Ungari

Quick Facts:

Introduction

Hungary, a central European country situated in the Carpathian basin, exudes the spirit of more than 1,100 years of history. It is a place to live among hospitable people, attend international events, wander through beautiful cities, countryside and natural parks, and admire the fine architecture. What determines the flavor of a country? One important factor is -of course- the cuisine! Anyone who lives in Hungary can verify that the cuisine is superb. Hungary’s own paprika, along with other various spices, creates a piquant flavor that is unique and satisfying.

Short Facts

Area: Hungary is located in the eastern side of Central Europe and it size is 93,030 sq. km. The bordering countries are Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Yugoslavia, Croatia and Slovenia. In Hungary, there are three basic topographies: the lowlying regions of the Great Plain in the east, center and south-east, and the Little Plain in the north-west; the northern mountain ranges, which include Hungary's highest peak (the 1015-meter-high Kékesteto); and the hilly regions of Transdanubia in the west and south-west. The biggest rivers are the Danube and the Tisza. The country has over 1000 lakes - the largest, Balaton, is strewn with thermal springs.

Climate: Hungary's climate is temperate, and the country can be divided into three climatic zones: Mediterranean in the south, Continental in the east, and Atlantic in the west. In Southern Transdanubia, summers are long and winters mild and wet. The Great Plain has the most extreme seasonal differences with cold, windy winters and hot, usually dry summers. Summers can be very hot in Budapest and Western Transdanubia, with winters relatively short, often cloudy but sometimes brilliantly sunny. The mean average temperature in Hungary is 11 degrees centigrade. January is the coldest month (minus two degrees Celsius) and July the hottest (28 degrees Celsius).

Population: Hungary’s 10 million population consists of: 89.9% Hungarians, 4% Romas, 2.6% Germans and the rest are others including Serbs, Slovaks and Romanians. Hungary’s population rate is actually one of the few in European countries that is declining (-0.32% in 2001 est.).

Language: Hungarian is also called Magyar and it is a member of the Ugric group of the Finno-Ugric languages. Hungarian is spoken by approximately 10 million people in Hungary and by an additional 3 million throughout Eastern Europe, Russia, the United States, and elsewhere.

Religion: Hungarians tend to have a skeptical view on religion, but of those declaring religious affiliation, most would say they're either Roman Catholic, Calvinist or Lutheran. The country also has a small Greek Catholic and Orthodox population, and a thriving Jewish community in Budapest.

Government: Hungary’s government type is parliamentary democracy. The President is elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term. National Assembly (Orszaggyules) is the legislative branch of the country. It has 386 seats and members are elected by popular vote for a four-year term.

History: Before the Hungarians appeared on this territory other peoples had lived here already, the most important being the Celts, Romans, and Avars. The ancient Hungarians seized the land from Slavic people. The leader of the seven Hungarian chieftains was Árpád, and his descendants formed the only Hungarian royal dynasty, which died out in 1301. The Hungarians were nomadic people whose society, religion, and way of life were very different from those of other Europeans. The founder of the state was St. Stephen, who was crowned in the year 1000. Surrounded by Christian countries, he convinced the Hungarians to adopt this new religion. During the following centuries several important events shaped Hungary’s history. In the early 12th century, Hungary was the first place where the burning of witches was forbidden. In the 13th century the Tartars almost completely destroyed the country. In the middle of that century the capital, Buda, was established. Between the 15-17th centuries, the Turks occupied the country for 150 years . The Turkish occupation led the country to be divided into three parts, one part to be ruled by the Turks, one by the Habsburgs and one by the Prince of Transylvania. Until 1918 the Habsburgs were also kings of Hungary. In 1956 the people rebelled and fought against the government. Until the 23rd of October 1989 the Hungarian People’s Republic existed, and since the fall of communism the country has been called the Hungarian Republic. Despite initial success in curbing inflation and lowering interest rates, a host of economic problems has slowed the pace of development. Hungary joined NATO in April 1999, and is now set to become an EU member in 2003.

Economy: Hungary has long been an agricultural country, but since World War II it has become heavily industrialized. Through the 1980s, industry was largely nationally owned and two thirds of agricultural output came from collective and state farms. Hungary's economy underwent difficult readjustment in the 1990s, as it moved from producing goods chiefly for export to the USSR to developing a market-based economy and finding new trading partners. By the end of 1995, almost all retail trade had been privatized and less than half of all economic output originated from state-owned enterprises. Economic reforms also brought high unemployment and rising inflation, but today Hungary' economy is one of the most prosperous in Eastern Europe.The country's main trading partners are the EU (especially Germany, Austria, and Italy), Russia, and other Eastern European nations.

Education: Hungarian children attend kindergarten before going through eight years of elementary school (ages 6-14). At the end of elementary school, students can choose where to continue their studies on secondary level. There are three different types of secondary school: 1) General secondary school, where students learn general subjects, lasts four years, after which the students graduate. This type of school gives a general diploma. 2) Technical school, where students learn about technical subjects in addition to studying general subjects. There are different technical schools, such as commercial, economic, hotel and catering, computer, etc. This too is a four-year school with graduation at the end. This type of school gives qualification for the secondary level. 3) Vocational schools, where students have vocational subjects with less emphasis on general subjects. There are vocational schools in several fields (for example industrial, hotel and catering, mechanical etc.). This school lasts three years, but there is no graduation at the end. This type of school gives a secondary level qualification.

Family life: The average Hungarian family has 3-4 members. In the countryside, however, there are families with 4-5 or more children. Generally families live in old houses or in blocks of flats in apartments of 2-3 rooms. Of course, there are some bigger houses with gardens and more levels. Because of serious housing shortages, children sometimes live with their parents even after getting married. Parents, even if busy with second or even third jobs to pay the bills, are family-oriented and very hospitable. Families usually have common activities during the weekends and on holidays.

Foods: The traditional Hungarian dishes abound in piquant flavors and aromas. Dishes are flavorful, spicy and often rather heavy. Flavors of Hungarian dishes are based on centuries old traditions in spicing and preparation methods. The exquisite ingredients are produced by local agriculture and husbandry. Paprika and garlic are to be found everywhere. Hungary is also famous for its sweets and wines.

Recreation: The most popular sport is soccer, as one can see by the vast number of soccer fields throughout the land. Sport clubs are open to people who want to participate in any organized sport. Even in schools, sport clubs are organized for the students. There are also centers where anybody can go to exercise. Young people enjoy sitting in cafes, having a snack, and chatting for hours. During weekends there are many opportunities to spend leisure time: dancing in discos, taking in concerts, or touring any of the beautiful cities or countryside.

YFU Hungary
Hungary’s first exchanges took place in 1990 with Finland and Germany. Since then, Hungary has expanded the programs to incorporate more students and more countries every year. In 1993, YFU Hungary established its own, independent organization.

Exchange activities for Inbound students: When students arrive in the country, there is a 3-4 day orientation, that introduces the Hungarian language and culture. Mid-year orientation is held in March and lasts for 3 days. Re-entry orientation is in June and is 2 days. YFU Hungary also offers optional trips at the students’ own expense.

Common Phrases

English	Hungarian
Good morning	Jó reggelt
Good evening	Jó estét
Thank you	Köszönöm
Please	Kérem
Yes	Igen
No	Nem