Prekmurje

Prekmurje is a traditional region in the northeastern part of Slovenia, located along the Mura River and extending toward the border with Hungary. The name derives from the Slovenian phrase for lands across the Mura and reflects its historical orientation relative to the river. The region is part of Slovenia’s broader northeastern area and is notable for its distinctive cultural and linguistic heritage.

Geography and landscape are characterized by the flat to gently rolling plains of the Pannonian Basin, with the eastern Goričko hills and protected areas such as the Goričko Landscape Park. The Mura River is the dominant watercourse, complemented by smaller tributaries including the Ledava in the southern part. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold winters shaping agricultural patterns in the region.

History and culture: Prekmurje was part of the Kingdom of Hungary for centuries before being incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes after World War I (later Yugoslavia) and, in 1991, becoming part of independent Slovenia. The region has a mixed Slovenian and Hungarian cultural heritage, with the Prekmurje Slovene dialect widely spoken in many communities and a recognized Hungarian minority concentrated in towns such as Lendava (Lendva). Cultural life often reflects these bilingual and bicultural influences.

Economy and tourism: Agriculture remains important, with vineyards and other crops common in the lowland areas. Tourism emphasizes spa and wellness facilities, notably in Moravske Toplice, as well as nature and cultural tourism in the Goričko and Mura River landscapes. Cross-border cooperation with Hungary is a feature of regional development, commerce, and cultural exchange.

Administration and demographics: The traditional region has no separate political autonomy; in modern Slovenia it is covered by the Prekmurje Statistical Region, with Murska Sobota serving as its administrative center. The population is distributed among towns such as Lendava, Murska Sobota, and Moravske Toplice, with communities reflecting both Slovenian and Hungarian influences.