ABOUT HUNGARY
Hungary | |
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Capital | Budapest
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Government | Parliamentary democracy
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Currency | Forint (HUF)
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Area total: | 93,030 km2
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Population | 10,049,000 (2008)
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Language | Hungarian 98.2%, other 1.8%
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Religion | Roman Catholic 67.5%, Calvinist 20%, Lutheran 5%, atheist and other 7.5%
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Hungary is a country in Central Europe. It is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Borderless Europe Agreement. The country offers many diverse destinations: relatively low mountains in the north-west, great plains in the east, lakes and rivers of all sorts (including Balaton - the largest lake in Central Europe), along with many beautiful small villages (Hollókő, Villány, Szentendre, Nagycenk etc.) and hidden gems of cities. Top this off with Hungary’s great accessibility in the middle of Europe, a vivid culture and economy, and you get a destination of your dreams.
Parliament
Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world, with a capital regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Despite its relatively small size, the country is home to numerous World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Biosphere reserves, the second largest thermal lake in the world (Lake Hévíz), the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton), and the largest natural grassland in Europe (Hortobágy). In terms of buildings, Hungary is home to the largest synagogue in Europe (Great Synagogue), the largest medicinal bath in Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath), the third largest church in Europe (Esztergom Basilica), the second largest territorial abbey in the world (Pannonhalma Archabbey), the second largest Baroque castle in the world (Gödöllő), and the largest Early Christian Necropolis outside Italy (Pécs). You can expect to find delicious food and fantastic wines, good safety and a stable political climate as well as friendly people.
Lake Balaton
Hungary has been ethnically diverse since its inception, and while today over 90% of the population are ethnically Hungarian, pockets of ethnic and cultural Slovaks, Romanians, Germans and others dot the country. Due to the border changes of Hungary after World War I, over 5 million ethnic and cultural Hungarians live in bordering countries. The Hungarians, otherwise known as Magyars, are the descendants of several tribes from Central Asia, who were believed to be fierce, nomadic horsemen and came to Central Europe in the 9th century.
Thermal waters are abound in Hungary with over 1000 thermal springs in the country many of which have been turned into baths and spas. The most famous being the Szechenyi baths in Budapest. There are, however, hundreds of individual baths all around the country. The cave baths at Miskolctapolca and the spa at Egerszalók are some great examples.
Thermal waters are abound in Hungary with over 1000 thermal springs in the country many of which have been turned into baths and spas. The most famous being the Szechenyi baths in Budapest. There are, however, hundreds of individual baths all around the country. The cave baths at Miskolctapolca and the spa at Egerszalók are some great examples.
Tokaj wine region
Hortobágy
Szeged
