Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊbək] (IPA) 
The word "obec" is a Czech term used to describe a municipality or a local government unit. Pronounced as [ˈobɛts], the word is spelled with the letter "o" followed by the letters "b", "e", and "c". The "o" sound is pronounced as a mid-back rounded vowel, while the "b" and "c" sounds are pronounced as bilabial and voiceless postalveolar fricatives respectively. The "e" sound is pronounced as a mid-central vowel, and it is not emphasized.
Obec is a term used primarily in Eastern Europe, specifically in countries like Czech Republic and Slovakia, to refer to a small administrative unit that corresponds to a municipality or village. The word originates from the Old Slavic language, where it means "community" or "settlement."
In practical terms, an obec represents the lowest level of local self-government in these regions. It serves as an administrative division responsible for managing the affairs of a specific geographical area, typically comprising a small settlement or a group of villages. This includes providing basic public services, such as local infrastructure management, education, healthcare, public transportation, and emergency services within its jurisdiction.
Each obec has its own elected representatives, such as a mayor and a council, who are responsible for making decisions and implementing policies for the benefit of the local community. They work closely with regional and national authorities to ensure effective governance and coordination of resources.
The size and population of an obec can vary greatly, from a few hundred inhabitants in rural areas to a few thousand in urban centers. However, regardless of its size, the obec plays a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion and ensuring development and well-being in its locality.
The word "obec" is of Slavic origin and is primarily used in the Czech and Slovak languages. In both languages, "obec" means "village" or "municipality".
The etymology of the word traces back to the Proto-Slavic language, where the root "-obьč-", meaning "related to a community" or "connected to a tribe", was combined with the diminutive suffix "-ьčь" to form the word "obecь". This word eventually evolved into "obec" in Czech and Slovak.
The term "obec" has been in use for centuries to refer to the smallest administrative unit in these countries, corresponding to a village or a municipality.
