Czech Republic OKs `Czechia` as one-word version of its name

The Czech Foreign Ministry said a one-word name is more practical and flexible at times.

Prague: The Czech government has approved a plan to use "Czechia" as 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" (pronounced CHEHK'-ee-uh) 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 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.