Karlovy Vary Region

Karlovy Vary Region, Czech kraj Karlovarský, is one of the 14 regions of the Czech Republic. The smallest of the area, based on the region Liberec region forms the westernmost part of the country, bordering Saxony in the north, to Bavaria in the west and to the Czech regions Pilsen in the south and Usti nad Labem in the east. Administrative center of the region is the eponymous Karlsbad ( Karlovy Vary ). In the Carlsbad area is home to the West Bohemian spa triangle from the three known spa towns of Karlovy Vary ( Karlovy Vary ), Marienbad ( Marianske Lazne ) and Lazne ( Franzensbad ). Other important cities are Eger ( Cheb) and Sokolov ( Sokolov ).

Landscape

The highest point is Mount Klínovec (1244 m nm) in the Ore Mountains, is the deepest (320 m nm) is on the border in Okres Karlovy Vary. The climate and soil do not form a good basis for agriculture. The raw materials mainly consists of lignite, clay, and small mineral deposits. The forest area occupies a share of 43 % of the total area, about 1.3 times the national average. Agricultural land occupies only a 17% share of the circular area.

Statistical figures

Share of the gross domestic product ( 2001): 2.3%

Unemployment rate ( 2002): 10.1%

Economy

In the districts of Karlovy Vary and Cheb tourism, especially spa stays by predominates. In the district of Sokolov industry predominates, with a focus on coal mining, power industry, chemical industry and mechanical engineering. Still important is the glass and porcelain industry, the beverage industry and the manufacture of musical instruments and textile production.

Demography

In 2002 lived in the region 304 220 people, of whom 51.2 % were women. Compared to previous years, the number of births increased, the mortality rate decreased. Also showed a positive net migration developed. The number of marriages rose by 2.1 percent, while the number of divorces increased by 9.7 percent.

Policy

Governor ( HEJTMAN ) the region since 2008 Josef Novotný ( CSSD ). He replaced the ODS politicians Josef Pavel, the 2000 was the formation of the region until 2008 in office.

In the region Parliament the Communist KSČM was in the last election in October 2012 the strongest political force: they accounted for 22.98 % and 14 out of 45 seats in the region Parliament. On the social democratic CSSD accounted for 22.73 % and 13 seats. On the liberal-conservative ODS accounted for 9.79 % and 5 seats. On a local grouping voters ' movement of Independents for a harmonious development of municipalities and cities ( Hnutí nezávislých za harmonický rozvoj obcí a MEST ) accounted for 9.09% and 5 seats. On the Civil TOP 09 accounted for 7.38 % and 4 seats. on the local group "Alternative " ( Alternativa ) accounted for 6.70% and also 4 seats. the remaining 21.35% of the votes were cast for parties and electoral lists, which failed due to the blocking threshold of 5 %. turnout was at 31, 57%.

Even if the communists (as well as in neighboring Labem Region ) in an election to the region Parliaments in the Czech Republic were the strongest political force for the first time, the reigning HEJTMAN the CSSD could keep in office and sat down after prolonged negotiations, the existing coalition with the KSČM continued. In the Regional Council, the executive body of the region, but the KSČM is a member of the Social Democrats more than 5 out of 9 members.

Largest cities

Employment

The number of employees amounts to 2.3 % of all employees in the Czech Republic. Unemployment, after the turn at first extremely low because many residents working in neighboring Germany, has now risen to 10.1 %. On a vacancy 13.1 unemployed come ( national average 12.7 ). 1994, there were still 1.2 percent. The average monthly salary is 13 975 CZK, 13.8 % less than the national average.

Social institutions

By changing the age structure of the demand for kindergartens and primary schools in recent years declined, while it now is a growing need for institutions of care for the elderly. For economic reasons, some small hospitals were closed, but the number of surgeries increased.

Tourism

In the region you will find the highest concentration of spa towns in the Czech Republic. 70 health facilities (44 % of the country ) and other 512 accommodation facilities housed, 2002, approximately 480,000 visitors ( about 65 % from abroad). For water enthusiasts can play on the river Ohře.

Interior view of the Colonnade

Monastery Teplá

Traffic structure

After the opening of the border 1989, the road has increased significantly, especially the freight loaded with strong emissions to the environment. The infrastructure in the road does not correspond to increased traffic. The region is provided with a relatively dense rail network.