Kistérség

Kistérség is a geographic and statistical microregion in Hungary. It is not a formal administrative unit, but a planning and statistical unit defined by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH). A kistérség groups several municipalities within a single county to reflect functional and economic ties among settlements, such as commuting patterns, service networks, and shared infrastructure. Boundaries are established and periodically updated by KSH in coordination with the county authorities, and they are designed to serve data collection, analysis, and regional planning rather than to grant governmental powers.

Uses and functions: Microregions are used in national and regional planning, in the distribution of development resources, and in the organization of statistics for regional disparities. They provide a basis for evaluating needs and targeting investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and local economic development. They also facilitate cooperation across municipalities through formal or informal agreements.

Composition and governance: A kistérség consists of multiple municipalities—ranging from larger towns to smaller villages—within one county. There is no single elected body for a kistérség. Instead, municipalities may form kistérségi társulások (micro-regional associations) to coordinate joint services such as waste management, public transport, social care, or regional development planning.

History and status: The concept originated in Hungary’s administrative-territorial and statistical reforms in the late 20th century and has remained in use to support development policy, including allocations under EU structural funds. Although kistérségek play an important planning role, they do not possess independent political authority and their influence depends on the cooperation of member municipalities and the county government.