Karlovy Vary Region - Karlovarský kraj
Karlovy Vary Region (www.kr-karlovarsky.cz) is the second smallest. It is composed of three districts - Cheb, Karlovy Vary and Sokolov, Karlovy Vary is the administrative centre of the region. The settlement structure is quite heterogeneous; for quite a large part of the area a larger number of smaller municipalities is typical, in the basin area, there are relatively large cities.
The significantly rugged surface of the region is created by the western part of Krušné (Ore) Mountains in the north, linked to Smrčiny hills in Aš area; the south is occupied by Slavkovský les. In-between, along the Ohře, there is Sokolov basin, an economic centre of the region.
The development of this area has been influenced by natural wealth. In the past, it was the ore extraction, after World War II the extraction of uranium in Jáchymov area. Currently, the deposits of brown coal in Sokolov and Cheb basins and significant deposits of ceramic materials, especially kaolin, are the most valuable. Nevertheless, mineral springs are the most precious natural resources; their utilisation in a number of spas is a typical feature of the region.
The exploitation of raw-material supplies in the region - open carst extraction of brown coal in Sokolov area and the extraction of kaolins - have caused an extensive devastation of the area. Important industrial sectors include power generation and processing industry: glass, ceramics and porcelain production. You can also find there traditional industrial production - food-processing, textile and engineering industries; the production of musical instruments is of great importance.
The western part of Krušné (Ore) Mountains is a frequented recreation and tourist area of national importance. Significant spa centres - Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně, Lázně Kynžvart (children health resort) belong among important balneological centres in Europe. Jáchymov spa, where local radioactive waters are used, complement the range of services.
With a view to tourism, the whole area of Karlovy Vary Region belongs to the West-Bohemian Spas tourist marketing region.
In Karlovy Vary Region, there is the Slavkovský les protected landscape area. Despite that, the region ranks among the environmentally most affected areas in the country.
All districts are involved in Euroregion Egrensis where cross-border-cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany is promoted.
