14 Hungary Facts: Land of Thermal Baths and Rich History

Are you seeking intriguing Hungary facts? Then you’ve arrived at the right location! Here’s a list of Hungary facts you probably didn’t know, and further down in the post, you can read some more general Hungary facts like total population, capital, largest lake, largest mountain, and so on. 

1. They have won over 465 Olympic medals

Did you know that Hungary has earned the second most gold medals in the Olympic summer games per capita of any country? They have won gold medals in each and every Olympics in which they have competed.

What makes it even more intriguing is that Hungary was barred from participating in the Olympic Games in 1920 and joined the Soviet-led boycott of the Summer Olympics in 1984.

2. Clinking your beer glasses is considered impolite

When the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 against the Habsburgs was lost, 13 Hungarian generals were executed, with Austrians clinking their beer glasses after each execution, according to folklore.

Following this, Hungarians promised not to celebrate with beer for the next 150 years. That era is past, yet the practice continues.

3. Hungarian is a genuinely distinctive language

The Hungarian language is claimed to be the most difficult to learn, and this may be true, especially in Europe, where no other language exists. The actual cause for this is that the language is derived from the Central Asian steppe and the descendants of the Magyar tribes who created Hungary.

4. McDonald’s was the first foreign fast-food establishment

McDonald’s became the first international fast-food restaurant to open in Hungary in 1988, just before communism fell in 1989. However, it was not the country’s first fast-food restaurant; there was also a local fast-food chain named City Grill and another called the Paprika.

5. It is one of Europe’s oldest countries

Hungary was formed in 895, making it older than countries such as France and Germany. Hungary is one of Europe’s oldest countries, dating back over 1,000 years. Hungary, located in Central Europe with a population of about 10 million people, has been a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement since 2004.

6. In Hungary, there are cowboys

Hungarians went into Europe on horseback, and you may still see cowboys in the Puszta plains today. Csikósok, like their American cowboy equivalents, are herdsmen by trade, subsequently glorified as easy riders, lawless adventurers, or self-appointed vigilantes. And if there’s one cowboy thing in Csikós’ life, it’s their relationship with their horses.

7. Budapest boasts the most thermal springs in the world

Hungary has about 1500 spas; however, Budapest boasts the largest number of thermal springs. Unsurprisingly, people have been coming here for thousands of years to experience the healing waters! Every day, 70 million liters of hot water rise above the surface of Budapest.

8. You can’t name your child unless the government agrees

There is a list of pre-approved names from which you can name your child, but if you want to name your child after someone who is not on the list, you must apply.

Children often inherit their father’s surname, however, hyphenated names are becoming more popular. Couples of the same sex are not permitted to marry in Hungary, so they cannot legally use each other’s names unless they obtain a document of name change.

9. The Hungarian alphabet consists of 44 letters

As previously said, the Hungarian language is extremely distinctive and unlike any other European language. There are 44 letters in the Hungarian alphabet.

There are four different variants of the letter “O” in the Hungarian alphabet and various combination letters such as Dz, Dzs, Gy, Ly, Ny, Sz, Ty, and Zs. The Latin alphabet is used to create the Hungarian alphabet.

10. Hungary collects 27% VAT

This is the most VAT collected anywhere in the world. There are two reduced rates: 5% and 18%. The above rates are subject to several modifications, including exempt taxable supplies. Companies with a Hungarian VAT number are required to submit quarterly returns describing all taxable supplies (sales) and inputs (costs).

11. The first country in the communist bloc to open its borders to Western Europe

During the cold war, Hungary stood up to the Soviet regime, as evidenced by the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. It remained a communist country, however, until 1989, when it reopened its border with Western Europe.

12. Many Hungarian innovations exist in our daily life

You’ve definitely heard of the Rubik’s cube, but did you realize it was invented in Hungary? The ballpoint pen, holography, the thermographic camera, the digital computer, and the first practical helicopter are among Hungary’s other famous inventions.

13. Balaton Lake is Central Europe’s largest lake

Hungary is a landlocked country without an ocean, but it does have the largest lake in Central Europe, and in the summer, you may come here for a beach vacation. France, Spain, and Italy may be better known for their wines in general, but there is something special about Tokaj.

Tokaji Aszu is frequently referred to as the “King of Wines.” You can also explore the world’s first official wine region from here.

14. Gulyás is Hungary’s national dish

You’ve probably had goulash in your home country. It’s a world-famous Hungarian meal, but until you’ve gone to Hungary, you haven’t had the real thing. Goulash (Hungarian: gulyás) is a meat and vegetable soup or stew seasoned with paprika and other spices.

Goulash, which originated in Hungary, is a popular meal consumed primarily in Central Europe but also in other regions of Europe. It is one of Hungary’s national foods and an emblem of the country.

In this article, we have read about various facts of Hungary. If you want to know more, follow this website.