hungary: an overview

 

hungary

Hungary is a nation rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, blending tradition with modernity. The legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman rule, and 20th-century struggles have shaped a country proud of its heritage and a significant player in Europe and the world.

The Land of Thermal Waters

Renowned for its thermal baths, Hungary boasts Budapest as one of the cities with the highest number of spas in the world. There is no other capital in the European Union where authentic medieval Turkish baths are still in operation. The Ottoman occupation extended beyond Budapest—where a visit to Széchenyi is a must—to foster a bathing culture throughout Hungary. Notable locations include Héviz, home to the world’s largest biologically active thermal lake near Lake Balaton, and Egerszalok, an open-air spa and village where the springs yield 68 °C mineral water from an aquifer located under the volcanic Mátra Mountains.

History Overview

  • Early Settlement: Hungary has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has been influenced by Celtic and Roman civilizations.

  • Magyars: The Hungarians (Magyars) arrived in the Carpathian Basin in the late 9th century, led by Árpád, establishing the Principality of Hungary.

  • Kingdom Formation: In 1000 AD, Stephen I became the first king, initiating the kingdom’s Christianization.

  • Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Rule: Parts of Hungary were occupied by the Ottomans for about 150 years. In the 19th century, Hungary gained autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

  • World Wars: After World War I, the Treaty of Trianon (1920) resulted in Hungary losing two-thirds of its territory. Following its alignment with Nazi Germany during World War II, Hungary was occupied by the Soviet Union, leading to a communist regime from 1949 to 1989.

  • Democratic Transition: Hungary became a democratic republic in 1989, joined NATO in 1999, and became a member of the European Union in 2004.

Geography

  • Location: Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by seven countries.

  • Area: Hungary covers about 93,030 square kilometers (35,920 square miles), making it one of the smaller countries in Europe.

  • Landscape: The country is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including plains, hills, and mountains. The Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld) occupies much of the eastern part of the country, while the Transdanubian Mountains lie to the west.

  • Rivers: The Danube River, one of Europe’s longest rivers, flows through Hungary, dividing the country roughly into two halves: Buda and Pest, the two main historical parts of Budapest, the capital city. The Tisza River also runs through the eastern part of Hungary.

  • Lakes: Hungary is home to Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, which is a popular tourist destination.

Society and Culture

  • Population: As of 2024, Hungary has about 10 million residents, predominantly Hungarian, with minority groups such as Roma, Germans, and Slovaks.

  • Religion: The majority of Hungarians are Christian, with approximately 37% identifying as Roman Catholic, followed by Protestants (mainly Calvinists and Lutherans). There is a smaller Jewish community, along with a growing number of people with no religious affiliation.

  • Language: Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language. It’s famous for its complex grammar and vocabulary. Interestingly, Hungary is one of only two European countries with its own unique word for 'wine' (bor) that does not derive from Latin.

  • Literature: Hungary has a rich literary tradition, with famous writers like Magda Szabo, Sándor Petőfi, Miklós Zrínyi, Imre Kertész (Nobel Prize in Literature), and Franz Kafka (who had Hungarian roots).

  • Music: Hungary has a deep musical heritage, from the classical works of Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók to the Hungarian folk music traditions. The Budapest Opera House is a major cultural landmark.

  • Art: Hungary is home to many renowned painters, including Vilmos Aba-Novák and László Moholy-Nagy, a pioneer of modern photography and design.

  • Cuisine: Hungarian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, famous for dishes like goulash (a stew made with beef, vegetables, and paprika), langos (fried dough), and pörkölt (a meat stew). Paprika is a key ingredient, and Tokaji wine is a world-famous Hungarian product.

  • Festivals: Cultural celebrations include the Budapest Spring Festival, Busójárás and one of Europe’s most popular festivals Sziget Festival.