echách

Čechy, commonly known in English as Bohemia, is the western and historical core region of the Czech Republic. It is the largest historic land of the Czech state and contains the capital city Prague, as well as many other major towns and industrial centers.

Geographically, Bohemia lies largely on the Bohemian Massif. Its landscape ranges from forested mountains in the north and west, such as the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) and Šumava (Bohemian Forest), to lowlands and basins in the central and southern areas. The Vltava River flows through Prague, while the Elbe (Labe) drainage basin covers much of the region.

Historically, Bohemia emerged as a Slavic duchy and later a kingdom centered on Prague. It became a crown land of the Přemyslid dynasty, later part of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy. In the 20th century it formed the core of Czechoslovakia and remains a principal region of the Czech Republic.

Economically and culturally, Bohemia has long been an industrial and cultural heart of the country. It is known for beer production (notably Pilsner in Plzeň), glass and crystal manufacture, engineering, and a rich architectural and artistic heritage. UNESCO sites in the region include Český Krumlov, Telč, and Kutná Hora.

Today Bohemia is densely populated, with Prague as its urban hub. The Czech language predominates, and the region plays a central role in politics, education, and tourism within the Czech Republic.