THE SOUTHERN MORAVIA REGION


In Europe you will not find many regions situated on crossroads of traditional trade routes between north-south and east-west of Europe, offering qualified labour force and abounding in scenic beauties. Southern Moravia is such a region - a region of industry and agriculture, science and research, culture and education, a region of wine, international trade; a place belonging among the most developed regions in the Czech Republic.

The Southern Moravia Region is the fourth largest region in the Czech Republic bordering Austria in the south and Slovakia in the east. The region comprises of 7 districts: Blansko, Brno-city, Brno-suburbs, Břeclav, Hodonín, Vyškov and Znojmo. In the Southern Moravia Region, a population of 1.13 million people live on the area of 7,196 km2 with a density of the population of 157 people/km2.

Statutory City of Brno, especially its northern surroundings, are natural centres of industry. The southern area of the region along the Austrian border is typical of a warmer climate and therefore rather agriculture-oriented.


  
Brno - City in the Centre of Europe and the Second Largest City in the Czech Republic

Brno, the capital city of Moravia, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, is simultaneously the centre of the Southern Moravia Region. From the total number of the Southern Moravia inhabitants, 400 thousand live in Brno and another 65 thousand people commute to Brno to work, study, use services or seek entertainment. Together with a dense network of middle-sized towns and villages (672 in total), Brno creates a well-balanced composition of infrastructure in the region.

Importance of the city is highlighted by its favourable geographic location in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic near the Austrian and Slovak borders (Vienna is only 110 km distant from Brno, Bratislava 120 km and the distance between Prague and Brno makes less than 200 km). Concentrated in Brno are the highest judicial institutions of the Czech Republic (such as the Supreme Court, the Supreme Administration Court, the Constitutional Court) and other significant bodies of state administration (e. g. Supreme Public Prosecutor's Office, Office for the Protection of Competition, Office of Public Defender of Rights).
Brno - City with Quality Infrastructure of Services Comparable to International Standards
International trade stimulates development of technical and transport infrastructure of the city as well as development of services, including institutions oriented towards innovative programmes, congress activities, banking and information services. Also located in Brno are 30 branches of banks, more than 100 registered lawyer's offices, 4 reputable insurance companies and more than 70 real estate agencies. Brno has an important position in the area of tertiary education with its 6 state universities and 5 private colleges.

Accommodation in the city can be found in 45 hotels and 49 private lodging houses with the total of 12 thousand beds. Many hotels that meet international standards have extended their premises of additional new-built congress centres, which brings a significant factor concerning development of congress tourism. Accessibility of places of interest in the region significant at the European level (e.g. Moravian Karst, Slavkov Battlefield, Lednice-Valtice complex) and services of travel agencies fortify attractiveness of Brno for international clientele. Store chains create opportunities for visitors of the city in spheres of retail, leisure and entertainment.

Development of services including trade, construction of a new departure lounge at the international airport in Brno-Tuřany, regeneration of the historical centre, restoration of the dominant buildings such as Petrov Cathedral, castle Špilberk or New City Hall make Brno an attractive place for both tourists and Brno citizens.