A government survey has found that the overall health of Hungary's Roma (Gypsies) is much worse than that of the average population.

A health ministry report based on the survey said the average life expectancy of the country's Roma is 10 to 15 years lower than that of the non-Roma population and cites unemployment, poor nutrition, substandard housing, environmental pollution, and workplace hazards as major contributing factors. The life expectancy of the general population is 71 years.

The report stated that most Roma have unhealthy eating habits, consuming cheap foods rich in fat and carbohydrates. Malnutrition and hunger are acute problems.

EPA/PA