Hungary

Hungary is a moderately individualistic culture, but relationships and the good of the group still generally take priority over individual goals.

Building relationships of trust is important, and many Hungarians believe that personal happiness comes from interpersonal relationships. Children are often taught to think in terms of “we” rather than “I,” and one’s identity is based more on those with whom one associates than one’s individual interests.

In public, Hungarians tend to be more reserved rather than loud and smiley. Children are expected to be serious and thoughtful. Studying someone in public (which can be perceived as staring in the U.S.) is not considered rude. Asking personal questions when you first meet someone, however, is.

In personal conversations, Hungarians typically expect good eye-contact to be maintained. Hungarians also generally stand closer to each other when speaking than you might be accustomed to.

Hungarians value straightforward honesty, but they generally strive to maintain harmony and avoid confrontation.

Fun Fact: The noiseless match, Rubik’s cube, ballpoint pen, theory of the hydrogen bomb, and BASIC programming language were invented by Hungarians.