Daily life

Unlike in other, especially Western-European countries, most Czechs still prefer to own their home instead of renting. The situation is a bit different in Prague, where house and flat prices are generally very high. To qualify for a mortgage, an applicant must show that the monthly payment would not exceed 50 percent of his or her pay. EU citizens must have at least temporary resident status to receive a mortgage, and citizens of other countries need to be permanent residents.

Costs of living are not too high in Czechia, although it obviously depends on the individual’s income. Living expenses, rents especially, are highest in Prague. Health insurance is mandatory for all Czech citizens. Unlike in Great Britain or Italy, for example, public universities are tuition-free.

Parents can go on maternity leave for as long as four years, and women do so more often than men. Children can start preschool from the age of two and must attend one for at least a year. There are also nurseries for children younger than two.

In general, the majority (about 70 %) of Czechs recycle their trash. Besides the classic partition of plastic, paper, and glass, Czechs can also recycle metals, beverage cartons, and oil.

Czechia is often referred to as a nation of dog-lovers. According to statistics by Fediaf, an organization representing the European pet food industry, there are about two million dogs in the country. But when the number of dogs is measured per capita, Czechia only places sixth in Europe, behind such canine-loving countries as Romania, Portugal, or Hungary.