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  <title>Expatriates Forums in Hungary</title>
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    <description>The Hungary Expats Online Community Resources &amp; Forums</description>
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                                      <item>
                                        <title>Hungry for UK television! BBC, ITV and CH4 NOW!</title>
                                        <link>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2161#2161</link>
                                        <description>&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Author: &lt;a href='http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&amp;u=71417'&gt;Suzi Williams&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:29 pm&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      UK TELLY TOOLBAR- TRY NOW! All you need is a computer, internet connection and that’s it!&lt;br /&gt;
NOVEMBER 2008- &lt;br /&gt;
www(dot)uktelly(dot)tv&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The UK Telly Toolbar enables you to view UK television anywhere in the world via your PC. So if you’ve about to go on holiday or travel for business and you’re panicking about missing your favorite UK TV programs, worry no more! &lt;br /&gt;
Many of your favorite UK TV programs are already available either live or on demand via the internet but only if you are watching in the UK. Our revolutionary UK Telly Toolbar lets your computer appear to be in the UK even when you travel abroad…its amazing!&lt;br /&gt;
Eastenders in Ecuador?&lt;br /&gt;
Strictly Come Dancing in Sydney?&lt;br /&gt;
Hollyoaks in Hawaii??&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Now its all possible with our UK Telly Toolbar!&lt;br /&gt;
UK Telly Toolbar supports BBC iPlayer, ITV video player, Channel 4 on Demand, Channel 5 Demand and Skyplayer*&lt;br /&gt;
Once you download our UK Telly Toolbar on your PC or laptop you will have immediate and unlimited access to movies, live sports events as well as many of your favorite UK TV programs.&lt;br /&gt;
So whether you’re on the move or simply have no access to the Astra 2 (28.2º) satellite footprint….UK Telly Toolbar is for you!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Access to all of your favorite UK TV channels will now be completely free and you can even subscribe to extra channels only before available if you are watching online in the UK such as Film Four and Sky Sports and Movies*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All you need is a computer, internet connection and that’s it! No additional hardware, no receivers, no dishes…..you watch UK TV just as if you were in the comfort of your own home.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
SUBSCRIBING TO UK TELLY TOOLBAR COULDN’T BE EASIER!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
We know you’re going to love our UK Telly Toolbar so we are delighted to offer you a 24hr FREE trial before subscribing to our service.&lt;br /&gt;
We don’t ask for any payment details up front as we’re that confident you’ll be so pleased with our UK Telly Toolbar you’ll be back to subscribe soon after your FREE trial ends!&lt;br /&gt;
You can buy online using our secure sales system. Our online subscription process is quick, simple and safe. Try UKTelly Toolbar NOW!!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For more information or to add your comments visit our blog on uktellytoolbar(dot)blogspot(dot)com  or email us at uktellytv@googlemail(dot)com</description>
                                        <comments>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2161#2161</comments>
                                        <author>Suzi Williams</author>
                                        <pubDate>Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:29 pm</pubDate>
                                        <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2161#2161</guid>
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                                        <title>very short skirts in Hungary  ...good or bad ?</title>
                                        <link>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2014#2014</link>
                                        <description>&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Author: &lt;a href='http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&amp;u=69080'&gt;jasmine007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:58 pm&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Perhaps many women simply do not have shapely enough legs that can carry off the wearing of a very short skirt gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
Legs have to be more than shapely they also have to be attractive. Nylon stockings make legs more attractive but this is evidently a personal choice .&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Not only are our legs not elegant or sexy enough to show off in a very short skirt but our posture isn't observed enough to NOT show off more than we intended. &lt;span style=&quot;color: brown&quot;&gt;How many times have your eyes been drawn to the sudden hiking of a skirt thigh high? More times than many men would like their wives or partners to know about anyway, I'll bet.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The sudden hiking of a skirt thigh high can be improved upon if the woman is wearing pantyhose nylon stockings. At least these look a bit sexier than the sudden appearance of fish-belly white thighs. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;&amp;gt;But from this woman's perspective, another of the disadvantages of wearing a very short skirt is &lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: red&quot;&gt;**********the breeze factor*******.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt; Don't laugh, but getting a sudden gust of cold wind up bare legs is cold and disconcerting, to be polite.&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&amp;lt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue&quot;&gt;Very short Skirts leave a lot of bare leg open to the elements&lt;/span&gt; and this is very disadvantageous as far as most women are concerned.</description>
                                        <comments>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2014#2014</comments>
                                        <author>jasmine007</author>
                                        <pubDate>Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:58 pm</pubDate>
                                        <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2014#2014</guid>
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                                        <title>How Women Can Look Good Inside and Out of the Gym ?</title>
                                        <link>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2013#2013</link>
                                        <description>&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Author: &lt;a href='http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&amp;u=69080'&gt;jasmine007&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:57 pm&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Hello friends&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The following tips are are for those gorgeous girls and mature women who spend their quality time in Gym to look the same outside of the Gym as well ?&lt;br /&gt;
Have Fun ....&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;color: brown&quot;&gt;1. Throw out your bodysuits and leg warmers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Avoid oversized shirts and shorts. While these items might feel comfortable they tend to make you look unkept and can be hazardous if they get caught in an exercise machine. If you want to look your absolute best, choose outfits that fit your body well and are in colors that flatter you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;color: brown&quot;&gt;2. Choose clothing that is made for exercise&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The t-shirt and jeans that you wear are not be suitable for the gym. Workout clothes are designed to keep sweat and moisture away from the body. Cotton t-shirts, while breathable, can keep moisture close to the skin. Jeans similarly trap moisture next to the body and are also too restricting. Instead, shop for fitness wear that is made to be quick drying and moisture wicking. Look for items with polyester, spandex, and mesh ventilation panels.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;color: brown&quot;&gt;3. Wear a good sports bra&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An important part of looking good in the gym is wearing a good sports bra. Working out can include alot of jumping and running, activities that can cause breast jiggle and discomfort. If you are heavy breasted, look for sports bras with wide straps that provide good support. Make sure they are made of breathable fabrics to avoid chafing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;color: brown&quot;&gt;4. Wear footwear appropriate for your workout&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Look for shoes that are appropriate for your exercise routine. Exercise footwear is designed to be activity specific. If you are a runner, look for a good running shoe. If you are an aerobics fanatic, pick a sneaker that is made for aerobic workouts. Picking the right shoe for your activity will guarantee you get the support you need and help you avoid injury.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;color: brown&quot;&gt;5. Avoid wearing jewelry&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As a general rule, your jewelry should not be a part of your workout ensemble. While you might want to keep your wedding band on, wearing too many rings can make it difficult to grab weights or handles on exercise machines. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;color: blue&quot;&gt;Follow these simple tips and you will not only look  good inside and out of the gym, but you will enjoy a successful workout too.  &lt;/span&gt;</description>
                                        <comments>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2013#2013</comments>
                                        <author>jasmine007</author>
                                        <pubDate>Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:57 pm</pubDate>
                                        <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=2013#2013</guid>
                                      </item>
                                      <item>
                                        <title>HUNGARY COUNTRY PROFILE / HUNGARY COUNTRY GUIDE</title>
                                        <link>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=496#496</link>
                                        <description>&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Author: &lt;a href='http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&amp;u=21722'&gt;Hungary Info&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 6:27 am&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
                                      &lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 18px; line-height: normal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;HUNGARY COUNTRY PROFILE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Introduction&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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 &amp;quot;Goulash Communism.&amp;quot; Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Geography&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Location:	&lt;br /&gt;
Central Europe, northwest of Romania&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Geographic coordinates:	&lt;br /&gt;
47 00 N, 20 00 E&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Map references:	&lt;br /&gt;
Europe&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Area:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 93,030 sq km&lt;br /&gt;
land: 92,340 sq km&lt;br /&gt;
water: 690 sq km&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Area - comparative:	&lt;br /&gt;
slightly smaller than Indiana&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Land boundaries:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 2,171 km&lt;br /&gt;
border countries: Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km, Serbia and Montenegro 151 km, Slovakia 677 km, Slovenia 102 km, Ukraine 103 km&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Coastline:	&lt;br /&gt;
0 km (landlocked)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Maritime claims:	&lt;br /&gt;
none (landlocked)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Climate:	&lt;br /&gt;
temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Terrain:	&lt;br /&gt;
mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the Slovakian border&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elevation extremes:	&lt;br /&gt;
lowest point: Tisza River 78 m&lt;br /&gt;
highest point: Kekes 1,014 m&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Natural resources:	&lt;br /&gt;
bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Land use:	&lt;br /&gt;
arable land: 49.58%&lt;br /&gt;
permanent crops: 2.06%&lt;br /&gt;
other: 48.36% (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Irrigated land:	2,300 sq km (2003)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Environment - current issues:	&lt;br /&gt;
the upgrading of Hungary's standards in waste management, energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution with environmental requirements for EU accession will require large investments&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Environment - international agreements:	&lt;br /&gt;
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands&lt;br /&gt;
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Geography - note:	&lt;br /&gt;
landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna (Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;People&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Population:	&lt;br /&gt;
9,956,108 (July 2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Age structure:	&lt;br /&gt;
0-14 years: 15.3% (male 785,643/female 741,907)&lt;br /&gt;
15-64 years: 69.3% (male 3,399,926/female 3,498,403)&lt;br /&gt;
65 years and over: 15.4% (male 554,356/female 975,873) (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Median age:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 38.9 years&lt;br /&gt;
male: 36.5 years&lt;br /&gt;
female: 41.5 years (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Population growth rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
-0.253% (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Birth rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
9.66 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Death rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
13.05 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Net migration rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
0.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sex ratio:	&lt;br /&gt;
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female&lt;br /&gt;
under 15 years: 1.059 male(s)/female&lt;br /&gt;
15-64 years: 0.972 male(s)/female&lt;br /&gt;
65 years and over: 0.568 male(s)/female&lt;br /&gt;
total population: 0.909 male(s)/female (2007 est.) &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Infant mortality rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 8.21 deaths/1,000 live births&lt;br /&gt;
male: 8.91 deaths/1,000 live births&lt;br /&gt;
female: 7.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Life expectancy at birth:	&lt;br /&gt;
total population: 72.92 years&lt;br /&gt;
male: 68.73 years&lt;br /&gt;
female: 77.38 years (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Total fertility rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
1.33 children born/woman (2007 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
0.1% (2001 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:	&lt;br /&gt;
2,800 (2001 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HIV/AIDS - deaths:	&lt;br /&gt;
less than 100 (2001 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nationality:	&lt;br /&gt;
noun: Hungarian(s)&lt;br /&gt;
adjective: Hungarian&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ethnic groups:	&lt;br /&gt;
Hungarian 92.3%, Roma 1.9%, other or unknown 5.8% (2001 census)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Religions:	&lt;br /&gt;
Roman Catholic 51.9%, Calvinist 15.9%, Lutheran 3%, Greek Catholic 2.6%, other Christian 1%, other or unspecified 11.1%, unaffiliated 14.5% (2001 census)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Languages:	&lt;br /&gt;
Hungarian 93.6%, other or unspecified 6.4% (2001 census)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Literacy:	&lt;br /&gt;
definition: age 15 and over can read and write&lt;br /&gt;
total population: 99.4%&lt;br /&gt;
male: 99.5%&lt;br /&gt;
female: 99.3% (2003 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Government&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Country name:	&lt;br /&gt;
conventional long form: Republic of Hungary&lt;br /&gt;
conventional short form: Hungary&lt;br /&gt;
local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag&lt;br /&gt;
local short form: Magyarorszag&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Government type:	&lt;br /&gt;
parliamentary democracy&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Capital:	&lt;br /&gt;
name: Budapest&lt;br /&gt;
geographic coordinates: 47 30 N, 19 05 E&lt;br /&gt;
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)&lt;br /&gt;
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Administrative divisions:	&lt;br /&gt;
19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 20 urban counties (singular - megyei varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros)&lt;br /&gt;
: counties: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Csongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala&lt;br /&gt;
: urban counties: Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Gyor, Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg&lt;br /&gt;
: capital city: Budapest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Independence:	&lt;br /&gt;
1001 (unification by King Stephen I)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
National holiday:	&lt;br /&gt;
Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Constitution:	&lt;br /&gt;
18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997 amendment streamlined the judicial system&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Legal system:	&lt;br /&gt;
rule of law based on Western model&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suffrage:	&lt;br /&gt;
18 years of age; universal&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Executive branch:	&lt;br /&gt;
chief of state: Laszlo SOLYOM (since 5 August 2005)&lt;br /&gt;
head of government: Prime Minister Ferenc GYURCSANY (since 29 September 2004)&lt;br /&gt;
cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president&lt;br /&gt;
elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 6-7 June 2005 (next to be held by June 2010); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president; election last held 29 September 2004&lt;br /&gt;
election results: Laszlo SOLYOM elected president by a simple majority in the third round of voting, 185 to 182; Ferenc GYURCSANY elected prime minister; result of legislative vote - 197 to 12&lt;br /&gt;
note: to be elected, the president must win two-thirds of legislative vote in the first two rounds or a simple majority in the third round&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Legislative branch:	&lt;br /&gt;
unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (386 seats; members are elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and direct representation to serve four-year terms)&lt;br /&gt;
elections: last held 7 and 21 April 2002 (next to be held NA April 2006)&lt;br /&gt;
election results: percent of vote by party (5% or more of the vote required for parliamentary representation in the first round) - Fidesz/MDF 48.70%, MSzP 46.11%, SzDSz 4.92%, other 0.27%; seats by party - Fidesz 164, MSzP 178, MDF 24, SzDSz 20&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Judicial branch:	&lt;br /&gt;
Constitutional Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly for nine-year terms)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Political parties and leaders:	&lt;br /&gt;
Alliance of Free Democrats or SzDSz [Gabor KUNCZE]; Hungarian Civic Alliance or Fidesz [Viktor ORBAN, chairman]; Hungarian Democratic Forum or MDF [Ibolya DAVID]; Hungarian Democratic People's Party or MDNP [Erzsebet PUSZTAI, chairman]; Hungarian Socialist Party or MSzP [Istvan HILLER, chairman]; Hungarian Workers' Party or MMP [Gyula THURMER, chairman]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Political pressure groups and leaders:	&lt;br /&gt;
NA&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
International organisation participation:	&lt;br /&gt;
Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU (new member), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (member affiliate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Diplomatic representation in the US:	&lt;br /&gt;
chief of mission: Ambassador Andras SIMONYI&lt;br /&gt;
chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008&lt;br /&gt;
telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730&lt;br /&gt;
FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135&lt;br /&gt;
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Diplomatic representation from the US:	&lt;br /&gt;
chief of mission: Ambassador April H. FOLEY &lt;br /&gt;
embassy: Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest&lt;br /&gt;
mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest Place, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270&lt;br /&gt;
telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400&lt;br /&gt;
FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Flag description:	&lt;br /&gt;
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white and green&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Economy&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Overview:	&lt;br /&gt;
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 acceded to 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 and together with the Czech Republic holds the highest rating among the Central European transition economies; however, ratings agencies have expressed concerns over Hungary's unsustainable budget and current account deficits. Inflation has declined from 14% in 1998 to 7% in 2004. Unemployment has persisted around the 6% level, but Hungary's labour force participation rate of 57% is one of the lowest in the OECD. Germany is by far Hungary's largest economic partner. Policy challenges include cutting the public sector deficit to 3% of GDP by 2008, from about 6.5% in 2006, and orchestrating an orderly interest rate reduction without sparking capital outflows. The current government has announced and begun to implement an austerity program designed to address these issues, leading to eventual adoption of the euro.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
GDP:	&lt;br /&gt;
purchasing power parity - $172.7 billion (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
GDP - real growth rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
3.8% (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
GDP - per capita:	&lt;br /&gt;
purchasing power parity - $17,300 (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
GDP - composition by sector:	&lt;br /&gt;
agriculture: 3.1%&lt;br /&gt;
industry: 32.1%&lt;br /&gt;
services: 64.8% (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Labour force:	&lt;br /&gt;
4.2 million (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Labour force - by occupation:	&lt;br /&gt;
agriculture: 5.5%&lt;br /&gt;
industry: 33.3%&lt;br /&gt;
services: 61.2% (2003)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Unemployment rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
7.4% (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Population below poverty line:	&lt;br /&gt;
8.6% (1993 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Household income or consumption by percentage share:	&lt;br /&gt;
lowest 10%: 4.1%&lt;br /&gt;
highest 10%: 22.2% (2002)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Distribution of family income - Gini index:	&lt;br /&gt;
24.4 (1998)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Inflation rate (consumer prices):	&lt;br /&gt;
3.7% (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Investment (gross fixed):	&lt;br /&gt;
23.4% of GDP (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Budget:	&lt;br /&gt;
revenues: $48.73 billion&lt;br /&gt;
expenditures: $59.62 billion; including capital expenditures of $NA (2006 est.) &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Public debt:	&lt;br /&gt;
68.6% of GDP (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Agriculture - products:	&lt;br /&gt;
wheat, corn, sunflower seed, potatoes, sugar beets; pigs, cattle, poultry, dairy products&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Industries:	&lt;br /&gt;
mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Industrial production growth rate:	&lt;br /&gt;
9.5% (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Electricity - production:	&lt;br /&gt;
31.83 billion kWh (2004)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Electricity - consumption:	&lt;br /&gt;
37.1 billion kWh (2004)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Electricity - exports:	&lt;br /&gt;
6.3 billion kWh (2004)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Electricity - imports:	&lt;br /&gt;
13.8 billion kWh (2004)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oil - production:	&lt;br /&gt;
47,530 bbl/day (2004 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oil - consumption:	&lt;br /&gt;
132,000 bbl/day (2004 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oil - exports:	&lt;br /&gt;
47,180 bbl/day (2001)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oil - imports:	&lt;br /&gt;
94,000 bbl/day (2004) &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oil - proved reserves:	&lt;br /&gt;
110.7 million bbl (1 January 2002)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Natural gas - production:	&lt;br /&gt;
2.963 billion cu m (2004 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Natural gas - consumption:	&lt;br /&gt;
14.46 billion cu m (2004 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Natural gas - exports:	&lt;br /&gt;
0 cu m (2004 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Natural gas - imports:	&lt;br /&gt;
11.42 billion cu m (2004 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Natural gas - proved reserves:	&lt;br /&gt;
34.26 billion cu m (1 January 2005 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Current account balance:	&lt;br /&gt;
-$8.392 billion (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Exports:	&lt;br /&gt;
$67.99 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Exports - commodities:	&lt;br /&gt;
machinery and equipment 61.1%, other manufactures 28.7%, food products 6.5%, raw materials 2%, fuels and electricity 1.6% (2003)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Exports - partners:	&lt;br /&gt;
Germany 30.2%, Italy 5.7%, Austria 5.6%, France 5.3%, UK 5.1% (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Imports:	&lt;br /&gt;
$69.75 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Imports - commodities:	&lt;br /&gt;
machinery and equipment 51.6%, other manufactures 35.7%, fuels and electricity 7.7%, food products 3.1%, raw materials 2.0% (2003)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Imports - partners:	&lt;br /&gt;
Germany 27.5%, Russia 7.4%, China 7.1%, Austria 6.6%, France 4.9%, Italy 4.9%, Netherlands 4.3% (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:	&lt;br /&gt;
$21.05 billion (2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Debt - external:	&lt;br /&gt;
$107.3 billion (30 June 2006 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Economic aid - recipient:	&lt;br /&gt;
$3.4 billion in available EU structural adjustment and cohesion funds (2004-06) &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Currency (code):	&lt;br /&gt;
forint (HUF)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Exchange rates:	&lt;br /&gt;
forints per US dollar - 210.39 (2006), 199.58 (2005), 202.75 (2004), 224.31 (2003), 257.89 (2002)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Fiscal year:	&lt;br /&gt;
calendar year&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Communications&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Telephones - main lines in use:	&lt;br /&gt;
3.356 million (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Telephones - mobile cellular:	&lt;br /&gt;
9.32 million (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Telephone system:	&lt;br /&gt;
general assessment: the telephone system has been modernized and is capable of satisfying all requests for telecommunication service&lt;br /&gt;
domestic: the system is digitalized and highly automated; trunk services are carried by fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay; a program for fiber-optic subscriber connections was initiated in 1996; heavy use is made of mobile cellular telephones&lt;br /&gt;
international: country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all neighbouring countries; the international switch is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 very small aperture terminal (VSAT) system of ground terminals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Radio broadcast stations:	&lt;br /&gt;
AM 17, FM 57, shortwave 3 (1998)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Television broadcast stations:	&lt;br /&gt;
35 (plus 161 low-power repeaters) (1995)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Internet country code:	&lt;br /&gt;
.hu&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Internet hosts:	&lt;br /&gt;
608,085 (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Internet users:	&lt;br /&gt;
3.05 million (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Transportation&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Railways:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 7,937 km&lt;br /&gt;
broad gauge: 36 km 1.524-m gauge&lt;br /&gt;
standard gauge: 7,682 km 1.435-m gauge (2,628 km electrified)&lt;br /&gt;
narrow gauge: 219 km 0.760-m gauge (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Highways:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 159,568 km&lt;br /&gt;
paved: 70,050 km (including 533 km of expressways)&lt;br /&gt;
unpaved: 89,518 km (2005)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Waterways:	&lt;br /&gt;
1,622 km (most on Danube River) (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Pipelines:	&lt;br /&gt;
gas 4,397 km; oil 990 km; refined products 335 km (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ports and harbours:	&lt;br /&gt;
Budapest, Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Csepel, Baja, Mohacs (2003)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Airports:	&lt;br /&gt;
46 (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Airports - with paved runways:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 20&lt;br /&gt;
over 3,047 m: 2&lt;br /&gt;
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8&lt;br /&gt;
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4&lt;br /&gt;
914 to 1,523 m: 4&lt;br /&gt;
under 914 m: 2 (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Airports - with unpaved runways:	&lt;br /&gt;
total: 26&lt;br /&gt;
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2&lt;br /&gt;
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4&lt;br /&gt;
914 to 1,523 m: 11&lt;br /&gt;
under 914 m: 9 (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Heliports:	&lt;br /&gt;
5 (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Military&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Military branches:	&lt;br /&gt;
Ground Forces, Air Forces (Magyar Legiero, ML) (2006)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Military manpower - military age and obligation:	&lt;br /&gt;
18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in June 2004 (June 2004)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Military manpower - availability:	&lt;br /&gt;
males age 18-49: 2,303,116&lt;br /&gt;
females age 18-49: 2,265,463 (2005 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Military manpower - fit for military service:	&lt;br /&gt;
males age 18-49: 1,780,513&lt;br /&gt;
females age 18-49: 1,864,580 (2005 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Military manpower - reaching military age annually:	&lt;br /&gt;
males: 63,847&lt;br /&gt;
females age 18-49: 61,037 (2005 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Military expenditures - dollar figure:	&lt;br /&gt;
$1.08 billion (2002 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Military expenditures - percent of GDP:	&lt;br /&gt;
1.75% (2005 est.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold&quot;&gt;Transnational Issues&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Disputes - international:	&lt;br /&gt;
in 2004, Hungary amended the status law extending special social and cultural benefits and voted down a referendum to extend dual citizenship to ethnic Hungarians living in neighbouring states, which have objected to such measures; consultations continue between Slovakia and Hungary over Hungary's completion of its portion the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary must implement the strict Schengen border rules&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Illicit drugs:&lt;br /&gt;
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and methamphetamine; improving, but remains vulnerable to money laundering related to organised crime and drug trafficking; significant consumer of ecstasy</description>
                                        <comments>http://www.alloexpat.com/hungary_expat_forum/viewtopic.php?p=496#496</comments>
                                        <author>Hungary Info</author>
                                        <pubDate>Mon May 21, 2007 6:27 am</pubDate>
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