Czech Republic at a glance

Useful information for planning a trip

Weather

The Czech Republic lies in a temperate climate zone, at the interface of oceanic and continental climates. The four seasons alternate here, with warm springs and summers and colder autumns and winters. Average temperatures: January -4°C/24,8°F; July 24°C/75°F.

Planning a trip to the Czech Republic?

The most beatiful times of the year are undoubtely spring and autumn, when nature is in bloom and pleasant weather invites you to discover its beauties.
You will love summer in the CR for its infinitely long days.

About the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, can be found in Central Europe, right in its heart. The official language is Czech, which, like the inhabitants of the Czech Republic, is of Slavic origin.

Area

The area of the Czech Republic is 78,866 km2 / 30,450 mile2, which is approximately the same area as South Carolina 82,933 km2/ 32,020 mile2. The Czech Republic borders Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.

Population

10.7 million people live in the Czech Republic, 1.3 million in the Capital, Prague. Other larger cities are Brno (385,000), Ostrava (303,000), Pilsen (170,000), Liberec (102,000), Olomouc (100,000).

Language

The official language is Czech with various local dialects. While traveling in the Czech Republic you will not have problems using English language, it is the most common foreign language taught in schools.

State system

The Czech Republic is a parliamentary republic with a bicameral parliamentary system and 281 representatives. The head of state is the president, elected by the citizens of the republic in direct elections for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of representing the Czech Republic for a maximum of two terms. The Czech Republic is currently represented by former army general Mr. Petr Pavel. The government of the Czech Republic is headed by Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, Schengen zone, NATO, OECD, WTO.

Economy

Industry makes up 38% of the Czech economy, services 60% and agriculture 2%.
The metallurgical, engineering and armament industries are strong. All forms of energy are used, especially electric and nuclear power, renewable sources, solar, wind, water energy, biomass. Coal and natural gas are mined. The glass production of the Bohemia Crystal, Moser, Lasvit brands and the beer production of Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar are world famous.

Currency

Since 1918, a currency called the Koruna česká (Czech Crown)/CZK has been used for trade in the Czech Republic. The introduction of the common European currency, the Euro, in the Czech Republic is a political goal, and the Czech Republic committed itself to its adoption in the accession treaty to the European Union in 2003. However, the majority of Czech society has a negative attitude towards the adoption of the euro. In 2023, according to the survey, 45% of citizens were in favor and 55% were against the introduction of the Euro.

Religion

Freedom of religion applies in the Czech Republic, about 70% of the population see themselves agnostics or atheists. The most practiced religion is Roman Catholicism.

Safety

The Czech Republic is one of the safest countries in the World. Due to the low level of international and domestic conflicts together with the low crime rate, the Czech Republic regularly ranks among the 10 safest countries in the World according to the Global Peace Index.

Money & Payments

Currency Converter

Please check different Currency Converters

Ways to pay in the Czech Republic

You can usually use payment cards for payments while visiting the Czech Republic, but the cash will be useful when paying small amounts, for example for coffee or a trip by public transport. Payment in other currencies (EUR or USD) is less advantageous due to the unfavorable exchange rate against the CZK.
In the territory of Bohemia and Moravia (today the Czech Republic), products such as shells, cloth and cattle were used for barter since ancient times. To facilitate trade, coins of the same size, weight and purity were minted from the 10th century. Gradually, the denarius, Prague grosz (from 1300 in the royal mint in Kutna Hora), bracteate, tolar, florin, grosz or golden were used. You may be familiar with the name tolar, which gave rise to the American currency Dollar (tolar - dollar - Dollar).
Since 1918, the Czech Republic has been traded in a currency called Koruna česká - the Czech Crown (CZK).
See my Kutná Hora UNESCO Tour