These Hungarian regions face security concerns and grapple with growing fear

Hungary, a country generally known as a safe place for both travellers and locals, grapples with varying levels of fear and security concerns across its diverse regions. Recent data from 2023 sheds light on a complex landscape where perceptions of safety vary significantly from one geographical area to another. Let’s delve into the intricacies of fear and security concerns in Hungary and unravel the disparities prevalent across its regions.

Northern Hungary

Despite its overall reputation for safety, Hungary witnesses notable differences in the sense of security among its regions. According to Pénzcentrum, the latest data reveals that while most Hungarians feel fairly or very safe, there are regions where this sentiment has declined between 2022 and 2023. Firstly, fear and dread seem to have established a stronghold in Northern Hungary, emerging as the region with the highest proportion of people feeling somewhat threatened. In 2023, 20.4% of the population expressed a heightened sense of apprehension, indicating a concerning trend. Although this percentage has decreased, Northern Hungary retains the lowest overall sense of security in the country.

Budapest and Transdanubia

In a previous article, we addressed concerns regarding the sense of security among Budapest’s residents, notably the unease felt during night strolls. In contrast to the situation in Northern Hungary, the capital has witnessed an uptick in residents feeling somewhat apprehensive. The data indicates that 17.6% of Budapest’s population experiences a sense of threat, highlighting a shift in perceptions between 2022 and 2023. In stark contrast to the concerns in Northern Hungary and Budapest, almost every region in Transdanubia maintains a high level of safety. Residents in these areas report feeling fairly or very safe, making Transdanubia a bastion of security compared to the rest of the country.

Changes over the years

The data not only underscores regional disparities but also reveals a changing landscape in Hungary’s security perceptions. Interestingly, there has been an increase in the number of people who feel very safe in their places of residence. While Northern Hungary historically harboured the highest number of safety-related concerns, there has been a tangible decrease between 2022 and 2023. Central Hungary, including Budapest, has undergone a significant shift in its fear and security ranking, moving from 6th place in 2022 to 4th place in 2023. The Northern Great Plain takes the lead in 2023, with 14.5% of its population expressing a sense of fear. This shift is noteworthy, as it marks a change from the region’s historical trends and raises questions about the factors contributing to the heightened concerns.

In addition to concerns about safety among Hungary’s residents, recent data also brings forth positive aspects. In a prior article, we highlighted Hungary’s distinction as the safest country for driving, emphasising the positive safety record observed in the region. As Hungary grapples with varying levels of fear and security, it is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to these regional disparities. Understanding the nuances of these perceptions is essential for implementing targeted measures that ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

Source: Pénzcentrum