Virtual Culture Tour - Czech Republic and Slovakia

Czech Republic and Slovakia – two hearts of Europe

When Czech Republic and Slovakia declared their independence 29 years ago, it was not the first separation of these two nations in the 20th century. The first Czechoslovakia was formed in 1918 after the fall of the monarchies in Europe and was forced to split by Germany in 1938. The new republic was formed under the communistic regime in 1945 and lasted till 1993 when a peaceful separation was agreed upon among prime ministers of the federative government.

And yet, even 29 years after the separation, we share a very close language (not the same though), culture and habits, we study at each other´s universities (there is a law that allows Czech and Slovak students to use their mother tongue as an official language in both countries) and work at each other´s companies (if you visit a hospital in Prague, there is a big chance the doctor or nurse will speak Slovak). There are many mixed marriages and friendships around both countries.

Both nations made some significant inventions that formed the world.

Czechs made the world a better place by inventing contact lenses, 4 blood groups, a lightning rod, the word “robot” and not to omit – a sugar cube.

A Slovak product might be protecting your computer right now – the antivirus software by Slovak Eset is the most exported antivirus software from the EU and it ranks among the world´s top 10.

The objective lens, theatre binoculars, Krav Maga and Pop Art (yes, Andy Warhol, too!) were also invented by Slovaks.

If you haven´t been to Czech Republic yet, do so while in Brunssum. You hit the border within 6 hours and then it´s all up to you. Visit some of the UNESCO heritage destinations (oh, Prague!.. but there is so much more) and have Pilsner Urquell beer or a glass of Pálava – the typical variety from Southern Moravia.

In Slovakia, go for nature. We have it all – rocky straits, ladders and hiking paths over waterfalls and brooks, vast forests (watch out for bears!) - and not to forget the High Tatras Mountains with 29 peaks over 2,500 m (8,200 ft) that Czechs are so jealous of 😊.