Jihocesky

Jihocesky is a rich agricultural region measuring some 4,380 square miles in the southern Czech Republic bordering Austria and Germany. It produces hay, potatoes, flax, cereals, hogs, cattle, and poultry. Forestry is also important, constituting one-third of land use. Softwood and hardwood are harvested for papermaking and timber. Lakes, some man-made, are plentiful and fish farming is common. Hydroelectric power is a major industry. It is historically important as the birthplace of the religious reform movement founded by Jan Hus, the Hussites. Tourism is based largely on water sports, taking advantage of the many rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. Its 2003 estimated population was 630,000.