Culture
Since the fall of communism, the Czech Republic has placed high
priority on renovating historical sites and preserving a rich
collection of art treasures.
Music is central to the Czech culture. There's even a saying,
'Co Čech, to muzikant', which translates 'every Czech is a
musician'. The country's musical roots are in high culture opera
and symphony and the traditional folk music of Bohemia and
Moravia.
Cross-cultural diversity are key to Czech music, and composers
are influenced by many styles, including traditional folk, jazz and
bluegrass.
Notable Czech composers include Antonín Dvořák, Gustav Mahler
and Bedřich Smetana. Beethoven and Mozart were also connected to
the Czech Republic throughout the period of the Habsburg
Empire.
Food and drink
Czech beer has a huge reputation for quality, and produces some
of the best known, most loved beers worldwide.
The biggest Czech brewers include Staropramen and Budvar, but
there are many more smaller, family-run breweries, often run as
part of a restaurant or bar.
Many breweries run tours, which gives you a great chance to
sample Czech beer where it's made.
Czech cuisine features many meat dishes, often with gravy and
dumplings or potatoes. Pork, beef and chicken are all popular
meats, as well as goose, duck, rabbit and wild game, always served
with vegetables. While fish is not generally so popular, fresh
trout and carp are traditional at Christmas.
Did you know?
In the Czech Republic, red is commonly worn in spring, and
symbolises joy, health, happiness and new life.
Pointing with the index finger is considered rude in the Czech
Republic.
Facts and figures
| Capital |
Prague |
| Official languages |
Czech, Slovak, Polish, German and Romani |
| Currency |
Czech koruna or Czech crown |
| Time zone |
Central European Time |
| Accession to the EU |
1 May 2004 |
| Area |
78,866 sq km / 30,450sq miles |
| Population |
10.5 million |
