Annotation Praise for the previous edition: ""The dramatic and bloody story of Hungary, from its ancient origins to its contemporary attempts at democracy, is recounted ... text covers all essential facts."" Kirkus Reviews "" ... an introduction to contemporary Hungary ... will be useful for a high school project ... "" American Reference Books Annual Hungary opened its borders to Austria in 1989, allowing hundreds of East Germans to escape to western Europe. This action accelerated the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and played a pivotal role during a period of intense change, not only in Hungary but also throughout Europe. Since the first edition of Hungary, part of the Nations in Transition series, was published, Hungary has elected several post-Communist governments, joined NATO in 1999, been formally invited to join the EU in 2004, and made substantial progress in dealing with its economic problems. Hungary faces major struggles today as it attempts to deal with a legacy of pollution and environmental degradation as well as discrimination against its minority Roma (Gypsy) population. This updated and revised edition chronicles the history of Hungary, from its ancient origins to its current affairs. Paying close attention to the country's recent past, the accessible text provides a comprehensive overview of the daily life, politics, culture, economy, and foreign policy that characterize the nation today. This volume is an excellent introduction to Hungary. For students and general readers alike, it explains the complex processes of change that continue to occur in the country today