A cross-border region, where the rivers connect, not divide.

Local Government of Baranya County

Introduction of the Partners

Geographical location:
Baranya is Hungary’s most southern county, its seat is Pécs. Its territory comprises 4430 km2. Baranya is bordered by the Danube in the east, by the Dráva and the Hungarian-Croatian border in the south, by Somogy in the west, and by Tolna County in the north. Its surface is remarkably diversified. Its eastern and southern margin, as well as the Pécs Plain are mainly flat territories. There are no taller mountains in Baranya, the highest point is represented by the Zengő (682 m) in the Mecsek Hill. The area is one of the most manifold landscape of the country, owning a favourable climate and relief endowments. Baranya has got 396 633 inhabitants, it counts 301 settlements, including a town with county rights and 12 other towns. Approximately one quarter of the inhabitants, i.e. 103 500 people speak a foreign language.

Ethnic groups:
According to the census data of 2001, the ethnic inhabitants of Baranya (28 388 people) consist of Germans (nearly 50%), Gipsies (30%) and Croatians (16%). The remaining 4% represents Ukrainian, Serbian, Polish and Roman inhabitants; their number each exceeding 100 persons. The county’s nationalities and ethnic minorities own an exceptionally rich ethnic institutional system. The educational system of the German, Croatian and Gipsy communities range from kindergarten to university.

Economic potential:
Due to its geographical location, Baranya County marks the southern gate of Hungary, and as such plays a significant role in foreign affairs: crossing Croatia and towards the Adriatic Sea, it has the opportunity to join the cooperation of the southern, south-western countries. Despite its manifold natural endowments, favourable climate and excellent tourism potentials, Baranya belongs to the underdeveloped counties both in national and international comparison. The position loss of the county is connected to its economic structure. The Southern Transdanubian region – including the county – plays a more important role than the national average in the following cases: within the productive branches – based on the traditions – in agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishery management; among the industrial branches in electricity, gas, steam and water supply. Nevertheless, the whole industry, involving processing industry – despite its second largest ratio within the region – plays a significantly lower role in the performance of the region, than the national average. However, regarding the service industry, the performance ratio of Southern Transdanubia was more noteworthy than the national average, including administration, defence, education, health care and social services, as well as accommodation and catering.

Contacts

Name: Tótsimon Péter
E-mail: totsimon@baranya.hu
Phone: 00 36 72 500 400