POVAZSK BYSTRICA

Hungarian Vgbeszterce, town, Stredn Slovensko kraj (region), northwestern Slovakia. It is situated 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Zilina on the Vh River. The town is a popular excursion centre because of its location near the picturesque Javornky Mountains. Economic activities include the manufacture of heavy munitions. One of the town's notable structures is a Gothic church with tombstones dating to the Renaissance. Pop. (1990 est.) 41,002.