Prague - The last four years are believed to be the best period in the history of the Czech Republic in terms of development and thriving economy. Yet, some regions have managed to benefit more than others.
Aktuálně.cz conducted a research into which Czech region benefited the most. In each region we measured the growth of six variables: wages, population, immigration, employment, housing development and tourism.
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Three winners
As expected, the Central Bohemian region was among the best, mostly because the region encompasses the economically booming capital city, Prague, and has two prosperous motor works factories.
In spite of this, the region is far from being free of problems. Its peripheral zones suffer from unemployment. Also, it is one of the four regions in the country that are less attractive for tourists. This might be due to the high environmental damage.
Read more: The richer Prague is, the greater decay it faces
To everybody´s surprise, Central Bohemia's position is contested by the Pardubice region (East Bohemia) that has become a leader in terms of general prosperity.
Although the wage rise is rather low-paced, few Czech areas are experiencing similar inflow of both tourists and inhabitants as in the Pardubice region. The housing boom in Pardubice is unprecedented as well.
The Vysočina region is the third most perspective region - the wage growth there is the third fast growing in ČR. The boom is taking place not only in industrial production, but in the sector of services as well.
Go west
On the other hand, Moravian regions are rather lagging behind, in spite of significant wage growth and housing boom in zones near Brno.
Read more: Brno airport blossoms, Ostrava lags behind
Two major Western Bohemian cities, Plzeň and Karlovy Vary, appear to be more promising. The spa region of Karlovy Vary was successful in their decision to aim at services instead of industry.
Heavy industry: Not a cure-all anymore
On the contrary, Northern Bohemia´s Ústí nad Labem that opted for heavy industry is experiencing problems concerning health, environment and unemployment.
Economic development of nearby town of Liberec is equally problematic.
Read more: Liberec region refuses to cede land to Poland
The Ostrava region is another example of former heavy industrial zone, currently fighting painfully with the legacy of economic boom of the past. The main problem of Ostrava is that Czechs lack interest to move and live there.
Peripheries and "second leagues"
The Southern Bohemian region is another Czech area that suffers from being rather secluded from the rest of the country. With the development slow or nonexistent, the region is becoming a real economic periphery.
The Zlín or Hradec Králové regions might face a similar fate. These zones suffer from "second league" syndrome - the town of Hradec Králové lies in a shadow of more lucrative Pardubice, Baťa´s Zlín is marginalized in a similar way by Brno and Olomouc.
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