Budapest was created by the unification of three cities - Buda, Óbuda and Pest - in 1873 and from this point on the Hungarian capital started to grow and develop rapidly.
The population of the city tripled between 1875 and 1900. Budapest reached its fullest flower in that period and became eighth largest city in Europe, larger than Rome, Madrid or Milan.
Area.
Its area now is 525 sq. km. Two-thirds of the city is Pest, located on the eastern, flat bank of the Danube, and one-third is Buda, located on the western, hilly bank of the Danube.
Population.
The population of Budapest is 1 705 309 inhabitants (as of 2004), which makes 17% of the country’s population.
Population structure.
38 523 students (colleges and universities) and 509 425 retirees (as of 2003).
Vital statistics.
Per thousand of inhabitants: 8.5 births; 13.9 deaths; 5.0 marriages (as of 2003).
Climate.
Budapest is located in temperate zone and has a continental climate. This means that seasonal variations in temperature are extreme. The coldest month is January, while the hottest ones are June, July and August.
Crimes.
15 284 convicts with definitive sentence in 2003.
Districts And Government.
Budapest consists of twenty-three districts, designated by Roman numerals (I to XXIII). Each of the districts has own government, the so-called district government. The local government of Budapest is Budapest Municipality with elected mayors and a body of representatives.
Buda's districts are I, II, III, XI, XII, XXII.
Pest's districts are IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI, XXIII.
Transport.
Stock of road motor vehicles: 14 970 motorcycles, 604 981 passenger cars, 4 372 autobuses, 74 789 lorries, 3 144 tractors. (as of December 31, 2003)