Our geographic and historical location on the Continent and in the world has meant that we’ve always been simultaneously in the centre and at the periphery, located at the edge of Europe yet at the ancient heart chakra of the globe, and in the Carpathian Basin with its abundance of water – the greatest treasure for the future.

The new Hungarian constitution of 18 April 2011 clearly states that “We believe that our national culture is a rich contribution to the many-coloured unity of Europe.” In that spirit we present this guide to Hungarian culture with its double role of guiding Hungarians home to, and helping visitors become better acquainted with, Hungarian culture.

Hungarian culture in 17 chapters: language, history, religion, ethnography, architecture, applied arts, fine arts, literature, theatre, music, dance, film, photography, science and technology, sport, philosophy and everyday life.