A Typology of Rural Space in Czechia according to its Potential for Development

Abstract

The objective of this article is the regional differentiation of rural space in Czechia, which is defined as the territory of rural municipalities of up to 3,000 inhabitants. The ultimate determination of particular types of rural space is realized at the level of authorized municipal authorities. Current socioeconomic characteristics of rural municipalities in Czechia are compiled and used for analysis. These characteristics were selected on the basis of their potential to represent important socioeconomic phenomena, processes and factors that are typical for the Czech countryside and that influence the development of rural municipalities. Four statistically significant components are identified through the statistical analysis of the indicated data at the level of authorized municipal authorities, namely: size, growth, human potential and housing. Different combinations of these components enable us to define eight main types of rural space, in terms of potential for development. This provides evidence to confirm our affirmation that rural space in Czechia is not homogenous. The results of the statistical analyses conducted also show that the basic differentiation of the Czech countryside is determined by the geographical location of particular areas.

The fate of socialist agricultural premises: To agricultural ‘brownfields’ and back again?

“…More than half of the municipalities here are classified as peripheral, especially those municipalities situated at the border with Bavaria (Kubeš and Kraft, 2011). Finally, Dačice SD is characterised as a 'problematic recreational countryside' type with overall low level of rural development (Perlín et al, 2010). About half of the municipalities in this SD are classified as peripheral, especially municipalities along the border with Upper Austria (Kubeš and Kraft, 2011).…”

“…České Budějovice SD is characterised as a 'developed' countryside (Perlín et al, 2010) surrounding the capital city of the South Bohemian Region -České Budějovice (Budweis). In the area of České Budějovice SD, no municipality is classified as peripheral according Kubeš and Kraft (2011).…”

“…In the area of České Budějovice SD, no municipality is classified as peripheral according Kubeš and Kraft (2011). Blatná SD is a model region of the 'developing' countryside type, with well-established socio-economic connectivity within the region (Perlín et al, 2010). Blatná SD is formed by a majority of non-peripheral municipalities (Kubeš and Kraft, 2011).…”

“…Vimperk SD is situated in the mountainous landscape of the Šumava Mountains. This region is classified as an 'intensively utilised' rural region for leisure and tourism (Perlín et al, 2010). More than half of the municipalities here are classified as peripheral, especially those municipalities situated at the border with Bavaria (Kubeš and Kraft, 2011).…”

The regional identity of the inhabitants of regions which have experienced an interrupted continuity in their socio-historical development. A case study of Czech regions that were resettled after World War II

“…We can also talk about a specific form of cultural infrastructure or changes in land use and transformation of the symbolism of the landscape (Kučera, Kučerová 2012). e spatial form of the two regions which primarily consist of rural areas (Perlín, Kučerová, Kučera 2010) has been shaped to a large extent by the decisions of the authorities, and this was reflected in practice by changes in their administrative structures (Daniel 2017). Apart from the fact that both regions of interest were reproduced by the political powers during their historical development, they were also subjected by these powers to processes of transformation and deinstitutionalization.…”