MUKACHEVE

Russian Mukachovo, also spelled Mukachevo, or Mukacevo, Hungarian Munkcs, city, Zakarpattya oblast (province), western Ukraine, on the Latoritsa River. Its location controls the southern approach to a major pass across the Carpathian Mountains, today followed by road and rail. This position has given Mukacheve a key fortress role in sub-Carpathian Ruthenia since its foundation in the 10th centurymainly during its period of Hungarian rule (10181920). The city and its surrounding district were ceded to the Soviet Union by Czechoslovakia in 1945. Modern Mukacheve has light engineering, food-processing, and timber-working industries. It is also a significant tourist centre. Pop. (1991 est.) 88,000.