Central Bohemia Region - Středočeský kraj
Central Bohemia Region (www.kr-stredocesky.cz) lacks an administrative centre, its regional authorities and institutions are based in Prague. Together with Prague, the region forms a natural agglomeration with strong economic, historic and cultural links. Considering its area and the number of municipalities, this region is the largest in the CR. It is also the most densely populated and includes the largest number of districts (12) - Benešov, Beroun, Kladno, Kolín, Kutná Hora, Mělník, Mladá Boleslav, Nymburk, Prague East and Prague West, Příbram and Rakovník.
Natural conditions are quite diverse with two predominating types of landscape. The eastern part is situated in the Elbe Valley with agriculturally exploited land, deciduous and pine woods. The northwest has a highland nature with predominating spruce and mixed forests. It is the sphere of Central Bohemia uplands. The Moldau forms a northeast axis of the region. Its western part is covered by Brdy hills with vast forests and less fertile land.
Regional characteristics include both industrial and agricultural aspects. There are quite large numbers of engineering, chemical, food-processing, printing, ceramics and glass plants. Bituminous coal extraction in Kladno area has suffered a decline.
The Elbe Valley area is the main agricultural base where wheat, sugar beet, fruit and vegetables are grown. In higher altitudes, potatoes, rape and fodder crops are cultivated.
Křivoklásko area is the most important and largest protected landscape area - a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This area neighbours with the geologically interesting Český kras, the largest carst area in Bohemia. Central Bohemia also avails of the larger part of Český ráj protected landscape area. In the southeast, there is the Blaník protected landscape area. There are numerous waterworks along the Moldau which are rather popular as recreation destinations. Although the environment has gradually improved since 1990s, problems still endure caused by automobile traffic, aggravated especially by Prague and the transit function of the region. Nevertheless, large numbers of cultural and other monuments offer great potential especially for short-term recreation.
With a view to tourism, almost the whole area of Central Bohemia Region belongs to the Prague Hinterland tourist marketing region and a small part to the Český ráj.
There are significant investment actions in the region impacting its economic life. It is the construction of railway corridors, Prague ring road, an international logistic centre etc.
