摘要：Our short paper examines the region of the Northern Great Plain, mainly due to its disadvantaged situation. Comparative analysis of the micro-regions in this particular region was implemented to identify possible causes for differentiation between the micro-regions. Finding these causes would then help us find more effective ways to address regional inequalities, currently one of the central issues not only in Hungary but throughout Eastern Europe. The methods used for such analysis included statistical indicators, such as difference in migration rates, rate of unemployment, number of incorporated enterprises per 1000 inhabitants etc., as well as the principal component analysis and the currently applicable categorisation system for micro-regions. The findings are univocal: the nationally disadvantageous situation of the region is aggravated by the heterogeneity present within the region, by the huge differences between micro-regions encompassing county seats, and peripheral micro-regions. The outstanding situation of the micro-regions of Nyíregyháza, Debrecen and Szolnok was maintained in 2006 as well; apart from these, only the micro-regions of Jászberény and Hajdúszoboszló can be regarded as being above-average. The micro-region of Csenger is still seriously underdeveloped in comparison with other areas in the region. The key to remedying these problems could lie in their proximity to the border, elimination of the infrastructural deficiencies of the micro-region and improving the population’s qualification levels.
