Welcome to Hungary
ForintCurrency in Hungary
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Basic Country Profile
Location: Landlocked country in Central Europe
Population: 10 million
Capital: Budapest
Major language: Hungarian
Major religion: Christianity
Currency: Forint
Terrain: Mainly flat
Climate: Continental with four seasons
Dial code: +36
Time zone: GMT+2
Disability related information:
According to the data of the 2001 census, 577,000 persons with disabilities live in Hungary (5.7% of the population). Nevertheless, experts estimate and international data indicate that as a rule approximately 10% of the total population have some kind of disability; consequently, it is probable that the actual number of persons with disabilities is close to 1 million in Hungary.
With regard to the demographic composition of this group, it is to be noted that the majority of them are elderly persons, as most persons are not born with disabilities but become disabled as they grow older, due to diseases or accidents. 44.8% of people with disabilities are more than 60 years old, while 17% were born with their disabilities.
Disability Legislations and Policies
With regard to the rights of persons with disabilities, the key piece ofHungarian legislation is Act XXVI of 1998 on the Rights and Equal Opportunities of Persons with Disabilities (Act on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). It can be said that at the time of its adoption, this act was a unique piece of legislation and was one of the principal reasons why the UN honoured Hungary with the Roosevelt International Disability Award in 2000.
The primary objective of the act is to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, and thus to promote their equal opportunities, independent living and active involvement in social life.
The Act on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities contains – among other provisions – the major fields of measures to be implemented for the achievement of these objectives, and prescribes the obligation of accessibility for maintainers of governmental and self-governmental services. In addition, it set up the National Disability Council, which has been operating as a counselling body of the Government and as a major forum for civil dialogue since 1999.
Travel Related Information
Although Hungarian law requires all government buildings to be accessible to persons with disabilities, these regulations have only been in force during the last decade and many older buildings and areas are still not accessible. The accessibility of private buildings, restaurants, and hotels varies widely.
Getting around Hungarian cities and towns may be difficult since many sidewalks are narrow and uneven for persons with disabilities. Small towns may lack sidewalks altogether.
Buses, trams, subways, and railroads provide reliable transportation in cities and throughout the country, but lack the most basic facilities and equipment for disabled access. Although there are plans to upgrade municipal bus fleets, currently most buses and trams are not equipped with lifts for travellers with disabilities. Taxis provide an accessible means of transportation.