Region   Area    Popu-   Economically  Largest  Monthly  Unemployment
        (sq.km)  lation  Active        City     av. wage    rate **
                         Population *              

PRAGUE     496   1204953      648993   Prague     418       0.50
                           49% women

CENTRAL 11,014   1105234      585516   Kladno     354       3.41
BOHEMIA                    47.1% women pop: 71797

SOUTH   11,346    700595      368283   Eeske      323       2.54
BOHEMIA                    47% women   Budijovice
                                       pop: 99593

WESTERN 10,875    859306     460265    Plzeo      336       2.96
BOHEMIA                    42.7% women pop: 170449

NORTHERN 7,799   1178977     634460    Usti nad   340       6.49
BOHEMIA                    47.7% women Labem
                                       pop: 97041
                                       Liberec
                                       pop: 100356

EASTERN  11,240  1236781     651834    Hradec    311       3.00
BOHEMIA                    47.9% women Kralove
                                       pop: 100280
                                       Pardubice
                                       pop: 93134

SOUTHERN 15,028  2054989    1059377    Brno      325       3.72
MORAVIA                    47.5% women pop: 387570

NORTHERN 11,068  1970302    1970302    Ostrava   344       5.93
MORAVIA                    47.3% women pop: 323870
                                       Olomouc
                                       pop: 104380

CZECH   78,866  10309137    5421102    Prague    354       3.79
REPUBLIC                   47.6% women

Source: Czech Statistical Office
* From the 1991 Census  
** From October 31, 1995       
Source: MPSV, Statistical yearbook of the CR 1995,
        Ekonom 49/1995

PRAGUE - INDUSTRY

Prague is the most important economic centre of the Czech Republic.

  • The main branch of industry is engineering with the most complicated technology - electrotechnical and transport engineering, mining and building machines, cooling systems, semiconductors. The biggest employers are: Skoda Praha, ÔKD Praha Holding, Avia - Daewoo, Tesla, TOS, PAL, Janka, Chirana.
  • The second important branch is food processing industry with bakery, meat and dairy production and production of beer (Pra ske pivovary with Bass Breweries), chocolate (Eokoladovny with Danone and Nestle) and soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola).
  • Nation-wide importance have also chemical and pharmaceutical (Barvy a Laky, Linde Technoplyn, Leeiva, Spofa), polygraphic and ready-made industries.
  • Very important role play great amount of research and development institutions and high schools.

CENTRAL BOHEMIA - INDUSTRY

Central Bohemia is closely linked to Prague, providing much of the capital city's workforce and food.

  • The region's most important industries are: heavy engineering (mainly transportation - personal cars, motorcycles, aircrafts; mining and building machinery); metallurgy of iron and steel; electrical engineering; chemical and petrochemical industries; production of building materials; glass and ceramics industries and food processing.
  • Transport engineering is concentrated in Mlada Boleslav (Skoda automobilova a.s. - Volkswagen Group, TDW), Tynec nad Sazavou (motorcycles - JAWA) and in Vodochody (aircrafts - Aero Holding). Other heavy engineering companies are TOS in Ôelakovice and Rakovnik, EKD in Hoeovice, Kutna Hora, and Slany, Buzuluk Komarov and BSS Metaco in Brandys nad Labem. Electrotechnical engineering is situated in Kolin (Tesla), production of dry cells and batteries in Slany (Bateria - Ralston) and cables in Kladno (Kablo).
  • Mining is concentrated in Kladno and Poibram. Ferrous metallurgy is situated in Kladno (Poldi Ocel), in Beroun -Kraluv Dvur (Kralovodvorske elezarny) and in Mnisek pod Brdy (Kovohut with Nissho Iwai).
  • The chemical industry is concentrated in Neratovice (Spolana) and petrochemical industry in Kralupy nad Vltavou (Kaueuk) and Kolin (Koramo). Washing powders and other consumer goods are produced in Rakovnik (Rakona with Procter & Gamble).
  • Building materials production we can find in cement and lime works near Beroun and ceramic tiles production in Rakovnik (Rako). Glass works are in Svetla nad Sazavou and Podubrady (Bohemia) and in Sazava nad Sazavou (Kavalier); abrasive material production is in Benatky nad Jizerou (Carborundum Electrite).
  • Food processing industry grew up on the best raw-material base of the Elbe lowlands and for needs of Prague's big consumption. There are a lot of beet sugar factories, breweries, dairies, bakeries and meat producers. Tobacco products come from Kutna Hora (Tabak with Philip Morris).

SOUTHERN BOHEMIA - INDUSTRY

Southern Bohemia is industrially weak region with the lowest share on state industrial production with good base for food-processing, paper and wood-processing industries.

  • Industrial production focuses on: engineering (agricultural machines, machine tools and motorcycles); textile and garment industries; wood-processing industry (production of paper and furniture); chemical industry (synthetic fibres); food-processing industry (breweries) and building materials industry.
  • Engineering is concentrated in Eeske Budijovice (Slevarna, Kovopodnik, Motor-Jikov, Sfinx - enamelled tableware), Prachatice (Klima), Milevsko (ZVVZ) and Sezimovo Usti (Kovosvit). Agricultural machines are produced in Pelhoimov (Agrostroj), motorcycles in Strakonice (OZ), sparking plugs in Tabor (Brisk) and sewing machines in Sobislav (Lada). New plant for automotive industry is in Blatna (Schade).
  • Textile and ready-made industries are situated in Pisek (Jitex), Jindoichuv Hradec-Otin (Jitka) and Strakonice (Fezko). There are some smaller companies in other towns (in Humpolec, Toeboo and Veseli nad Lu nici). With textile industry is connected chemical plant in Plana nad Lu nici (Silon) with synth. fibres production.
  • Wood-processing and paper industries grew up on the forest base of Sumava and Novohradske mountains. Near Eesky Krumlov (one of the nicest towns in the Czech Republic and UNESCO preserve area) in Vtoni is one big paper-mill (Jihoeeske papirny). Furniture is produced in Sobslav (Jitona), Eeske Budijovice, Lisov and Volary. World-famous producer of writing material is Kooh-i-noor Works in Eeske Budijovice.
  • Food-processing industry included meat producers in Pisek and Plana nad Lu nici, dairies in Tabor, Eeske Budijovice and Strakonice and world-famous brewery Budvar (Budweiser) in Eeske Budijovice.
  • Building materials come from Tyn nad Vltavou, Veseli nad Lu nici, Borovany and Bechyni. Glassworks are in Lenora and Chlum u Toeboni.
  • On the northern outskirts of the Eeske Budijovice area is the Temelin nuclear power plant which, once fully upgraded to Western standards, will provide 40% of the country's energy supply.

WESTERN BOHEMIA - INDUSTRY

With the opening of the country's borders in 1989, the region's proximity to neighboring Germany has ensured increased development in industry and tourism (world-wide known spas Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazni and Frantiskovy Lazni).

  • The region's most important industries are: heavy engineering (transportation - locomotives; mining, chemical and power plant machinery), ferrous metallurgy, brown coal mining and building materials production. Lesser importance have chemical, textile, glass, ceramic, food-processing and wood-processing industries, but among them are many world-famous companies (Prazdroj Plzeo - beer, Solo Susice - wooden matches, Moser Karlovy Vary - glass). New Matsushita plant (TV production) will be in Plzeo-Borska pole.
  • Heavy engineering and ferrous metallurgy is concentrated into Skoda Plzeo and its branch plants in Ejpovice, Klatovy, Blovice, Hradek u Rokycan, Rokycany (non-ferrous metallurgy), Rotava (electric motors) and in Ostrov (trolley coaches). There are many other engineering companies in other towns: Holysov (LIAZ - components for trucks), Klasterec nad Ohoi (ZKL), Chodov (Chodos) and Cheb (Kovo). Bicycles are produced in Cheb (Eska) and in Rokycany (Favorit).
  • Open-cast brown coal mining and chemical industry is situated in Sokolov (Sokolovska uhelna, Chemicke zavody) and Voesova (gas and briquetting plants). Another chemical plant is in Kaznijov (Aktiva).
  • On excellent sources grew up industries of building materials, ceramics, china and glass. In the cities near Plzeo are situated building materials and ceramics industries - main centres are: Stod, Poestice, Kaznijov, Horni Boiza, Toemosna and Chlumeany. China is produced in Boezova near Karlovy Vary (Epiag), in Stara and Nova Role, Chodov and Horni Slavkov. Glass works are in Sokolov, Nove Sedlo and Olovi (sheet glass); artistic production is situated in world-famous company Moser in Karlovy Vary and spectacle glass in Nyrsko (Okula).
  • Textile production comes from As (Tosta), Nejdek (Vlnap) and Kraslice (Krajka); leather products from Klatovy (Kozak). Food-processing industry is concentrated in Karlovy Vary and especially in Plzeo with well-known breweries Prazdroj (beer Pilsner Urquell) and Gambrinus. Wood-processing industry is in Susice (Solo) with not only wooden matches production; musical instruments are produced in Luby (Cremona) and in Kraslice (Amati).

NORTHERN BOHEMIA - INDUSTRY

As the Czech Republic's main domestic source of energy, Northern Bohemia is economically one of the country's most important regions.

  • The region's leading industry is brown coal and energy production. Other very important industries are: chemistry (petrochemical and medical), textile, machinery (automotive, textile and electrotechnical), ferrous metallurgy and especially glass (glass jewellery) and ceramics production.
  • Open-cast brown coal mining and its processing is connected with mines between Chomutov and Teplice (Komooany, Duchcov, Bilina). The biggest employers are Mostecka uhelna spoleenost in Most and Severoeeske doly in Chomutov. Big thermal power stations are in Ledvice, Tusimice, Pruneoov and Poeerady. Northern Bohemian region produces more than one half of the Czech Republic's electricity. Most of the power plants were reconstructed and desulphurized (with the assistance of Japanese experts) and extensive areas of previous mines were recultivated.
  • Chemical industry is located in petroleum refinery in Zalu i (between Most and Litvinov - Chemopetrol Group), in Usti nad Labem (Spolchemie - heavy chemicals and Chemopharma - medicines) and in Lovosice (Lovochemie - synth. fertilizers). Other plants are in Liberec (Plastimat) and in Hradek nad Nisou (Vulkan - rubber gloves and preservatives), synthetic fats production is in Usti n.L. (Setuza). Paper and pulp come from Stiti (Sepap with AssiDoman).
  • Textile industry is centred in the north-eastern part of the region with long-term tradition (Liberec is seat of Research Institute for Textile Machinery). The main centres are in Liberec (Intex, Textilana), in Varnsdorf (Elite, Velveta), Tanvald (Seba) and Rumburk (Bytex). Some companies are also situated in mines area for ensuring women employment - in Teplice (Bonex).
  • Trucks production is concentrated in Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou (Skoda-Liaz), textile machinery in Chrastava, machine tools in Varnsdorf (TOS). Other engineering plants are in: Usti nad Labem (Severoeeska armaturka - fittings), Diein (Desta - high lift trucks), Roudnice nad Labem (ROSS-Roudnicke strojirny) and Eeska Lipa (Vagonka). Electrotechnical engineering is situated in Jablonec nad Nisou (ABB with Elektro-Praga, Jablotron, Ateso); ferrous metallurgy is in Chomutov (elezarny - pipes and tubes).
  • North Bohemian glass-making is famous world-wide and is centred in Jablonec nad Nisou (Bi uterie-Eeska mincovna), Desna (Jablonecke sklarny), Novy Bor (Crystalex, Severosklo), Kamenicky Senov (Lustry), elezny Brod and Teplice (Glaverbel - Glavunion with Asahi Glass). Ceramics is produced in Duchcov and Dubi u Teplic (Eesky porcelan, Keraunion).

EASTERN BOHEMIA - INDUSTRY

This region is average by area and population with two equivalent centres (Hradec Kralove and Pardubice) and transit position in railway transport between Bohemia and Moravia.

  • The region's most important industries are engineering (heavy - engines, machinery for chemical, textile, food industries and agricultural machines), textile, food-processing and chemical industries. Also important are electrotechnical, automotive, wood-processing, energetic, building materials, leather and fur industries.
  • Heavy engineering is concentrated in Hradec Kralove (ZVU, Montas, EKD) and Chrudim (Transporta). Other engineering companies are in Jiein (Agrostroj), Svitavy (TOS), Nova Paka (ZPA), Nove Misto nad Metuji (Stavostroj, Elton), Rychnov nad Kni nou (FAB) and Ledee nad Sazavou (Kovofinis). Electrotechnical industry companies are in Pardubice (HTT Tesla), Lanskroun (AVX Tesla) and Vrchlabi (Kablo Elektro, Tesla). Automotive industry companies are in Vysoke Myto (Karosa with Renault - coaches), Choceo (Orliean), Velke Mezioiei (Draka) and Jiein (ITT). Foundries are in Hradec Kralove (Almet) and Hronov (Slevarna).
  • Textile industry companies are diverted into smaller or middle plants all over the region (administratively joined together) and is mostly devoted to cotton and flax processing. Main centres are in Broumov (Veba), Dvur Kralove nad Labem (Tiba), Hronov (Textonnia with Hualon), Semily (Kolora), Svitavy (Svitap) and esti nad Orlici (Perla). Knitting is situated in Havliekuv Brod (Pleas).
  • Chemical and rubber industry is concentrated in big plants in Pardubice (Synthesia, Paramo) and Hradec Kralove (Gumokov, Foma Bohemia).
  • Food-processing industry is centred in Pardubice, Hradec Kralove, Hrochuv Tynec, Hlinsko Opoeno and Havliekuv Brod. Leather industry is concentrated in Jaromio (Tanex) and fur industry is in Trutnov (Kara). Glass fibres and fabrics are produced in Litomysl (Vertex). Paper is produced in Hostinne, musical instruments in Hradec Kralove (Petrof).

SOUTHERN MORAVIA - INDUSTRY

Southern Moravia is the Czech Republic's largest and most populated region, and is economically strong due to heavy concentration of industries in the Brno and Zlin areas.

  • The region's most important are engineering, leather (shoe-making) and textile (ready-made) industries. Also important are food-processing, chemical, rubber and wood-processing industries.
  • The area's largest city, Brno, is also the capital of Moravia and the Czech Republic's second largest city. Brno's main industry is engineering, especially heavy engineering (ABB - Prvni brni nska strojirna, Kralovopolska, Zbrojovka and Chemont) and manufacturing of agricultural machinery (Zetor); its industrial structure is dominated by large engineering plants. Another engineering centres are in Zlin (ZPS), i ar nad Sazavou (I AS), Blansko (EKD, Metra), Adamov (Adamovske strojirny), Hulon (TOS), Kuoim (TOS), Boskovice (Minerva) and Uhersky Brod (Slovacke strojirny). Agricultural machinery is in Prostijov (Agrostroj), automotive industry is in Jihlava (Motorpal) and aircrafts production is in Kunovice (Let).
  • Leather industry is situated in traditional Bata location Zlin (Svit) and in Toebie (Bopo), where are the largest shoe-making companies. The biggest tannery is in Otrokovice.
  • The most important centres of textile and ready-made industries are in Brno (Kras) and Prostijov (Odivni podnik - OP). Smaller plants are in Boskovice (Kras), Stra nice (Sohaj) and Jihlava (Modeta).
  • Food-processing industry is concentrated in Brno and in southern and eastern districts of this region - Hodonin, Znojmo and Boeclav (sugar factories, fruit and vegetable canneries, wine producers). The area's many vineyards are a well known attraction, the products of which can be sampled at the many wineries and cafes in the area.
  • Chemical and rubber industries production comes from Zlin and its surroundings - Otrokovice (Barum with Continental - tyres), Napajedla (Fatra) and Stare Misto u Uher. Hradisti (Colorlak). Another companies are in Boeclav (Fosfa, Gumotex) and in Brno (Lachema).
  • Wood-processing industry with paper and furniture production is situated in Brno, Rousinov, Bueovice and Bystoice pod Hostynem (TON).

NORTHERN MORAVIA - INDUSTRY

Northern Moravia is the Czech Republic's leading region in terms of gross industrial production. From this region comes majority of country's black coal, melted iron and steel and engineering production. It has the biggest share on the Czech Republic's export, too.

  • Its main industries are mining (with coal and energy production), metallurgy and heavy engineering. Less important sectors are chemical (pharmaceutical, rubber), as well as building materials and paper production, textile and food-processing industries.
  • The region's main industrial centre is Ostrava and its surroundings (Karvina district). In this area is concentrated coal mining with energy production - Ostravsko-karvinske doly (OKD); and ferrous metallurgy in Ostrava (Nova Hu with IFC Kaiser), Vitkovice, Toinec, Bohumin ( DB) and Frydek-Mistek (Valcovny plechu). They are also the biggest companies in the Czech Republic. Non-ferrous metallurgy is situated in western part of this region - in Boidliena and Sumperk.
  • Engineering is distributed all over the region, but heavy engineering is also concentrated close to above mentioned industries - in Vitkovice, Opava (Ostroj), Studenka (Vagonka) and Karvina (Kovona). Other companies are in Poerov (Poerovske strojirny, Meopta), Lutin near Olomouc (Sigma), Hranice (Kunz), Unieov and Vsetin. Automotive industry production comes from Kopoivnice (Tatra), Novy Jiein (Autopal with Ford) and Bilovec (Massag). Electrotechnical industry is in Ro nov pod Radhostim (Tesla), Vsetin, Mohelnice, Litovel and Fulnek.
  • Chemical industry is connected with traditional centres (with coal industry) in Ostrava (MCHZ, Ostramo) and in its proximity - Bohumin (Bochemie) and Opava (Galena with IVAX - pharmacy). Other companies are in Odry (Optimit), Zuboi (Gumarny), Poerov (Precheza) and Valasske Mezioiei (Deza with Cabot Intl.).
  • Building materials production is situated in cement factories in Hranice (Cement with Italcement) and Stramberk. Glass industry is in Vsetin district.
  • Pulp and paper production comes from Olsany near Sumperk (Olsanske papirny) and from Ostrava surroundings - Paskov (Biocel) and Vratimov.
  • Textile industry is placed in Sumperk (Moravolen), Frydek-Mistek (Slezan), Ro nov pod Radhostim (Loana), Poibor (Lonka) and in other companies distributed all over the region.
  • Food-processing industry is concentrated in big cities as Olomouc, Ostrava, Opava and Poerov. Famous brewery is in Nosovice near Frydek-Mistek (Radegast), which supports Czech Olympic team.

For further information contact CzechInvest at Politickych veznu 20, 112 49 Prague 1, Czech Republic Phone (420-2) 2422-1540 Fax: (420-2) 2422-1804

NOTE: Although we have made every effort to ensure the reliability of our sources, CzechInvest does not assume responsibility for its accuracy.