The Czech government has approved a plan to use Czechia as a one-word version of the country's name alongside the official Czech Republic.

Unlike most European countries, the Czech Republic has lacked a one-word version of its name in foreign languages.

Now, the country can use the name Czechia in English, Tschechien in German or Tchequie in French, translations of the Czech word Cesko.

The Foreign Ministry said a one-word name is more practical and flexible at times.
Before the government's green light on Monday, Czech leaders, including president Milos Zeman, prime minister Bohuslav Sobotka and the speakers of both chambers of Parliament endorsed the new name last month.

The Foreign Ministry will ask the United Nations shortly to include the new name option in its databases.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.