Hungary Facts
Hungry is a stunning country, shrouded in history and is home to a wonderful population. A trip to Hungary will not only give you insight to all the cultures and traditions that are still practiced in some villages, but also show you things about Hungary that you may have not been familiar with. The following are some fast Hungary facts to give you more insight to the country.
History
• Hungary is said to be one of the oldest countries in Europe, its history dates back to the Roman Empire and Celts. When the Huns made this region their home, they named it Hungary. The country was established in 896 before the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms which existed from the 56th to the 11th century.
• The language is Magyar which stems from Hun people who first settled in the country.
• Hungary held the first Hungarian Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain in 1986 and in 1989 it was the first country in the communist block to open its boarders to Western Europe.
Economics and money
• The Hungarian currency is the Forint.
• The country has the highest VAT rates in the world at 27%.
• Hungary has a crude death rate of 12.8 per 1,000 a year ranked at 17th in the world.
• Hungary has 44 airports, 20 of them include paved runways it is thus ranked at 104th in the world.
• GDP per capita in USD is $26,300 ranked 70th in the world.
Culture and people
• More than 80% of the population is Hungarian, other peoples include Roma, German, Serbian, Slovakian and Romanian.
• Hungary has diverse religious practices which include Roman Catholic making up more than half the population, Lutheran, Calvinist and several others including atheist.
• Hungarian families are often closely knitted with generations of extended family residing together and financial as well as emotional support are abundant amongst families.
• Hungarians are open people and their way of getting to know people includes sharing intimate details of personal lives, this isn’t regarded as being offensive.
• Men and women generally greet by hand shake, and close friends greet with a kiss on both cheeks.
• No surprise here: The number 13 is considered an unlucky number.
If you’re thinking of planning your trip to Hungary, knowing these Hungary facts is a great introduction to bits of the country’s history and current status.