Balkány

Geography

It covers an area of 89.99 km² (35 sq mi) and has a population of 6,852 people (2002). It lies approximately 28 km (17 mi) southeast from Nyíregyháza and 40 northeast from Debrecen. There are many small towns surrounding Balkány, including Biri, Geszteréd, Bököny, Szakoly, and Nyírmihálydi.

Climate

Balkány has nearly 2,000 hours of annual sunshine, which is the second highest after the Alföld region. Average annual precipitation is about 560–590 mm, and the annual average temperature is between 9.5 to 9.6 °C (49 to 49 °F).

History

Balkány was first mentioned in 1214. The meaning of its name refers it to a swamp or wetland. The first owners of the region were the Gut-Keled noble family whose members received Balkány as a gift from the king in 1289. Consequently, Balkány was divided up by the family, the western part was given to Paul (Pál) and Thomas (Tamás), the eastern part was taken by Paul's son, Lawrence (Lőrinc). As a result of attacks by the Ottoman Turks and other nomadic tribes Balkány lost its inhabitants and became a ghost town until the late 16th century. In the early 18th century, the town's population rose again, governance was shared among the most prosperous families such as Bezdédy, Désy, Finta, Gencsy, Gődény, Guth, and Koczogh. In 1839, it was the largest city in the county with a population of 3,006.

Today

Balkány is home to 6,852 people (2005) most of whom live in the country. Unemployment is a serious problem: there are more jobs being lost than created. Like in the past, the biggest sector of employment is agriculture. However, the lack of investment and low prices of goods have created an unfriendly business environment.

There are a number of kindergartens and two elementary as well as middle schools educating the town's 1,300 children.

Twin towns — Sister cities

Balkány is twinned with: