At the close of World War I, the Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, having rejected a federal system, the new country’s predominantly Czech leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the increasingly strident demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Slovaks, the Sudeten Germans, and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). On the eve of World War II, Nazi Germany occupied the territory that today comprises Czechia, and Slovakia became an independent state allied with Germany. After the war, a reunited but truncated Czechoslovakia (less Ruthenia) fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country’s leaders to liberalize communist rule and create “socialism with a human face,” ushering in a period of repression known as “normalization.” The peaceful “Velvet Revolution” swept the Communist Party from power at the end of 1989 and inaugurated a return to democratic rule and a market economy. On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a nonviolent “velvet divorce” into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. The country changed its short-form name to Czechia in 2016.
🇨🇿 Czechia Tourism Information…
🇨🇿 The Best of the Czechia…
Bohemia
Central Bohemia
Prague – For more detailed information go to our ➾ Prague web page.
- Cities: Karlštejn, Kutná Hora
- Others Sights & Attractions: Brdy Mountains, Budeč – ruins, Český Šternberk Castle, Hořovice chateau, Kokořínsko , Koněpruské Caves, Konopiště Chateau, Lidice Memorial, Průhonice Park, Svatá Hora u Příbrami, Sázava Monastery, Vojna Memorial
East Bohemia
- Cities: Charleroi, Liége, Mons, Namur
- Towns:Dinant, Tournai
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions: The Ardennes, Boullion Castle
North Bohemia
- Cities: Charleroi, Liége, Mons, Namur
- Towns:Dinant, Tournai
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions: The Ardennes, Boullion Castle
South Bohemia
- Cities: Charleroi, Liége, Mons, Namur
- Towns:Dinant, Tournai
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions: The Ardennes, Boullion Castle
West Bohemia
- Cities: Charleroi, Liége, Mons, Namur
- Towns:Dinant, Tournai
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions: The Ardennes, Boullion Castle
The Highlands
Highlands
- Cities: Charleroi, Liége, Mons, Namur
- Towns:Dinant, Tournai
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions: The Ardennes, Boullion Castle
Moravia
North Moravia
- Cities: Charleroi, Liége, Mons, Namur
- Towns:Dinant, Tournai
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions: The Ardennes, Boullion Castle
South Moravia
- Cities: Charleroi, Liége, Mons, Namur
- Towns:Dinant, Tournai
- Villages:
- Others Sights & Attractions: The Ardennes, Boullion Castle
Here is a list of some of the most interesting and visited places. Cities or areas listed will always have more than just one thing see and do. With the popular cities or areas we list some of the best known, which should go on everyone’s, must see list when they visit. |
Cesky Krumlov Karlovy Vary Olomouc Ostrava Pilsen Prague Charles Bridge Lobkowicz Palace New Town Municipal House Hall Powder Tower Prague Old Town Square Stare Mesto Town Hall Clock Spanish Synagogue Petrin Hill Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Terezin St. Barbara Cathedral -Kutna Hora |
🇨🇿 Czechia Country Information…
Capital:
Prague
Largest City:
Prague
Government:
parliamentary democracy
Currency:
Czech crown (CZK) – “koruna”
Area:
total: 78,866 km² ranked 116th water: 2%
Climate:
Temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
Population:
10,644,842 (July 2016 est.) ranked 87th
Language:
Czech (official) 95.4%, Slovak 1.6%, other 3% (2011 census)
Ethnic Groups:
Czech 64.3%, Moravian 5%, Slovak 1.4%, other 1.8%, unspecified 27.5% (2011 est.)
Religion:
Roman Catholic 10.4%, Protestant (includes Czech Brethren and Hussite) 1.1%, other and unspecified 54%, none 34.5% (2011 est.)
Electricity:
230V, 50Hz (European plug C,E)
Telephone Code:
+420
Local Emergency Phone Number:
Ambulance: 112, 155; Fire: 150; Police: 158
Internet TLD:
.cz
Time Zone:
CET (UTC+1) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Road Driving Side:
Right
Anthem:
“Kde domov müj?” (Where is my home)
Motto:
“Pravda vîtezí (Truth Prevails)
President:
Miloš Zeman
Prime Minister:
Andrej Babis
🇨🇿 Holidays and Observances in Czechia in 2021
Date | Name | Type | |
---|---|---|---|
Jan 1 | Friday | New Year’s Day | National holiday |
Jan 1 | Friday | Restoration of the Czech Independence Day | National holiday |
Feb 14 | Sunday | St. Valentine’s Day | Observance |
Feb 17 | Wednesday | Carnival / Ash Wednesday | Christian |
Mar 8 | Monday | International Women’s Day | Observance |
Mar 20 | Saturday | March Equinox | Season |
Mar 28 | Sunday | Palm Sunday | Christian |
Apr 1 | Thursday | Maundy Thursday | Christian |
Apr 2 | Friday | Good Friday | National holiday |
Apr 3 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Christian |
Apr 4 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Christian |
Apr 5 | Monday | Easter Monday | National holiday |
May 1 | Saturday | Labor Day / May Day | National holiday |
May 8 | Saturday | Victory in Europe Day | National holiday |
May 9 | Sunday | Mother’s Day | Observance |
May 13 | Thursday | Ascension Day | Christian |
May 23 | Sunday | Whit Sunday | Christian |
May 24 | Monday | Whit Monday | Christian |
May 30 | Sunday | Trinity | Christian |
Jun 1 | Tuesday | Children’s Day | Observance |
Jun 20 | Sunday | Father’s Day | Observance |
Jun 21 | Monday | June Solstice | Season |
Jul 5 | Monday | Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius | National holiday |
Jul 6 | Tuesday | Jan Hus Day | National holiday |
Sep 22 | Wednesday | September Equinox | Season |
Sep 28 | Tuesday | St. Wenceslas Day | National holiday |
Oct 28 | Thursday | Independent Czechoslovak State Day | National holiday |
Nov 17 | Wednesday | Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day | National holiday |
Dec 21 | Tuesday | December Solstice | Season |
Dec 24 | Friday | Christmas Eve | National holiday |
Dec 25 | Saturday | Christmas Day | National holiday |
Dec 26 | Sunday | St. Stephen’s Day | National holiday |
Travel Facts
US State Dept. Travel Advisory:
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.
Passport/Visa Requirements:
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 6 months.
US Embassy/ Consulate:
[44] 20 7499-9000; Embassy of the United States of America, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US (mailing postcode), SW8 5DB (driving/GPS postcode), United Kingdom; SCSLondon@state.gov; https://uk.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code:
44
Local Emergency Phone:
112, 999
Internet TLD:
.uk
Vaccinations:
See WHO recommendations at http://www.who.int
Climate
Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one half of the days are overcast
Currency (Code)
British pounds (GBP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s):
230 V / 50 Hz / plug type(s): G
Major Languages:
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Irish, Cornish
Religions:
Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, none 25.7%
Time Zone
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its crown dependencies or overseas territories
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
London (includes the Tower of London, British Museum, Parliament, Trafalgar Square); Windsor Castle; Stonehenge; Roman Baths & Georgian City of Bath; York Minster & historic Yorkshire; Chester Zoo; Cotswolds & Lake District; Hadrian’s Wall; Edinburgh; Cardiff
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, tennis, netball, field hockey
Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to wave one’s hand or to call when summoning a waiter at a restaurant.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to leave 10-15% of the total bill as a tip when eating out, although some restaurants add on a service charge instead. Tip bartenders 1 pound. It is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, or round up to the nearest pound as a convenience. Tip porters 2 pounds to bring luggage to your room.
Government
Chief of State:
Queen ELIZABETH II
Government:
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Capital:
London
Largest City:
London
Legislature:
London
Judiciary:
London
Ambassador to US:
Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Michael Tatham
US Ambassador:
Ambassador Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV
Geography
Area:
Total: 243,61km world rank 80th, land: 241,930km, water: 1,680km
Natural Resources:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land
People & Society
Population:
64,430,428 (July 2016 est.) world rank 23rd England 84%, Scotland 8%, Wales 5%, Northern Ireland 3%
Population Growth:
0.51% (2018 est.)
Ethnic Groups:
White 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
Urban population: 83.7% of total population (2019)
rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Economy
Economic Overview:
Leading trading power and financial center; third-largest economy in Europe after Germany and France; large coal, natural gas, and oil resources; banking, insurance, and business services, drive GDP growth
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)
$2.92 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP per capita
$44,300 (2017 est.)
Exports:
$441.2 billion (2017 est.)
partners: US 13.2%, Germany 10.5%, France 7.4%, Netherlands 6.2%, Ireland 5.6%, China 4.8%, Switzerland 4.5% (2017)
Travel Facts
US State Dept. Travel Advisory:
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the United Kingdom due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.
Passport/Visa Requirements:
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 6 months.
US Embassy/ Consulate:
[44] 20 7499-9000; Embassy of the United States of America, 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US (mailing postcode), SW8 5DB (driving/GPS postcode), United Kingdom; SCSLondon@state.gov; https://uk.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code:
44
Local Emergency Phone:
112, 999
Internet TLD:
.uk
Vaccinations:
See WHO recommendations at http://www.who.int
Climate
Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one half of the days are overcast
Currency (Code)
British pounds (GBP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s):
230 V / 50 Hz / plug type(s): G
Major Languages:
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Irish, Cornish
Religions:
Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, none 25.7%
Time Zone
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October; note: applies to the United Kingdom proper, not to its crown dependencies or overseas territories
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
London (includes the Tower of London, British Museum, Parliament, Trafalgar Square); Windsor Castle; Stonehenge; Roman Baths & Georgian City of Bath; York Minster & historic Yorkshire; Chester Zoo; Cotswolds & Lake District; Hadrian’s Wall; Edinburgh; Cardiff
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, rugby, badminton, tennis, netball, field hockey
Cultural Practices
It is considered rude to wave one’s hand or to call when summoning a waiter at a restaurant.
Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to leave 10-15% of the total bill as a tip when eating out, although some restaurants add on a service charge instead. Tip bartenders 1 pound. It is polite to tip 10-15% of the taxi fare, or round up to the nearest pound as a convenience. Tip porters 2 pounds to bring luggage to your room.
Government
Chief of State:
Queen ELIZABETH II
Government:
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Capital:
London
Largest City:
London
Legislature:
London
Judiciary:
London
Ambassador to US:
Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Michael Tatham
US Ambassador:
Ambassador Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV
Geography
Area:
Total: 243,61km world rank 80th, land: 241,930km, water: 1,680km
Natural Resources:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land
People & Society
Population:
64,430,428 (July 2016 est.) world rank 23rd England 84%, Scotland 8%, Wales 5%, Northern Ireland 3%
Population Growth:
0.51% (2018 est.)
Ethnic Groups:
White 87.2%, black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
Urban population: 83.7% of total population (2019)
rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
Economy
Economic Overview:
Leading trading power and financial center; third-largest economy in Europe after Germany and France; large coal, natural gas, and oil resources; banking, insurance, and business services, drive GDP growth
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)
$2.92 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP per capita
$44,300 (2017 est.)
Exports:
$441.2 billion (2017 est.)
partners: US 13.2%, Germany 10.5%, France 7.4%, Netherlands 6.2%, Ireland 5.6%, China 4.8%, Switzerland 4.5% (2017)
Imports:
$615.9 billion (2017 est.)
partners: Germany 13.7%, US 9.5%, China 9.3%, Netherlands 8%, France 5.4%, Belgium 5% (2017)