Country Profile: Czechia

Czechia, located in Central Europe, is bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. This landlocked nation features a temperate climate with rolling plains and mountains, supporting a population of approximately 10.8 million people. The economy is characterized as a high-income, diversified system, heavily focused on manufacturing, particularly within the automotive sector. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Czechia has made significant strides in political stability since its peaceful transition to democracy in the 1990s, highlighted by its strategic membership in NATO and the EU.

Geography

Czechia is situated in Central Europe, bordered by four countries, and is entirely landlocked. The nation comprises diverse terrain, including rolling plains in Bohemia and hilly regions in Moravia, with the highest point being Snezka at 1,602 meters. Major resources include hard coal, timber, and arable land, with approximately 45.8% of land dedicated to agriculture.

Area: 78,867 sq km
Climate: Temperate, with cold winters and cool summers
Natural Hazards: Flooding can impact various regions
Largest River: Labe (Elbe); total length 1,252 km
Mean Elevation: 433 m
Population Distribution: Generally even, but urban concentrations are more prominent in northern and eastern areas

People and Society

Czechia has a diverse population of about 10.8 million, predominantly ethnic Czechs (57.3%). The official language is Czech, spoken by 88.4% of the population. The society has a low birth rate and a growing elderly demographic, with life expectancy at 78.6 years. Despite having a significant percentage of the population unaffiliated with any religion, there are active communities of Roman Catholics and other believers.

Total Population: 10,837,890 (2024 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 74.6%
Median Age: 44.2 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate: 9.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy: 78.6 years
Adult Obesity Rate: 26% (2016)
Net Migration Rate: 2.7 migrants/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Economy

Czechia features a high-income, diverse economy focusing on manufacturing as a significant sector, particularly automotive production. The economy has shown moderate growth, with low unemployment rates and a strong labor market. The GDP in purchasing power parity is projected at approximately $521.9 billion in 2024, reflecting continued economic resilience and adaptability.

GDP (PPP): $521.928 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 1.1% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 2.6% (2024 est.)
Labor Force: 5.541 million (2024 est.)
Exports: $239.259 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate: 2.4% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 10.2% (2021 est.)

Government

Czechia operates as a parliamentary republic, with a bicameral legislature and a constitution that has been in effect since 1993. The executive branch is led by President Petr Pavel, with the Prime Minister serving as head of government. The nation emphasizes democratic principles, with universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and older. The legal framework has been updated to reflect modern governance needs.

Capital: Prague
Government Type: Parliamentary Republic
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Administrative Divisions: 13 regions and 1 capital city
Citizenship by Birth: No
Next General Elections: Expected by January 2028

Military and Security

Czechia maintains a modern military framework to safeguard national interests, with active-duty personnel numbering approximately 30,000. The country has been a NATO member since 1999 and contributes to various international missions. Military expenditures are set at 2% of GDP in 2025, reflecting an ongoing commitment to defense and security.

Active Personnel: Approximately 30,000
Military Expenditure: 2% of GDP (2025 est.)
NATO Membership: Since 1999
Military Modernization: Ongoing to acquire NATO-compliant equipment
Conscription: Abolished in 2004
Personnel Composition: Nearly 14% women serving full-time

Energy

Czechia has achieved 100% electrification across its population, relying on a mix of fossil fuels and nuclear power for energy generation. In recent years, it has aimed for greater energy independence, especially following shifts away from Russian oil dependency. The energy sector is a crucial part of the economy and overall infrastructure.

Total Electricity Consumption: 63.628 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Installed Capacity: 21.802 million kW (2023 est.)
Nuclear Contribution: 40% of electricity production
Total Renewable Water Resources: 13.15 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Coal Production: 31.946 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity Access: 100% (2022 est.)

Environment

Czechia faces environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, primarily due to industrial activities. The country is active in international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues. Forested areas account for 38.2% of the land, and the nation is making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 79.901 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Water Pollution: Issues particularly noted in northwest Bohemia
Recycling Rate: 37.3% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Total Urban Population: 74.6% (2023)
Participation: Active in multiple international environmental treaties

Transportation

Czechia boasts a comprehensive transportation network that includes roads, railways, and air travel. The nation has significant airport infrastructure, contributing to both domestic mobility and international connectivity, reflecting its central location in Europe.

Total Railways: 9,548 km (2020)
Airports: 252 (2025)
Heliports: 107 (2025)
Civil Aircraft Registration Code: OK

Communications

Czechia enjoys a well-connected communication infrastructure with high mobile subscription rates. The majority of the population utilizes the internet, showcasing advanced telecommunications capabilities that support both economic activity and social connectivity.

Internet Users: 86% of population (2023 est.)
Fixed-line Telephones: 1.197 million subscriptions (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 13.6 million (2023 est.)
Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: 4.1 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,837,890	2024 estimate
Area	78,867 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$521.928 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	9.8 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	78.6 years	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	136.306 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Total Electricity Consumption	63.628 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Military Expenditure	2% of GDP	2025 estimate
Urban Population	74.6%	2023 estimate