Moravia

Moravia
Tadeáš Bednarz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Moravia
Native name	Morava
Settlement type	Historical land
Coordinates	49.5, 17
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Czech Republic
Seat type	Largest city
Seat	Brno
Unit pref	Metric
Area total km2	22,348.87
Population total	3,200,000
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Central European Time
Utc offset	+1
Timezone DST	Central European Summer Time
Utc offset DST	+2
Blank name sec1	Primary river
Blank info sec1	Morava
Blank1 name sec1	Highest point
Blank1 info sec1	Praděd

Moravia. A historical region in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, it is one of the three traditional Czech lands, alongside Bohemia and Czech Silesia. Its core is formed by the drainage basin of the Morava River, and its largest city and historical capital is Brno. Throughout its long history, it has been a pivotal territory within various Central European states, including the Great Moravian Empire, the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Austrian Empire, and Austria-Hungary.

Geography

The region is bordered by Bohemia to the west, Czech Silesia to the northeast, Slovakia to the southeast, and Austria to the south. Its landscape is diverse, featuring the fertile lowlands of the Dyjsko-svratecký úval and the Hornomoravský úval, the rugged highlands of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, and the northern reaches of the Carpathian Mountains, including the Beskydy Mountains and the Jeseníky Mountains. The highest peak is Praděd in the Hrubý Jeseník range. Major river systems include the Morava, which flows south to the Danube, and its tributaries the Dyje, Svratka, and Bečva. Significant protected areas include the Moravian Karst, known for the Macocha Gorge, and parts of the Podyjí National Park.

History

The territory was a center of the Great Moravian Empire in the 9th century, a Slavic polity where saints Cyril and Methodius conducted their mission. Following its collapse, the region was gradually integrated into the Přemyslid-ruled Kingdom of Bohemia. It retained a distinct legal system, the Moravian Land Constitution, and its own Diet in Brno. After the Battle of White Mountain, it suffered during the Counter-Reformation and was deeply integrated into the Habsburg monarchy. The 19th century saw the rise of the Czech National Revival and significant industrialization. Following World War I, it became part of Czechoslovakia, experiencing the Munich Agreement, German occupation, and the post-war expulsion of German inhabitants. After the Velvet Revolution, it became part of the modern Czech Republic.

Demographics

The population is predominantly Czech, with historical minorities including Germans, who were largely displaced after World War II, and a small Roma community. Historically, there were significant Jewish communities in cities like Brno and Olomouc before the Holocaust. The region is largely non-religious, with a Roman Catholic minority. The Moravian dialects of the Czech language are spoken, and in the southeast, a distinct cultural identity is sometimes expressed, with some identifying as Moravians in censuses. Major urban centers, besides Brno, include Olomouc, Ostrava (partly in Czech Silesia), Zlín, and Jihlava.

Culture

The region has a rich folk tradition, with distinct music, dance, and costumes from areas like Slovácko and Valašsko. It is famous for its wine culture, centered in the Slovácko and Znojmo subregions. Brno is a major cultural hub, hosting events like the Brno Motorcycle Grand Prix and housing institutions like the Moravian Gallery and the National Theatre in Brno. Notable cultural figures include composer Leoš Janáček, who drew inspiration from Moravian folk music, painter Alfons Mucha, and founder of genetics Gregor Mendel, who conducted his experiments in Brno. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape and the Tugendhat Villa in Brno.

Economy

Historically agricultural, the region underwent rapid industrialization in the 19th century, particularly in Brno (machinery, textiles), the Ostrava basin (coal, steel), and Zlín (footwear, epitomized by the Baťa company). Today, the economy is diversified, with strong sectors in engineering, information technology, and research, centered around Brno's universities and the Brno Exhibition Centre. Agriculture remains important, especially viticulture, fruit growing, and cereal production. The South Moravian Region is a key area for science parks and foreign investment, while tourism focuses on historical cities, caves, and wine trails.

Administration

Since 1949, the historical territory has been divided for administrative purposes. Most of it is contained within the South Moravian Region, Olomouc Region, and Zlín Region, with parts in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Vysočina Region, and Pardubice Region. These regions are further divided into districts (okresy). The historical land has no modern political autonomy, but its cultural and historical identity is represented by symbols like its flag and coat of arms, and it is recognized as a cohesive historical territory within the constitutional order of the Czech Republic.

Category:Moravia Category:Historical regions in the Czech Republic Category:Regions of Europe