Isolated yet strategically located, the city's economy is thriving due to foreign investments. Modernizations of the highway and railroads are planned. In addition, Debrecen is near Ukraine and Romania, which has allowed it to develop into a significant center of commerce and a territorial crossing point.

Various tribes in ancient history inhabited this region, and the town emerged under the name Debrezun in 1235. It actually united the small villages in the region. Scholars are uncertain on its etymology; the word may be either of Slovakian or Turkish origin.

King Louis allowed residents to elect town authorities in 1361. From then on, Debrecen grew and improved, and had become a trade center by the 1500s. The diplomacy of its authorities must have been remarkable, as the town was unprotected in all other ways, being within close proximity to the border and not having any outer walls. And yet it survived. It even had the honor of 'independent royal town' conferred upon it by the Emperor of Rome in 1693. A Catholic church was built in Debrecen in the years that followed.

Debrecen suffered great losses in World War II, but it was revived by tourism. The first stadium in the country and other important buildings were erected in the town's Big Forest Park, a university was founded, and the Hortobagy Park with its native agriculture, horticulture, flora and fauna became a point of interest for visitors, which it remains to this day. Other important attractions include the Great Protestant Church and the Deri Museum. The city has a unique festivity, its Flower Carnival, which takes place annually on August 20th.