🇨🇿map Czech Republic [Overview]

Czech Republic, known locally as Česká republika or simply Česko, sits in the heart of Central Europe, bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. Its capital, Prague, draws global attention for its Gothic spires and café culture, but the country’s appeal runs well beyond the city limits to mountain towns, spa villages, and vineyard-dotted valleys. Around 10.5 million people call it home, with a high concentration in urban centers like Prague, Brno, and Ostrava. Fun detail you’ll notice once you’re there: Czechs are world leaders in per-capita beer consumption, and it shows in the rich brewery tradition and lively pub scene across the country.

Despite its compact size, travel connections are easy and efficient. The public transport networks are punctual and affordable, and the intercity trains make weekend trips a breeze. The climate runs temperate—warm summers, cold winters—so pack layers and expect Prague’s cobblestones to be slick in snow season. English is widely understood in major cities and business settings, but a few words of Czech go a long way in daily life: dobrý den for hello, prosím for please, and děkuji for thank you.

Economy

The Czech economy is highly industrial and export-driven, with strengths in automotive manufacturing, engineering, electronics, and chemicals. You’ll see familiar names linked to plants and suppliers, especially in and around Prague, Mladá Boleslav, and the Moravian-Silesian region. Services make up a large share of employment, including IT, finance, shared-service centers, and tourism. There’s also a growing startup and software scene, particularly in Prague and Brno, supported by local talent from strong technical universities.

Resources are more about skills and location than raw materials. The workforce is well educated, especially in engineering and IT, and the country’s central position puts it within a day’s drive of many EU markets. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the Schengen Area, which keeps trade and movement fluid within Europe. While it uses the Czech koruna rather than the euro, banking is modern, digital payments are standard, and international logistics links—road, rail, and air—are robust. Prague’s Václav Havel Airport offers direct flights to major European hubs, keeping business travelers connected.

Culture

Czech is the dominant language, and you’ll also hear Slovak with ease; English and German are common in urban and tourist areas. The population is predominantly Czech, with Slovak, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and Roma communities adding to the mix. The country’s story runs from the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia to the Habsburg era, the Czechoslovak state founded in 1918, decades under communist rule after World War II, and the peaceful Velvet Revolution of 1989 that opened the door to democracy and a market economy. In 1993, the country amicably split from Slovakia, becoming the Czech Republic.

Czechs value literature, music, and outdoor life as much as a good debate over coffee or beer. You’ll find classical concerts, film festivals, and a deep love of hiking and cycling, with well-marked trails crisscrossing the countryside. The religious landscape is notably secular, with many people identifying as non-religious, though historical roots in Roman Catholicism remain visible in architecture and traditions. Public holidays you’ll likely encounter include New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day on 1 May, Liberation Day on 8 May, Saints Cyril and Methodius Day on 5 July, Jan Hus Day on 6 July, Saint Wenceslas Day on 28 September, Independent Czechoslovak State Day on 28 October, and Christmas holidays from 24–26 December. For expats and digital nomads, it’s a culture that rewards curiosity, patience with the language, and a willingness to settle into local rhythms.

Liam
Liam is an international business advisor and expatriate consultant originally from Dublin, Ireland, with over 16 years of experience in European, Middle Eastern, and Asia-Pacific markets. Having worked for major global consulting firms and managed corporate relocations across the UK, Ireland, UAE, and Oceania, Liam has extensive experience helping professionals navigate international assignments in English-speaking markets and key business hubs. His background includes facilitating moves for both European professionals expanding globally and international talent relocating to the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the Gulf region.