The Zasavska Statistical Region encompasses the hilly landscape along the Sava River, which is a part of the Posavsko hribovje. Three municipalities are a part of the statistical region: Zagorje ob Savi, Trbovlje and Hrastnik, which historically all experienced a similar economic development. After the discovery of brown coal deposits in all three municipalities followed the rapid economic development, especially after the construction of the southern railway, which was a major consumer and exporter of coal. In addition to the railway and raw materials, there was a third important location factor in the past - the labour force. Before the construction of the railway, some factories were already built including brickyards, glassworks, lime kilns, which consumed large amounts of coal. The economy in the region is underdeveloped today as indicated by the low GDP, low taxable income, low wages and a relatively high unemployment rate. The companies have changed little over the years, in fact most were established in 1961, however, they only changed their names and owners. There are very little newly established businesses and the lack of high-tech companies is especially noticed in the region.
|
