Here are some facts about the Czech Republic.
- The Czech Republic, once part of the former Czechoslovakia, covers about 79,000 square km and has a population of about 10.5 million.
- It is bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.
- Prague is the capital and largest city, with a population of about 2 million. The city is the 5th most visited in Europe, and is considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
- Until the early 20th century, the country was known as Bohemia.
- It became part of the Austrian Empire in 1806, was under Russian control after World War II, and became independent in 1989.
- Prague Castle dates from the 9th century and is the world’s largest castle. The country’s president lives there and the Bohemian crown jewels are kept there in a hidden room.
- The city’s Charles University was founded in 1348 and is one of the world’s oldest.
- The 15th century Jewish cemetery in Prague is sometimes said to be the meeting place of secret societies.
- The inhabitants of the Czech Republic drink more beer per person than any other country. The first brewery existed in the 12th century, and many monasteries brewed their own beer.
- The writer, Franz Kafka is one of the most famous Czechs, and his Prague birthplace is today a museum.
- Famous composers born in the Czech Republic include Dvorak and Mahler.
- The Czech Republic leases about 30,000 square metres of water in Hamburg, Germany. This allows cargo to be put on Czech ships. The area will be given back to Germany in 2028.
- Many Czechs enjoy hunting for mushrooms and truffles, especially on St. Vaclav’s day, at the end of September.
- The Czech Republic has a long history of making puppets and puppetry performances. Many puppeteers travelled around Europe, putting on shows and telling stories. Puppets are a popular souvenir for visitors of the Czech Republic today.
