Everything You Should Know About Hungary

What is the capital of Hungary? What currency do people use there? How good is the education system? Here are the most important things you should know about the country in the heart of Europe! 

Hungary facts – basic information about Hungary 

• Population of Hungary: 9,6 million 
• Official language: Hungarian 
• Area: 93 030 km2 
• Climate: continental 
• Capital city: Budapest 
• Currency: Forint (HUF) 
• Time zone: CET (Central European Time) - GMT+1 

Where is Hungary located? The geography of Hungary 

Hungary is conveniently located in the heart of Europe, making it easily accessible by land, water and air transport as well. 

Hungary has seven neighboring countries: the country shares borders to the west with Austria, to the southwest with Slovenia, to the south with Croatia and Serbia, to the north with Slovakia, to the northeast with Ukraine, and to the east with Romania.

 

Weather in Hungary is typical for countries with continental climate: there are four seasons, with hot, dry summers and mildly cold, snowy winters. 

Hungary is a really pleasent country to live in thanks to the plenty of sunny days and the lack of unpleasant climatic manifestations that are cut off by the mountains surrounding the country. 

The country is relatively small, but rich in diverse, beautiful landscapes and natural resources. Hungary is well-known for its wealth of thermal and mineral water sources. It is often called the land of waters, and the thermal lakes and baths attract thousands of tourists to the country throughout the whole year. 

Lake Balaton – also known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’ -, the largest lake in Central Europe is a popular destination for locals and foreign tourists alike. Besides the amazing views and beaches, the region is also famous for its beautiful hills, rural charm and vineyards, which have been cultivated and producing wine since Roman times. 

Most of the country is covered by fertile, green plains, and is relatively flat, with its highest mountain reaching up to 1014 meters above sea level. 

Hungary is also home to several World Heritage sites, including numerous natural wonders such as national and wildlife parks, vineyards and numerous cultural attractions. 

The short history of Hungary 

Hungary has a long and rich history, throughout which Hungarians have preserved their unique language, culture and identity despite wars and occupations of the past centuries. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most significant historical events of Hungary: 

• 895-896, Hungarian conquest: Hungarian tribes arrive from the Urals arrive and conquer the Carpathian Basin. 
• 1001, foundation of the Hungarian state: with the coronation of Stephen I, the first king, Hungary becomes integrated into the European Christian nations. 
• 1241-1242, invasion of the Tatars of Mongolia 
• 1458-1490, glorious era of Matthias Corvinus, one of the greatest Hungarian kings 
• 1526, splitting of the country: after the battle of Mohács in 1526, the country was divided into three parts: the central parts came under Turkish rule, the west and north are ruled by the Habsburg, and the Principality of Transylvania is born in the south-east. 
• 1848-49, Revolution and War of Independence  
• 1867, start of the Austro-Hungarian Empire: compromise between the Habsburg Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary 
• 1873, birth of Budapest from the unison of Buda, Pest and Óbuda 
• 1914, Hungary enters World War I 
• 1920, Treaty of Trianon: Hungary loses two thirds of its territories and population. 
• 1944, Hungary is occupied by the Nazi German 
• 1945, Hungary is occupied by the Soviet army 
• 1989, fall of the Soviet bloc: Hungary becomes a democratic republic 
• 2004, Hungary joins the European Union 

 

Budapest, capital of Hungary 

The country of Hungary is centered around Budapest: it is by far the largest city with its population of 2 million, and it is also home to the majority of the country’s cultural, scientific, academic and artistic institutions. 

In diverse Budapest, you can find a place for culture, fun, history, education or relaxation. There’s the historic Buda side, with its castle district, Turkish baths, Roman ruins, medieval alleys, caves and countless green areas spread out among the hills. The other side is Pest, with its ever-changing promenades, stores, restaurants, bars and bubbling cultural life.  

The capital has more than 30 theatres, over 200 museums and around 1000 art galleries. Budapest is also known as a sparkling “UniverCity” - it is full of students from all around the world, with a sizzling night-life, festivals and numerous programs for youth.  

The Hungarian Education System - How to start your studies in Hungary?

Hungary is part of the European Higher Education Area and the Bologna Process, making Hungarian degrees internationally recognized and accredited. 

 

Hungarian higher education is famous for its quality all around Europe. Hungary attracts students from all over the world who are looking for affordable study abroad opportunities at high-quality higher education institutions - in any given year, around 10,000 foreign students reside in the country participating in study programs offered in foreign languages. 

 

Find out more about the Hungarian education system by clicking here! 

Universities in Hungary 

There are many Hungarian universities and programs with great international reputation, and the number of opportunities to study in English is steadily increasing at every level. 

 

Hungarian higher education institutions offer a wide range of study fields. Some of the most popular fields among foreign students studying in Hungary include medical and health science, business and economy, engineering and social sciences.  

 

Would you like to study abroad in a creative, supportive and international environment? 
Discover Budapest Metropolitan University and our programs! 

2022. 07. 25.