HajdúBihar

Hajdú-Bihar is an administrative county (megye) in eastern Hungary, in the Northern Great Plain region. Its seat is Debrecen, which is also the county’s largest city and Hungary’s second-largest urban center, a major hub for culture, education, and industry. The county covers a portion of the Great Hungarian Plain and includes part of the Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its expansive steppe landscapes and traditional animal husbandry.

Historically, Hajdú-Bihar was established in 1950 by merging the historic Hajdú and Bihar counties. The name reflects both the Hajdú people and the Bihar region. The economy traditionally relies on agriculture, with food processing and light industry concentrated in Debrecen and other towns. The University of Debrecen anchors higher education and research in the region. Transport infrastructure includes the M3 motorway, railway connections, and Debrecen International Airport, which serves the county and eastern Hungary.

In terms of demographics and culture, the population is predominantly Hungarian with minorities including Roma. The cultural landscape is shaped by religious and folk traditions. Notable sites include Debrecen’s Reformed Great Church (Nagytemplom) and the Déri Museum, as well as the Hortobágy National Park and the Nine-arched Bridge, which are emblematic of the region’s heritage. Hajdú-Bihar plays a significant role in Hungary’s regional economy and tourism through its natural and cultural assets.