Hungary was part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under Communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.
Capital: - Budapest
Area: - Total: 93,030 km² (109th)
35,919 sq mi
- Water (%): 0.74%
Independence: - Principality of Hungary: 896
- Kingdom of Hungary: December 1000
- Dissolution (of Austria-Hungary): 1918
- Republic of Hungary: 1989
- Accession to EU: M