A Ph.D. student in economics, specializing in nuclear energy from the Czech Republic, he also serves as a political consultant to the Czech government and the U.S. Republican Party.
Every year, the inhabitants of Vlčnov pick a young boy who will become the King for that year. And like any other King, he must ride through the town with his knights. Vlčnov Kings has done so for the last 200 years, and there are no signs of stopping.
Playwright, poet, musician, teacher, traveler, philosopher, inventor, scientist, criminal, and sportsman. This is just a short list of what Jára Cimrman was in his lifetime. Too bad he never lived.
The European aristocracy and artists loved the Czech Spas. The fame of Czech healing waters has gradually spread worldwide. The result is the 2021 inscription of the Czech Spa triangle to UNESCO.
When Czechoslovakia came to be in 1918, a large part of its army was left in Soviet Russia. The Soviets didn't want to let Legionnaires back home, so they fought their way through. Very successfully!
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Czechia lies a testament to human creativity and decisiveness – the Baťa Canal. This remarkable engineering marvel stands as a tribute to the vision of its creator, Tomáš Baťa, and continues to play a crucial role.
Under socialism, Radio Free Europe's radio station brought information and culture from the free world to the Eastern Bloc. Today, it broadcasts from Prague and still sends hope via radio waves.
Two important Czech universities are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. But how old are Czech Universities, and what is the outlook for them in the coming years?
The Czech Passport has been declared one of the most powerful in the world in 2023. Why is that? How many doors does it open, and are Czechs taking advantage of it?
Říp Mountain rises proudly to the sky in Central Bohemia. In good weather, you can see Prague. What is the history of this Czech mountain, which has been attracting people since prehistoric times?
Standing on the street corner, you see a car pass next to you on the road. With a glance, you see a winged arrow logo - a clear sign of a car manufactured by Škoda, an automotive company based in Czechia, which sells cars across the globe.
The Czech Kingdom of the 15th Century became the birthplace of what we would later know as Protestantism. It was thanks to Hussites, an armed religious group that vowed to reform the Catholic Church.
At only 91 years old, it is not the oldest Zoo in Europe. However, Prague Zoo is repeatedly ranked as one of the best zoological gardens worldwide. Let us give you a virtual tour.
"School by Play" is one of the most famous thoughts of the Czech philosopher and pedagogue nicknamed The Teacher of Nations. Although Jan Ámos Komenský was Czech, he influenced the whole of Europe.
Although he was born and began his career in the Czech Republic, Americans consider Albín Polášek to be their most important sculptor.
The debate seems never-ending: to accept the Euro or keep the Czech Crown? What do Czech people, economists, and politicians think, and is the Czech Republic to get the common currency of the EU?
The second oldest car manufacturer, Czech company Tatra, has a long history of making cars, trucks, and even railway wagons. They were also crazy enough to try this crazy idea: an aerodynamic car!
For several years, the Czech Republic has struggled with the label "montovna" or "assembly plant." What does it mean to be an assembly plant, and how do we eliminate this label?
There are many things the Czech Republic is very well known for, one of them being Czech Glass. To be more specific, Bohemian Crystal. The production of Bohemian Crystal, from the Bohemia and Silesia regions, is a rich centuries-old tradition that is still thriving today.
Businessman, Olympic athlete, or polar explorer. All of them are dressed by Czech companies. And as the old Czech song says: "It's an age-old truth, clothes make the man."
A tennis legend widely regarded as one of the best players of all time. She started winning before she was an adult and stayed at the top until she was 50. This is the story of Martina Navrátilová.
A battle over payment cards will forever mark the summer of 2023 in the Czech Republic. Is paying by credit card a fundamental human right, or is the saying that "Cash is King" still true?
It is a route that Czech Kings took upon their coronation for centuries. And while there are no kings in Czechia these days, the Royal Road is still a crucial sightseeing trail through Prague.
Czechia is a car manufacturing powerhouse. But how about Czechs? Do they drive domestic brands, or are they more internationally adventurous?
We all know the success stories of companies that started in garages. Průša Research's story is similar to those of other multimillion-dollar companies. From humble garage beginnings in 2012 to the second-largest 3D printer manufacturer in the world.
The Czech Republic is currently planning several "super projects." One of them is the Gigafactory near Plzeň. How are the preparations going, and what is the public's general consensus on the projects?
For some, travel is not so much a once a year luxury, but rather a way of life. For one 16th-century Czech explorer, his passion for travel was so great, he spent his life exploring what the world had to offer. And then his last trip cost him his head.
Serving as a primary means of transportation for the city and nuclear shelter in the past, the new vision of Prague Metro introduces a fully autonomous modern intra-city connection.
Czechia has recently experienced a crisis of trust. Citizens do not trust their politicians and public representatives. Is the situation as dire as it seems, and is there a possibility of addressing it?
Beer is intrinsically linked to Czechia. Moreover, the Czechs hold several records in beer consumption. But some of them are not very flattering.
Lawyers, singers, and writers. Those are some of the roles that four of the most influential women in Czech history have played. And even though they are often overshadowed by their male counterparts, their roles are equally significant.
Pilsen was the only major Czech city liberated by the American army during World War II. How did this happen, why did the Americans not go further, and how do Pilseners still celebrate this fact today?
The Czech government is getting ready to update the National Energy Strategy. Even though the last one was published in 2015, many things have changed since then, and everyone is awaiting the updated version.
It was the dream of socialism without censorship and political prisoners. It was the dream of a society motivated by the future, not fear. It was a dream that was killed by an invasion in 1968.
The war in Ukraine showed all the European countries how vulnerable their plans and infrastructure were. Czechia was no different, so it is now revising its crucial security strategies.
After living together for 69 years, a divorce came. Czechs and Slovaks shared many ups and downs throughout modern history, and the split surprised many. But was it really a surprise?
The gender pay gap is a topic that has been upsetting the public in recent years. What is the situation in the Three Seas Initiative countries, and is the region better off than the rest of Europe?
It is not unusual to see a rescue car driving through Prague. Ambulances operate all over the world. But did you know Prague's ambulance service is the oldest in Europe?
Value-Added Tax (VAT) is the most common source of government income worldwide. What is the VAT situation in Czechia and the Three Seas Region, and can the proposed Czech changes ignite a VAT revolution?
This is how one could summarize the teachings of the physical education association, which became one of the most influential Czech organizations through physical education and patriotism.
The story of Jan Hus is the story of perseverance, courage, and staying true to your beliefs and principles. Jan Hus never backed down on his beliefs, which resulted in him being jailed and executed by the Catholic Church.
The next World EXPO is approaching fast. This time Osaka, Japan, will host it. What will Czechia present to impress the land of the rising sun with?
Sociological surveys consistently show that young Czechs and Slovaks are losing their understanding of each other. Two nations that lived together for almost 70 years in a federation and have similar languages might not understand each other in the future.
While appearing discreet from the outside, Černopolní Street Number 45 is a breathtaking engineering jewel of the 20th Century and is considered the first smart home. It even is on the UNESCO list!
What do you get when you gather a team of students from Czech Technical University who are passionate about autonomous systems, speed, and innovation? Electrically powered autonomous Formula.
Recently discovered prehistoric excavations in the outskirts of Prague have revealed a site similar to the one at Stonehenge in England. Only much older.
Part two of the CZExplorers series introduces a doctor turned traveler who explored Africa, became a good friend with a King, and fought warriors, leopards, and diseases.
If you know that Czechia is a landlocked country, the title of this article probably gave you pause. But it has indeed won every naval battle it has ever fought—all (one) of them.
Alfons Mucha is known primarily as the spiritual father of the Art Nouveau style. But he is also the father of 20 giant canvases depicting the history of the Slavic people.
The Czech population is gradually aging, and pension reform is nowhere in sight. Will the state be able to cope with the wave of pensioners, or will the title of the Cohen brothers' film apply: "No Country for Old Men"?
Czech artist and sculptor David Černý is seen by many as a controversial figure. This controversy goes beyond Czechia, as does his art. His “Black Babies” invaded Prague, his “Golem” Poznan, and his “Bus” London.
An inconspicuous product from the Czech suburb of Pardubice became the terror of the whole world and was the basis of the armament of the entire Eastern Bloc. What is the story of Semtex?
Saving lives since 2016, Záchranka started as a bachelor's thesis idea and became a fully-functional mobile app interconnected with rescue service systems.
Modrotisk, or Blueprinting, is an old Czech craft passed on by generations since the 16th century. It may look easy: printing white ornaments on blue fabric. But it is far more complicated than that.
The Czech Republic stands at a critical crossroads for the future of train transport. While some dream of high-speed rail, others fear for the survival of trains. Will the Czechs get their TGV?
Czechia has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the whole EU. Is it a curse or a blessing in disguise?
A group of scientists from Brno has made a revolutionary discovery. What sounds like science fiction is within reach: light without electricity!
An innovative student project aimed to bring Brno online, and it succeeded. Not only can you roam the city, but you can also build in it! All thanks to a group of students and Minecraft.
The story feels like a Hollywood movie script: a trained miller-turned-composer inspires musical master Mozart. This is the story of a man who was nicknamed Il Divino Boemo – The Divine Czech.
God created man; Sam Colt made them equal. Now, the legendary American Colt manufacturer belongs to a Czech company. With this acquisition, Czechs are currently at the global top of gun manufacturing.
Every Czech child knows Mr. Spejbl, his son Hurvínek, and their dog Žeryk. What does it matter that they are puppets? Their humor has entertained generations and will, no doubt, entertain more to come.
Vietnamese are the third largest national minority in the Czech Republic. What brought these emigrants to Czechia, and how have they assimilated into Czech culture?
Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV is considered the most influential ruler of the High Middle Ages. Despite his education in France, he always remembered where he was born: Prague.
Unbeknownst to the majority of people filling the streets of Prague, there is a nuclear reactor in the center of the city. What does it do? Is it dangerous? Or is it a future of commercial use of Small Modular Reactors?
Croatia has been the number one vacation spot for many Czechs. Is this still the case, or have Czechs changed their vacation preferences and are venturing outside the Three Seas region?
It's like walking through a fairytale city. When you add snow, you feel like you're in a romantic movie. All this is Český Krumlov, a town in Southern Bohemia where time seems to have stood still.
Despite worldwide usage in the past, timber rafting is very rare today. Last year, a group of countries led by Czechia and Poland nominated and safely navigated it to the UNESCO heritage list.
The Czech Republic has often been crowned the most atheistic country in Europe, sometimes even the world. Is it so that all Czechs are non-believers, or is it a bit more complicated?
Czechia is an aviation superpower. It's one of a handful of countries worldwide that can manufacture an entire airplane – from nose to tail. And Czech aviators and pilots are mighty proud of it.
The Krkonoše Mountains are like a wall, yet they are a bridge linking Czechia and Poland. They consist of deep woods and crystal-clear rivers, yet they are very open to the public. This is the story of the wilderness haven.
The blood-red bohemian garnet is considered the national gem of the Czech Republic. Not only is it good-looking, but legends also say that this beloved stone can replace bad moods with joy.
There’s a fierce fight brewing between three competitors vying to build the fifth nuclear reactor of the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant in Czechia. Who is most likely to win?
Wherever you are flying with Czech Airlines, it will always be OK. Why? Because OK is the Czech Airlines callsign. Let us tell you the story of the fifth-oldest airline in the world.
With Christmas approaching, let's look at how it is celebrated in the Czech Republic, where little attention is paid to faith and church. And is Christmas here still a Christian holiday?
Despite being called the most atheist country in Europe, Czechia has a rich religious history. Including having many saints.
The unique technological project of a garbage disposal ship offers a new solution to ocean pollution.
Czech scientists are tirelessly working on creating an artificial Sun that will help Czechia, Europe, and the whole world access unlimited energy.
The Czech Republic is crisscrossed by one of the most perfect and dense networks of hiking trails. The marking system is so good that it is used worldwide.
Next year, Czechia will celebrate 45 years since the first Czech entered space. Even though the country is not a space superpower, it has plans for a base on the Moon. And a lot more!
No, this is not a story of an enemy spy inside the Czech secret service. It is a story of a Czech icon that raised generations at home and abroad. And even made it to space!
Imagine this: It's Friday afternoon in socialist Czechoslovakia. It may seem like there are not many options if you are into American culture. Not to fear - grab your cowboy hat, guitar, and military boots and catch a train to the Czech wilderness!
Karel Gott's story is about passion and love for music. After becoming a revered Czech pop legend, his talent and name spread to the world, becoming a symbol.
Computer games are much more than just a childish pleasure. In the case of Czechia, it is a 250-million-Euro industry making the country famous worldwide.
The Czech City for the Future project shows one options of how people will live in 2050. The goal is to make every city a living organism rather than a sea of concrete buildings.
When Israel declared its independence in 1948, it was immediately attacked by its neighbors. The desperately needed weapons, planes, and other supplies came from an unlikely source: Czechoslovakia.
The World EXPO is an always an event unlike any other. However, the EXPO of 1958 was particularly special for Czechoslovakia because it won the Golden Medal, despite going through the darkest times of the Communist regime.
Have you ever seen a drone? People use them for taking photos, videotaping, or just for the simple fun of flying. But how about a drone postman or drone firefighter? Just Czech inventions.
A tourist paradise in the Elbe Canyon, home to sandstone formations of European importance and the scene of a recent catastrophe. Welcome to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
Fish farming in Czechia has a tradition dating back to the early Middle Ages. It helped the landlocked country to secure enough fish supply. What started as a food variety necessity became part of national identity and Czech culture.
The Danube-Oder-Elbe water corridor is the missing link that would connect Czechia to the rest of the European waterways. This multifunctional water project could raise the global importance of the Three Seas Region in the World Economy.
In 1975, Czechoslovakia and the World experienced something that had never happened before. A church in the city of Most made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. Why? Because it took a train ride.
1848, 1918, 1938, 1948: these are just four recent examples of important years in Czech history ending with number eight. Four out of 40. Should the Czechs get superstitious?
While walking along the banks in Prague, the capital of Czechia, you will encounter the majestic building of the Czech National Theatre. The building was built with contributions from everyday Czechs and… burned down right after its completion.
Franz Kafka's troubled life made him one of the most successful writers of all time. Unfortunately, not many people know his story, and many don't know that he was Czech.
George of Poděbrady, the king of Bohemia in the 15th Century, came up with a crazy idea. He dreamed of creating an organization to include all European nations. They would hold important meetings on an international level and vote on topics in a parliament-like manner. Crazy right?
The story of the Vltava River is fascinating for just a simple river. It is a source of historical legends, an inspiration for artists, and a stylish free time spot. The Vltava has always been and is still the beating heart of the Czech Republic.
Have you been invited to a Czech party and have no idea what to expect in terms of food and drinks? Let us help you get to know some traditional Czech finger foods, meals, and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that are unique to the Czech Culture.
S.A.W.E.R. is a strange, shipping container-looking device that works miracles. What is this miracle, you ask? Well, it creates water from desert air! That's pretty miraculous; what do you say? And it gets even better: it runs on solar energy!
Taking inspiration from France's Maginot Line, the defensive system of bunkers on the French-German border, Czechoslovakia also tried to fortify its borders with Germany. Despite never being used in action, the bunkers serve various purposes until today.
Tomáš Baťa, a businessman from the Moravian city of Zlín, inspires entrepreneurs from all around the world to this day. Not only entrepreneurs but also politicians. Have you ever heard the expression "To run a country as a company"? Take a seat then - the journey starts in Zlín.
What do a former Secretary of State of the United States, the Special Assistant to several US presidents, and a former Mayor of Chicago have in common: they were all born in Czechia.
Abandoned after World War Two and repopulated again in the 1990s, this small village of Holašovice, Czechia, has architecture so remarkable that it made it onto UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
Energy prices are rising with no sign of stopping. Economic sanctions against Russia have closed off one of the largest sources of European energy. Now begins the debate over what to do. The answer is simple, and it comes from Czechia: Small Modular Reactors.
A song composed by the Czech songwriter Jaromír Vejvoda and later enriched with text by Vašek Zeman made it all around the world. In fact, it's so ubiquitous that in just the Three Seas countries, each has its own special name for this simple Czech folk song.
If you ever happen to be driving in southern Nebraska, located in the heart of the US midwest, you may come across the town of Wilber. And if you happen to be Czech, you will be greeted twice as warmly. That's because this is the Czech Capital of the USA, the cultural center of the Czech diaspora there.
Millions of people worldwide wear contact lenses every day. However, not many of these people know the origin story of this simple-looking yet genius invention.
One of the many passions of Gregor Johann Mendel, an Augustinian monk, was gardening. And it was this passion, along with the help of a few pea plants, that helped him discover the laws of heredity. To this day, we know him as the "father of modern genetics."
With continuous pushes from interest groups, the public, and the European Union for greener and more sustainable energy, the Czech government plans to build new nuclear reactors. But this is easier said than done.