Czech fashion is typical of that found in western Europe and Canada- the traditional Czech costumes that are so popular with tourists are worn only for special festive occasions.

Buses, trams and subways are more popular in the Czech Republic than in Canada while cars are not, given the country's compact size and excellent public transportation system. Most cities have grown around a large, main square, usually featuring an elaborate church. Big, American-style department stores are just beginning to appear in competition with the many specialty shops (e.g., butcher shops, bakeries, paper goods stores, and fruits and vegetable stores) which dot the cities.

Apartment buildings and multiplex housing are very common. Families are small, tending to include only 1 or 2 children. Parents remain actively involved with their children even after they move out, often helping with such things as babysitting and shopping. Czechs are very fond of reading, music, and the arts. Several Czech operas, symphonies, plays, and paintings are internationally known (Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák, Karel Čapek, Václav Havel, Milan Kundera…). Other popular hobbies include gardening, hiking, sports, and travel.

Czechs tend to have their main meal of the day at lunchtime. Generally, only a light dinner is eaten in the evening while more elaborate meals are usually reserved for weekends. Czech food is unique. Traditional dishes consist of fried or roasted meat, usually pork or beef, covered in a simple sauce and served with dumplings, potatoes, or sauerkraut. Some national favorites are:

· Knedlo-vepro-zelo, pork with dumplings and sauerkraut;

· Svickova, pot-roasted beef in a rich creamy vegetable sauce and served with cranberries, whipped cream, and dumplings;

· Bramboráky, potato pancakes;

· Ovocné Knedlíky, fruit-filled dumplings, served with sugar and cream;

· Palacinky, crepes with a traditional Czech twist; and

· Koláce, small fruit tarts.

Czech beer and Moravian wine are world-famous, and are an important part of the culture. Much of the weekend social life occurs in and around local pubs and bars.