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| Zlín Region | |
|---|---|
| Name | Zlín Region |
| Native name | Zlínský kraj |
| Country | Czech Republic |
| Capital | Zlín |
| Area km2 | 3963 |
| Population | 583000 |
Zlín Region is an administrative region in the eastern part of the Czech Republic with its capital in Zlín. The region borders Slovakia, lies within the historical lands of Moravia and lies near the Moravian Gate, the Carpathian Mountains foothills and the Western Carpathians. Its identity has been shaped by industrialists such as Tomáš Baťa, cultural institutions including the Guth-Jarkovský Museum and political changes related to the Dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the Velvet Revolution.
The region occupies part of the Moravian-Silesian Foothills, the Vizovice Highlands, the White Carpathians, and the Hostýn-Vsetín Mountains, drained by the Morava River, the Dřevnice River, and the Vsetínská Bečva River. Major towns include Zlín, Kroměříž, Uherské Hradiště, Vsetín, and Bystřice pod Hostýnem. Protected areas feature the Bílé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area, the Litovelské Pomoraví wetlands, and sites linked to the European Green Belt initiative. Border crossings connect to Slovak Republic municipalities such as Vrbovce and Skalité.
The territory contains Paleolithic and Neolithic sites connected to the Linear Pottery culture and later Slavic settlements tied to the Great Moravian Empire. Medieval history intersects with the Margraviate of Moravia, noble houses like the Přemyslid dynasty, and ecclesiastical centers such as the Archdiocese of Olomouc. Early modern conflicts involved the Thirty Years' War and the Hussite Wars; land ownership passed through families like the Lichtenstein family and institutions such as the Jesuits. Industrialization accelerated under entrepreneurs including Tomáš Baťa and during periods shaped by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 and the formation of Czechoslovakia after World War I. The region experienced occupation tied to the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia in World War II and postwar changes following the Benes Decrees and the Prague Spring. Late-20th-century developments were influenced by the Velvet Revolution and the Dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
Population patterns reflect migration linked to industrial centers such as the Baťa Company, agricultural districts around Kroměříž Castle and the Haná region, and ethnic minorities including groups associated with Slovakia and historical populations affected by the Benes Decrees. Census data correspond with trends seen across the Czech Republic and urbanization in cities like Zlín and Uherské Hradiště. Religious heritage connects to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Olomouc, Protestant communities like the Czech Brethren, and folk traditions preserved in the Slovácko ethnographic area.
Economic development has roots in footwear and manufacturing by the Baťa Company and associated firms like Bata Shoe Organization; later diversification includes engineering companies such as Zlín Aircraft, chemical enterprises tied to the Baťa chemical works and technology firms collaborating with the CzechInvest agency. Agriculture features vineyards in the Slovácká wine sub-region, orchards near Kroměříž and agro-businesses linked to the Common Agricultural Policy. Energy infrastructure intersects with CEZ Group transmission networks and small-scale renewable projects influenced by EU regional funds from programs like the Cohesion Fund. Tourism revenue derives from cultural sites such as Kroměříž Archbishop's Palace and industrial heritage museums commemorating Tomáš Baťa.
The region is an administrative unit of the Czech Republic with a regional council seated in Zlín and administrative interactions involving ministries such as the Ministry of Regional Development (Czech Republic). Judicial affairs refer to courts like the High Court in Olomouc and municipal offices coordinate with agencies including the Czech Statistical Office and the Czech Social Security Administration. Cross-border cooperation takes place through programs linked to the European Union and transnational bodies such as the Euroregion partnerships with Slovakia.
Transport corridors include the D1 motorway network connections to Prague, links to the Brno region, and rail lines forming part of corridors used since the Austro-Hungarian Empire era. Regional airports and airfields connect to aviation authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority (Czech Republic), while public transport integrates with operators like České dráhy and local bus services coordinated under municipal contracts. River transport uses stretches of the Morava River and logistics centers interact with the Port of Brno and trans-European transport networks including TEN-T corridors.
Cultural life blends industrial modernism epitomized by the Bata Skyscraper and the Bata Museum with Baroque and Renaissance heritage at Kroměříž Castle and the Archbishop's Palace in Kroměříž, linked to UNESCO conversations. Festivals include events in Uherské Hradiště and folk celebrations of the Slovácko area; artistic institutions include the Guth-Jarkovský Museum and the Moravian Theatre. Architectural and design movements connect to figures like Le Corbusier through modernist networks, while gastronomy highlights local products such as Moravian wines from Mikulov-region influences and cuisine showcased at regional fairs tied to the CzechTourism agency. Eco-tourism and hiking routes traverse the White Carpathians and pilgrimage sites like Hostýn Basilica.