What even is Hungary?

It has just occurred to me that while you have already determined I am studying in Hungary, you might not know much about it! I have decided to give you all some basic facts and maybe quell some common misconceptions about this beautiful place.

Where is it?
Hungary is located in Central Europe shares borders with Slovakia, Ukraine (don't freak out about this, I am quite far from Ukraine), Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria.

It's capital?
Budapest!

Is it a third world country?
While this may seem like a silly question to some, I cannot tell you how many times people have asked me this when I told them I was studying in Budapest (and all my classmates have concurred with this). Hungary is a thriving country, and although they have had a horrific and tumultuous history, they have remarkably improved within the last 20 years. Hungary is a member of the European Union and NATO, along with other internationally recognized organizations.

.....did people think Budapest was in Asia? You might have been thinking of Bangladesh.

Isn't Hungary a Communist Country?
No. Not since the Cold War ended in 1989 (let the record show it's currently 2014). Hungary was invaded by the Soviet Union (poor Hungary, it wasn't the first time they were invaded) in 1947 and a Communist rule lasted until 1989 when Hungary transformed into a Parliamentary Republic.

So what's with the bad reputation of Hungary?
Unfortunately, Hungary has had a difficult history. Here's the abridged version: Hungary has been consistently occupied throughout its history and has been invaded by the Mongols (Ottoman Empire), the Habsburgs (who created the Austrian-Hungarian Empire), and the Soviet Union. Hungary faced harsh repercussions following WWII was left largely neglected by the Western World. While the Entente was concerned with drawing borders for Croatia, Serbia, Transylvania, Romania, and the Czech lands, this was all done at the expense of Hungarian territory, which left Hungary's territory reduced by over 2/3rds and its population by over half. Because Hungary was left largely neglected after the war, they failed to modernize at the rate the rest of the Western World was. They then faced a brutal Communist regime which further dampened its history. Thankfully since it became a Parliamentary Republic in 1989, Hungary is flourishing. Budapest is one of the world's biggest tourist destinations. I can assure you, Hungary is a thriving country. The people are kind and although their history is a rough one, they are proud of it.

So what's the point of all this?
The point is that Hungary is amazing. The fact that they have come so far considering such an eventful history is nothing short of remarkable. They have been largely neglected by the Western World, for reasons that are not entirely their fault. So if someone tells you Hungary is a 3rd world backwards country, you can now prove them wrong. If you ever get the chance to visit, do. You will not regret it. Budapest in particular is full of life and history, with something to do and see at every corner. Consider Hungary the underdog of Europe (we all love an underdog, am I right?) Now, friends go forth into the world with this newfound knowledge and impress your loved ones by answering jeopardy questions that may relate to Hungary.