Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It covers about 93,000 square kilometers and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east, Serbia to the southeast, Croatia and Slovenia to the south, and Austria to the west. The Danube runs through Budapest, connecting the northwest and southeast, while the Great Plain dominates the eastern part of the country. Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe.

Hungary is a parliamentary republic. The unicameral National Assembly has 199 members elected for four-year terms. The prime minister is the head of government, and the president serves as a largely ceremonial head of state. The constitution protects basic rights, and political life focuses on economic policy, rule of law, and EU relations. Hungary has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and joined the Schengen Area in 2007; it is also a member of NATO.

Historically, the region saw the formation of the Hungarian state in the 9th and 10th centuries under the Árpád dynasty and Stephen I. It later became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After World War I, the Treaty of Trianon significantly reduced its territory. In the 20th century, Hungary experienced a communist period, followed by a transition to democracy in 1989–1990. Since 1999 Hungary has been a NATO member and since 2004 has been an EU member.

As of the contemporary period, Hungary has about 9–10 million people. The official language is Hungarian (Magyar); the population includes significant Roma and other minority communities. The economy is diversified, with manufacturing, automotive, chemicals, and information technology sectors. The forint (HUF) is the currency. Budapest is the capital and largest city, renowned for its architecture, thermal baths, and cultural institutions.