World Happiness Report for Czech Republic 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Czech Republic: 18
- Happiness Score Czech Republic:6.822
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Czech Republic. CZ.
- A unitary parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government
- Known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in the fields of music, literature, and architecture
- Has a highly developed and export-oriented economy, with a focus on manufacturing, especially in machinery and transportation equipment
Czech Republic – A Comprehensive Overview
Historical Overview
Early History: The region of modern-day Czech Republic has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of early Slavic settlements dating back to the 6th century AD. The Duchy of Bohemia emerged in the 9th century and became a part of the Holy Roman Empire.
Kingdoms and Empires: The Kingdom of Bohemia rose to prominence in the 13th and 14th centuries under the Přemyslid dynasty. The Lands of the Bohemian Crown later came under the rule of the Habsburg Monarchy, which lasted until the end of World War I.
Colonial Period: The Czech lands were not directly colonized but were part of the Austrian Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Independence and Modern Era: Following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I, the independent state of Czechoslovakia was established in 1918. During World War II, the country was occupied by Nazi Germany. After the war, it became a socialist state within the Soviet bloc. The Velvet Revolution of 1989 ended Communist rule, and in 1993, the country peacefully dissolved into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Current Political Situation: The Czech Republic is a unitary parliamentary constitutional republic with a multi-party democratic system. The president serves as the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government. Recent elections have seen a shift towards more conservative and populist parties.
International Relations: The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, NATO, and various other international organizations. It maintains close ties with its neighbors and allies in Europe and the United States.
Human Development and Economy: The Czech Republic has a developed, high-income economy driven by services, manufacturing, and automotive industries. It ranks highly in human development indices, with a high standard of living and quality of life.
Cultural Highlights: The Czech Republic boasts a rich cultural heritage, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, classical music composers like Dvořák and Smetana, and literary figures such as Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera. Czech beer and cuisine are also renowned worldwide.
Key challenges facing the Czech Republic today include sustaining economic growth, addressing demographic shifts and an aging population, and managing the impacts of climate change and environmental issues.
Travel Tips for Czech Republic
– Best times to visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds, or winter for Christmas markets and skiing.
– Cultural etiquette: Greet with a handshake, dress conservatively, and avoid public displays of affection.
– Safety precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid carrying valuables openly.
– Must-see landmarks: Prague’s Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Astronomical Clock.
– Culinary experiences: Try traditional Czech dishes like goulash, svíčková, and knedlíky, and sample the famous Czech beers.
Living in Czech Republic
– Cost of living: Relatively affordable compared to other European countries, with lower housing and utility costs.
– Housing: Apartments and houses are available for rent or purchase in cities and rural areas.
– Healthcare: Public healthcare system with mandatory insurance, complemented by private options.
– Education: Free public schooling, with a range of international schools and universities.
– Lifestyle: Modern amenities, vibrant cities, and access to outdoor activities in the countryside.
– Cultural norms: Respect for personal space, punctuality, and formal greetings.
– Legal requirements: Residents must register with authorities and obtain necessary permits or visas.
Main facts
Location
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country situated in Central Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east, and Poland to the northeast. The country lies in the heart of the European continent, with its capital, Prague, located in the northwestern region.
Map References
The Czech Republic is part of the European continent and belongs to the Central European region.
Area – Comparative
With an area of approximately 78,866 square kilometers (30,451 square miles), the Czech Republic is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of South Carolina.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The Czech Republic shares land borders with the following countries:
Climate
The Czech Republic has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold, cloudy winters. The climate is influenced by the country’s inland location and varied topography, with mountainous regions experiencing cooler temperatures and higher precipitation.
Terrain
The terrain of the Czech Republic is predominantly characterized by rolling hills and plateaus, with low mountains in the west and east. The Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and the Carpathian Mountains are the main mountain ranges, while the Elbe, Vltava, and Morava are the major river valleys.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in the Czech Republic is Sněžka (1,603 meters or 5,259 feet), located in the Krkonoše Mountains along the border with Poland. The lowest point is the Labe River at 115 meters (377 feet) above sea level.
Natural Resources
The Czech Republic has limited natural resources, including small deposits of coal, tin, kaolin, clay, graphite, and timber.
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in the Czech Republic are the Elbe (shared with Germany), Vltava, Morava, and Oder rivers. The country also has several notable lakes, such as Lipno and Máchovo Jezero.
Natural Hazards
The Czech Republic is generally not prone to severe natural hazards. However, the country experiences occasional flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions.
Geography – Notes
The Czech Republic is a highly industrialized and urbanized country, with a well-developed infrastructure and a strong emphasis on environmental protection. The country’s geographical location and terrain have played a significant role in its history and cultural development.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 34.60%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 102,218. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 45.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 49.81749215.472962.
- Capital: The capital of Czech Republic is Prague
- Major Cities:
- Prague – 1,309, 779
- Brno – 377,440
- Ostrava – 291,612
- Plzeň – 169,033
- Liberec – 104,802
- Population: 10,669,709
- Area(Km2): 78867
- Population Density( P/Km²):139. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:420
- Official Language(s):Czech is the primary language spoken in Czech Republic, spoken by 98% of the population.
- Currency: CZK
Main Economic Indicators
The Czech Republic has a developed, high-income export-driven economy with a skilled labor force and high living standards. Key industries include automotive, machinery, metallurgy, and advanced manufacturing. The country faces challenges like an aging population, dependence on imports of raw materials and energy, and the need to boost productivity and innovation to maintain competitiveness. The government prioritizes fiscal discipline, attracting foreign investment, and supporting the development of high-tech sectors.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 3.8% (Source: Czech Statistical Office)
2022: 16.2% (Source: Czech Statistical Office)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: AA- (Stable)
Moody’s: Aa3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: AA- (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 2.4%
Industry: 37.5%
Services: 60.1%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit
Industrial: motor vehicles, machinery and equipment, metal products, chemicals, computer technology
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 5.4 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 74th in the world
Current Account Balance
2021: $3.47 billion (Surplus)
2022: $7.26 billion (Surplus)
Comparative Ranking: 28th in the world (2022 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $241.7 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: Germany, Slovakia, Poland, France, UK
Main Commodities: machinery, motor vehicles, computer technology, iron and steel
Imports: $236.1 billion (2022 est.)
Key Partners: Germany, Poland, China, Netherlands, Slovakia
Main Commodities: machinery, motor vehicles, mineral fuels, chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $167.5 billion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 9.5 tons (December 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$246,489,245,495. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.90%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 46.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.17. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $3.00. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 1.93%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality: noun – Czech(s), adjective – Czech
2. Ethnic Groups
- Czech 64.3%
- Moravian 5%
- Slovak 1.4%
- Other 29.3% (Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, German, Roma, Vietnamese, and others)
3. Religions
- Religiously unaffiliated 34.5%
- Roman Catholic 10.4%
- Protestant (includes Czech Brethren and Hussite) 0.5%
- Other 54.6%
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 15.31%
- 15-64 years: 63.49%
- 65 years and over: 21.2%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 57.6
Youth dependency ratio: 24.1
Elderly dependency ratio: 33.4
6. Median Age
Total: 42.8 years
Male: 41.3 years
Female: 44.3 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 26.0% of the adult population
- Alcohol consumption: 13.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
- Tobacco use: 31.1% of adults
- Life expectancy at birth: 79.1 years (75.5 years for males, 82.8 years for females)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 79. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:10.7. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:13. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.69. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 79.5%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 7,887,156. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):14.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Czech Republic’s military consists of the Army, Air Force, Castle Guards, and Active Reserves. Special units include the 601st Special Forces Group and Biological Protection Unit. The Police of the Czech Republic is responsible for maintaining internal security, supported by the Prison Service.
Military Expenditures
Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.57%
- 2021: 1.44%
- 2020: 1.37%
- 2019: 1.22%
- 2018: 1.21%
The Czech Republic ranked 55th globally in military expenditure in 2022.
Personnel Strengths
The Czech Armed Forces have approximately 23,500 active-duty personnel, including:
- Army: 14,600
- Air Force: 4,900
- Castle Guards: 1,000
- Active Reserves: 3,000
The Police of the Czech Republic has around 40,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
The Czech military’s main equipment includes:
- Domestically produced: L-159 ALCA light attack aircraft, Pandur II armored personnel carriers
- Imported: Gripen multirole fighters, T-72 and T-64 tanks, BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicles
Future acquisitions include CV90 infantry fighting vehicles from Sweden and F-35 fighter jets from the United States.
Military Service Age and Obligation
The Czech Republic has a voluntary military service system. The age range for voluntary service is 18-60 years old. There is no conscription or mandatory military service.
Military Deployments
Current overseas military deployments include:
- NATO missions in Kosovo (8 personnel), Iraq (20 personnel), and Afghanistan (345 personnel)
- UN peacekeeping missions in Mali (120 personnel) and Cyprus (200 personnel)
Strategic Military Notes
The Czech Republic’s defense strategy focuses on territorial defense, collective security within NATO, and international crisis management operations. As a member of NATO, the Czech military plays a role in regional security and participates in various multinational exercises and operations.
- Armed Forces Size: 23000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 4.12
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 60.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.