Hungary

Understand

Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world, with a capital regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world (http://whc.unesco.org/arc...). Despite its relatively small size, the country is home to numerous World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Biosphere reserves, the second largest thermal lake in the world Lake Hévíz, the largest lake in Central Europe Lake Balaton, and the largest natural grassland in Europe Hortobágy. In terms of buildings, Hungary is home to the largest synagogue in Europe Great Synagogue, the largest medicinal bath in Europe Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, the third largest church in Europe Esztergom Basilica, the second largest territorial abbey in the world Pannonhalma Archabbey, the second largest Baroque castle in the world Gödöllő, and the largest Early Christian Necropolis outside Italy Pécs.

You can expect to find safe food and water, good safety and a generally stable political climate.

Hungary doesn't attract terrorists and keeps drug and crime levels moderate.

Hungary has been ethnically diverse since its inception, and while today over 90% of the population are ethnically Hungarian, pockets of ethnic and cultural Slovaks, Romanians, Germans and others dot the country. Due to the border changes of Hungary after World War I, over 2 million ethnic and cultural Hungarians live in bordering countries, as well. The Hungarians, otherwise known as Magyars, are the descendants of several tribes from Central Asia, who were believed to be fierce, nomadic horsemen and came to Central Europe in the 9th century.

Climate

Temperatures in Hungary vary from -20°C to 39°C through the year. Distribution and frequency of rainfall are unpredictable due to the continental climate of the country. Heavy storms are frequent after hot summer days, and rainfall is more frequent in the Autumn. The western part of the country usually receives more rain than the eastern part, and severe droughts may occur in summertime. Weather conditions in the Great Plain can be especially harsh, with hot summers, cold winters, and scant rainfall.