Description

Hungary is landlocked in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Hills and Forests make for amazing sceneries, regardless of the cold winters and hot summers. The landscape consists of flat to rolling plains of the Carpathian Basin: the most important plain regions include the Little Hungarian Plain in the west, and the Great Hungarian Plain in the southeast. The mountain ranges include the very eastern stretch of the Alps, Alpokalja in the west of the country, the Transdanubian Medium Mountains, in the central region of Transdanubia, and the Mecsek Mountains and Villány Mountains in the south. Hungary is divided in two by its main waterway, the Danube (Duna); other large rivers include the Tisza and Dráva, while Transdanubia contains Lake Balaton, a major body of water. The largest thermal lake in the world, Lake Hévíz (Hévíz Spa), is located in Hungary

This former communistic country, once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is now governed by a President in Parliament. Hungary became a member of the European Union in May 2004, with the intentions of converting its currency, the Forint, in the upcoming years to the Euro. A unicameral, 386-member National Assembly (the Országgyűlés) is the highest organ of state authority and initiates and approves legislation sponsored by the Prime Minister. National Parliamentary elections are held every four years.

Hungary is full of historic sites and contains beautiful structural designs. For example, the historic Buda Castle that sits on the hill top above the city of Budapest. Taking a walk through the cobble stone streets, surrounded by various buildings and houses shaped architecturally throughout time, gives you an idea of Hungary's cultura importance. The historic fortress that is encircled by walls and exposing an incredible view of Budapest, which lies at the bottom of the hill, is the Citadella. Buda is filled with numerous small shops and restaurants, giving way to the Labrynth. This underground maze is filled with chambers to test ones strengths and throughout the paths it is very easy to get lost. One can sit by the Danube River in a café or restaurant, enjoying a serving of the paprika spiced Goulash that makes Hungary's most popular dish. Hungary is shaped as a result of German rule and Soviet occupation, evidently leaving their influences historically and culturally throughout the country, leaving without a visit would deprive one of breathtaking memories.

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