heartland

/ˈhɑrtˌlænd/
noun
  1. The central or most important region of a country or area, especially one that is considered to have traditional values or economic significance.
    • The Midwest is often called the agricultural heartland of the United States.
    • The party's support comes mainly from the rural heartland.
    • The river flows through the industrial heartland of the country.
  2. A central or crucial area of activity, influence, or support.
    • The city is the cultural heartland of the region.
    • These forests are the heartland of the endangered species.
    • Silicon Valley is the heartland of the tech industry.
What does "heartland" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean