Kráľovský Chlmec (until 1948 Kráľovský Chlumec, ) is a town in the Trebišov District in the Košice Region of south-eastern Slovakia. It has a population of 7,462.

Etymology

The name means "Royal Hill". Slovak chlm, Czech chlum, Polish chełm are derived from a Proto-Slavic chъlmъ - a hill, chlmec - a smaller hill, an elevated location.

History

The town was first mentioned in 1214 as Helmech. In 1848-1849, residents of Kráľovský Chlmec took part in the Civic Revolution and War of Independence. After the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, the town became part of Czechoslovakia. It was annexed again by Hungary in 1938 as a result of the First Vienna Award. After the Second world war it became part of Czechoslovakia again in 1945, officially in 1947, according to the Paris Peace Treaties.

Geography

Kráľovský Chlmec lies at an altitude of 130 m above sea level and covers an area of 23.08 km2. It is located in the southern part of the Eastern Slovak Lowland, only around 5 km north of Hungarian and 12 km west of Ukrainian border. The regional capital Košice is 90 km away.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census, the town had 8 033 inhabitants. 73.66% of inhabitants were Hungarians (5 670), 19.43% Slovaks (1 496), 3.95% Gypsy (304) and 0.26% Czechs (20).

Education

Gymnázium Kráľovský Chlmec The Royal Grammar School Chlmec opened in 1949. Teaches both in Slovak and Hungarian language.

Notable people

Twin towns — sister cities

Kráľovský Chlmec is twinned with: