Baranya County

Quick Facts: Who was Baranya County?

Subject:

Baranya County

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A county in southern Hungary, historically significant and rich in natural resources.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Baranya (Hungarian: Baranya megye, pronounced [ˈbɒrɒɲɒ ˈvaːrmɛɟɛ]; German: Komitat Branau; Croatian: Baranjska županija) is a county (megye) in southern Hungary. It is part of the Southern Transdanubia statistical region and the historical Baranya region, which was a county (comitatus) in the Kingdom of Hungary dating back to the 11th century. Its current status as one of the 19 counties of Hungary was established in 1950 as part of wider Soviet administrative territorial reform following World War II. Its county seat and largest city is Pécs. As of 2025, it has a population of 351,158.

Career & Major Achievements

Of the 19 counties of Hungary (excluding Budapest), it is ranked 10th, both in terms of geographic area and population. In German, it is known as Komitat Branau, and in Croatian as Baranjska županija (Baranja). The county was probably named after its first comes 'Brana' or 'Braina'. This county has a total area of 4,429.60 km2 (1,710 sq mi) – 4.76% of Hungary – which is divided in Upper Baranya and Lower Baranya. It is bordered by Somogy County to the northwest, Tolna County to the north, Bács-Kiskun County and the Danube to the east, and the border with Croatia (part of which is formed by the Drava River) to the south.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The northern part of the county is a mountain area with large forests, the Mecsek Mountains. The central areas are shared between the Baranya Hills and Villány Mountains. The very eastern and southern parts are flat. The highest point in the county is Zengő in the Mecsek Mountains, at 682 metres. This is also the highest point of the mountain range.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1950: 1950 Milestone — Its current status as one of the 19 counties of Hungary was established in 1950 as part of wider Soviet administrative territorial reform following World War II.
2. 2025: 2025 Milestone — As of 2025, it has a population of 351,158.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Baranya County

True or False: “The entire area of Baranya County has always maintained its current administrative borders since the 11th century.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Its modern status as one of Hungary's counties was established in 1950 following Soviet administrative reforms.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdullah Gül — Historical peer (Born in 1950) (1950): Turkish politician who served as President (2007-2014) and Prime Minister.
• Agnes Smedley — Historical peer (Died in 1950) (1950): American journalist and activist supporting Indian Independence and Chinese Communism.
• Alasdair MacIntyre — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• Alfred Brendel — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baranya County