Central Slovakia

(Stfedoslovensky kraj), an administrative and territorial unit in Czechoslovakia, in the Slovak Socialist Republic. Area, 18,000 sq km. Population, 1.4 million (1974). The administrative center is Banská Bystrica.

Much of Central Slovakia is occupied by ranges of the Western Carpathians; the numerous intermontane basins are drained primarily by the Váh and Hron rivers. The region is industrially advanced, accounting for more than one-third of the Slovak Republic’s industrial output and for about 8 percent of Czechoslovakia’s total industrial output. It accounts for more than 7 percent of Czechoslovakia’s agricultural output. Brown coal, lignite, magnesite (at Rimavská Sobota), and complex ores are mined. The Nováky Steam Power Plant and a network of hydroelectric power plants on the Váh River generate power for the region. Central Slovakia has both ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy, producing high-grade steel at Podbrezová, ferroalloys at Mokrad and Isteb-né, and aluminum at Ziar nad Hronom. The local machine-building industry is noted primarily for the production of machines used in transportation, including motorcycles, electric locomotives, and railroad cars. The region also produces bearings and electronic equipment, including television sets. The wood-products industry is centered in Zvolen, Banská Bystrica, Turany, Zilina, and Martin. Central Slovakia also produces chemicals, building materials, textiles, and foodstuffs.

Most of Czechoslovakia’s cattle and sheep are raised on natural pasturage in the mountains. Rye, barley, and potatoes are grown in the valleys, and corn, wheat, sugar beets, and tobacco are grown in the southern basins and foothills. Viticulture is not uncommon. The main railroad trunk line between Czechoslovakia and the USSR passes through Central Slovakia. The region has several spas in the mountains; most notable is Sliac.