The decision to rebrand the Czech Republic’s tourist information site as “VisitCzechia” is a reflection of the ongoing debate around how to refer to the country. While “Czechia” has been adopted as the official international short name, it remains unpopular with many Czechs and foreigners living in the country.

The controversy over the country’s name has a long history, with “Czechia” first suggested as an informal short name for the Czech Republic in 1993. However, it was not adopted due to a lack of consensus, and it was not until 2016 that the government agreed to make it the official international short name. Since then, it has gradually come into use, mainly for official purposes, such as in the United Nations and by international companies such as Google Maps and Apple.

While some argue that the term “Czechia” is more convenient and easier to remember, others are critical of its aesthetic qualities and its perceived erasure of Moravia and Silesia. This is reflected in the response to the rebranding of the tourist information site, with some Facebook users expressing their dislike for the name.

The decision to use “Czechia” for domestic achievements, history, and personalities, while reserving “Czech Republic” for more formal communication, is an attempt to strike a balance between the two names. This approach recognizes the importance of both names, while also acknowledging the ongoing controversy and the diverse opinions on the matter.

However, the debate around the country’s name is not just a linguistic issue. It is also reflective of larger cultural, historical, and political tensions, such as the relationship between Bohemia and Moravia, the country’s post-Communist identity, and its place in the international community. As such, any decision regarding the country’s name should be informed by a deep understanding of these issues and the diverse perspectives of its citizens and residents.

In conclusion, the rebranding of the Czech Republic’s tourist information site as “VisitCzechia” is a reflection of the ongoing debate around the country’s name. While “Czechia” has been adopted as the official international short name, it remains controversial and unpopular with many. The decision to use both names, depending on the context, is an attempt to find a balance between the two. However, any decision regarding the country’s name should be informed by a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and political tensions that underlie the controversy.

Article by Prague Forum