The Czechs value knowledge and cultivation, as well as formality, and so can often come across as a little stiff. However, beneath the layers of social reserve is a country of sincere and caring people. The Czechs are also deeply, darkly funny. They have made laughing through tears a national survival strategy.

Many tourists visit the Czech Republic knowing no more about it than that the beer is cheap and the women beautiful. That lack of knowledge has led to frustration among Czechs, most of whom are well-informed about the world around them.

Culture Smart! Czech Republic informs you about the traditions, values, and attitudes of a remarkable people. It describes Czech life at home and in the workplace and offers practical advice on what to expect and how to navigate different social situations. The real rewards will come to the visitor who goes beyond the reserve to explore the complex corners of the Czech soul.