns: Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora are two historic towns in the Czech Republic known for their rich history and stunning architecture. Český Krumlov is particularly famous for its well-preserved medieval center.
