Not Eastern Europe, not Czechoslovakia, not the same as Chechnya — and the highest beer consumption on earth.
The Czech Republic is one of the most misunderstood countries in Europe, mostly through a handful of persistent confusions. Here is the short version of what is actually true, including the one statistic the country has held for three decades running.
It is Central Europe, not Eastern
Prague sits west of Vienna. The “Eastern European” label is a Cold War political artefact, not a geographic one, and Czechs will correct you on it.
Czechoslovakia no longer exists
It split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia on 1 January 1993, peacefully. Anyone under thirty here has never lived in Czechoslovakia.
It is not Chechnya
A genuinely common confusion, and an unfortunate one. Chechnya is in the Russian Caucasus, roughly 3,000 km away.
Beer, by a wide margin
Czechs drink more beer per person than any other nation on earth and have done for about thirty consecutive years — comfortably ahead of Germany and Austria. Pilsner was invented in Pilsen in 1842, and every pale lager in the world descends from it.
More castles than almost anywhere
Um two thousand castles, chateaux and ruins in a country the size of South Carolina. It is one of the highest densities in the world.
The koruna, not the euro
Prices are in Czech crowns. Paying in euros is possible in tourist spots and always at a bad rate.
Among the least religious countries in Europe
A large majority declare no religious affiliation — in a country covered in baroque churches, which surprises most visitors.
Czechia is the short name
Officially adopted in 2016. Both forms are correct.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Prague in Eastern Europe?
Geographically no — Prague is further west than Vienna. Central Europe is the accurate term.
Do Czechs really drink the most beer?
Yes, per capita, consistently for around three decades.
Is it expensive?
Cheaper than Western Europe overall, but central Prague has largely caught up. Walk a few streets out and prices drop sharply.
Read more: a full year in Prague, practical guides Und Czech history.
Last reviewed in August 2026.
