Rural Development Potential of Peripheral Areas – Case Study Bochov (Bohemia)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the microregion of the town of Bochov in the Karlovy Vary Region as an example of an area located in the internal periphery of Czechia and at the same time indicating typical characteristics of the borderland, the result of postwar population transfer. Long-term population development can be characterized by a decreasing population and at the same its concentration in the center. Educational attainment statistics indicate unfavorable findings. Employment is dependent on commuting. Possible strategies include ensuring good living conditions for the population, supporting small and medium businesses, regional marketing, developing tourism and landscape stewardship, and maintaining the rural characteristic of the microregion. Microregions such as the Bochov microregion do not nor cannot have the same preconditions for development as central microregions. Their development should be focused on improving quality of life for local residents and visitors.