CENTRAL TRANSDANUBIA - Geography and history
A region historically important
Situated in the north-west of Hungary, Central Transdanubia has common borders with Southern Transdanubia in the south, Western Transdanubia in the west, Central Hungary in the east and Southern Great Plain in the south-east. To the north is the international border with the Slovak Republic.
The region of Central Transdanubia covers the counties of Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom and Veszprém and has an area of 11 117 square kilometres, being one of the most densely populated region of the country (100 inhabitants per square kilometre in 2003). The region registered 1 114 thousand inhabitants on 1st January 2003. The river Danube runs through the northern and eastern part of the region.
Székesfehérvár (Alba Regia in Latin), the first seat of the Hungarian kings and the largest city in the area, was founded in 972. This historic city still has ancient stones, monuments, buildings, squares and churches built in the Middle Age. The region has three other large towns: Tatabánya, Veszprém, and Dunaújváros.
The greater part of the north shore of Lake Balaton is situated in the region. Lake Balaton ? the ?Hungarian Sea? - has a surface of 600 km2 and it is the biggest lake in Hungary and Central Europe.
Lake Velence is an ideal resort from early spring until late autumn. The bird reserve, one third of the lake, covers the reed beds. Velence is one of the oldest resorts here. Protected wine cellars and press houses are found on the sunny side of Bence Hill.
Important contribution of the secondary sector
Central Transdanubia produced 10.3% of the Gross Value Added of the country in 2001. The Gross Value Added of the region has increased by 77% between 1995 and 2001, which is seven percentage points over the growth registered for the national average. In 2001, the primary sector had a share of 4.8% (against 4.3 nationally) in the total GVA, while the secondary and tertiary sectors accounted respectively for 45.8% (against 31.3% observed nationally) and 49.4% (far under the 64.4% observed nationally).
The main industrial sectors of Central Transdanubia are the automotive industry and the related components, manufacturing, electronics, wood and furniture, chemicals and steel/aluminium industries. The region hosts several well-known international and Hungarian companies in electronic, automotive and food industries.
The Central Transdanubian Regional Development Agency plays a central role in the development of the region, namely in the promotion of entrepreneurial and research activities. In early 2002, the region started developing its Regional Innovation Strategy project, which endeavours to improve the quality of life by strengthening the competitiveness of the regional economy.
Concerning transport, it is excellent in the area between Balaton and Budapest. The region is crossed by two motorways and two main railway lines. This makes the area a ?top region?: only 30 minutes from Budapest, it is easy to be reached by people who want to escape the bustle of the city. The region extends from the Danube to the Balaton Highlands, and it is a microcosm of the country as a whole. Each of the country?s main geographical areas can be found here: the Great Plain is represented by the Mezoföld, the Northern Hills by Bakony and Vértes and the Transdanubian Hills by the Velence Hills.
Higher education, culture
After integration, there are 9 higher education institutions in the region, the most important being the University Veszprém with its faculties of engineering, technology and electronic engineering, economics and agriculture. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences has several research centres based in the region, such as the Agricultural Research Centre, Limnology Research Centre, Biological Database-building Laboratory and the Regional Research Centre. In 2002, a total of 2 615 people were involved in research and development activities in the region.
Almost everywhere in Central Transdanubia, centuries-old monuments and archaeological sites show how the area has been inhabited since ancient times and evoke the myths and legends of past ages. The ancient capital of Székesfehérvár, the town of kings and cradle of statehood, is here as is Veszprém, the town of queens.
The region?s peaceful villages, well-stocked lakes, and forests rich in game are a powerful attraction for recreation seekers. Lake Velence offers the joys of swimming and water sports while the towns show visitors historical and architectural landmarks, atmospheric streets and squares, and the legendary Hungarian hospitality.
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