Pray for Hungary

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Hungary is small, mostly flat, and surrounded by mountains. Following World War II, Hungary was part of the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc but became one of the first countries to peacefully transition from communism to democracy in 1989-1990. Although limited in natural resources, it has a strong agricultural and industrial economy. Foreign investment and membership in the European Union have helped Hungary recover economically from its years under communist rule. It has developed a stable economy and a well-established education system, which have contributed to a high standard of living.

Still in the shadow of its post-communist era, the country is affected by political scandal and mistrust. While independent media still exists, the government has significant influence over it. The Hungarian National Bank has faced allegations of mismanaging public funds and hiding financial information from the public. Hungary has one of Europe’s highest mortality rates — mainly due to the aging population — and it faces a relatively low life expectancy because of high suicide rates and high smoking and alcohol consumption. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer together accounted for over 70 percent of all deaths in 2023.

Hungary established freedom of religion after communism ended in 1990, but the decades of communist rule had lasting effects on the Church. Today, around 87 percent of the population is Christian adherent, but only around three percent are evangelical believers. Many believers struggle with spiritual apathy and are influenced more by secular culture than by God. But the Spirit of God is active in Hungary. It has become a hub for Europe’s theological education and is becoming passionate about evangelism and missions. The nation still holds on to traditional Christian values, such as the Bible’s views on gender and sexuality, and abortion is more restricted and discouraged there than in many other Western European nations.