Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, and Austria to the west. The country’s capital and most populous city is Budapest, which is also the ninth largest city in the European Union.
Hungary is a member of the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. It is also a founding member of the Visegrád Group, an alliance of four Central European countries.
History
Hungary has a long and rich history, dating back to the 9th century. The country was founded by the Magyars, a nomadic tribe from Central Asia. The Magyars conquered the Carpathian Basin in 896 and established the Kingdom of Hungary.
The Kingdom of Hungary became one of the most powerful states in Central Europe during the Middle Ages. The country reached its peak under King Matthias Corvinus (1458-1490), who was known as the “Renaissance King of Hungary.”
Hungary declined in power after the death of Matthias Corvinus. The Ottoman Turks conquered the country in 1526 and held it under their rule for over 150 years.
Hungary regained its independence from the Ottoman Turks in 1686. The country then became part of the Habsburg Empire. Hungary became a separate kingdom in 1867, but it remained part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918.
After the First World War, Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory and population under the Treaty of Trianon. The country was also forced to become a republic.
Hungary became a communist state after the Second World War. The country remained under communist rule until 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell.
Hungary held its first free elections since 1945 in 1990. The country joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.
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Hungarian Culture
Hungary is a country in Central Europe with a rich and vibrant culture. From its traditional folk music and dance to its world-renowned cuisine and wine, Hungary has something to offer everyone.
Family
Family is the cornerstone of Hungarian culture. Hungarians are very close to their families and take great pride in their heritage. It is common for Hungarians to live with their parents or grandparents until they get married, and many families have multiple generations living under the same roof.
Relationships
Hungarians are also very social people who value relationships highly. They enjoy spending time with their friends and family, and they are always happy to welcome new people into their lives. Hungarians are known for their hospitality and their warm and welcoming nature.
Values
Some of the most important values in Hungarian culture include hard work, respect, and loyalty. Hungarians are proud of their country and their culture, and they are always willing to help one another out. They are also known for their sense of humor and their love of life.
Traditions
Hungary has many rich and colorful traditions. One of the most popular traditions is the Hungarian folk dance. Hungarian folk dance is a lively and energetic dance that is often performed at weddings and other special occasions.
Another popular tradition is the Hungarian folk music. Musicians often play Hungarian folk music, a beautiful and haunting genre, on traditional instruments such as the violin and the cimbalom.
Cuisine
Hungarian cuisine is known for its hearty and delicious dishes. Some of the most popular Hungarian dishes include goulash, chicken paprikash, and lángos. Hungarian cuisine is also known for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Wine
Hungary produces a significant amount of wine, and its wine is renowned for its high quality and delicious taste. Some of the most popular Hungarian wines include Tokaji Aszú, Egri Bikavér, and Villány Shiraz.
Arts and Culture
Hungary has a rich and vibrant arts and culture scene. The country is home to many world-renowned museums, galleries, and theaters. People know Budapest, the capital of Hungary, as the “Pearl of the Danube” because of its beautiful architecture and cultural attractions.
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Here are some additional details about Hungarian culture:
- Language: Hungarian is a Uralic language and is not related to any other major European language. It is spoken by about 13 million people worldwide, with the majority of speakers living in Hungary.
- Religion: The majority of Hungarians are Christian (Catholic and Protestant). However, there are also significant minorities of Muslims, Jews, and non-religious people.
- Holidays: Some of the most important holidays in Hungary include Christmas, Easter, and Hungarian National Day (August 20).
- Sports: Hungarians are passionate about sports, and the country has a strong tradition of sporting excellence. Some of the most popular sports in Hungary include football (soccer), handball, and water polo.
- Arts: Hungary has a rich and vibrant arts scene, with a strong tradition in classical music, theater, and dance. Some of the most famous Hungarian artists include Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály, and Márta Sebestyén.
Tourism
Hungary is a popular tourist destination. The country is famous for its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and thermal baths.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Hungary include:
- The Hungarian Parliament Building: One of the most iconic buildings in Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament Building is a must-see for any visitor to Hungary.
- The Buda Castle: Located on Castle Hill, the Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city.
- The Fisherman’s Bastion: Another popular tourist attraction on Castle Hill, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a beautiful neo-Gothic terrace with seven towers.
- The Széchenyi Baths: The Széchenyi Baths are the largest thermal baths in Europe and are a great place to relax and soak in the thermal waters.
- The Great Market Hall: The Great Market Hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest and is a great place to buy fresh produce, souvenirs, and other items.
Food
Hungarian food is known for its hearty soups and stews. Some of the most popular Hungarian dishes include:
Goulash
Chicken paprikash
Lángos
Dobos cake
Tokaji wine
Conclusion
Hungary is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich history and culture. The country is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning scenery, its historical landmarks, and its thermal baths.