Kladno

Kladno (Czech pronunciation: [ˈkladno]) is a city in the Central Bohemian Region (Středočeský kraj) of the Czech Republic. It is located 25 kilometres (16 miles) northwest of Prague. Kladno is the largest city of the region and holds a population together with its adjacent suburban areas of more than 110,000 people (70,000 in Kladno proper). The city is part of the Prague metropolitan area.

History

The first written evidence of Kladno dates back to the 14th century. In 1561 the city rights were secured. Until 1918, the town was part of the Austrian monarchy (Austria side after the compromise of 1867), head of the Kladno district, one of the 94 Bezirkshauptmannschaften in Bohemia.

Economy

Kladno was the historical birthplace of heavy industry in Bohemia. For years, the town was home to the Poldi steel factory, the region's largest employer. The factory still stands but has been divided into smaller entities after privatisation and changes in ownership. The mining industry began here in 1842. A post-office was opened in 1863. The proximity to Prague helped to keep the local economy stable in spite of the heavy industrial decline after the collapse of the communist regime. A series of Western European companies has established production in Kladno, including Quickstep Laminate Floors, Dr. Oetker, NKT Cables and Lego.

Kladno (disambiguation)

Kladno is a city in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

Kladno may also refer to the following places:

Kladno (Chrudim District)

Kladno is small village in the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic. It has around 250 inhabitants.

External links

Coordinates: 49°46′04″N 15°58′43″E / 49.76778°N 15.97861°E / 49.76778; 15.97861