The ancient kindom of Hungary is one of the most facinating countries of central Europe with a distinctive culture and a long tradition which has survived occupation by the Turks, union with
imperial Austria in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a long period of communist dictatorship,
briefly interrupted by the uprising of 1956 which was brutally suppressed by the Soviets.

The disintegration of the Warsaw Pact in 1989 led to pro-democracy demonstartions. In the
spring of 1989, the Soviets began a phased withdrawal of their forces and the fortified border
with Austria was dismantled. In October, Hungary became the first eastern block country to
formally abolish the Communist Party and the 'old guard' were swept from power in Hungary's
first free elections in 1990. The last Russian forces left the following year.

Hungary has remained a parliamentary democracy since 1989. She became a full member of
NATO in 1999 and of the European Union in 2004. As a result, there are no visa restrictions for
visitors from the UK, Ireland or other member states. Today Hungary is an example of a modern democracy with a free press and media, freedom of speech and movement and accountable
government within a parliamentary system. These long awaited freedoms give overseas visitors
the chance to explore and discover the country as never before.

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