Northern Hungary Border Countries and Larger Towns in Hungary Key Statistics of Hungary

Hungary Northern Hungary Border countries and larger towns in Hungary Key statistics of Hungary

Capital: Budapest Land area: 93,030 sq km Population: 10.1 million (2003) GDP per capita: 10.300€ Levels of the new Hungarian statistical area classification system (January 1. 2001) NUTS level 1 Whole country 1

NUTS level 2 Planning and statistical regions 7

NUTS level 3 Counties, capitol 19+1

NUTS level 4 Statistical micro regions 150

NUTS level 5 Townships (villages and towns) 3135 Main elements of the new regional structure: • centralization - decentralization • western areas have increasing advantage towards the eastern and northern counties • historically county based Administration • new idea: the spatial development based on the micro-regions. Specific economic activity areas: Chemical industry Electricity Food industry Engineering industry Metal processing and metallurgy Textile industry Plastic Tourism Northern Hungary: -structural crisis of heavy industry - underdeveloped infrastructure - the activity ratio remains below 50%, while the most recent figures suggest unemployment has fallen slightly, to 8.8% Northern Hungary

- consists of the counties of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves and Nógrád - settlement network: smaller populations than the national average, with predominantly small villages in some areas - the third most populous provincial city, Miskolc, is located in this region - rich in natural resources and minerals → the basis for the traditional heavy industry (but using them not economical) - now variable industrial structures, but all branches of manufacturing are located - chemical (2 biggest chemical company) - electricity - food industries -metallurgy and metal processing -mechanical engineering industries - underdeveloped transport infrastructure Northern Hungary

• North Hungary’s share of the country’s gross domestic product is approx. 8-9%. • 7-8% of foreign capital invested in Hungary migrated to this region. (but it is increasing) • Characterised by the dominance of SMEs. • Rich in natural attractions: highest mountains of Hungary, wine districts, natural parks... • Educational/research institutions: – University of Miskolc (with aprox. 20.000 students) – College-level Department of St. István University, Gyöngyös - Teachers’ Training College, Eger – College for Finance and Public Accountancy, Salgótarján • The centres of higher education plays indicator role in the research and technological development of the region. (Regional Innovation Council) Towns and culture

The towns dotted about on the gentle slopes and nestling at the feet of the mountains along the northeast border of Hungary bear eloquent witness to the long centuries of Hungarian history. Unique Values - World Heritage

While you roam in the mountains of Northern Hungary and ramble in the streets of its villages and towns, you can find many unique treasures. We are proud of them, we love them and carefully protect them. Moreover, this wonderful region has natural, ethnographical and cultural assets, which have caught the word's attention, so their protection is the task of all of us.

9 World Heritage in Hungary → 3 in North Hungary: Hollókő, Baradla Cave in Aggtelek, Tokaj-Hegyalja Castles

Visiting manors and stately homes, a European tradition ever more popular in Hungary forms a special segment of tourism.

This is much more than a tradition guide - bock: it offers a supposedly full collection of mansion hotels and stately homes to recall their particular atmosphere to introduce their uniqueness and their services. We try to revive past memories to allow an insight, into history, to give special experience. Wine-shoots of the north

Hungarian wine regains its old luster! Along with the appearance of private domestic and foreign wine-cellars, new players have entered the scene of the Hungarian wine industry, most of them striving to achieve peak quality. Their efforts were crowned with success as early as the middle of the nineties. A number of Hungarian wines received recognition in international wine competitions – and the rising quality is reflected by the growing demand. Health tourism

North Hungary is one of the most complex region in Hungary. The North Hungarian Region is very reach in thermal wather and different baths. People can be find cave, spa, salvus and thermal-spring bath alike (some could be use in winter on open air!). Take to the saddle

Northern Hungary is famous for horseback riding. It is no coincidence that the International Horseback Rally of 2000 was held here, in Szilvásvárad, in the home of the Lipizzaner Herd. Adventure on two wheels

Almost all parts of Northern Hungary are ideal for bicycle tourism. The The attraction of rowing region offers a wide variety of trails and terrain ranging from beginner to Tour the waters of the Tisza, Bodrog, expert levels. The Szalajka valley in the Hernád, Sajó, and Bódva. Beautiful Bükk has an information board, gallery forests, sandy beaches, romantic complete with a map indicating landscapes, and silently watching recommended bicycle trails.(A permit anglers watch the boats as they split the is sometimes required for tours that glimmering waves. cut through protected areas.) Northern Hungary Regional Development Agency of North Hungary • decision-making entity: Regional Development Council • founded 1999 • experience on many projects (Phare: 37.000 million€; hungarian – governmental – projects: 25 million€; Structural Funds: 100 million€) • 33 young and well educated team • good conections with the public and private entities all over the region Thank you for your attention!

Varga László [email protected] Kalocsai Kornél [email protected]