Small Towns - Engines of Rural Development in the South-Moravian Region (Czechia): An Analysis of the Demographic Development

Abstract

Small towns as a specific sector of the settlement system are observed from the demographical viewpoint on the territory of the South-Moravian Region (Czechia). Altogether 23 towns with 4,000 to 12,000 inhabitants were analysed. A long-term analysis (1869-2011; population censes) as well as the last development (2008-2012; population balances) are taken into account. A relatively stable role of small towns in the regional settlement system throughout the period when population censes has taken place and population increases in the contemporary period were stated. The first statement can be related to the rural character of the region where small towns play irreplaceable role. The last development shows that the population increase is directly proportional to the distance from the regional metropolis and inverse to the size of small towns. This corresponds to the concept centre - periphery and to current counter-urbanization trends. Recent demographic development supports the role of small towns in local and micro-regional identity and landscape memory in the era of globalization. Small towns seem to be attractive residential place - although not innovators but residences of many creative people.

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