Idustry, main products, economy, agriculture
The most important part of our economy is engineering industry. Other important branches are metallurgical and chemical industries and tourism, textile and glass industries have a long tradition. One of our most significant raw materials is coal. Black coal and anthracite are to be found mainly in the Ostrava Coal Basin, but also in the area of Kladno and elsewhere. Because of intensive mining these regions are the most polluted ones in the Czech Republic. The supplies of brown coal or lignite can be found in the North Bohemia Coal Basin and in Western Bohemia in the Sokolov Basin. We also hove minor supplies of iron ore, uranium and oil. Our deposits of kaolin and clay are important for the ceramics and glass industries as well as limestone for the building industry.
Also agriculture in our republic is developed enough. The most fertile soil is in South Moravia. The main items grown there are wheat, sugar-beet, corn, grapes and fruits. In animal production the most important are cattle-breeding and pig-breeding. Fish-breeding, especially carp-breeding can be found in South Bohemia, in the region called Třeboňsko. Bohemia and Moravia are quite rich in mineral springs and spas (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské lázně, Františkovy lázně, Poděbrady, Luhačovice,…).
Main points from the history
Our territory has been inhabited by Slavonic tribes since 5th century. The first Slavonic state was Samo’s empire which was found here in 623. Feudal Great Moravian Empire was formed in the 9th century. After its disintegration in the 9th century power was taken over by the Czech tribe headed by the Přemyslid dynasty.
