Czechs facts for kids
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 10–12 million | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Czech Republic 6,732,104–9 246 784 |
|
| Significant diasporic populations in: | |
 United States |
1,462,000 |
 Canada |
94,805 |
 Germany |
60,000 |
 Israel |
50,000 |
 Argentina |
45,000 |
 United Kingdom |
45,000 |
 Austria |
40,324 |
 Italy |
40,000 |
 France |
38,000 |
 Slovakia |
30,367 |
 Australia |
21,196 |
 Switzerland |
20,000 |
 Croatia |
9,641 (2011) |
 Chile |
8,600 |
 Ukraine |
11,000 |
 Sweden |
7,175 (2001) |
 Ireland |
5,451 |
 Spain |
5,622 (2006) |
 Russia |
5,000–6,000 |
 Netherlands |
3,500 |
 Romania |
3,339 (2002) |
 Poland |
3,000 |
 South Africa |
2,300 |
 Mexico |
2,000 |
 Venezuela |
2,000 |
 Serbia |
1,824 (2011) |
 Colombia |
1,200 |
 New Zealand |
1,083 |
 Kazakhstan |
1,000 |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina |
600–1,000 |
| Languages | |
| Czech | |
| Religion | |
| Mostly irreligious Historically Christian Roman Catholic, Hussite, Lutheran and other |
|
The Czechs (called Češi in their own language) are a group of people from Central Europe. They are part of the Western Slavic family, which includes Poles and Slovaks. Most Czechs live in the Czech Republic. However, many also live in other countries around the world.
You can find Czech communities in places like Slovakia, Austria, the United States, Canada, and Germany. They speak the Czech language, which is very similar to the Slovak language.
Contents
About the Czech People
The Czech people have a rich history and culture. They are known for their strong national identity. This identity has been shaped by centuries of historical events.
Where do Czechs live?
Most Czechs live in their home country, the Czech Republic. This country is located in the heart of Europe. It is known for its beautiful castles and historic cities.
Many Czechs also live outside the Czech Republic. These communities are called the Czech diaspora. They have settled in various countries over time. This includes large groups in the United States and Canada.
What language do they speak?
The main language spoken by Czechs is Czech. It is a Slavic language that uses the Latin alphabet. Czech is closely related to Slovak. Speakers of both languages can often understand each other.
The Czech language has a long history. It has been important in preserving Czech culture. Many famous books and poems are written in Czech.
A Look at Czech History
The history of the Czech people dates back many centuries. They are descendants of Slavic tribes who settled in the region. This area is now known as Bohemia and Moravia.
Early Beginnings
The first known state in the area was the Great Moravian Empire. This empire was powerful in the 9th century. Later, the Duchy of Bohemia became important. It was ruled by the Přemyslid dynasty.
The Kingdom of Bohemia
In the Middle Ages, Bohemia became a strong kingdom. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire. During this time, Prague became a major European city. It was a center for culture and learning.
The Hussite Movement
A very important period was the 15th century. This was when Jan Hus led the Hussite movement. Hus was a religious reformer. He challenged some church teachings. His ideas were a big step towards the Protestant Reformation. This movement led to wars but also strengthened Czech identity.
Under Habsburg Rule
For a long time, the Czech lands were part of the Habsburg monarchy. This was a large empire that ruled much of Central Europe. During this period, Czech culture and language were sometimes suppressed. However, a national revival began in the 19th century. People worked to bring back the Czech language and traditions.
Modern Czech Republic
After World War I, the Czechs and Slovaks formed Czechoslovakia. This new country was independent. Later, in 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two separate countries. These were the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Czech Culture and Traditions
Czech culture is rich and diverse. It has been influenced by both Slavic and German traditions.
Arts and Music
The Czech Republic has a strong tradition in classical music. Famous composers like Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák are Czech. Their music often tells stories about Czech history and nature.
Literature is also important. Many Czech writers have gained international fame. Czech folk traditions include colorful costumes and dances.
Food and Festivals
Czech cuisine is hearty and delicious. Popular dishes include trdelník (a sweet pastry) and svíčková (marinated beef). Many festivals celebrate Czech heritage. These often feature traditional music and food.
Religion
Historically, many Czechs were Christian. However, the Czech Republic is now one of the most non-religious countries in Europe. While many people do not practice a religion, historical churches and religious figures like John of Nepomuk are still important cultural symbols.
Images for kids
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Czech traditional costumes
See also
In Spanish: Pueblo checo para niños
