Saint Stephen established the Kingdom of Hungary in 1000. It was invaded by the Mongols after the Hungarians were defeated at the Battle of Muhi in 1241. This period was a devastating one for the country as half of the country was killed by the Mongols. Between 1526 and 1686 this country was under the Ottoman Empire which was very oppressive. The Communist era and the two World Wars were equally bad for the Hungarians. It became a member of NATO and the European Union in 1999 and 2004, respectively.

There is wide diversity in the Hungarian art and architecture which has elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. One will find great works of pottery, embroidery and handicrafts in this historically and culturally rich country. Its music ranges from rhapsodies, gypsy music, operas to excellent folk music.

Hungary is located north-west of Romania in Central Europe. It shares its boundaries with Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. Its terrain includes hills, plains, mountains, etc. Kekes is its highest point, while its lowest point is River Tisza. Bauxite, coal and natural gas are some of its natural resources.