Žilina region, Administrative region in northern Slovakia
The Žilina region is an administrative area in northern Slovakia covering mountainous terrain that includes sections of the Western Tatras, Orava Mountains, and the Moravsko-Sliezske Beskydy range. The landscape is shaped by river valleys and forests that dominate the geography across its eleven districts.
The area was part of the Kingdom of Hungary before 1920 and received its current administrative structure in 1996 with eleven distinct districts. This reorganization reflected the political changes that accompanied Slovakia's modern development.
The region hosts several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the traditional village of Vlkolínec and historic wooden churches in Tvrdošín and Leštiny. These places showcase the local craftsmanship and religious architecture that have been maintained across generations.
The regional capital Žilina has good transportation connections and serves as the economic center with major industrial facilities. Visitors will find urban services and infrastructure concentrated there and in smaller district towns.
The Váh River flows through the region and is fed by six major tributaries that collect water from different mountain ranges. This river system shapes not just the landscape but also supports local ecosystems and historic water mills.
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