Country Profile: Czechia

Czechia, located in Central Europe, stands out for its rich history and vibrant culture. It is bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria, and features a diverse landscape of rolling plains, hills, and low mountains. Home to approximately 10.8 million inhabitants, the country has a well-developed economy primarily driven by manufacturing and exports, particularly in the automotive sector. As a parliamentary republic, Czechia showcases a stable governance structure with a commitment to democratic principles and active participation in both NATO and the EU.

Geography

Czechia is a landlocked nation that occupies a strategic location in Central Europe. Its moderate climate features cool summers and cold, humid winters, making it an appealing destination year-round. The country's terrain consists of rolling plains and hills, especially in regions like Bohemia and Moravia.

Area: 78,867 sq km, making it about two-thirds the size of Pennsylvania.
Elevation: Highest point is Snezka at 1,602 m, and lowest is the Elbe River at 115 m.
Natural Hazards: Prone to flooding events.

People and Society

Czechia's population, estimated at 10,837,890 in 2024, is predominantly ethnic Czech, with a significant presence of Moravians and other groups. The official language is Czech, and the country is characterized by a high level of urbanization, with over 74% of residents living in urban areas.

Life Expectancy: 78.6 years for the total population in 2024.
Urban Population: 74.6% as of 2023.
Median Age: The population's median age is 44.2 years.

Economy

Czechia boasts a high-income, diversified economy known for its manufacturing prowess, particularly in the automotive sector. The economy is experiencing moderate growth driven by domestic consumption and investments.

GDP (PPP): $521.928 billion estimated for 2024.
Unemployment Rate: Stands at just 2.6% as of 2024.
Exports: Approximately $239.259 billion expected in 2024.

Government

Czechia operates as a parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislature. The capital, Prague, serves as the political and cultural heart of the nation. The governance structure has evolved post-communism, with clear democratic processes in place.

Chief of State: President Petr Pavel, in office since March 2023.
Legislature: Composed of 200 members in the Chamber of Deputies and 81 seats in the Senate.
Suffrage: Universal voting rights at 18 years of age.

Military and Security

The Czech Armed Forces consist of land forces, air power, and special units, playing a crucial role in national defense and international peacekeeping. With a focus on modernization to meet NATO standards, the military is actively engaged in multinational operations.

Active Personnel: Approximately 29,000 members as of 2024.
Military Expenditures: 2.1% of GDP, reflecting a commitment to defense.
NATO Membership: Czechia has been a member since 1999.

Energy

Czechia is transitioning toward energy independence, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from nuclear and fossil fuel sources. As of 2022, the entire population had access to electricity.

Installed Capacity: 21.802 million kW in 2023.
Electricity Generation: 40.1% from nuclear sources.
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 136.306 million Btu/person in 2023.

Environment

The country faces environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, particularly from industrial activities. However, it is actively participating in various international environmental agreements to address these issues.

Pollution Issues: Air and water pollution are significant concerns, notably in northwest Bohemia.
Urbanization Rate: The urban population was 74.6% as of 2023.
Total Renewable Water Resources: 13.5 billion cubic meters as of 2020.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Czechia is robust, featuring extensive rail and air networks, crucial for connectivity within Central Europe.

Railways: 9,548 km of total railway tracks as of 2020.
Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix is OK.
Airports: 252 airports planned by 2025.

Communications

Czechia has a high level of connectivity, with substantial fixed and mobile telephone networks and a significant percentage of the population using the internet.

Internet Users: 86% of the population had internet access in 2023.
Mobile Subscriptions: 13.6 million mobile cellular subscriptions as of 2023.
Broadband Access: Approximately 4.1 million fixed broadband subscriptions in 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,837,890	Estimated for 2024
Area	78,867 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$521.928 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	78.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Median Age	44.2 years	Estimated for 2024
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	136.306 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Military Expenditures	2.1% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Urban Population	74.6%	As of 2023
Number of Airports	252	Planned by 2025