A SPATIAL EXAMINATION OF THE DENOMINATIONAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE EGER ARCHDIOCESE IN THE MIRROR OF THE 2011 AND 2022 CENSUS DATA

Abstract

Our investigation focused on the denominational distribution within Hungary, with
particular emphasis on the Archdiocese of Eger, utilizing data obtained from the 2011 and
2022 censuses. Our analysis primarily scrutinized the prevalence, proportional
representation, and spatial attributes of Roman Catholics within these demographics.
Between 2011 and 2022, there was a notable decline in the proportion of individuals
identifying as Roman Catholic, with figures dropping from 37.1% to 27.5%. This trend
suggests a potential manifestation of secularization or related phenomena, evidenced by
the burgeoning population segment either eschewing religious affiliation or abstaining
from responding to the census query. Despite Roman Catholics maintaining a dominant
presence among religious denominations, their numerical superiority diminished over the
inter-census period.
Geographically, Roman Catholics exhibit a broad distribution across Hungary, particularly
concentrated westward of the Tisza River. The Archdiocese of Eger encompasses 522
settlements spanning three counties (Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves, and Jász-NagykunSzolnok), covering 14,440 km2, equivalent to 15.5% of Hungary's total land area.
Within the archdiocese, Roman Catholic adherents numbered 317,000 in 2022, marking a
reduction of over 134,000 individuals since 2011. This decline corresponded to a decrease
in their proportion from 38.5% to 29.5% of the total population, and from 66.0% to 63.3%
among respondents identifying with a religious denomination. Although non-affiliated or
non-responsive individuals constituted the majority overall in 2022, their prevalence within
the archdiocese remained below the national average, underscoring the enduring influence
and significance of religious institutions within this region.
Roman Catholics inhabited nearly all settlements within the archdiocese during both census
periods, with notable concentrations observed in Miskolc, Eger, Gyöngyös, and Jászberény.
Specific regions within Heves County, Jászság, and the northern sector of Borsod-AbaújZemplén County exhibited heightened concentrations of Roman Catholic populations.
In concluding our study, we delineated potential avenues for further research exploration
within this domain.