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20 Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About the Czech Republic

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20 Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About the Czech Republic

  1. The Czech Republic boasts the highest number of castles per square kilometer in the world, with over 2,000 castles and chateaux scattered across the country.
  2. Prague, the capital, proudly boasts the world’s oldest functioning astronomical clock – the Prague Astronomical Clock has been operating since 1410.
  3. The Czech Republic is the birthplace of renowned writer Franz Kafka, whose works, such as The Metamorphosis, are considered among the most influential of the 20th century.
  4. Czech beer, particularly “pilsner,” is world-famous, and the country holds the record for the highest beer consumption per capita globally.One of the oldest breweries in both the Czech Republic and the world is the Břevnov Monastery Brewery, founded in 993.
  5. The Czech language is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn due to its complex grammar and pronunciation, which can be tricky even for native speakers of other Slavic languages.
  6. Puppetry has a long tradition in the Czech Republic, with marionette performances being a popular cultural activity dating back to the 18th century.
  7. Czechoslovakia, the predecessor of the Czech Republic, was the first country in the world to legalize abortion, in 1957.
  8. The Czech Republic is home to the world’s largest castle complex, Prague Castle, which spans approximately 70,000 square meters.
  9. The country has a rich tradition of glassmaking, with Czech crystal and Bohemian glass being highly sought after for their quality and craftsmanship.
  10. The Czech Republic is home to six national nature reserves, twelve national natural monuments, six nature reserves, and eighteen natural landmarks.
  11. One of the most picturesque areas in the country is the Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area in the north. Previously known as Polomené hory(Broken mountains), this region is characterized by its canyon-like landscape, sandstone rock formations, and overhanging cliffs.
  12. The Český Krumlov region, known for its fairytale-like medieval town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of visitors annually.
  13. The Czech Republic is famous for its “spa towns,” with Karlovy Vary being one of the most well-known. Its natural hot springs have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries.
  14. The country has a long history of winemaking, especially in South Moravia, where vineyards date back to Roman times.
  15. Easter Monday in the Czech Republic features a unique tradition: playful “whipping” rituals with decorated willow branches to promote health and fertility.
  16. The famous “Czech hedgehog,” a steel anti-tank obstacle used during World War II, can still be seen in Czech military museums.
  17. Czechs are passionate about sports, particularly ice hockey, with the national team ranking among the best in the world. Czech women also excel in tennis, achieving great success internationally.
  18. Although Czechs are considered Slavs, DNA analysis reveals that only about one-third of the population has Slavic ancestry, making the Czech population a genetic blend representative of Central Europe.
  19. The Czech Republic is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world due to its low crime rates and minimal involvement in international and domestic conflicts.
  20. It is also one of the least religious countries globally.A total of 78.4% of people in the Czech Republic identify as non-religious. Nevertheless, there are many beautiful churches, chapels, and pilgrimage sites here.