Czech Republic Quiz – Test Your Knowledge of Czechia

The Czech Republic has a population of about 11 million people, making it a medium-sized European country. Most people live in urban areas, with Prague being the largest city. The population has remained relatively stable in recent decades.

The Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe moved to Prague in 1599 after being invited by Emperor Rudolf II. He served as the imperial astronomer and made highly precise astronomical observations. His assistant, Johannes Kepler, later used these data to formulate the laws of planetary motion, revolutionizing astronomy.

Antonín Dvořák composed his Ninth Symphony, From the New World, in 1893 while working in the United States. Inspired by Native American music and African-American spirituals, it remains one of the most popular symphonies worldwide. Dvořák is one of the most famous Czech composers alongside Bedřich Smetana.

The Czech Republic operates as a parliamentary republic with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. The Parliament consists of two chambers – the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate – responsible for legislation.

Ice hockey is the national sport of the Czech Republic, and the national team is one of the strongest in the world. The Czechs have won numerous World Championships and an Olympic gold medal in 1998. The domestic league is also highly competitive, with passionate fan support.

The Czech Republic lies in Central Europe, bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland. Its central location made it a cultural crossroads for centuries, especially during the Holy Roman Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire. This position also means it lacks direct access to the sea, making it a landlocked country.

The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, averaging more than 140 liters per person annually. It is the birthplace of world-renowned beers such as Pilsner Urquell (from Plzeň) and Budweiser Budvar (from České Budějovice). Beer culture is deeply rooted in Czech society.

Karlštejn Castle was founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV. It was built to safeguard the imperial crown jewels and holy relics. The castle’s Gothic architecture and historical importance make it one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic.

In 2016, the Czech government recommended the use of Czechia as the country’s official short name in English. While “Czech Republic” remains the formal name, “Czechia” is shorter and follows the pattern of names like Austria (instead of Austrian Republic) and Slovakia. However, its adoption internationally has been gradual.

In Czech, the country is officially called Česká republika (Czech Republic), but the short form Česko is commonly used. This shorter name is equivalent to “Czechia,” which the government has promoted internationally since 2016 for simpler global recognition, similar to how “France” is used instead of “French Republic.”

The Czech Republic became a member of the European Union on May 1, 2004, along with nine other countries in a major enlargement of the EU. This allowed the Czech Republic access to the EU single market and free movement of people, goods, and services. However, unlike some EU members, the country continues to use its own currency (the koruna) rather than adopting the euro.

The Czech Republic shares borders with four countries: Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the northeast. The border with Poland stretches over 790 km and includes mountainous regions such as the Krkonoše (Giant) Mountains.

Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk who lived in Brno, conducted groundbreaking experiments on pea plants in the mid-19th century. His work established the basic laws of inheritance (dominant and recessive traits), making him the “father of modern genetics.”

Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is a world-famous spa town founded in the 14th century by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. It is renowned for its hot springs, therapeutic baths, and annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The town is also famous for producing the herbal liqueur Becherovka.

Kutná Hora, once a major silver mining town, was one of the richest cities in medieval Bohemia. It is famous for St. Barbara’s Church and the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church), which contains decorations made from human bones. Recognized by UNESCO, it reflects the wealth and power of the Czech Kingdom in the Middle Ages.

The Charles Bridge, built in the 14th century by King Charles IV, is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks. It crosses the Vltava River, connecting Prague Castle with the Old Town. The bridge is adorned with 30 statues of saints, making it a major tourist attraction.

The Czech Republic is represented internationally with the ISO country code “CZ”. This abbreviation is widely used in internet domains (.cz), car stickers, and international trade.

Standing at 1,603 meters (5,259 feet), Sněžka is the highest peak in the Czech Republic. Located in the Krkonoše (Giant) Mountains on the Czech-Polish border, it is a popular destination for hiking and winter sports. The name “Sněžka” means “snowy” in Czech.

Known as the “Velvet Divorce,” the split occurred peacefully on January 1, 1993. After the fall of communism in 1989 (Velvet Revolution), differences in politics and economy between the Czech and Slovak regions led to the separation. Václav Havel became the first president of the newly formed Czech Republic.

Plzeň, located in western Bohemia, gave its name to “Pilsner” beer. In 1842, the first golden lager was brewed here at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. The brewing method revolutionized beer-making and inspired many other lagers worldwide.

The Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic, stretching about 430 km. It flows directly through Prague, adding to the city’s charm with iconic sights like Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle view. It eventually merges with the Elbe River in northern Bohemia.

The Czech koruna (CZK) has been the official currency since 1993 after Czechoslovakia split. Although the country is part of the European Union, it has not adopted the euro. Many Czechs prefer retaining their koruna to maintain economic stability and independence.

The Velvet Revolution was a peaceful, student-led movement in November–December 1989 that ended 41 years of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. It was called “velvet” because it was non-violent. This revolution paved the way for democracy and later the peaceful split of the country into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

Prague is not only the capital but also the largest city in the Czech Republic, with a population of over 1.3 million. Known as “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it is world-famous for its medieval architecture, including Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Historically, it was the seat of Holy Roman Emperors and remains one of Europe’s most visited tourist destinations.

Václav Havel, a former playwright, dissident, and human rights activist, became the first president of the Czech Republic in 1993. He had earlier been president of Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution. Havel is celebrated for his role in leading the transition from communism to democracy.