Hungary is one of the top residency destinations in Central Europe and a Schengen and EU country member. Budapest, the capital city of Hungary is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Hungary also boasts the second largest thermal lake in the world, Lake Hévíz and the largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton.
Hungary is a landlocked country spanning an area of 93 022 km2 with a population of almost 10 million persons. Its two longest rivers are the Danube and the Tisza rivers which divide Hungary into three parts: Transdanubia to the west of the Danube, the plain between the rivers Danube and Tisza, and the Trans-Tisza region to the east of the Tisza river.
Lake Balaton, covering 598 km2 is the largest inland lake in Central Europe serves as a primary attraction for local Hungarians and international visitors alike. The average depth of the lake is only two to three meters, so the water warms up quickly in summer and is great for water sports activities and sailing.
Hungary is home to more than 2 000 flowering plant species, many of which are not normally found at this latitude. Wildlife and waterfowl in Hungary’s ten National Parks are mostly deer, wild hare, boar, otter, lake bats and many different birds and waterfowl attracted by the many rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Hungary maintains all four seasons but the beauty of each season is definitely worth it. Whilst summers are warm, winters can be cold; however, Hungary is in the temperate Central European zone with a relatively dry continental climate. The country is well protected from extreme weather conditions by the surrounding mountain ranges, the Alps and the Carpathians situated in some of the neighbouring countries.
Thanks to Hungary’s unique history of ethnic migrations and conquests, Hungary is culturally quite distinct from its neighbours. While most countries around Hungary speak Slavic languages, ethnic Hungarians speak a unique language of Finno-Ugric origin. Historically, Hungary shared cultural roots with a wide range of people.
Hungarian is the official language, but other languages such as English, German, Russian and Italian are also quite commonly used. Most younger people in Budapest have a good command of English.
Internationally, Hungary is well known for its musical, literary, filmmaking and artistic contributions.
Some of Hungary’s most famous period composers include Franz Liszt, Bla Bartk and György Ligeti. All three musicians made major contributions to the study of classical music worldwide.
Hungary’s widespread contributions to the film industry and artists of Hungarian origin have always been well represented over many years of Academy Award nominations.
Budapest is a very popular melting pot for music, art, film making and annual cultural music and art-related events.
Hungary also boasts some of Europe’s best and most unique spas and public baths as well as a significant number of thermal springs. Many spas in Hungary today still show design elements from Roman, Greek, Turkish and North European architecture.
Hungary is also renowned for its excellent own wine production and its well-known national cuisine.
Since the decline of communism, Hungary’s economy has exponentially grown and developed primarily into an export-based market economy.
Hungary is extremely popular with South Africans as it is more affordable than most other European countries. Hungary offers excellent investment opportunities which is a good legal basis for gaining EU Hungarian Residency and a foothold into the whole of Europe. In addition it maintains a very friendly tax regime of 9 percent corporate tax applicable to companies. Hungary is the perfect jurisdiction for doing business in Europe.