The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria.
Its capital, Prague, is home to nearly 1.4 million people, within a national population of approximately 11 million (2025 est.).
It covers about 78,870 km², with varied terrain—from the Bohemian lowlands to the Krkonoše and Šumava mountain ranges.
Prague
Prague is known as the “City of a Hundred Spires” for its Gothic and Baroque skyline.
It’s built on the banks of the Vltava River and has a rich architectural heritage. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vltava
The Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic, flowing through the heart of Prague and past landmarks such as Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
The Czech cultural legacy includes famous figures like Franz Kafka, Antonín Dvořák, and Václav Havel.
Prague Landscape
Quick Summary
Population
~11 million
Capital
Prague (Praha)
Language
Czech
Area
78 870 km²
Border Countries
Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Austria
Currency
Czech koruna (CZK)
Government
Parliamentary republic (President: Petr Pavel; PM: Petr Fiala)
UNESCO Sites
17 cultural/natural sites including Prague & Český Krumlov
History
Old History
The Czech lands trace their origins to Great Moravia in the 9th century. By the 14th century, Prague became a major European center under Emperor Charles IV, who founded Charles University in 1348. The region later endured the Hussite Wars, a religious uprising, and came under Habsburg rule, which lasted for centuries and shaped much of its political and cultural landscape.
Modern History
In 1918, after World War I, the Czech lands became part of Czechoslovakia. The country faced Nazi occupation during World War II and later fell under communist control. The Velvet Revolution in 1989 peacefully ended the regime, leading to democracy. In 1993, the Czech Republic was born after a peaceful split with Slovakia. It has since joined NATO and the EU, becoming a modern, democratic nation.
Czech Republic's history
Tourism
Tourism in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of Europe’s most captivating travel destinations, blending medieval charm with modern vibrancy. Its capital, Prague, draws millions of visitors each year with its fairy-tale architecture, cobbled streets, and iconic landmarks like Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Astronomical Clock.
Beyond Prague, the country offers a wealth of hidden gems. Towns like Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, and Telč boast UNESCO-listed historic centers, while Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně are renowned for their spa culture and healing mineral springs.
Nature lovers can explore the Bohemian Paradise, Šumava National Park, and the Moravian Karst, offering hiking, rock formations, and underground caves. The Czech Republic also has a rich tradition of folk festivals, castles, and open-air museums that showcase its cultural heritage.
And of course, no visit is complete without tasting Czech beer—the country has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, and is home to legendary brews like Pilsner Urquell and Budvar.