Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe located in the Carpathian Basin. Its capital, Budapest, sits along the Danube River and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. Historically the region was part of the Kingdom of Hungary, later joined within the Austro Hungarian Empire, and after the First World War its borders were significantly reduced under the Treaty of Trianon. During the twentieth century Hungary experienced fascist alignment in the Second World War, followed by decades under Soviet influence. Since 1989 the country has operated as a parliamentary republic with a market based economy. Hungary is a member of the European Union and participates in regional trade and infrastructure networks. The economy relies on manufacturing, automotive production, agriculture, and services. Hungary represents a state shaped by shifting borders, strong cultural identity, and ongoing political debate within modern Europe.