The Central Region

in the Heart of Hungary

We speak from our hearts when we say "this Region is the heart of Hungary", but our feelings are also reflected in the facts: the Central Region has a core position in Hungary in geographic, economic and cultural sense as well, compared to other regions in the country. Its area includes the Capital, which is much more than a mere metropolis. It is an essential part of the larger whole.

In 1999, the Hungarian Parliament decided that the system of regional development should conform to the EU regional system. The main task of the Regional Development Council is to make this decision a reality. The purpose is to create the co-operation with the small regions, local governments, chambers, civil organisations for economic, social and cultural functioning at European level, and to create the institutional framework needed for this development.

The Region consists of Budapest and Pest County, which surrounds the Capital. Its territory is the smallest of the seven statistical regions, but with its three million inhabitants, nearly two thirds of whom live in Budapest, it is also the most populous. Of the 187 settlements, 42 have town status. There are also 16 + 1 small-region associations, which have a significant role from the point of view of area development.

Varied landscape, rich history

The Central Region lies at the meeting-point of several different natural-geological areas, so the features of the terrain are highly varied. In the north, there are mountains, and in the south there is loess and sand plateaux. The Region is also divided into two parts by a one hundred kilometres stretch of the river Danube, a quarter of the Hungarian length of the river, running in the north-south direction. It is not solely a picturesque river that provides the Region's unique natural character, but also the islands developed by the river stretching from the Danube bend to Csepel Island. Other watercourses in the region include the Ipoly, a tributary of the Danube, the Galga and the Tápió, which flow towards the Tisza.

The proximity of the Danube is also relevant from a historic point of view. Aquincum was built by the Romans on the ancient military and defence line, the "limes", on the territory of present-day Budapest. Its ruins still stand today. Buda Castle was built by King Béla IV after the invasion of the Mongols in the 13th century, the role of which was to keep the Danube and the surrounding landscape under control. The buildings of the 150-year Turkish regime such as the Gül Baba Tomb and the Royal spa with its typical octagonal pool still remind us of the once resident Turkish culture.

Pest, Buda and Óbuda were united in 1873, which was the birth of the queen of the Danube: Budapest. The river with the bridges and the contrast between the hills of the Buda side and the plain of the Pest side give Budapest its unique beauty. The prominent elements of the cityscape, which are also the most well-known symbols of the city, are also related to the Danube: the House of Parliament designed by Imre Steindl, the Chain Bridge built by the plans of Adam Clark, the Fisherman's Bastion and the Gellért Hill.

Developed infrastructure, knowledge-based economy

Due to the country's radial road and railway network, this region is the most important Hungarian transport node. The area has a denser than average road network, the standard of which is also higher than in the rest of the country. All the motorways, which promote the efficiency and the safety of traffic & transportation, pass through the Region. The European main traffic corridors (Helsinki-corridors No. 4, 5, 5/B, 5/C, and corridor 7, the Danube) also meet in the Region. The Danube is not only the natural axis of the Central Hungarian Region, but also one of the most important water transportation routes of Europe. This particular and unique natural feature conceals numerous further possibilities that have not yet been developed. The Hungarian international air traffic centre with two terminals at Ferihegy Airport is situated in this Region. These terminals are used by thirty world airlines. Due to Ferihegy Airport, we have borders with 32 countries and half of the passenger traffic (which means five million passengers annually) is handled by Hungarian Airlines. Thus, the Region is easily accessible both from inside and outside the country.

Besides the high-quality development of the infrastructure and the strategically important geographical location, the high level of education of local employees and workers is also a reason for the continuous increase in the number of registered enterprises and companies, and the number of Hungarian and foreign capital investments since 1990. This phenomenon is the most intense in the Central Region. The enterprising spirit has become stronger, and this has given new impetus and dynamism to the development of the Region, and as a result, new dimensions have opened up. The role the Region plays in the economy of the country is very impressive: it alone produces more than forty percent of the country's gross national product.

This prosperity is due to the service & trade sectors and the industry, just like in western-type economies. Industrial parks, established over the last few years, also contribute to this spectacular growth. Particularly attractive conditions are provided to lure investors: building sites supplied with public utilities with the aforementioned excellent infrastructure, and local government reductions. A mixed profile agriculture, supplying the metropolitan area combines centuries-old experience with long traditions and modern technology. However, the emphasis is rather on the trade & services industries because of the good access and the significant market of three million people. These sectors employ the largest number of workforce, have the biggest concentration of capital, and provide the best profits, too.

The Region plays a central role in the field of financial services. A well-developed banking system and high level services are available for the consumers, investors, entrepreneurs and tourists alike. The only commodity and stock exchange of the country is located in Budapest.

Leading R&D and education

The high education level of the inhabitants (e.g. the number of college graduates) emphasises the central role the Region plays in education and research. Due to the widening training and education possibilities, the education level of young people is much higher than for older generations. The demand for high quality education in secondary schools and in tertiary institutions is increasing year after year. With the growing labour market, there are greater chances for younger generation to find employment. Both the secondary schools and the institutions are at a world standard, some of which are: the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration, the Eötvös Loránd University, the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the Semmelweis University or the Szent István University. The role of the Region is especially important in the education of economists, doctors, engineers and artists. More than half of the country's higher education students in these fields study in the Region, and nearly half of the country's agriculture, natural sciences and law students graduate from here.

The CentralHungarian Region plays a determinant role in research and development: approximately two-third of national funds, allocated for these purposes, is invested in this region. While Budapest is regarded as a centre of the R&D activities, Gödöllô is a research basis for agricultural sciences.

The habitable Region – centre of knowledge, culture, business and recreation

Apart from the economic, social and cultural development, the creation and maintenance of a region full of life is indispensable for success. For the improvement of the quality of life, it is essential that there be harmony between man and the surrounding environment. The favourable natural conditions of the Region can establish this harmony, but the richness and beauty of the cities and the land also conceal exceptional possibilities.

Budapest is not only a traditional sightseeing destination, but it is also a destination for international conference tourism, and (due to its health springs) a spa centre with an international reputation.

In the Danube bend, Szentendre is famous for its lively cultural life (which mostly means the fine arts) and its outdoor village museum.

Realising the value of the Region, the protection and the development of the environment, which can be used for recreation, sports and tourism purposes, is now a priority for the majority of our small regions. The natural beauty of the green belt which surrounds the Capital, as well as its quiet, peaceful settlements, its developing services and its calm environment, are very attractive, even by European standards, for people who are looking for a high-quality but peaceful lifestyle, or for those who just want to find a retreat.

Cultural life is especially concentrated in the Capital. Countless museums and exhibitions are open for visitors, and the buildings provide a unique experience. It is also the centre of musical and theatrical life: a venue for classical, folk and church music concerts and also pop-rock concerts.

Outstanding cultural events include the Budapest Spring and Autumn Festivals organised annually. The Region is also host to several sporting events, e. g. the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix is held in August every year on the Hungaroring not far from the Capital, near the village of Mogyoród.

One of the main features of the long-term strategy of the Central Hungarian Region is the recognition of the possibilities hidden in cultural economy. The utilisation of the presently unexploited creative fields is possible with the development of a regional network of creative, workshop-type small and medium-size enterprises.

The aim of the Central Hungarian Regional Development Council and its Pro Regio Agency is the development of this varied Central Region, which also includes an important European city. For this purpose, it pursues a unified regional policy with an emphasis on services industry based on knowledge, agriculture based on ecology, the development of the business and cultural service sectors, and the establishment of an environment for investors. The Central Hungarian Region is the country's centre of knowledge, culture, business, recreation and tourism.

If you want to hear the heartbeat of Hungary, you don't have to go very far.