Hungary: History, Culture, and Geographic Significance

Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

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Image Source: Lonely Planet

A Landlocked Central European Country

Hungary, being a Central European landlocked nation, has a rich and complex history. Budapest, its capital city, serves as the country's political and cultural hub. Hungary has experienced radical territorial and political changes, and especially after the post World War I era when the Treaty of Trianon in 1920 reduced its land area by 71%. The experience significantly impacted Hungarian national identity, creating a binary between those who remember the loss and those who wish to forget.

Cultural Heritage

Hungarians, or Magyars, have a language belonging to a separate family from that of most other European languages. Isolation from other languages has influenced their national and cultural identity. In the past, Latin played an important role in Hungarian education and government until 1844. Surrounded by Slavic and Germanic nations, Hungarians have created a distinct identity, forging a great and lasting state in the Carpathian Basin throughout centuries.

Hungary's Historical Challenges

Having had six centuries of independent rule, Hungary was dominated by Ottoman and Habsburg power but was still able to retain a good deal of political identity. Hungary allied itself with Austria in 1867 and became Austria-Hungary, which existed until 1918. Hungary has constantly been at the crossroads between the Eastern and Western powers, driving invaders out of its territory while trying to become oriented toward Western European culture.

The Heart of Hungary

Budapest, situated on the Danube River, superior to Hungary in terms of population and cultural influence. It is home to top-class scientific, artistic, and higher-education establishments. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich culture, and historic background and is among the most exceptional capitals of Europe.

Hungarians' Global Contributions

In spite of having national calamities, Hungarians are proud of their success, most notably in the sciences and arts. Hungarian scientists, intellectuals, and Nobel Prize winners emigrated in the 20th century in large numbers and made huge contributions to the progress of the world in atomic science, computer science, economics, and music. Their phenomenal skills were known everywhere in the world and evoked admiration and curiosity towards the Hungarian mind.

Hungary's Climate and Geography

Hungary's climate is moderately dry continental, with cold winters and hot summers. The mean temperature is approximately 10°C, with extremes of -34°C in winter and 43°C in summer. The Great Alfold, a vast plain in central and eastern Hungary, is the driest region, and the southwestern uplands are the wettest. Most of the precipitation falls during the growing season, supporting agriculture and natural vegetation.