How to use the short country name “Czechia”
Based on frequently asked questions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (MFA)presents the following recommendations how to use the short country name “Česko/Czechia" in international context.
1. The difference between the short and formalcountry names
First, it should be noted that both the formal (political) and short (geographical)country names are the country’s official names. The CzechRepublic’sformal name is “Česká republika/Czech Republic” and its short equivalentis “Česko/Czechia”. The Czech versions of both names had been entered in the relevant UN databases (see below) already before the Czech Government decided to have the short version registered in foreign languages this year.
2. The legal basis for establishing the shortcountry name
To be accepted by the international community, a short country name must first pass through the national standardization process required bythe country’slaws and regulations. The Czech Republic’s procedure for standardization of toponymsis laid down by Act No. 200/1994on surveying. The authority responsible for the standardization process is the Czech Office for Surveying, Mappingand Cadastre (ČÚZK) and its appropriate expert commission. The one-word name “Česko” and its foreign language versions (including the English version “Czechia”) were standardized as early as in 1993 (The Names of Statesand Their Territorial Parts, Czech Office forSurveying, Mapping and Cadastre, 1993).
After the split of Czechoslovakia, the name “Česko/Czechia” gradually passed into general use, however, its foreign-language versionshad not been included in the relevant UN databases for over twenty years. To set the matter right, the Czech Government decided (in Government Resolution No. 403/2016 of 2 May 2016) to have the foreign-language versions of the short name “Czechia” listed in the relevant UNcountry name databases, namely the UNGEGN (United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names) and UNTERM (United Nations Terminology Database). ThisGovernment resolution confirmed the existing plan of the MFA to request the UN Secretariat to add the short name to the databases. TheUNGEGN database was updated in July 2016,followed by the UNTERMdatabase at the end of August 2016. The relevant EU databases will be updated in the near future.
3. When to use theformal vs short country name?
As noted above, the names “Česká republika/Czech Republic”and “Česko/Czechia” are both absolutely correct. To decide when and how to use them, the following rule of the thumb may be applied:
The short-form “Česko/Czechia” ispreferablein cases where it is not necessary to use the full name“Česká republika/Czech Republic”.
3.1 In which casesit is NECESSARY to usethe FORMAL(political) country name?
- Official government documents
- International agreements and non-binding official documents such as MoUs
- Official top-level meetings of political representatives (table name cards in meeting rooms)
3.2 The use of SHORT country name is recommended in the following cases:
- Cultural, social, scientific, sports (see below), economic and other presentations, and e.g. in speeches by political representatives (unless the speech is made on a highly formal occasion)
- Presentations by public figures representing cultural, social, scientific, sports, economic or other national interests
- Informal communication, correspondence, literary works, newspaper articles, geographical materials (e.g. maps)
- Promotional material presenting the country, its achievements. history and famous personalities
- Corporate promotional material
4. Which term to use if the above does not provide sufficient guidance?
The MFA recommends users to follow the practice of other developed countries, especially the EU Member States. In cases where most countries use their short name, it is preferable to use “Česko/Czechia”. Conversely, where most countries use their formal name, it is preferable to use “Česká republika/Czech Republic”.
5. When to use the short country name in a sports context?
Czech sporting successes are always an excellent opportunity to promote “Czechia” abroad. However, the above general rule applies here too:
The use of the shortform “Česko/Czechia“is preferable in cases where it is not necessary to use the full name “Česká republika/Czech Republic“.
5.1 When to use theFORMAL(political) country name in a sports context?
- International agreements on sports
- Meetings attended by representatives of Czech sports associations (table name cards in meeting rooms)
5.2 The use of the SHORTcountry name is recommended especially in the following cases:
- Sports equipment and gear, sportswear and national jerseys
- Results and charts
- Sports broadcasting and interviews
- In cases where other countries use their short names
6. What are the official versions of the short country name “Česko/Czechia”in other languages?
Naturally, it is not possible to provide a full list of the official versions of “Česko/Czechia”(“Česká republika/Czech Republic”)in all languages of the world. The following table shows the versions entered in the UN databases:
Language / Short country nameCzech / Česko
English / Czechia
French / Tchéquie (la)
Spanish / Chequia
Russian / Чехия
Arabic /
Chinese / 捷克
Interested users can also consult the enclosed list of versions in some additional languages. The list has been compiled by the MFA in cooperation with Czech embassies and consulates. Please note these are not official translationsand should serve only asguidance in the cases where no official translation is available. The list will be updated continuously.