SZABOLCS-SZATMR-BEREG

megye (county), extreme northeastern Hungary, occupying an area of mainly lowland country traversed by many small river courses. Lying within the megye is the Nyrsg, a district of sandy soils and the site of Nyregyhza (q.v.), the megye seat. Crossed by the Tisza River system, the sandy terrain has been stabilized by planting fruit and other trees. Elsewhere in the megye are riverine flats, some of them poorly drained swamp and marshland, though reclamation has added sizable areas of cultivable land. Fruit, grains (especially rye), rough fodder, sunflowers, and tobacco are grown in the county. Cattle, pigs, and sheep are raised, and fruit brandies, industrial alcohol, and morphine (from poppies) are important products. The county's major centres, after Nyregyhza, include Kisvrda and Mtszalka. Area 2,293 square miles (5,938 square km). Pop. (1993 est.) 564,000.