The name of Volhynia, as a self-contained duchy, is recorded on maps which date back to the 10th century. The unmatched beauty of the countryside constitutes the region`s strongest assets. Of over 220 lakes, the largest ones are Lake Svitazh, Pulmo and Lukye. The length of the 130 rivers combined exceeds 3 thousand kilometers. Forests cover a third of the Shatskiy National Park and the Stokchod and Pripyat rivers which provide home for rare species of water birds plays a vital role in global ecology. The establishment of water a special economic and recreational zone called "Svitazh" is scheduled for 1996-1999.
With 220 thousand inhabitants, Lutsk is the region`s cultural, administrative and educational centre (two universities). Other important towns include Kovel, Novolynsk, and Vladimir Volynski.
Industrial production accounts 41.5% of the regional economy. Consumer goods as well as foodstuffs are exported to 50 countries. A list of major products includes: equipment for machines and metal industries, cars, measuring equipment, electronic goods as well as products of and materials for the light industry. Important products comprise fuel and greases, gas, products of chemical and oil processing industries, household goods and television sets.
Major agricultural products of the Volhynia Region are: flaxseed, potatoes, sugar beets, crops, dairy and meat products.
The region is rich in hard coal, peat, clay and other materials used for building and constructions industry. Geological research has confirmed that the region contains deposits of gas, non-ferrous metals and phosphates.
A network of roads connects Lutsk and Kovel with the neighboring regions, with Belarus, and with Poland. A standard European railway line extends as far as Kovel, witch, together with the development of the "dry port" may connect the Ukraine with Poland and the rest of Europe. This constitutes an important asset on which to develop trade and transport alike.
The systemic transformation processes being under way, the region is developing its non-state economic sector and a market oriented infrastructure.
Besides the picturesque landscapes which the Volhynia Region offers,
hard working and hospitable people are by far the region`s biggest asset.
It is through their work that economy, culture and science can develop
rapidly. Therefore, it is believed that the co-operation between Polish
and Volhynian companies and organizations will be particularly beneficial
to the parties involved as well as to the Bug Euroregion as a whole.
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