Why Italy

Why is Hungary such an invisible country?

I once dated a guy from Hungary; I tried to read more about the culture & country at the time. so we could relate better... and it was weird how like every time I looked in the foreign travel and language book categories... Hungary was sort of skipped over... I would see every kind of book--- Italy, Spain, France, obscure countries in India and Asia...etc. except for ones about Hungary. Why is this? Why is it such a forgotten country in terms of travel and language? Is it because they weren't part of the EU until recently? Just wondering.

Public Comments

1. It's not.. i've been to hungary many times from info from many friednds that said the country was great`
2. Russia was Hungary, so she fried Turkey in Greece. After Russia ate the Turkey she fried in Greece, Hungary disappeared.
3. When did you date him? You have to keep in mind the Hungary was Communist and part of the EASTERN BLOC It was communist until 1991. Back at that time leaving the country or entering the country was very difficult. This would account for the fact that only within the past ten years or so has there really been a surge in the Hungarian travel industry. Back in those days there wouldn't be any books depicting how to sightsee in Hungary because no one would want you there. Going from communist to joining EU doesnt happen overnight, today there are books about Hungary and a good amount of internet sights, however it is still not a primary EU destination simply becuase its new the international tourism in comparision to France or Italy or England.
4. I live in Hungary now and I agree with you about the books. When I lived in the UK it was difficult to find language books in the shops, in the last few years this has changed although it is still not a very popular language to learn. Its very difficult to start with (I tried and failed to learn) and also only spoken here in Hungary, unlike English, French, German or Spannish which are spoken in a lot of place. Im sure if you look on the net you will find out lots of info on Hungary, here are a coupkle of sites to look at in English, have fun.
5. Szivesen elmagyarázom ha szeretnéd. It is not a secret anymore :) Do extra-terrestrial beings exist? - the Nobel Prize winning Italian physicist, Enrico Fermi, was once asked by his disciples in California. Of course, Fermi answered - they are already here among us, they are called Hungarians... If you can accept what Fermi said just for a minute you are wellcome to study more about us. But please if you don't... I can not explain in English if you want to know more ... check the listed SOURCES below. listen to this radio: http://folkradio.hu/index_eng.html or you may read some of these articles: http://www.magtudin.org/English%20Index.htm
6. Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for so long and then when that collapsed communism came sweeping in. But Hungary is such a rich country, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The Hungarian language is related to Estonian and Finnish, it is not latin like French and Spanish; Germanic like English or German or Slavic like Polish and Russian. So it is overlooked because of it not being part of the big three of European languages. But it is coming into its own now mainly because of easier travel being part of the EU and its growing trade with the world outside of eastern and central Europe.
7. So many people have excellent answers listed, and I will add some. Hungary was a powerful nation for centuries as a bastian of protection for the countries west(read history on this for details). It is also a country from which many brilliant people (scientists, musicians, movie makers, writers, producers, inventors - again read Wikipedia or historical data referencing this). However, it could not sustain the pressures of the bigger and more powerful nations negotiating peace treaties, and found itself the victim of being the sacrifice by being chopped up and part of other countries. Thus, the land-locked, once large and strong country became a reject almost overnight to the rest of the world because it had little to offer them. Left vulnerable and without allies or protection, it succumed in 1956 after its last attempt for freedom, when the calls to the outside world were unanswered, being taken over by the communists and has been under the harsh rule until around 1991. The country was demoralized, without any value, no industries, no investments from outside, thus it was a reject in the eyes of the world for years. However, in the recent years, about 10 - 15 years, there has been a slow, progressive rebuilding of the country, its people, and the healing of a nation which is rich with history, culture, music, food, creativity, landmarks, and its people. The language is probably the most difficult to learn, it is not a universal language, mostly because it was not visible for years. Now, as the Eastern Block has become accessible, people are exploring Hungary and the other countries that were closed and are finding them to be very inviting and rich with opportunities. Hungary is fast becoming a favorite of movie makers, the food is making its way into menus around the world. Budapest reminds people of Paris and has a romance that is captivating to all who visit. As more people become familiar with Hungary, and encourage its commerce to grow via traveling there, it will become a more visible country. Bottom line - it's best to visit this beautiful country and take in the rich history, culture, food, music and its people. You will be a fan forever!