Czechia, formally known as the Czech Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, sharing borders with Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia.
Czechs think of their country as “the bridge between East and West” due to its location in the heart of Europe.
Map of Czechia (Czech Republic)
Key geography facts
1. The country is divided into three historical regions – Bohemia in the west, Moravia in the east, and Silesia in the northeast – which are then divided into several districts.
2. The landscape includes hills, highlands and low mountain ranges, with the highest point being Mount Sněžka at 1,603 meters (5,260 feet).
3. Major rivers include the Vltava, Elbe (Labe), and Morava, which help drain the country’s basins and valleys.
4. Despite having few natural lakes, Czechia has built tens of thousands of artificial lakes as reservoirs, fish ponds and to flood former mines.
5. The Czech-Moravian Highlands form a key watershed that separates rivers flowing into the North Sea from those draining into the Black Sea.
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Czechia
Czechia regions
Czechia has 13 administrative regions, and its capital city, Prague, also bears the status of a region.
- Region of the city of Prague
- Central Bohemian
- Hradec Králové
- Karlovy Vary
- Liberec
- Moravian-Silesian
- Olomouc
- Pardubice
- Plzeň
- South Bohemian
- South Moravian
- Ústí
- Vysočina
- Zlín
Map of Czechia (Czech Republic) in Europe
Czechia is bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Poland to the northeast, and Slovakia to the southeast.
Czechia major cities and towns
Prague (Praha) – The capital and largest city of Czechia, known for its stunning medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Brno – The second-largest city, famous for its modernist architecture and has a reputation for education and innovation.
Ostrava – A major industrial center in the northeast, known for its festivals and home to the largest outdoor swimming pool in Czechia.
Plzeň – Renowned worldwide for being the birthplace of Pilsner beer and home to an impressive historic center.
Liberec – A city nestled in the Jizera Mountains, famous for its textile industry, its historical buildings, and summer and winter sports.
Olomouc – A historic city in Moravia, known for its fountains, UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column, and vibrant student life.
Ústí nad Labem – An industrial city on the Elbe River, surrounded by dramatic hills and a gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
Hradec Králové – A city with a rich history, recognized for its modernist architecture and as a center of education and culture. It regularly wins national polls regarding the high quality of life.
České Budějovice – The birthplace of the original Budweiser beer, featuring a charming old town square and nearby castles.
Pardubice – Famous for its gingerbread and horse racing, particularly the annual Velká Pardubická steeplechase.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. With seven years of teaching experience and a background in educational content, she specialises in creating clear reference resources about countries, geography and global topics.