世界各国

Hungary

Introduction to Hungary

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.

Government

Capital:

Budapest

Independence:

1001 (unification by King Stephen I)

National holiday:

Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August

Economy

Economy overview:

Hungary has made the transition from a centrally planned to a market economy, with a per capita income one-half that of the Big Four European nations. Hungary continues to demonstrate strong economic growth and joined the European Union in May 2004. The private sector accounts for over 80% of GDP. Foreign ownership of and investment in Hungarian firms are widespread, with cumulative foreign direct investment totaling more than $23 billion since 1989. Hungarian sovereign debt was upgraded in 2000 to the second-highest rating among all the Central European transition economies. Inflation has declined substantially, from 14% in 1998 to 4.7% in 2003; unemployment has persisted around the 6% level. Germany is by far Hungary's largest economic partner. Short-term issues include the reduction of the public sector deficit and further increasing the flexibility of the labor markets. 

GDP:

purchasing power parity -$39.8 billion (2004 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.3%
industry: 32.5%
services: 64.2% (2004 est.) 

Agriculture products:

wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs, cattle, poultry, dairy products 

Industries:

mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles 

Transportation

Waterways:

1,622 km (most on Danube River) (2004)

Pipelines:

gas 4,397 km; oil 990 km; refined products 335 km (2003)

Ports and harbors:

Budapest, Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Csepel, Baja, Mohacs (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 7,568 GRT/10,025 DWT
by type: cargo 2
registered in other countries: 8 (2003 est.)

Airports:

43 (2003 est.)

Heliports:

5 (2003 est.)