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CultureGran-6 I World Edition 2016 Republic

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BACKGROUND snowfall tends to melt quickly. History Land and Climate Bohemian Empire The is a little larger than Panama but just In the fifth century, Slavic tribes began settling the area, and smaller than the U.S. state of South Carolina. It includes three by the middle of the ninth century, they lived in a loose principal geographic regions: , , and . confederation known as the Great Moravian Empire. Its brief Bohemia comprises roughly the western two-thirds of the history ended in 907 with the invasion of the nomadic country. Moravia occupies nearly one-third of the eastern Magyars (ancestors of today's ). The Slovak portion. Silesia is a relatively small area in the northeast, near region became subject to Hungarian rule, while the Polish border. It is dominated by coal fields and steel developed the Bohemian Empire, centered in . In the mills concentrated around the city of Ostrava. 14th century, under the leadership of King Charles IV, Prague Mountain ranges nearly surround the country, forming became a cultural and political capital that rivaled Paris. In natural boundaries with several countries. The interior of the 15th century, Bohemia was a center of the Protestant Bohemia is relatively flat, while Moravia has gently rolling Reformation led by , who became a martyr and hills. Bohemia's rivers flow north to the Labe (Elbe) River, national hero when he was burned at the stake as a heretic in and Moravia's rivers flow south to the Danube. Bohemia is 1415. Civil war in Bohemia and events elsewhere in dominated by industry, particularly in the northern and led the Czechs (as well as people in and ) to western regions. Moravia is largely agricultural and is known become part of the Hapsburg (Austro-Hungarian) Empire in for its vineyards. 1526. A continental climate prevails, though with increasingly World Wars and wider swings of temperature and weather conditions. When the Hapsburg Empire dissolved at the end of World Summers start out moderate but can become quite hot in July War I (1918), Czech and Slovak lands were united to form a and August. Temperatures vary widely depending on new Czecho-Slovak state (the hyphen was dropped in 1920). elevation: a cool 50°F (10°C) in the mountains could be Tomas Masaryk became the first president. Democracy matched on the same day with a much warmer 86°F (30°C) in flourished for a time, but the country was not able to the lower valleys and plains. The capital city, Prague, usually withstand German aggression. In 1938, Hitler annexed the records the hottest temperatures in the country, but these , a region in the northwest where many typically average between 75 and 80°F (24-27°C). Winters German-speaking people lived. By 1939, all had always bring cold and snow in the mountains; in the cities, fallen into German possession. The Czechoslovak people then freezing rain and ice are common, and the occasional suffered through World War II, in which more than 350,000 CultureGrarns- Czech Republic citizens (250,000 of them Jews) lost their lives. After the war, Democrats and two centrist parties. three million were forced out of the country. Recent Events and Trends Liberated in 1945 by Allied forces, Czechoslovakia held • High corruption rates: In June 2014, a European Union elections in 1946 under Soviet guidance. Left-wing parties report emphasized that corruption remains a pervasive performed well, and by 1948 the Communists had seized problem in the Czech Republic. About 95 percent of the control of the government. The Soviet-style state promoted people considered corruption to be a major issue, and over 70 rapid industrialization in the 1950s. Social and economic percent of businesses agreed that corruption is a major policies began to be liberalized in the 1960s. This change led obstacle to economic growth. to discussions about easing political restrictions. In 1968, • Protests on anniversary of : In reform-minded Alexander Dube'ek, a Slovak, assumed November 2014, celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the leadership and put into motion a series of reforms known as Velvet Revolution were disrupted by mass protests against "socialism with a human face." The brief period that current president Milo g Zeman. Protesters accused Zeman of followed, dubbed , was crushed when Warsaw sympathizing with and and failing to promote Pact tanks rolled into Prague in August 1968. The Communist human rights. At the unveiling of a monument Party was subsequently purged of liberals. commemorating the Velvet Revolution, protestors pelted Velvet Revolution and the Czech Republic Zeman with eggs and tomatoes. In the 1970s, many dissident groups organized against the government. Members of these groups joined with workers, university students, and others in peaceful demonstrations in THE PEOPLE 1989 in what was called the Velvet Revolution. A crackdown on a student protest in November 1989 prompted a general Population strike that led General Secretary Milog' Jakeg to resign. About 64 percent of the Czech Republic's population is ethnic Dube-ek returned to prominence and was elected leader of Czech, another 5 percent is Moravian, and less than 2 percent Parliament. In 1990, Vaclav Havel, dissident playwright and is ethnic Slovak. , , Germans, , leader of the Civic Forum party, became president. , , , and Greeks constitute the Full multiparty elections under a new constitution took remaining 29 percent of the population. More than one place in 1992. Differences between Slovak and Czech leaders million people live in Prague, the capital city. on such issues as resource distribution, infrastructure The Roma (also known as Gypsies) is investment, and economic reform led the two governments to difficult to count because its members often claim other peacefully split into two sovereign states on 1 January 1993. ethnicities to avoid discrimination. Official statistics list the Havel was reelected president of the Czech Republic; Vaclav group's population at well under 1 percent of all Czechs, but Klaus remained prime minister. Klaus then launched a the actual number of Roma may be up to 10 times as high. significant program of economic reform. The Roma are often treated poorly throughout Europe and Economic Instability and International Organizations have not integrated into mainstream society. The European Political infighting and economic stagnation increased Union has criticized the Czech Republic for its policies following the 1996 elections. A financial scandal forced toward the Roma. Klaus to resign in November 1997; however, he was elected president in 2003 and reelected in 2008. In 2010, proposed Language cuts to government spending triggered mass protests and led Czech is a Slavic language; it is similar to Slovak but also to the mid-term election win of the Opposition Social related to Polish, Croatian, and Russian. Latin was the Democrats, who blocked the proposed legislation. language of literature until the 14th century, when Czech The Czech Republic became a member of the North began to gain popularity as a written language. Czech is Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1999 and considered a difficult language for non-native speakers to joined the European Union (EU) in 2004. The Czech learn. government's 2008 decision to allow the to Czech uses a Latin alphabet with several distinct accent build part of a missile defense shield southwest of Prague was marks and letters. The diacritical marks ', and ° appear over unpopular with Czech citizens. In September 2009, the consonants or vowels to soften, lengthen, or sometimes Obama administration scrapped that plan, but the Czech completely change the sound. Republic is expected to be part of a reformulated missile Minority groups speak their own languages. Czechs also defense system within the framework of NATO in the future. often speak Russian, English, or German as second Political Turmoil languages, depending on their generation. Older generations In 2013, corruption and scandal drastically reshaped Czech often learned Russian, but since the Velvet Revolution, politics. President Klaus was impeached in March, Prime Czechs are more likely to study English and German. Minister Petr Necas resigned in June, and the subsequent prime minister, Jiff Rusnok, failed to win a vote of confidence Religion in Parliament. In October elections, votes were split between Over 10 percent of Czechs belong to the , and the established, center-left Social Democrats and newer, just over 1 percent are Protestant. Other Czechs belong to the anti-corruption parties. In January 2014, a coalition Czech Brethren (a Lutheran/Calvinist group). Roughly 34 government was finally formed between the Social percent of Czechs claim no religious affiliation.

2 CultureGrams' Czech Republic The Czech Republic has been one of the most atheistic meet you) or Dobry den (Good day). A man usually waits for countries in Europe. Czechs were less inclined to return to a woman to extend her hand before shaking it, but a boss religion after the end of the communist rule than were other always offers his or her hand first. eastern Europeans. Many were influenced by four decades of Traditionally, to show respect, one addresses both men and official (communist) . Their adherence to religion women by their professional titles (engineer, doctor, sometimes is a result of heritage rather than belief. In professor) and last names. It is common to preface the title addition, Czechs tend to think of worship as a private matter. with pan (sir) or pani (madam) when greeting the person: While they believe in a Supreme Being, they are not Dobty den, pani Doktorka Cekanowi. One also uses pan and necessarily affiliated with a particular religion. pant for people without professional titles. Using first names is increasingly common. Relatives generally hug upon General Attitudes meeting and address each other by first names, as do people Czechs value education, cleverness, modesty, and humor. of the same age. Czech humor can be difficult for foreigners to understand at To say good-bye, one uses the formal Na schledanou or first. Joking about politics or government leaders was an the informal Can (Ciao). Ahoj is an informal "Hi" and "Bye." important defense for the people under communist rule to One responds to Dekuji (Thank you) with Prosbn (Please), relieve the tension in their lives. and tend meaning "You're welcome." to be friendlier and more lighthearted than the Bohemian Czechs, who are more reserved. Czechs see themselves as Gestures realists; they also have a strong sense of irony, which can Maintaining eye contact while conversing is important to sometimes come across as pessimism. Czechs. When one counts on the fingers, the thumb (rather Czechs have always valued culture; Prague has been a than the index finger) is number one. Pointing with a finger or center of culture since the time of the Austrian-Hungarian sticking out a tongue at someone is considered rude. Empire. Generally, the most-admired people in the country Czechs are generally quite reserved and soft-spoken; are sports stars and famous artists and performers. Skilled speaking loudly on public transportation or in quiet places is professionals are admired. Success in business is important. impolite, but it is commonplace in places like pubs. Men The growing influence of Western media and consumer generally open doors for women. People nod their heads to products has led to an increase in materialism. Many Czechs show approval or agreement. value visibly expensive items like cars, houses, electronics, and sports equipment. Visiting Czechs tend to move at their own pace and can be Czechs consider the home to be private; however, close stubborn. Though the typical Czech is not concerned about family members and friends will visit one another international events on a daily basis, Czechs are usually unannounced. Guests who are invited to dinner may be taken welcoming to foreigners and interested in European and to a restaurant; it is an honor to be invited to a home for a world issues. meal. A major part of the Czech lifestyle includes socializing with friends at pubs, cafes, and wine bars. Personal Appearance Czechs remove their shoes when entering a home and European fashions are widespread in the Czech Republic, and leave them in the entryway. Visiting etiquette is fairly formal, young people wear the latest styles. Jeans and T-shirts are but the atmosphere is friendly. Guests are offered something popular, and shorts are common. Most attire is more casual to drink or, prior to a meal, hors d'oeuvres. than in some western European nations (e.g., men wear sport Women guests may offer to help prepare the meal in the jackets instead of suits to work). Western-brand sports kitchen or to clear dishes, but the offer will be politely clothing is popular. declined. Invited guests usually bring an odd number of Czechs like to dress up to attend events; not being properly flowers to the hostess. Small gifts (usually candy) for the dressed is frowned upon. Women wear fancy evening gowns children are appreciated. Guests might also bring wine or and men dress up in suits for formal events; younger people chocolates for the hosts. wear expensive European fashions to go to clubs. Traditional national costumes are generally reserved for festivals or Eating special historical days. Czechs eat three meals a day, with frequent snacks. The main meal is lunch, while breakfast and dinner are light. Lunch is typically served at midday and consists of soup and a main dish. During the week, children eat at school and adults usually eat at work. Most Czech schools have kitchens where students have a choice of one of two meals every day. Large CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES companies and *tones have their own cafeterias where employees can choose from at least two or three main dishes. Greetings Women generally prepare the meals; men might help with When strangers meet or when a young person greets an older cleanup. Few Czech men cook. Plates usually are prepared in person, they shake hands firmly and say their last names the kitchen and carried to the table. The head of the household followed by a verbal greeting, such as MN mne (Pleased to is served first, unless guests are present. People eat with the

3 CultureGrams- Czech Republic fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. They keep their Though today more women are financially able to stay at hands, but not elbows, above the table. The hostess generally home full-time, those who work generally receive more offers seconds to guests, but it is not impolite to decline them respect. Women in rural areas are still seen as the caretakers after commenting on how good the food is. Drinking and of men, children, grandchildren, elderly relatives, and the toasting are common for formal and informal events. An house. They usually cook at least one meal a day, which, if it empty glass is always refilled. When drinking socially, people is a traditional Czech meal, may take several hours to prepare. do not pour for themselves. Many women in rural areas work part- or full-time jobs in While Czechs may frequently meet friends for a drink, nearby . most do not dine out often. Homemade meals are often In urban areas, women tend to be more independent and preferred to eating out. In restaurants, mineral water and interested in building their careers. However, women are bread and butter can be ordered, but they do not come with more likely to quit their jobs and stay home with children the meal. Many restaurants cater to lunch customers by than men are; men typically earn more than women do, so it having a menu of the day, which is less expensive than the is considered less of a sacrifice for women to stay home. regular menu and usually includes a choice of three main Families often have grandparents living with them or (if they dishes, two types of soup, and a dessert. In pubs and are wealthy) a maid and nanny to help with housework and restaurants, multiple servers work to take diners orders and child care. It is not common for women to hold senior-level bring drinks and food; still, service can be slow, and it is not positions in business; women hold just over 20 percent of considered impolite to wave down one of the servers. The national parliament positions. head server adds up the bill at the table. Mothers and fathers receive several months of paid leave when a child is born, in addition to subsidies for each birth and for childcare services when they return to work. Some LIFESTYLE mothers choose to receive as many as three years of paid maternity leave, and they often stay home with their child Family until he or she begins attending preschool at age three. Structure Mothers are more likely to quit their jobs and stay home with Czech families traditionally are close and tight-knit. Urban children than fathers are; men typically earn more than families are usually small, rarely with more than two children. women do, so it is considered less of a sacrifice for the Rural families tended to be larger in the past; today, they are to stay home. closer in size to urban families Pets, especially dogs, are cherished members of many urban and rural families. Housing Under the rule of communism, married couples with Urban children found it easier to qualify for state apartments, which Much housing in the Czech Republic recalls the communist contributed to many people beginning families at a young era. In the cities, many people live in old prefabricated age. Today, some state incentives exist to support young apartment blocks, known as panekiky, which were couples in starting a family, including financial support for constructed in communist times. After the fall of communism, young children and housing subsidies. Even so, young many of these buildings were transferred from state to private couples generally take time to travel, establish their careers, ownership. Part of the housing market continues to be and settle into their homes before having children. Young regulated, which allows people to rent apartments at families looking to own a home typically move out to more reasonable prices. Some people live in tenement houses or in rural areas, where there is more land and prices are lower. new Western-style apartment blocks. Parents and Children Rural Though rural children tend to have more household and The typical rural dwelling is a brick house with gardens at the yard-work chores than their urban counterparts, both rural and front and back. Today, people generally take better care of urban parents generally feel that their children's top priorities their houses than they did under communism. should be academics and extracurricular activities. Parents Ownership feel responsible for their children until they are financially Most young people cannot afford to buy homes, though independent, and it is not uncommon for children to continue young couples are generally able to buy an apartment if both to live with their parents as adults, even when married. husband and wife are employed. However, some young Parents and adult children tend to share more expensive people struggle to afford rent and will live with their parents things such as cars or chat), (cottages) for many years. after marriage, though they strive to become independent as Later in life, adult children usually take care of aging soon as possible. Young Czechs often use money their parents parents. However, homes for the elderly are becoming more have saved for them in government sponsored savings popular. Some are assisted-living facilities, but others are accounts with a higher interest rate, called ''building savings," more like hotels, where people live in separate apartments and to build a house. have access to medical care, cleaning services, dining rooms, exercise rooms, food delivery, and cultural activities. Dating and Marriage Grandparents often help with child care, especially with Dating and Courtship young children. Young people tend to socialize in groups; they enjoy going to Gender Roles movies or the theater, hiking, camping, attending music

4 CultureGrams- Czech Republic festivals, and dancing at discos. Young people often socialize Birth in shopping malls, which are relatively new in the Czech When a baby is born, the mother and child receive flowers Republic and usually include movie theaters; fast food and presents, while the father often goes out to celebrate with restaurants are popular but expensive, and many young his friends. After the child is born, the parents have the option people consider them a luxury. Couples begin to commit to to baptize the child. The number of baptized children in the more serious relationships toward the end of high school. Czech Republic is lower than in neighboring countries. Engagement Baptisms are performed within a year after the child's birth. When a couple decides to get married, the man is expected to Relatives are invited to a small celebration afterward. ask the woman's father for his permission. Couples do not say Parents pick names for their children before birth. Baby that they are engaged; they just announce the date of their names are often chosen from the Czech calendar, which lists wedding to their family and closest friends. They send out one or two specific names for each day of the year. This name formal wedding invitations, which announce the date and day (Svatek) is celebrated in addition to one's . The location with a short description of the wedding program and most frequently celebrated name days are the ones of a proverb or poem. traditional names, such as Josef and Anna. However, people Several weeks before the wedding, the bride's family today like to choose less common and more exotic names, as bakes traditional wedding sweets—small cakes filled with well as names that are not in the calendar. If a child's given sweet cottage cheese, plum and apple jam, or ground poppy name is not listed in the Czech calendar, his or her parents seeds—and the bride distributes them to family, friends, and usually look for a name in the calendar that is somehow neighbors. People who are still single are given special square associated or similar to the child's name and celebrate that cakes, which are supposed to be eaten under a table; eating name day. these cakes is thought to increase the chance that these people Milestones will marry soon. Fifteen, eighteen, and fifty are significant birthdays for Marriage in Society Czechs: the first two in particular come with new rights and Exclusive relationships do not always lead to marriage, but responsibilities. At age 15, Czech citizens receive a citizen's young people are generally expected to get married, card (obcansky pntkaz), the main formal document that especially before they start a family. Most people complete proves citizenship in the Czech Republic. They also become their educations, establish their careers, and travel before legally responsible for their actions at this age. Also important getting married. Most men are married by the age of 30; to teens is acquiring a motorcycle license (at 15) and a license women marry a few years earlier. to drive a car (at 18). At age 18, Czechs have the right to vote Civil marriages are the most common, but religious and get married without their parents' permission; they are marriages are becoming popular. Before religious marriages, considered legal adults. When young people get their first couples are required to attend several meetings with a priest, full-time job and receive their first salaries, it is customary for which include lessons on the importance of faith, love, them to invite their family to celebrate with a meal and to buy supporting each other, and raising future children in their a present for their parents. Fiftieth birthdays are important church. milestones; age 50 is considered the peak of adulthood. Weddings Czechs also like to celebrate marriage anniversaries, Civil wedding ceremonies are short and held in halls, particularly the 25th and the 50th. A husband usually invites while church weddings last more than an hour and include the his wife to dinner and gives her flowers, or, if it is an wedding ceremony and a mass. At the wedding, the bride important anniversary, a gift such as jewelry. For their 50th wears a long dress (usually white) and the groom wears a suit wedding anniversary, couples invite their children, with a tie. Common wedding traditions include cutting the grandchildren, and relatives for a celebration, which is often wedding cake, eating clear beef soup from the same bowl, and held in a restaurant. Some couples renew their vows in either breaking a plate for good luck. Most urban weddings take a town hall or a church. place with only the immediate family and closest friends Death present. Rural weddings tend to include more guests. Funerals take place a few days after death. After friends and After the wedding ceremony, guests are invited for a family members gather to remember the deceased, they festive lunch or dinner; music and dancing follow and usually typically eat and drink at a big feast. Rural funerals are more last until the early morning hours. Guests usually wear formal likely to take place in a church and are typically attended by attire. In rural areas, traditional costumes may be worn, and more people than urban funerals, which include only family celebrations can last all day. Weddings may be paid for by members and close friends. Both cremation and burial are either the parents or the couple, depending on the couple's common. financial situation. Honeymoons are gaining popularity. Divorce Diet Divorce has become more common in post-Soviet times; this Among older people and in Czech pubs and restaurants, may be due to greater independence for individuals and the various kinds of goulash and schnitzels, along with the availability of apartments for individuals, instead of only for ubiquitous dumplings, are still dietary mainstays. One of the married couples. most traditional meals is roast beef in cream sauce with dumplings. Another common dish is knedlo, vepfo, zelo Life Cycle (sauerkraut, pork roast, and dumplings). Sausages and pizza

5 CultureGrams- Czech Republic are popular snack foods that can be purchased from sidewalk drink wine and beer, and win small raffle prizes. vendors and storefront counters in city centers. Children tend to be very involved at school, especially Traditional Czech food is heavy and arduous to with extracurricular activities like sports and music, but many prepare. Among younger people and in newer restaurants, prefer to spend their time on computers, televisions, and there is a growing trend toward lighter fare that is easier to mobile phones. Both classical and modern dancing are prepare and includes fresh vegetables and other produce. popular; children and youth ages 5 to 18 form dance groups Foreign cuisine—Asian, Mediterranean, U.S. American—has and compete at national and international levels. also established a foothold. Other leisure activities include watching television, going Breakfast usually consists of rolls or bread with butter and to movies or concerts, dancing, taking walks, and getting jam or ham and cheese. Coffee is most common in the together with friends. Gardening and home-improvement morning, though the recent proliferation of coffee shops has projects are also widely enjoyed. People enjoy being outdoors made meeting for coffee a popular activity any time of day. when the weather is warm. In the evening, men often gather For most Czechs, the main meal of the day is lunch, which in pubs to watch sports, drink beer, and talk, while women usually begins with a hearty soup, followed by a main dish of visit close friends at home. In smaller towns, people socialize meat and potatoes or bread dumplings. Beer, soda, and juice while doing errands. are popular throughout the day. A wide variety of breads and Vacation bakery items are available. Many desserts are made from Czechs usually vacation for one to three weeks each year. fruit. Children have a two-month holiday from school in the summer, and families often take some of this time to travel to Recreation the seaside or go sightseeing in the Czech Republic. Czech Sports skiing areas are also popular family vacation destinations; Soccer is the most popular sport. Nearly every city, town, and wealthier Czechs can afford to go to the Austrian and Italian village has at least one soccer field. Czech villages usually Alps to ski. have a local soccer team consisting of men ages 20 to 60. Forty years of travel restrictions under Soviet rule led to a They compete with teams from surrounding villages each pent-up desire to go abroad. The Mediterranean is a popular weekend; villagers enjoy watching and supporting their teams destination; many Czechs travel with groups to , during these matches. In the cities, there are weekly matches , , and . Increasing wages have opened up among professional teams. the possibility of travel to other places such as Africa, the , , volleyball, swimming, and gymnastics United States, China, and . are also popular. Sports such as cycling and roller-skating are becoming more common. The Czech Republic's national The Arts hockey team has been successful in international competition, Czechs pride themselves on their support of the arts. Theater winning several world titles. performances, concerts, and exhibits are offered throughout Favorite activities for younger men include traditional the year. In the summer, many towns sponsor free outdoor sports such as soccer, hockey, tennis, swimming, track, and concerts. Some hold festivals organized around music, film, skiing. Younger women in urban areas attend fitness classes historic events, food, wine, or some combination thereof. The at local gyms, where they also visit the swimming pool and Prague Spring Festival is an important classical musical event sauna. Women living outside the city often travel in to that showcases the best Czech ensembles and brings in star participate in fitness activities. Every major city has outdoor performers from all over the world. and indoor swimming pools and tennis courts, which are The Czech Philharmonic, established in the late 19th regularly open to the public. Fitness classes are also available century, is internationally renowned. World-famous for senior citizens in retirement communities, but older nationalist composers such as Antonin Dyadic and Bedfich generations do not participate in many sports. Smetana took much of their inspiration from . Leisure and waltzes are popular folk dances. Czechs are known for their love of nature. The country's Czech artists have also attracted attention in visual arts forests, fields, mountains, and lakes are regularly visited such as painting, photography, and film. The famous (especially by urban residents) on weekends. Almost every modernist writer was Czech, as was one of the urban family owns a country cottage, where they spend as world's most popular and influential painters, much time as possible, especially during the summer. Czechs . Czech folk arts include making puppets, are constantly reconstructing or improving their cottages. ceramics, toys, and glass. Bohemian crystal is especially Another main activity at a cottage is tending the gardens and renowned. The Czech Republic is also known for its , fruit trees. Camping, hiking, swimming in lakes, gathering art nouveau, and cubist architecture. mushrooms and berries, and snow skiing are all favorite outdoor activities. Holidays Another popular recreational activity in many towns Public holidays include New Year's Day, Easter Monday, involves competitions between teams of volunteer Labor Day (or Workers' Day, 1 May), End of World War II (8 firefighters, who demonstrate their skills by seeing who can May), Cyril and Methodius's Day (5 July), Jan Hus Day (6 assemble a hose and hit a target the fastest. Balls held by July), Founding of the First Republic in 1918 (28 Oct.), firefighting teams are popular in the winter; people dance, Velvet Revolution Day (or Fight for Freedom and Democracy

6 CultureGrarns- Czech Republic Day, 17 November), and Christmas (24-26 Dec.). Christmas cookies, and preparing Christmas Eve dinner, Cyril and Methodius 's Day which includes carp and potato salad. Vcinoaca, a fruit bread, Cyril and Methodius, Byzantine Greek missionaries, are is eaten in the days leading up to Christmas (and during Lent). honored for introducing to the Czech Republic New Year's Day and creating the Cyrillic alphabet (used before the current Czechs gather together with friends and family to celebrate Latin alphabet). Thousands of people, including the Czech the New Year with big parties and fireworks. People president, attend a televised mass in Velehrad, a city exchange small marzipan candies or paper cards in the shape associated with Cyril and Methodius. A festival with of pigs for good luck in the new year. carousels, private vendors, and other amusements lasts for two to three days. Some villages and towns also celebrate a day for their patron saint with fairs, dancing, feasting, and a SOCIETY mass. Easter Government Masopust (Carnival) occurs the week before Lent (the season Structure from Ash Wednesday to Easter). It is a popular time of The Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy divided celebration, especially in villages. On Tuesday, people dress into 13 regions and a capital city. The president is head of up in masks and sing and dance throughout the village. They state and is elected by direct popular vote to a five-year term. gather in pubs to drink and enjoy entertainment until The prime minister is head of government and is appointed by midnight. the president. Easter Sunday is traditionally celebrated by going to Parliament (or the National Council) is divided into an church and eating a festive lunch with mazanec (a sweet upper and lower house of a Senate (81 seats) and a Chamber bread) and soups or stuffing made with spring herbs. Children of Deputies (200 seats). Senators serve six-year terms, and have a day off of school on Good Friday (the Friday before one-third of the house is reelected every two years. Chamber Easter) and Easter Monday. They decorate eggs with members are elected by proportional representation to serve commercially-made dyes. More skilled artists use onion skins four-year terms. and other natural products for dyeing eggs. Political Landscape A traditional Easter custom in small villages involves men The two main political parties are the center-right Civic buying or making a pomlcizka, a braided whip of willow and Democratic Party (ODS) and the center-left Czech Social birch branches, which they use to playfully strike their wives Democratic Party (CSSD). Other parties, such as the left-wing and female friends; doing so is supposed to make the women Communist Party, the centrist Christian Democratic younger. The girls and women then give decorated eggs, Union–Czechoslovak People's Party (KDU-CSL), and the sweets, and sometimes money to the men and boys. center-right Public Affairs (VV) have little power but have a Christmas large impact on politics when they become part of a coalition. The Christmas holidays begin with the celebration of St. Political power often rotates every electoral cycle. The Nicholas Day. On the evening of 5 December, groups of three Roma (Gypsy) minority is excluded from national politics but dress up as Mikukif (St. Nicholas), Cert (the devil), and Andel participates in local government. Cases of corruption can be (an angel) and walk around the neighborhood, visiting found on all levels. children's homes and giving them small presents and sweets. Government and the People Mikulag usually has a long beard, a white coat, and a tall hat Freedom of press, association, and expression are guaranteed with a cross on it. Cert is commonly dressed in black clothes by the constitution and generally respected. The with a blackened face and a chain, which he rattles, and Antidiscrimination Act provides Czechs with equal treatment, Andel usually has white hair and wings. During the day, though the Roma still face discrimination and violence. Mikulag, Cert, and Andel visit children in elementary schools; In 2013, voters participated in the first open presidential Mikulag asks the children about their behavior during the election, though voter turnout was not very high. Voting previous year, and the children have to sing a song or recite a patterns may fall along socioeconomic and geographic lines. poem to earn presents. Children in school also compete to see The voting age is 18. who can make the best artistic representation of Macula, Cert, or Andel. Economy In December, towns and cities have Christmas markets, The Czech Republic enjoyed marked success in its initial where people buy live carp that are sold out of large plastic years of transition from a planned to a free-market economy. garbage cans filled with water. Other vendors sell handmade Rapid reforms encouraged privatization in many sectors, and Christmas decorations, small bunches of jmeli (mistletoe) private enterprises absorbed many who were laid off by with little white berries (sometimes painted silver or gold), sagging industries. Although economic progress slowed in the warm potato pancakes, baked corn on the cob, grilled years following privatization, low labor costs, the export of sausages, and hot red wine (svaliik). Christmas trees and manufactured goods, and strong fiscal policies led to balanced other Christmas decorations are popular. budgets ahead of joining the European Union in 2004. Christmas Eve is the most important part of Christmas, The Czech Republic suffered budget shortfalls in the wake and people spend a long time preparing for it—shopping for of the 2008 worldwide financial crisis and, like almost every presents, cleaning and decorating their homes, baking other country in Europe, struggled to make up for large

7 CultureGrarns- Czech Republic budget deficits. Gross domestic product (GDP) began slowly schools in smaller towns and rural areas. rising in 2010 and 2011. Despite another recession in 2012 School Life because of lowered export demands, the economy began Math and languages are the most emphasized subjects. All growing again in 2013. elementary school students spend a large amount of time Although only a little over 3 percent of the labor force is mastering Czech grammar. Some public elementary schools employed in agriculture, that sector is important to the (known as sports schools) focus primarily on physical domestic economy. Crops include wheat, hops, sugar beets, education and recruit talented children from the surrounding potatoes, barley, rye, onions, and fruit. Major industries region. Other public elementary schools (known as language include metallurgy, machinery and equipment, motor schools) offer extended hours of foreign language instruction. vehicles, glass, and armaments. Tourism is increasingly Students in language schools learn English (which is also important. The Czech labor force is cohesive and well studied in regular elementary schools) and other foreign educated. languages, such as German, Spanish, or French. They may The country's privatization program, which has sold stock study other subjects in a foreign language. Students can enter to Czechs rather than outside interests or large firms, has a public language school in third grade after passing an exam. attempted to give Czechs a stake in economic performance. Teaching styles, especially in public schools, are mainly The Czech National Bank, a self-governing group whose authoritative. Teachers usually meet four times a year with all leaders are appointed by the president, regulates the the students parents to inform them about the curriculum and currency—the Czech konina (CZK). special events. Students receive a report card (vysvedeeni) twice a year, at the end of January and the end of June. Transportation and Communications Grades range from 1 to 5: 1 is given for excellent Public transportation is extensive and reliable in most urban performance and 5 is a failing grade. Teachers give students a areas and between towns and cities. However, the fleets of separate grade for each subject, for behavior, and for , buses, and trains are aging, and the industry is being extracurricular activities. Inclusion of special needs students encouraged to privatize and modernize. This development in regular classrooms is becoming more common; these will likely increase prices and decrease service along students, when possible, have individuals assisting them unprofitable routes. More people are buying cars. during classes. Post offices provide a . full array of domestic and Higher Education international delivery services; postal service is for the most Education is important to Czechs, and most students continue part efficient. Daily,newspapers are widely read, especially by on to tertiary education. High school students take exams to older generations. Many homes have cable television and enter universities; admittance is determined by entrance exam access to international programming in addition to local scores, high school grades, and a final high school exam (the broadcasts. While businesses and many homes have regular Maturita). Students at public universities pay a small amount phone service, overwhelmingly, Czechs use cellular phones to for tuition. There are several institutions of higher learning, communicate with one another. the oldest of which is , founded in 1348. Public universities are better known and have a better Education reputation than private universities. Structure and Access Young children may go to nursery school or kindergarten, but Health compulsory education begins at age six and continues to age Health care is universal, and the government subsidizes most fifteen. Public education is free. Parents pay for school costs. People pay a minimal premium for insurance that supplies and lunches. Private schools are expensive and are covers all but a few prescriptions. Employers assist in paying mostly located in large cities. They are considered to be of these costs. The quality of health care is high. Industrial lower quality than public schools and are generally for pollution was a significant problem in some areas of the students who did not succeed in public schools. Czech Republic; the pollution levels have been linked to Students are required to attend school from first to ninth higher rates of cancer, respiratory disease, and birth defects. grade. Students may attend all nine grades in one elementary However, regulation on pollution is now in accord with school and then continue on to four more years of high European Union standards, and many areas contaminated by school. They may also have the options to go to five years of pollution have been cleaned up. elementary school and eight years of high school or to attend seven years of elementary school and six years of high school, though the latter track is less common. Eight-year AT A GLANCE high schools are the most popular and most demanding. High schools offer either an academic education, which Contact Information prepares students for university options, or an engineering Embassy of the Czech Republic, 3900 Spring of Freedom education, which prepares students for jobs that require Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 274-9100; technical or manual skills. Parents and students choose a web site www.mzv.cz/washington. Czech Center, phone school based on its reputation. Location is not a main factor; (646) 422-3399; web site www.czechcenter.com. some parents prefer to drive their children to a better school that is farther away. However, there is a limited selection of

8 CultureGrams' Czech Republic

Country and Development Data

Capital Prague Population 10,644,842 (rank=83) Area (sq. mi.) 30,451 (rank=114) Area (sq. km.) 78,867 Human Development Index 28 of 187 countries Gender Inequality Index 13 of 152 countries GDP (PPP) per capita $28,400 Adult Literacy 99% (male); 99% (female) Infant Mortality 2.63 per 1,000 births Life Expectancy 75 (male); 81 (female) Currency

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