The Republic of Hungary, located in central Europe, has an
area of 35,929 sq. mi. (93,030 sq. km.) and a population of 10.7
million. Capital: Budapest. The economy is based on agriculture,
bauxite and a rapidly expanding industrial sector. Machinery,
chemicals, iron and steel, and fruits and vegetables are exported.
The ancient kingdom of Hungary, founded by the Magyars
in the 9th century, achieved its greatest extension in the mid-14th
century when its dominions touched the Baltic, Black and Mediterranean
Seas. After suffering repeated Turkish invasions,
Hungary accepted Habsburg rule to escape Turkish occupation,
regaining independence in 1867 with the Emperor of Austria as
king of a dual Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
After World War I, Hungary lost 2/3 of its territory and 1/2 of
its population and underwent a period of drastic political revision.
The short-lived republic of 1918 was followed by a chaotic interval
of communist rule, 1919, and the restoration of the monarchy in
1920 with Admiral Horthy as regent of the kingdom. Although a
German ally in World War II, Hungary was occupied by German
troops who imposed a pro-Nazi dictatorship, 1944. Soviet armies
drove out the Germans in 1945 and assisted the communist
minority in seizing power. A revised constitution published on
Aug. 20, 1949, established Hungary as a People´s Republic´ of
the Soviet type. On October 23, 1989, Hungary was pro-claimed
the Republic of Hungary.
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