Olomouc Region - Olomoucký kraj
Olomouc Region (www.kr-olomoucky.cz) is composed of 5 districts - Jeseník, Olomouc, Prostějov, Přerov and Šumperk. Olomouc is the administrative centre of the region. The regional settlement structure is rather differentiated, the predominance of larger rural settlements is typical for Haná area. In the mountainous landscape of Šumperk and Jeseník districts, the settlement structure is scattered in small villages.
For Olomouc Region, altitude and climatic diversity is typical, which has reflected in the economic potential of its two different parts. The north is occupied mainly by the Jeseníky mountain ridge with poor soil, rather rough and wet climate. In the southern part of the region - the area of Olomouc, Prostějov and Přerov districts - there are mainly lowlands belonging to the most fertile parts of the country thanks black earth and natural climatic conditions. It is the area of Moravská brána and Upper-Moravian valley basin (Haná) which have always created a transport corridor between the south and north of Europe with significant transport routes - motorway and fast highway network, high-speed railway corridor with an important railway junction in Přerov.
The raw-material basis of the region is poor. The only materials extracted are used in construction - limestone in Šumperk area and decorative stone in Jeseník area.
Good earth and convenient climatic conditions in Haná area allow the growing of brewing barley, wheat and sugar beet. Fruit and vegetable growing is significant. In the mountains and on their foothills, less demanding crops prevail, e.g. flax and fodder.
Industrial production is closely linked to the agricultural production, there are sugar refineries, malthouses, canneries etc. Engineering and clothing industries are also strongly represented.
The Jeseníky Mountains ridge and slopes are frequented recreation and tourism areas. Central Jeseník avails of the status of a protected landscape area. Olomouc region also includes the Litovelské Pomoraví protected landscape area with perfect potential for cycling. Balneology, linked with the development of tourism, is of national importance. Spas include e.g. Jeseník climatic spa, Lipová-Lázně, Slatinice, Teplice nad Bečvou, Velké Losiny and Bludov.
With a view to tourism, Olomouc Region is split among two tourist marketing areas: North Moravia and Silesia and Central Moravia.
Jeseník district is involved in cross-border cooperation with Polish regions within the frame of Praděd Euroregion.
