The Czechs are a West Slavic ethnic group primarily associated with the Czech Republic, a country located in Central Europe. They share a common language, Czech, which is part of the Slavic language family. The Czechs have a rich cultural heritage, including traditions in music, literature, and art, with notable figures like Franz Kafka and Antonín Dvořák. Historically, the Czechs have been influenced by various empires and nations, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Soviet Union. Today, they are known for their contributions to science, technology, and the arts, as well as their strong national identity and pride in their history.