Hungarians

Migration of Hungarians

Magyarok-Bejovetele-ChroniconPictum (cropped)

Kalandozasok

Magyars 900-1980

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Dunamenti viseletek 1822

Hungarians are a Finno-Ugric ethnic group native to Hungary who speak Hungarian, which is part of the Uralic language family. The majority of Hungarians reside within Hungary, but there are also significant Hungarian communities living in the surrounding countries, especially those that were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as among other diaspora communities worldwide.

History

The history of the Hungarian people is believed to begin in the Ural Mountains region, with the Magyars, a people who migrated to the Carpathian Basin in the late 9th century. Under the leadership of Árpád, they successfully conquered the area and settled down, founding what would become the Kingdom of Hungary in 1000 AD, under the reign of King Stephen I. Throughout the centuries, Hungary has undergone significant changes, including the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, the Ottoman occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries, and being part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until its dissolution after World War I.

Culture

Hungarian culture is rich and varied, reflecting influences from various regions due to the country's location in Central Europe. It includes notable contributions to the fields of music, literature, art, folk traditions, and cuisine. Traditional Hungarian music and dance, particularly those from the plains, known as "Magyar nóta," have unique characteristics. Hungarian literature has a long history, with early examples dating back to the 11th century. Hungary's contribution to the visual arts, especially in periods such as the Renaissance and the Art Nouveau movement, is also significant. Hungarian cuisine is known for its use of spices, especially paprika, with dishes like goulash and paprikash being internationally recognized.

Language

The Hungarian language is one of the few national languages in Europe that is not part of the Indo-European language family. It is the most widely spoken non-Indo-European language in Europe, making it a linguistic isolate in the region. Hungarian is characterized by its complex grammar and vocabulary, with a significant number of words borrowed from Slavic languages, German, Turkish, and others, reflecting the country's diverse history.

Demographics

As of the early 21st century, the population of Hungary is approximately 10 million, with ethnic Hungarians accounting for the vast majority. There are also substantial Hungarian communities in neighboring countries, particularly in Romania (in the region of Transylvania), Slovakia, Serbia (in the region of Vojvodina), and Ukraine (in the region of Transcarpathia). The Hungarian diaspora is spread across the world, with significant numbers in the United States, Canada, and Australia, among others.

Religion

The majority of Hungarians identify as Christian, with the largest denomination being Roman Catholic, followed by Calvinist and Lutheran minorities. There is also a historical Jewish community, which has contributed significantly to Hungarian society, especially in the fields of science and culture.

Politics

Hungary is a parliamentary republic, with a history that has seen a variety of governance forms, from monarchy to communist state, and now to a democratic form of government. The country is a member of the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations, playing an active role in international affairs.