Czechia, Má Vlast Trivia Quiz

Answer: Austria

The Czech Republic, located in Central Europe, is a landlocked country with a diverse and picturesque geography. It shares its borders with four neighboring countries: Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the north.

The country's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and fertile plains, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Vltava River, which flows through the capital city of Prague, is a prominent geographical feature, while the rugged Bohemian and Moravian highlands add to the country's natural beauty.

The Czech Republic's central location in Europe has played a pivotal role in its history and culture, and its borders have witnessed centuries of historical events and interactions as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which dominated Central Europe and the Northern Balkans, and in the second half of the 20th century as part of the Warsaw Bloc, the bloc of countries that were overtaken by communism after WWII.

Answer: 1 January 1993

Czechoslovakia had the Velvet Divorce on January 1, 1993. This peaceful separation resulted in the creation of two independent nations: the Czech Republic (or Czechia) and Slovakia. The term "Velvet Divorce" refers to the non-violent and amicable nature of the split, in contrast to many other political separations in history, as in the Balkans during the same historical time. Czechoslovakia was formed as a country in 1918, with the Munich Agreement, after the First World War and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Answer: Between 9,000,000 and 11,000,000 people

At the time of the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the country had an estimated population of about 15,500,000 people. Of that, 10.3 million were ethnic Czechs and 5,2 million were ethnic Slovaks. The two countries issued citizenship to their people according to their ethnic identity before the split, in a relatively smooth process.

The Czechs are composed of Bohemians, Moravians and Czech Silesians and are a West Slavic group of people who migrated to Central Europe during the Migration Period (300-800 CE). Outside of Czechia, large ethnic Czech communities are found in the USA, Canada, Germany, the UK and Latin America. Prominent people of Czech descent include historic figure Jan Hus, author Franz Kafka, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, director Milos Forman, athletes Emil Zatopek and Martina Navratilova, composers Leos Janacek and Antonin Dvorak, actress Sissy Spacek and celebrity Ivana Trump.

Answer: Author and poet

Born 5 October 1936, in Prague, prominent Czech playwright, essayist, dissident, and politician Vaclav Havel became a leading figure in the dissident movements during the communist era in Czechoslovakia and played a leading role in the transition of Czechoslovakia from a communist regime to a democratic nation. His works, which included plays like "The Garden Party" and "The Memorandum," were not only critically acclaimed but also served as subtle critiques of the authoritarian regime.

Following the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which peacefully toppled the communist government, Havel became the first president of the newly formed Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic when the country peacefully split into two in 1993. He served as the Czech Republic's president until 2003. Havel passed away on December 18, 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a symbol of the struggle for democracy and human rights not only in his country but worldwide.

Answer: Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia; Brno, Carlovy Vary and Plzen are all cities in the Czech Republic.

Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, is a vibrant and historically rich urban center nestled in the heart of Europe. With its charming blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture and a few of the finest examples of modernist architecture, Brno is a hub for culture, arts and education, hosting the renowned Masaryk University, museums, galleries and culinary delights.

Carlovy Vary, also known as Karlovy Vary, is a picturesque spa town located in the western part of the Czech Republic. This charming Bohemian city is famous for its natural thermal springs and elegant, Belle Époque architecture. Visitors flock to Carlovy Vary to partake in the centuries-old tradition of drinking mineral water from ornate spa cups believed to have healing properties.

Plzen, also known as Pilsen, is a city in Western Bohemia, in the Czech Republic, known globally for the Pilsner beer, a pale lager, produced in the Czech Republic's largest brewery, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, founded in 1842.

Answer: 1968

In 1968, the "Prague Spring," as the movement became known, was a crucial moment in Czechoslovakia's history. It marked a period of political and cultural liberalization, as the country sought to break free from the grip of Soviet domination. Under the leadership of Alexander Dubček, the "Prague Spring" aimed to introduce democratic reforms and greater autonomy, as Dubček stated, "socialism with a human face".

However, this spirit of reform was met with swift and brutal suppression when Soviet-led Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia in August 1968, suppressing the hopes of the reformers and restoring Moscow's control. The "Prague Spring" remains an everlasting symbol of a nation's struggle for independence and the enduring desire for freedom.

Answer: 8 May

8 May 1945, also known as "Victory in Europe Day" marks the official date of the end of WWII in Europe and the cease of Nazi occupation and it is celebrated as Liberation Day by many European countries with commemorative events and public holidays. Since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic has adopted this date as its National Liberation Day and it is commemorated with memorials, parades, and the laying of wreaths on national monuments. Schools and public services are closed.

Answer: Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge in Prague, is a 650-year-old historic icon of the Czech capital. Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV, construction of this magnificent stone bridge began in 1357 and was completed at the beginning of the 15th century. With its 16 arches and 30 statues of saints adorning its balustrades, the Charles Bridge has served as a vital pedestrian artery connecting Prague Castle and the Old Town.

It has witnessed centuries of history, from medieval processions and battles to romantic strolls by artists and tourists.

The Charles Bridge remains one of Prague's most beloved landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city's picturesque skyline and the Vltava River.

Answer: 2004

The Czech Republic officially became a member of the European Union (EU) on 1 May 2004. This was part of the EU's fifth enlargement, which included several other countries from Central and Eastern Europe, namely Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Malta and Slovenia.

The Czech Republic's accession to the EU marked a significant step in the country's post-communist transition and its integration into the broader European community, claiming its rightful historic place as a full-fledged member of Europe.

Answer: My Homeland

Bedřich Smetana's "Má Vlast," which translates to "My Homeland" in English, is a remarkable and iconic cycle of six symphonic poems that celebrate the history, culture, and landscape of Moravia and Bohemia in his native Czech Republic.

Composed between 1874 and 1879, this musical masterpiece is a heartfelt tribute to the Czech people's enduring spirit and their connection to the land. Each poem in the cycle captures a different facet of Czech history and folklore, making "Má Vlast" a symbol of national pride and identity. The poems are "Vysehrad", "Vltava (The Moldau)", "Sarka", "Z ceskych luhu a haju (From Bohemia's woods and fields)", "Tabor", and "Blanik". The most famous of the six is "Vltava," which beautifully depicts the flow of the Vltava River and is often performed alone, as a single piece of music.