ISO 3166 code RS-18 - Cities and towns 9 Population 309,258 (2011) | Settlements 359 Area 3,918 km² Municipalities 3 | |
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Region Šumadija and Western Serbia Points of interest Studenica Monastery, Žiča, Sopoćani, Maglič, Đurđevi stupovi Destinations Novi Pazar, Vrnjačka Banja, Kraljevo, National Park „Kopaonik", Trstenik - Serbia |
The Raška District (Serbian: Рашки округ / Raški okrug, [râʃkiː ôkruːɡ]) is one of eight administrative districts of Šumadija and Western Serbia. It expands to the south-western part of the country. According to the 2011 census results, it has a population of 309,258 inhabitants. The administrative center of the Raška district is Kraljevo.
Contents
Map of Ra%C5%A1ka District, Serbia
Municipalities
The district encompasses the municipalities of:
Demographics
According to the last official census done in 2011, the Raška District has 309,258 inhabitants. 53.2% of the population lives in the urban areas. Ethnic composition of the district:
Culture
At the outskirts of Kraljevo stands the Žiča monastery. This spiritual center of the Serbian medieval state was built around 1220, to become also the center of newly founded Serbian Arch-episcopacy.
The Studenica monastery was built in the late twelfth century, as the endowment of the Serb ruler Stefan Nemanja, who endowed it richly with the icons and books. After he had become a monk and left for Serbian Hilandar on the Mt. Athos, his older son Stefan, later named the "First-Crowned", took his place in taking care over the monastery. In the vicinity of Novi Pazar stands the Sopoćani monastery, built around 1260 as the endowment of King Stefan Uros I, the son of King Stephen the First-Crowned. The primary and major value of the Sopoćani monastery are its frescoes, by which it ranks among the best examples of the European medieval painting.
Education
There are three universities located in the Raška District:
Economy
Economy of the Raška District is domineered by the "Magnohrom" non-metal and electronics industry, Kraljevo Rail Car Factory, "Jasen" wood-processing industry, and the "Electro Serbia". Other well known factories and companies form Kraljevo are "Amiga Kraljevo" (street lights) and "Metalservis" pipes factory.