Зhe Carpathian region is one of the youngest regions of Ukraine, endowed with unique geographical location, natural and climatic conditions and position. It borders Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Not only do the borders of four European countries converge here, but the history of European and Eastern European civilisations also comes together.

В Representatives of more than 100 nationalities and ethnic groups live together in the region, valuing and developing the identity of cultures, religions, traditions, customs and rituals. The population has wide access to public, private, commercial, party and foreign media sources. Foreign economic relations and democratisation of society contribute to deepening its integration into the international community.

Оblast has a high natural and recreational potential. The combination of mountainous and plain reliefs, the unique beauty of mountain deciduous and coniferous forests that cover half of the region's territory, clean spring streams and fast-flowing rivers, numerous healing mineral water springs, and a temperate continental climate create conditions for the development of health resort recreation and tourism.

INnal location of the region and the development of market economy principles have become the basis for a favourable climate for business and entrepreneurship, and their positive impact on social processes.

Пndustries carry out foreign economic relations with entities from more than one hundred countries. The region is home to enterprises established with the investment of funds from well-known global companies. There is a wide network of banks and their branches, a chamber of commerce, and other market infrastructure institutions. The expansion of the network of educational institutions of various accreditation levels with the introduction of training in the basics and practice of entrepreneurship contributes to solving the issues of human resources.

В The region's economy is dominated by such economic activities as timber harvesting and processing, food and beverage production, machine building, health resort services and tourism, and agricultural production.

Зhe current situation and development prospects are to solve the problems of using the region's labour resources and thus reduce unemployment, create conditions for sustainable economic growth, support and development of priority economic sectors, small business, rational use of natural resources and production of finished competitive products.

Пhe programme of actions of local executive authorities and local self-government bodies in the economic sphere provides for broad support for the development of entrepreneurship, attraction of foreign and domestic investments, implementation of housing construction programmes, development of communications, gasification, restoration and preservation of historical and cultural monuments of the region. This is the reason for the need to actively deepen economic and cultural cooperation with partners in Europe and other countries.

Дhis passport has been prepared to provide interested users with summary information on the main economic and social characteristics of the region.