Kragujevac is the fourth largest city in Serbia after Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš, the main city of the Šumadija region and the administrative centre of Šumadija District. It is situated on the banks of the Lepenica River.
Despite its late foundation (1476), Kragujevac is the city of many firsts. Being the first capital of modern Serbia (1818- 1839), the first constitution in the Balkans was proclaimed in this city in 1835. Further on, the first full- fledged university in the newly independent Serbia was founded in 1838, preceded by the first grammar school (Gimnazija), Printworks (both in 1833), professional National theatre (1835) and the Military academy (1837).
Belgrade took the lead by becoming the seat of throne in 1841. The University of Kragujevac was not reestablished until 1976. Contemporary Kragujevac is known for its weapon, munition and Zastava car factory, which produced the Yugo, Florida, Zastava 10 (Fiat Punto, by licence) and Skala automobiles until Fiat has bought car factory in 2008 after what, the new company, called "Fiat Serbia" would make a total investment in the region of 700 million euros, with the government adding 200 million euros to this. |
