Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe that lies within the drainage basin of the Danube River. It is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, and Austria to the west. The country has a population of over 9.5 million, with Budapest serving as its capital and largest city.

Hungary has a rich history dating back to the ninth century when the Hungarian state was founded. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by various cultures, including the Celts, Romans, Huns, and Ottomans. Today, Hungary is a democratic parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union, known for its contributions to arts, music, and science and technology.

As a popular tourist destination, Hungary attracts millions of visitors each year who come to explore its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant culture. The country also boasts a high-income economy with universal health care and tuition-free secondary education.

Etymology

Main article: Name of Hungary

The name "Hungary" likely comes from the Huns, an ancient group who lived in the area before the Avars. The rest of the name comes from a Greek word that was influenced by several other languages.

The Hungarian people call their country Magyarország, which means "land of the Magyars." The word magyar refers to the Hungarian people and comes from the name of one of the important tribes that formed the country.

History

Main article: History of Hungary

Before 895

Main articles: Hungarian prehistory and Hungarian mythology

The Roman Empire conquered the territory between the Alps and the area west of the Danube River from 16 to 15 BC, with the Danube being the empire's frontier. In 14 BC, Pannonia, the western part of the Carpathian Basin, which includes the west of today's Hungary, was recognised as part of the Roman Empire. The area south-east of Pannonia became the Roman province Moesia in 6 BC. An area east of the river Tisza became the Roman province of Dacia in 106 AD, which included today's east Hungary. It remained under Roman rule until 271.

From 235, the Roman Empire faced troubled times due to revolts and rapid changes in leadership. The Western Roman Empire collapsed in the 5th century under pressure from migrating Germanic tribes and Carpian groups. This period saw many invaders enter Central Europe, starting with the Hunnic Empire (c. 370–469). The most notable leader was Attila the Hun (434–453), who became a key figure in Hungarian mythology. After the Hunnic Empire disbanded, the Gepids, an Eastern Germanic tribe, established their own kingdom in the Carpathian Basin. Other groups that arrived during this time included the Goths, Vandals, Lombards, and Slavs.

In the 560s, the Avars founded the Avar Khaganate, which controlled the region for over two centuries. The Franks under Charlemagne defeated the Avars in the 790s. Between 804 and 829, the First Bulgarian Empire took over lands east of the Danube. By the mid-9th century, the Balaton Principality, also known as Lower Pannonia, was established west of the Danube as part of the Frankish March of Pannonia.

Middle Ages (895–1526)

Main articles: Principality of Hungary and Kingdom of Hungary in the Middle Ages

The foundation of the Hungarian state is linked to the Hungarian conquerors, who arrived from the Pontic-Caspian steppe as a confederation of seven tribes. Led by Grand Prince Álmos and his son Árpád, founders of the Árpád dynasty, the Hungarians entered the Carpathian Basin between 862 and 895. They conducted successful campaigns from Constantinople to Spain. A defeat at the Battle of Lechfeld in 955 marked the end of most campaigns to the west.

Age of Árpádian kings

Main articles: Kingdom of Hungary (1000–1301) and Árpád dynasty

In 972, Prince Géza of the Árpád dynasty began integrating Hungary into Christian Western Europe. His son Saint Stephen I became the first King of Hungary after defeating his uncle Koppány. Under Stephen, Hungary became a Catholic Apostolic Kingdom. By 1006, Stephen had consolidated power and started reforms to turn Hungary into a Western-style feudal state. The country adopted Latin for administration, a practice that lasted until 1844. King Saint Ladislaus continued Stephen's work, strengthening the state's power and Christianity. He intervened in Croatia at the request of Helen, leading to a personal union with the Kingdom of Croatia in 1102.

One of the most powerful kings was Béla III, whose income was enormous. Andrew II issued the Diploma Andreanum, securing privileges for the Transylvanian Saxons. He led the Fifth Crusade and issued the Golden Bull of 1222, Hungary's first constitution. The Mongol (Tatar) invasion of 1241–1242 devastated Hungary, but the kingdom recovered. King Béla IV built many stone castles for defense. The Mongols returned in 1285 but were defeated by King Ladislaus IV.

Age of elected kings

Main articles: Kingdom of Hungary (1301–1526) and Ottoman–Hungarian Wars

After the Árpádian kings, royal power weakened. The first Angevin king, Charles I of Hungary, restored power and defeated rivals. Louis the Great (1342–1382) led many military campaigns and was also King of Poland. After Louis' death, Sigismund of Luxembourg became king and later Holy Roman Emperor. The first Hungarian Bible translation was completed in 1439. John Hunyadi was a successful crusader against the Ottoman Turks, notably at the siege of Belgrade in 1456.

The last strong medieval king was Matthias Corvinus (1458–1490), son of John Hunyadi. He was a successful military leader and patron of the arts. His library, the Bibliotheca Corviniana, was one of Europe's largest collections of historical and scientific works. Matthias protected his people from abuses by the nobility. His army, the Black Army of Hungary, was large for its time and conquered parts of Austria and Bohemia.

Ottoman wars (1526–1699)

Main articles: Kingdom of Hungary (1526–1867), Ottoman Hungary, and Eastern Hungarian Kingdom

See also: Principality of Transylvania (1570–1711) and Ottoman–Habsburg wars

After 150 years of war, the Ottomans defeated the Hungarian army at the Battle of Mohács in 1526, where King Louis II died. Hungary was divided into three parts: Royal Hungary under the Habsburgs, the Principality of Transylvania under Ottoman influence, and the central area controlled by the Ottomans. In 1686, the Holy League's army recaptured Buda from the Ottomans. By 1718, all of Hungary was freed from Ottoman rule.

From the 18th century to World War I (1699–1918)

Between 1703 and 1711, a large-scale war of independence led by Francis II Rákóczi took place. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Hungarian Diet was not convened for decades. In the 1820s, the Diet was reconvened, marking the start of the Reform Period (1825–1848). On 15 March 1848, mass demonstrations in Pest and Buda led to a list of 12 demands. Under Lajos Kossuth and Lajos Batthyány, the House of Habsburg was dethroned. The Hungarian forces defeated Austrian armies, but Russian forces invaded to support Austria, leading to the surrender of Hungarian forces in August 1849. Following this, Hungary entered a period of "passive resistance".

Reforms became necessary, and the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 created the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary. This led to significant economic development. In 1873, Buda, Óbuda, and Pest were united to form Budapest. Hungary joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Between the World Wars (1918–1941)

After World War I, Hungary faced political upheaval. The Aster Revolution in 1918 brought Mihály Károlyi to power. The Hungarian Royal Honvéd army was disarmed, leading to the loss of much of Hungary's territory. In March 1919, communists led by Béla Kun established the Hungarian Soviet Republic. Rightist forces led by Miklós Horthy took control in November 1919. The Treaty of Trianon in 1920 reduced Hungary's size significantly. The Horthy regime faced putsch attempts, economic difficulties, and growing support for fascist politics.

World War II (1941–1945)

Hungary entered World War II on the side of the Axis powers in 1941. Hungarian troops fought on the Eastern Front. By 1944, German troops occupied Hungary. In October 1944, German forces installed a puppet government under Arrow Cross Party leader F Ferenc Szálasi. The Soviets besieged Budapest, which surrendered in February 1945. The war caused massive destruction and loss of life in Hungary.

Communism (1945–1989)

Main articles: Hungarian Republic (1946–1949), Hungarian People's Republic, and Hungarian Revolution of 1956

See also: Goulash Communism

After World War II, Hungary became a Soviet satellite state. Mátyás Rákosi led the country from 1949 to 1956, implementing strict policies that lowered living standards. A secret police, the ÁVH, enforced the regime. After Stalin's death, Imre Nagy became premier and promised reforms. In 1956, protests led to the Hungarian Revolution. Soviet forces crushed the revolution, resulting in many deaths and arrests. János Kádár took power and introduced more relaxed policies, improving living standards. In 1968, the New Economic Mechanism introduced market elements. By the late 1980s, economic problems led to calls for change.

Third Republic (1989–present)

See also: Revolutions of 1989, 2006 protests in Hungary, 2015 European migrant crisis, and COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary

Hungary transitioned from communism to democracy peacefully in 1989. Free elections were held in May 1990, and József Antall became the first democratically elected prime minister since World War II. Economic challenges followed, including a recession due to the Yugoslav Wars. The Socialist Party won the 1994 elections. Hungary joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. In 2006, protests erupted over claims made by Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány. In 2010, Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party won a supermajority and introduced a new constitution. After the 2026 election, Péter Magyar led the Tisza Party to a decisive supermajority, and Orbán conceded.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Hungary and Climate of Hungary

See also: List of national parks of Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is shaped by two important rivers, the Danube and Tisza. The Danube runs through the center of Hungary, and the whole country is part of its drainage basin.

Western Hungary, called Transdanubia, has rolling hills and low mountains, including parts of the Alps. It is home to Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Eastern Hungary features the wide, flat Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld), with the Carpathians near its northern edge. The highest point in Hungary is the Kékes mountain, standing at 1,014 meters.

Hungary has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from about 23°C in summer to -3°C in winter, with yearly rainfall around 600 mm.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Hungary, Government of Hungary, and Taxation in Hungary

Hungary is a unitary parliamentary republic. The country operates under a framework reformed in 2012, known as the Fundamental Law of Hungary. There are 199 Members of Parliament who are elected every four years. The President of the Republic serves as the head of state, mainly handling representative duties and formal responsibilities. The prime minister is the head of government and leads the executive branch.

Main articles: Political parties in Hungary, Elections in Hungary, and Electoral system of Hungary

Hungary has a multi-party system. The most recent election was in April 2026, where the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, won against the incumbent Fidesz–KDNP government. Hungary also allows ethnic minorities in Hungary to vote on special lists for representation in Parliament.

Main articles: Law of Hungary, Law enforcement in Hungary, and Human rights in Hungary

Hungary’s judicial system is based on civil law, influenced by German law and Roman law. The court system includes local courts, regional appellate courts, and the supreme court, all located in Budapest. Law enforcement is primarily handled by the Hungarian Police, which manages general policing duties across the country.

Main article: Foreign relations of Hungary

Hungary is committed to Atlantic co-operation, European integration, international development, and international law. It is a member of many international organizations, including the United Nations, European Union, and NATO. Hungary has worked to improve relationships with its neighbors since 1989.

Main articles: Hungarian Defence Forces and Military history of Hungary

See also: List of wars involving Hungary and List of equipment of the Hungarian Ground Forces

The president is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, which are managed by the Ministry of Defence. Hungary’s military includes ground and air forces, and it participates in international peacekeeping missions. Military service is voluntary, but conscription can happen during wartime.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Administrative divisions of Hungary

Hungary is divided into 19 counties, with the capital city, Budapest, being its own separate area. These counties and Budapest together make up the main parts of Hungary's local government. Each county is further split into smaller areas called districts, and these districts include towns and villages. Some towns have extra responsibilities and are known as cities with county rights.

Since 1996, these counties and Budapest have been grouped into seven regions to help with planning and development. These regions are Central Hungary, Central Transdanubia, Northern Great Plain, Northern Hungary, Southern Transdanubia, Southern Great Plain, and Western Transdanubia.

Hungary has many towns and villages, with Budapest being the largest city. The smaller villages often have fewer than 100 people.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Hungary

Hungary is a high-income country with a strong economy and a skilled workforce. It ranks among the top in the world for economic complexity and has a very high standard of living. The country is part of the European single market, which helps it trade with many other countries.

Hungary is good at making things and selling them to others. It is especially known for electronics, cars, and medicine. The country also attracts many foreign companies that want to set up factories there. Budapest, the capital city, is a major business center and is known for its strong economy.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Hungary, Hungarians, and Women in Hungary

Hungary had a population of about 9.7 million in 2021, making it the fifth largest country in Central and Eastern Europe. The population has been slowly decreasing since it peaked at over 10 million in 1980. About 70% of people live in cities and towns, with many living in the area around Budapest, the capital city.

Hungary has a growing older population and a lower birth rate, which means fewer young people are growing up. The country has programs to help families have more children, but many young people move away for jobs. Hungary also has minority groups, such as Germans and the Romani people, who have lived in Hungary for many generations.

Languages

Main articles: Hungarian language and Languages of Hungary

Hungarian is the main language spoken in Hungary and is one of the official languages of the European Union. Most people speak it as their first language. English and German are commonly learned as foreign languages in schools. There are also several minority languages spoken by smaller groups of people in Hungary.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Hungary

Hungary has a long history of Christianity, and many people still identify as Christian today, mostly as Roman Catholic or Reformed (Calvinist). However, a large part of the population does not follow any specific religion. Hungary also has small communities of other faiths, including Jewish, Buddhist, and Muslim groups.

Education

Main articles: Education in Hungary and List of universities and colleges in Hungary

Education in Hungary is free and required for children from age three to sixteen. There are many schools, from primary to secondary levels, and several universities, including some of the oldest in the world. Hungary is known for its strong performance in mathematics and science. Many students from other countries come to study in Hungary, especially in English or German language programs.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Hungary

Hungary has a system of universal healthcare, which means everyone can get medical care. The government pays for most healthcare costs. Hungary is also known for its spas and medical tourism, especially for dental care and plastic surgery. Like many developed countries, Hungary faces health challenges such as heart disease and cancer, but healthcare continues to improve.

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Hungary, List of World Heritage Sites in Hungary, and National symbols of Hungary

See also: Cinema of Hungary, List of films shot in Budapest, and List of domesticated animals from Hungary

Hungary has a rich cultural history, especially in architecture, music, and cuisine. The country is known for its beautiful buildings, including the largest synagogue in Europe and some of the biggest medicinal baths. Hungarian music is famous for its strong rhythms and famous composers like Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók. Traditional Hungarian dishes often use paprika and sour cream, with goulash being one of the most well-known foods.

Hungary also has a strong tradition in sports. Hungarian athletes have won many Olympic medals, especially in water sports like water polo and swimming. The country has hosted several major international sports events and is home to successful chess players and sabre athletes. The Hungarian Grand Prix in Formula One is a popular event held near Budapest.