Interesting. I didn't know Svejk was popular at all outside Czechia. I must say, it's somewhat a bittersweet realization. The way I and many other Czechs see it, Hasek did us quite a disservice. Still, if you guys enjoy it, hats down.
Why do you think Hasek did you a disservice?
Starting with the avant-garde movements of the 20's, through the communism era (Hasek was a socialist and a communist) to this day, we've been essentially saying Svejk characterizes the true nature of what it means to be a Czech. You literally hear school teachers tell their students a drunk devious simpleton is considered a role model.
The topic is quite complex, there's more history and politics involved, but I'm not going there.
Disclaimer: By no means am I criticizing the book or people who like it.