The Czech Republic is famous for its rich history, world-class beer, and breathtaking architecture. But there’s another side to this country that often flies under the radar—it’s one of the most atheist nations in the world.
Yes, despite being dotted with stunning cathedrals and churches, the Czech Republic is also one of the most secular places on Earth. A 2019 survey found that over 70% of Czechs don’t identify with any religion.
But is this reputation entirely accurate? And how do Czechs really feel about faith and spirituality? As a native Czech, I’ll give you the inside scoop!
Are Czechs Really Atheists?
Short answer? Yes, many Czechs are atheists. But the story behind it is actually more fascinating than you’d expect.
One major reason for the Czech Republic’s high atheism rates is its communist past. From 1948 to 1989, the regime actively suppressed religion and pushed atheism. Churches were monitored, religious practices discouraged, and over time, faith faded from public life.
Even after communism fell, religion never fully bounced back. But Czech skepticism toward organized religion didn’t start with communism. It runs much deeper.
Religion vs. Philosophy: What Do Czechs Actually Believe?
Atheism isn’t some modern trend here—it’s been part of Czech culture for generations. I remember asking my grandmother as a kid:
“Why do you only go to church at Christmas and not every Sunday?”
Her answer? “It’s tradition—and the only time the whole village gets together!”
She wasn’t particularly religious, but like many Czechs, she believed there was “something between heaven and earth.” And that’s the key—just because Czechs don’t follow organized religion doesn’t mean they don’t believe in anything. Many embrace spirituality, philosophy, or just a general sense that there’s more to life than what we see. Sound familiar? It’s a lot like Scandinavia, where I lived for a while—people there think similarly.
Another factor? Czechs highly value personal freedom. Traditional religious structures can feel restrictive, so many reject them in favor of individualism.
Education & Rational Thinking
The Czech Republic has a strong tradition of science, education, and critical thinking. Religion isn’t taught in schools (with rare exceptions), so kids grow up forming their own beliefs without institutional influence.
For many Czechs, faith and empirical evidence don’t always mix. They prefer logic, reason, and freedom of thought—which doesn’t always leave room for organized religion.
Regional Differences: Where Faith Still Holds Strong
Not every part of the Czech Republic is equally secular. In rural areas like Moravia and Eastern Bohemia, religion has deeper roots. Thanks to historical ties to Catholic Austria and the Holy Roman Empire, these regions have kept more of their traditional faith.
Surveys suggest that most of the country’s remaining religious population comes from these eastern areas. For me, someone originally from Central Bohemia, visiting Moravia feels like stepping into a different country. It’s not just the religion; even the dialect and lifestyle feel strangely foreign to me, for some funny reason!
Is Atheism a Bad Label?
So, is being one of the world’s most atheist countries a bad thing? Not at all.
It’s just a label—one based on studies that might not capture the full picture. Sure, most Czechs don’t follow organized religion, but that doesn’t mean they’re all strict non-believers. Many still ponder life’s big questions in their own way.
And really, isn’t that what matters most?
You’ll still find churches, chapels, and crosses scattered across the countryside. Even if many of us aren’t religious, we still deeply value our history and traditions—including those rooted in Christianity.
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