| Region: | Central Europe |
| Capital: | Budapest |
| Population: | 9,660,351 (94th Rank) |
| Size: | 93,028 km² (110th Largest) |
| Language: | Hungarian |
| Density: | 107 per Km2 |
| Currency: | Hungarian forint |
| National flower: | Tulip |
| National dish: | Goulash |
Quick Facts
Hungary is known for its thermal baths, thanks to an abundance of natural hot springs. The country has one of the largest thermal water cave systems in the world, and the tradition of bathing dates back to Roman times. The capital city, Budapest, is often referred to as the “City of Spas” for its numerous public and private bathhouses.
The Rubik’s Cube, one of the world’s best-selling puzzles, was invented by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik in 1974. The cube has become an iconic image recognized around the globe and has even inspired competitive “speedcubing.”
Hungary has a rich musical heritage that includes contributions to classical music, opera, and folk music. Renowned composers like Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók were Hungarian, and their works continue to be celebrated internationally.
The Hungarian language is unique in Europe, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family, which also includes Finnish and Estonian. This makes it quite different from the Indo-European languages spoken by most of its neighboring countries.
Hungarian cuisine is famous for its use of paprika, a spice made from ground peppers. Dishes like goulash and pörkölt are staples in Hungarian households and restaurants, showcasing the country’s love for hearty, spicy foods.
