Due to its lack of international and domestic conflict as well as its low crime rate, the Global Peace Index in 2016 ranks the Czech Republic as the sixth safest place to live on earth.

The language has a formal and an informal form, and the natives are patient with foreigners who use them inappropriately. They are proud of their Czech language, which the U. S. Foreign Institute ranks as the second most difficult language to learn. They revel in their ability to master it.

Puppetry and marionette exhibitions are very popular for both children and adults and puppetry festivals are held throughout the country each year. The puppet museum in Prague hosts shows daily and has the largest collection in the world.

The Czech Republic is known worldwide for its mouth blown decorated art glass and crystal, all individually made.

The Czech people have the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Its first known brewery existed in Pilsners were originated here as did the first ever blond pilsners. There are several beer festivals hosted annually.

The Jewish population of Bohemia and Moravia was virtually annihilated during the Holocaust by the Nazis. In 1930 there were 118,000 Jews according to the census and the 2005 census lists only 4000.

Czechia Flag
The national flag of Czechia. Image credit – CIA
The Czech Republic ranks as one of the least religious populations in the world, with only 19 percent of them claiming to believe in God.

Mushroom hunting is a favorite pastime of the Czech people. In the autumn it is a national passion in the damp forests. They gather yearly at St. Václav Day in September and the hunts can be quite competitive.